OMG .... these are "berry" good!

If you see this box on your doorstep ......................... you are REALLY, REALLY loved!!

they cost an arm & three toes but most

important of all ... they are to die for !

Not only is there chocolate .... but some

huge & luscious strawberries. And one

of them is plenty at one sitting.

We received them from the Orr Family

who we adore (we're related, but we

would adore them no mater what) &

it was a total surprise- which sorta

made it even MORE special for us.

We have a visit planned to see them

in Virginia next summer and this makes

me miss them even more! I wanna give

them all a B-I-G hug.

We love you guys - THANKS from

all three of us XOXOXO

2009 recap ......... a year of my life.

I read something, somewhere about documenting an experience
each month via scrapbooking. A page or two doesn't even
scratch the surface but it's fun to look thru pictures of the
past year to determine the defining moments for 2009.

still ....
there is
sooooo
much more
then I can
put on a page

AND - I am trying to keep MYSELF in the pictures, but

I find (not surprisingly) that there are a LOT of pics

(#1) and FEW with me in them (cuz the reason there

are soooo many pics is because I am taking them!!)

Oh well .....

all that (and a bag of chips)

The persimmon.
It doesn't look like much .... & I have to admit, I never gave
them much thought for that matter either ..... til recently.
In fact, I had to spell check the word! I have had a fair
amount of persimmon cookies ala mom. & um um good.

I have scolded my friend (and neighbor), Julie more than once
for some of the stuff she brings me. (and loved her at the same
time of course). THIS TIME, she hit the jackpot! She introduced
me to a great salad of greens, avocado, feta & persimmon chunks.
OMG these things are deeeeeeeeeeeelicious. I have used several
variations since, but the best part is this sweet fruit. AND TO TOP
IT OFF- she brought me back a bag of them from her recent travels
(that beats paying $2 each in the grocery store!!)
THANK YOU JULES
woo hoooo & Happy New Year !!

2010 a blog & a pen!

I am a little unsure of what the coming year has in store for us. Perhaps more so than ever before (unsure that is). We've given each of the kids a boost for their homes which is a little scary itself .... but they have all worked so hard & put up with a lot and it's time. The economy has given us hard knocks like everyone else, but we have tightened the buckle a bit and should be fine. New Year's Eve will be a little quieter this year. The friends we usually "ring in" with are coming the morning after so they can be here for the light house tour & hike with my number one. I have spent the last couple of days doing some clearing out & organizing & tomorrow is my reward, as the Captain is taking me to a movie- then we will grocery shop together. For now ...... I am enjoying my apple merlot & stuffed mushrooms :o)

it's what sisters do (for each other)

and ...

of course ...

there is always

a little sumpin,

sumpin from LouLou.

This time- a couple of beautiful memory books.

........ priceless !!!!

thanks Santa('s helpers)

Here's the motley crew iin our Christmas finery ! Not bad for some
lazy beach bums! Everyone
is in good cheer this morning.







POP gave me this very clever
card. too cute. & too acurate!
















this gift fits me perfectly.
THANKS pa!

& there were lots of great ideas wrapped beneath the tree as well!










the snacks are out for each of us ......
the Captain has his crumb top cherry pie.
pops has his favorite deviled eggs.
the princess has spinach dip with Hawaiian bread!!


Dinner will be later in the day. These are the starters for now :o)

Christmas- past & present

I have had many a wonderful Christmas. lovely trees. beautiful presents.
sweet & tender memories. grand decorations. extraordinary meals.


























EACH has been special in it's own right. And over
the years we've been able to help others on occassion
too. All in all we have been very blessed. If I were to be
gifted with anything I wanted- without boundries ...
it would be peace & safety for all I know & love. That
may sound a little corny but it's true. I am going to
sleep tonight with that thought on my mind & in
my heart.

Bigger miracles have happened before!

okay ... MAYBE the last post for today (?!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE & ALL !! XOXOXO
as you can see here .... Anthony knows he needs more than just his good looks
for Santa to bring him something. Addy, on the other hand, is relying on her cherub-like, sweet cheeks!!

HI ADDY .... HI ANTHONY !!!!

Anthony & Addy - the kitty kats wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas of their own. I know they hide when you are here but they still like you!!
MEOWY Christmas

MERRY ho-ho to APRIL !!!

AS SHOULD BE EXPECTED ..... 1 gift was late in arriving !!
and wouldn't you know it .... it was one of the most fun ones.
YOU KNOW HOW sometimes you buy something for someone
that you would buy for yourself ? Well here you go.
It's a (very) groovey designer camera bag!! I debated between
the zebra print or the giraffe .... but I liked the giraffe the
bestest and if I never get around to getting my own ... this way
i get to see my fav. I hope she loves it too (& it has hot pink
lining if you look to the insides) MERRY CHRISTMAS to my
favorite daughter-in-law !!!!!!
LUV YA MUCH xo

thanks LouLou ..... YOU brightened my day!

a few hours ago .... I was home alone. Pops was at the dentist, the Captain
leading a lighthouse tour, my grandson back home with his parents. I get
a little "down" moments at some point during the holidays. Sometimes when
I find out someone has to change their plans & I won't be seeing them after
getting my hopes up (I try to avoid that now). Sometimes because someone
is going through something that makes me feel unworthy of having a perfect
Christmas myself, sometimes ... for reasons I don't actually pinpoint. Here
I was, the house silent except for my own noises, my time & the cats to myself.
(usually I enjoy these rare times). I found myself sort of wandering a couple
of times. Things I could do, but not wanting to do them. I decided to put
away some of the things we brought home when we left Anthony yesterday &
amongst them was a cute little box for me from my sister LouLou. While I
usually prefer opening any gift I receive on Christmas Day ..... I instantly
picked up the red box & pulled apart the white, netted bow from it. I smiled
instantly and my day has been perfect ever since! Check it out ... you'll surely
understand :o)

isn't it groovey?!

red hot mama (or so the Captain says)

once a year (more or less) I go red! (of course you will hear this AGAIN
with other colors as well but pay that no matter right now). I think the
Captain sees this color as "adventurous" looking. A little bold. A little
wild. whatever captain .... just happens to be my current preference of
color (get it? preference!! HA-ha-ha) The pic really shows the gold
(almost copper) flecks in my green eyes too! kinda groovey

the "boys" at their best!

THIS is what a nervous kitty
looks like. I'm not sure if it's because of the extra noise, the different
smells, where my attention is focused. The first day Anthony was here
she was pretty much nowhere to be seen. By day two she appeared at
a distance. Day three brought her even few feet closer, and this trend
continued. I think that if he'd stayed longer, she would have actually
come close enough to really check him out. But alas .....
We had waffles the first morning
(the only "real" breakfast according to Anthony). The look on Anthony's
face is the norm for him most of the time. He's a good little guy with only
a rare pout here or there.
Here they are having cereal together.
BOTH of them insisted on a green bowl
(thank goodness we have 2). We ended up taking him home a day early.
Scheduling conflicts brought us a quiet house sooner than expected!!

thanks for the idea sis (it's not the first time)

this is ANOTHER blog post regarding my sisters (one or more of them included).
admittedly, I could routinely go on & on with regard to my crazy sisters. (and I
use the word crazy in the most loving & respectful way). We have swapped ideas
for pretty much as long as I can recall. It's been so long & so often that I would
say most of us don't know who/where one ended & one started. We have as
much in common as we have differences amongst us. I often mention that my sister Cindy is fiercely loyal to her twin Lindy and yet .... that is about the only trait they seem to share and ..... for that matter , we are ALL fiercely loyal toward each other. We have all had great ideas from time to time and I cannot think of a single time we hesitated in sharing it. We are not all privey to each's everyday lives- but that's ok too. Some of us are closer than others at various times but we don't take sides, with the rare exceptions that one of us needs a reality check. We have strengths in common & as many exceptions as well. We are open & honest with each other in loving & respectful ways. Sarcasm, blonde moments, strength in numbers & celebrating the important things are ingrained in us. Our last names have never all been the same at any time in our lives and yet ..... we are of one father in the only way that is important to us. No steps or halfs referred to here. SO, with all that being said, I am using one of Foo's ideas at this very moment. Nevermind what it is or why or how. None of that matters. The ONLY thing that does matter. The amount of respect it shows that someone elses' idea is good enough to have wanted to be mine!!!

WE had fun today !!

Well now ........... today was very productive (for a change). I FINALLY
finished all the custom cards that I hand deliver
our neighbors, family & co-workers (ahhhh), & I
think I have wrapped the final present (except
for the one which may arrive on Christmas Eve
of course).















but even with all that was hectic to complete,
our day was NOT without "treats" & rewards.
some light showers brought an intense rainbow
into view (I was marvelling for too long before
I went & got my camera - sorry 'bout that!



"the boys" mixed up 4 batches of cookie dough to get
into the refrigerator. With luck, we'll be smelling them
baking by this time tomorrow. We have family who love
the Captain's famous treats !


what fun they had!!


It is the first time the Captain has
had a cookie co-pilot, so it was a
new experience for him (but he
seemed to get a kick out if it too)

They had no problem posing for a
couple of extra shots for me to document their teamwork!



Anthony had lots of questions-
which worked out just fine since
the Captain sooooooooo loves to
give L-O-N-G explanations!! (look
at the adorable look on his face here)





and my new brew station arrived today.
within minutes - the Captain had it open, pulled apart, washed up
& ready to try out (which I did) Merry Christmas to me :o) And, I might
add .... it's a good thing ...... since the Captain ALREADY mounted the
"not-so-old" one at my office in Cambria for the Doc there. (& it looks great)
He had to move a light fixture & towel holder to put it where I wanted it
(what a sport!!!!)

We only got about 40 minutes into tonight's Christmas movie before Anthony's eyes clamped shut. He was a very busy (and fun) boy today. The kitty kats surfaced about 10 seconds later & have been with me in my craft room ever
since. They have been pretty tolerant, although not brave. I do think that if
he was here a few more days, they just might stay in the same room with him- since they have already come close to doing so! He would love that too. Looks
like we will have his company til Wednesday afternoon. It will be awfully
quiet around here (not that it's a bad thing mind you).

don't cry little Addy

That bottom lip pops out and I see a little tear tumble from the corner of her eye. Before the sound catches up, I lean into her chubby little cheek and tell her gramma will see her soon. In an attempt to distract her, I ask if she & mommy are going home to make some cookies and will she save one for me? She nods meekly and touches me with her little pink hand. Then her lips perse together & start to quiver & I can see she remembers I am leaving with her big brother. I am not sure if it is me she wants or that she doesn't want her brother to leave without her. They are pretty close. She has spent the hour before either on my lap or right at my side .... chattering & smiling. Her huge brown eyes pull you into her world and you just want to hug her forever. Sweet little Addy. gramma loves you!

gwramma .......

I doooooo LOVE that word.
okay, okay .... so I might be a little busy & I hear it when my hands are full. But that smile that follows. As an adult I really have to give so little to please this little person. All I have to be is "in the moment" for him.
And there eventually comes this time at night .... where he sleeps peacefully on the floor of my craft room as I "catch up" with stuff that has piled up while I was away because he likes being near me. The angel face snuggled into a pillow that he says smells like me. Breathing softly & clutching the silly little blanket that papa Bill got in a mailer asking for a donation. Precious

how to do Tracy in 24 hours without stress .....

well ...............
you arrive, pies (& hubby, pops, & grandson) in hand at 3:24pm on Saturday. hugs, kisses, greetings, bathroom break. EAT, drink, & be merry.
sleep
wake up, do it all again (without additional pies though) .... more of everything you enjoyed the day before. Leave for home at 3:24pm on Sunday.

not the most relaxing but certainly a lot of good stuff packed into roughly 1440 minutes!

I learned a few things while there (or remembered them in some cases).
1. It's MINDBLOWING how much noise 2 four year olds can generate.
2. my son-in-law is quite the gourmet (ish) cook
3. I miss seeing Jay & Chrissie more often
4. Vanessa is REALLY an impressive young woman
5. Family is .... priceless

AND ............... it's ALWAYS great to come back home !

my woo-hoo is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I first heard the "woo-hoo" from my younger sister many years ago and any & everytime I or anyone else says it .... I hear her voice behind it! That may not sound like a warm fuzzy but it is. ANYTIME I see, hear, or do something that reminds me of my sisters it is a warm fuzzy for me. Perhaps because of the age difference (that has long since narrowed if you know what I mean)- there was never any jealously, bickering, or stealing of boyfriends amongst us .... much less borrowing of clothes. I was protective of them as a significant contributor of their upbringing for many years, and in later years, they of me. I am fiercely loyal to them and include them in my inner circle of life .... but OMG .... I am totally digressing here ..... this has NOTHING to do with my woo-hoo!!!!
I work this morning then .................. I am off til December 31st (which is a partial day, then I am off another 5 before returning to my normal schedule) NOW you understand my woo-hoo huh ?! WHICH IS NOT TO SAY that I won't be busy of course. I got company a comin' & a few catch-up chores around the house, & a play date with my grandson. But ahhhhhhhh .... the beauty of a lesser schedule- priceless I want to hurry up & get to work just so it can all get started! let's hear a shoutout now "WOOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

I can feel it ..... it's a comin' ........

YIKES - that holiday "OMG" feeling is just under the surface. That point at which you know you are not going to get everything you want done, when you want it done, not to mention how you wanted it done!!!

Mantra ...... it is what it is, it is what it is .......

just when you think you are too old .....

last night I posted to my blog .... shortly before going to bed. It's not unusual that 2-3 times a week the Captain heads to bed before I do. Usually it's only a few minutes earlier. On a weekend, perhaps an hour or so ..... last night ..... about 5 hours!! We spent a couple hours earlier having some scrumptious chili next door and I still had some things to do when we returned. Within a half hour I was totally immersed ..... I stayed thusly til after 3am !!!!!!! I haven't done that in years. Even more odd was that I got up around 7am and didn't give any of that a thought as the day progressed because I was busy. NOW .... sitting here, even with the guys watching a shut 'em up, loud movie .... I begin to fee the fatigue set in. and so, only one chore on my Monday list left undone .... I will give in to the sandman when he arrives. Tomorrow is another day anyway!!

what a sight !!

WOW- just another time when we were lucky to have the
captain on our team .... as meteorologist extroidinaire!
With the storms hittin' & missin' all week .... he took a
look at things a few days ago and decided that SUNDAY
was the best day to plan our outing to the San Luis light-
house. Had he chosen Saturday- we would have been
cold, wet, & cranky (to be sure) !!!
the Captain got to show off his knowledge
& HIS LOVE for the lighthouse today.
He was fielding questions left & right and having a grand time. (and we got
the benefit). It was a gorgeous day ... ala Christmas Carolers .....

....... and there were goodies

of more than one kind too. Our pals Julie & Dan were with us (and

pops too)- so the day was really a wonderful outing!

the Capt has

a lot to be proud of & I have found in listening & watching- he is MUCH appreciated there! (good job my Captain)

now THIS is rain!!

the Captain and I have a running joke between us about "rain".
HE calls it rain if there is moisture involved. Sprinkles, drizzle
showers, downpour .... it's all the same to him- it's rain. I need
a more acurate label for it. TODAY - it really is rain. Hard rain.
our rain barrel was full by 5 am

the rain chain cannot create

it's "music" with this much rain .... so it's more like a water

show for me & the kitty kats!

If it lets up for a bit tomorrow- I will

be filling up my water jugs (for watering plants indoors). For now,

back to card making!! (and perhaps I should look for my snorkle & fins too)

everything pumpkin .... the story of obsession

every year .... sometime is September- something comes over me that begins my
cravingsfor that yellowish, slimey, odd smelling stuff that eventually turns into
a yummy, sweet, cinnamon-y, nutmeg-y, creamy, condiment, dessert, all around
flavoring, (& scented candles too) ............ ummmm pumpkin! now I know that around this time of year the cranberry takes center stage, but alas- I am a cranberry (and pomegranite) girl the rest of the year- so pumpkin
for Christmas is A-O-K in my book!! my favs include (like you even care) ...... pumpkin cream cheese, latte, cheesecake, cookies, scones, waffles .... I think I
just gained 5lbs for thinking about them!
aren't you glad you asked?!!

ahhhhhhhhhhh finally Friday.

what can I say .... except- AREN'T THEY POSITIVELY
ADORABLE. Mommy took a few candids and at least a
dozen of them are totally wonderful!! I went right out
(over the internet) and bought Addy sock monkey
slippers (that will be coming from Pa. He wants me
to also get her a sock monkey- so that is on my list
for tomorrow!! These two munchkins are too, too
cute. XOXO
other than that ....

I am ALWAYS happy it's Friday. Sometimes, I am ecstatic!

THAT would be today. There has just been a lot going on &

with extra things to do & see & help with - I just needed it to

be time for a couple days off. tah-dah .... FRIDAY arrived!

Computer problems seem to be resolved (I pray) and we

are taking a few extra precautions to keep it that way now.

My wrist is oh, so feelin' teeeeee-riffic but I am going to use

a cuff most work days to keep it healthy longer.

I have ALL my "regular" Christmas cards finished but will be

working on the personalized, one-of-a-kind ones tomorrow-

with holiday music on or Hallmark movie channel ..... just

to ensure festive vibes .... they help the creativity I'm sure.

Maybe I will post a couple! (and another grandkiddie pic)

Once again .... I must give a shout out for FWIIIIIIDAAAAAY !

what the heck did I do before my microwave?!

I've often joked about that if "you could lose a lb for every time you nuke your coffee" - I would not be fluffy .... but deeper yet, what would I do if I could not nuke it?! When I started drinking coffee, m/w were already a common appliance, so it's got me wondering.
I think the most obvious is that I would NOT be using a 16-24 oz cup to drink from!! I rarely get more than 2-3 sips from it before it is luke warm. Frothing every few minutes would work but it takes time to build up pressure. MAYBE, I would be just drinking it black (YUK!!).
Gee, I hope this quandry doesn't distract me from my work today. ha-ha

well ..... my Christmas cards are just about ready for mailing. One would think this is an event to be happy about. One would think.
"This" one, unfortunately, is bummed.

bummed to have lost any pics downloaded since 12/1
bummed to have lost all the scrap fonts.
bummed to not even know how much else has been lost.

BUT, my Christmas cards are just about ready for mailing ....

It may not be the H1-N1 virus but it makes me sick just thinking about what it did to my computer!

but my Christmas cards .... well, you get the point.

ARRRRRGH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well .... some might say that you can't have it easy ALL THE TIME. Though I would love to disagree .... I must admit that quite often .... my life DOES hum along quite nicely for great stretches before a hiccup comes along. I am not complaining mind you- just stating fact. This time it is a majorly inconvenient one- my craft computer is infected. We had "issues" on Tuesday so the Capt backed up files before it crashed major & then started over from scratch. Now we are thinking it may have been in the back up, cuz it happened again today?! BUT, both times I was working with DSE website so I have sent them an email just in case they have a virus that I picked up. It might mean that I have lost all 10,000 pictures & thousands of scrapbooking files if the back up is compromised. Time will tell. it has put a hitch in my Christmas cards .... but again, it is what it is and we will just have to wait & see.

and on a cheerier (?) note .......

it might not be the 12 days of Christmas around here but

my Santa Captain has been in true form the past few days ....

I reached for the remote while at my craft table & looked at it

curiously .... it seemed different ! enter .... a DVR of my very own!!

and then
he mentioned that while we were on vacation .... I went over on texting included

in our plan. Since that was a rare occassion .... we figured not a big deal- not too

likely to happen again either. 2 minutes later (ok, maybe 7) in he walks to let me

know I no longer need to concern myself with "limits". Then my first seasonal

poinsettia showed up (4 of them) .... a couple of them were varigated !! They are real puurdee :o)
probably the biggest relief is finishing up

the Christmas tree so we could get all the boxes back into the attic & out

of the living room (YAY) and ..... my wrist is on the mend and feels about

80% of groovey.

bummed out over my bum hand!!!

this will be short :o(
I have soooo much to say & so many thoughts to post, but carpul tunnel has me on a time out! I had an injection yesterday & in a brace 24-7 for the next 2-3 days hoping for the best- but ortho says surgery in next few months or tendons cold be damaged permanently. Trying to hold out for June but may have to address sooner. We'll see. Bottom line ...... have to wait another day to see if on the mend (injection took 2 days to begin healing last time) ..... cuz typing left handed only is tooooooooooo tedious & time consuming. Haven't got to the Xmas tree cuz splinted & feel like a gimp. OILWELL!

the Christmas spirit is nippin at my heels ......

THIS HERE .... is Burl. I think of Burl Ives when I see this guy.
and this guy is the newest addition to our holiday decorations.
He is a one-of-a-kind, limited edition, & handmade by Dan-the-man!!

and you have a weeeeeee peek at the funky white Christmas tree

I decorated for my craft table. At the moment- it is our only tree ......

TOMORROW is the big day to get the greenery set up in the

living room. Between our schedules & our little bout of cold/flu

we are a little behind our schedule!

and lastly ..... I have to share with you

that even the grinchiest of holiday, knicky-knack, bricky-brack, this-n-that'ers

can be QUITE skillful at the whole warm & fuzzy "home for the holidays" mood

settings!! My friend Julie (and I am sooooo happy to call her that) .... anyway-

for someone that I KNOW hates clutter & "stuff" ...... her home looks wonderful

for Christmas!! So warm & inviting. All sorts of pretty & unique items in just

the right place, with just the right lighting !! What a lovely place to spend a

couple of hours this evening (and thank you for thinking of Pa with that perf

gift!!) We had a nice time & came home with a door prize!! ha-ha

the "news" is going to drive me to drink !

I am soooooooooo sick of people lying !
Everyone makes mistakes (I've made PLENTY)
Everyone does things against their better judgement. (yup, been there too)
Everyone has had regrets over a choice made, just seconds too late. (oops )
But apparently, NOT everyone has a conscience, or common sense. (or maybe it's decency)

OKAY, so you do something stupid & you don't tell anyone. Maybe you are even sort of secretive about it. Not the most honest way to live, but some things are NO ONE'S business anyway.
BUTTTTTT you get called on it .... or you get "caught" - THAT'S when the real you comes to the surface. THAT is when you either fess up & eat crow, turn red, apologize - OR - that is when you lie, avoid, fabricate, accuse, etc ...... just to be found later to BE a LIAR !!!!!!!!!! TO me, that is even worse! Waste my time, waste my money, maybe even waste my loyalty ....
I am so sick of it. Money, fame, notariety ..... does NOT EXCUSE people from being honest & moral. I do not understand how anyone can think they will NEVER get caught %=$>*+: !! If more than one person is involved .... then someone, sometime, somewhere is going to get mad, or need money, or get dumped, or feel used, or want control .... so sooner or later. I hope I feel better after I finish writing this because I am just sick & tired of this kind of crap being considered news!!

LOTS to be "yea-ing" about ....

WELL it was better than the "usual" Tuesday I MUST say!!

1. The Captain fixed my computer !!
2. BOTH the Captain & I are feeling better
3. *** drum roll please *** the cardiologist gave Pa the thumbs up!!!
(I guess he studied for all his tests!)
onward to the pulmonary doc now.

ba bug got me AND MY COMPUTER

There is only one thing worse than having the flu/cold/whatever bug ....... finding your computer in the blue screen of death mode. YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So .... instead of a half dozen things that I am SURE the Captain had planned today ..... half of those are totally delayed while he plays computer doctor. THANK GOODNESS for backup systems (considering I have nearly 10,000 pictures on my HD). Thanks my love (again & again& again).

MY bug is still thriving but I may have gotten over the hump today. I will know tomorrow.

i think i can, i think i can, i think i can

it's all I can do just to type- let alone capitalize the right letters!!!! my head feels like the size of a small planet and i am dragging my butt along to get some lundry & vacuuming done. thank you captain for picking up the slack ... I know you don't feel great either. well .... on the silver lining side- it's good to get this past before our schedules start moving at lighten pace for the holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! y'll keep well.

I need to be de-bugged .... so to speak

Thanksgiving Day was a whirlwind of activity. cooking, cooking, packing up some goodies for later in the week. more cooking. planning, cooking ..... oh yes .... the watching of the Macy's parade and eating. Watched a movie with the guys and by the time we were heading to bed- the aches were setting in. just fatigue, I justified.
Friday morning. sore throat. slight fever. fatigue grande. BUT there are things to be done so late rising, then get some chores finished. Being married to the Captain of course allows me to also get some rest during the day :o) cuz he is NEVER demanding of things to be done (yay) Nyquil = a solid night's sleep and sniffles weren't about to keep me from seeing family in Bako on Saturday. Sniffles & a headache that is. And off we went (and it was great).
Sunday has LOTS on it's agenda .... Xmas is around the bend & we want to be prepared!! Enter ANOTHER bug that has infested the Captain. He slept the best he could. Got a couple things done, layed down a couple of times to pass the dizzy spells .... then jumped into the days' list head on (what a trouper). By this time, my sniffles require me to keep a tissue box close and the tickle in my throat is growing. By evening (now)- not a full-fledged cough but often & sudden enough to exhaust me. The Captain is pooped & I am waiting for my serving of Nyquil to kick in. I want to ge the decorating finished tomorrow but what I want even more is to feel & sound well enough for a full day of work on Tuesday. Don't mind the horseness- but coughing all over people is a no-no. AND I want the Captain to be feeling better than I do. Right now, I think a snooze is what my body wants!!

TURKEY- part 2

A year ago today we were doing just as we are now .... preparing
to head inland to the family food fiesta .... the "REAL Thankgiving
celebration. This pic was taken last year as we all gathered up.
I love this family. They are all nuts & they are mine!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!

There is a lot that leads up to this week........
the extra time off
digging thru recipes
decorations
greetings to family
food, food (dessert) = "pie noon"
** a wonderful day to be just a little more thankful than usual!!!! **
I wish love & extra blessings to all my friends & family (and to those in need we
managed to give a little to as well) Happy & Safe Thanksgiving to all !!

you CAN'T trust ANYONE !!!

I am so upset with my neighbors at the
moment that I can barely type! I arrived
home today ... feeling well organized &
prepared for the Thanksgiving holiday,
only to find my neighbor Dan- who I shall
not mention by name (?) jumping up &
down merrily while pointing upward to
his roofline. Low & behold .... he had
hung his Christmas lights. There he was
in all his smugness, showing me in a
rainbow of colors ... that he had once
AGAIN hung his Christmas lights before
us. WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS ? .....
Flaunting his evil plan to out us AGAIN!
Well, I hope he's happy because I am
pretty sure that this will totally ruin
the Captain's "decorating spirit" that
he was mustering up for days & days!!
I was just saying the other day how much
we love our neighbrs and now I feel like we have been stabbed in the
back. Well I didn't take this lightly, I can tell you that! I marched
over there & took these incriminating pictures.




I am pretty sure they have
broken some local ordinance
by "lighting up" before the
turkey has even been carved!

I have a few calls to make to
find out what kind of penalties
are involved with this sort
of infraction. THROW THE
BOOK AT "EM .... that's what
I say. LASTLY ..... I want to say that if YOU are silly enough to believe
that I could actually be upset with these people .... then YOU need to get
out more !!! The fact that Dan was willing to spend his day off getting
this done just to rub it in- gave us all a good laugh! And .... with some
luck ..... there will be 2 houses in a row decorated by the end of the weekend!