elated anew

the post title ... sounds almost like a french name or something, but it's actually a feeling. For nearly 3 weeks before Christmas I was so excited about the smallest of things. the right ornament placed here. a pretty bauble set there. twinkling lights. festive music. ribbons. digging out holiday recipes. special visits. extra family time. I was brimming with warm fuzzies 24-7. Along the way an email arrived and with great anticipation I opened it up. Seeing it was more lengthly than just a season's greetings made my heart beat a little faster. A tiny voice inside cheered gleefully. But as I began to read the words, the joy melted away to an overwhelming feeling of emptiness and I started to cry. I wanted to counter some of the words and question others. I wanted to know more and hurt less. It was not the Christmas present that one would wish for afterall. And the sadness lingered. and lingered longer yet. until I realized that it was not my sadness that was dawdling .... but rather the sadness I felt for the author. I tried to imagine how difficult it must have been to put the words out there. I still feel an ache when I think about the email, but I am coming to terms with the fact that sometimes there's no way to heal another's pain. at times, it's too late for explanations that might lead to understanding. particularly when the reason or source of the pain is gone. I wish I knew the right words or had the answers (I am known to often have an answer for everything). But I don't. And while I have great empathy .... I will eventually be less tender on the subject I suppose. sympathise without obsessing you might say.

And tonight, pleasantly exhausted ..... after a heavy day of housecleaning, a fish N chips refresher from our fav place that's always closed between turkey day & Santa's coming out party every year, a piece of pie that sounded amazing but was slightly over-rated, a movie that was sweet but probably meant for someone 40+ years younger than I, and the anticipation of seeing 2 of my favorite people tomorrow ..... has me feeling that feelin' again and I am relishing it & welcoming it with open arms. I am (I say with with a fuzzy heart) elated anew and loving it!

DON'T BUG ME (aka: the nurse is in)

At the moment, I have a couple of bug infested fellas living with me.

Pops has a heck of a cold & we've got him on meds to prevent pneumonia from sneaking up on him. Low & behold ..... by today, the Captain is pretty miserable with a few symptoms himself. I find this predicament both worrisome & bothersome at the same time. For Pops, it is an exhausting condition and he requires a little extra TLC to make sure he eats enough (of the good things), takes his meds & treatments as he should .... while still encouraging him to move around a bit. Mostly I worry more about him at night. Wondering if he would call out if he needed us, or is he doing everything he can to keep warm & stay comfortable. With the Captain, it is altogether different because he is sooooo rarely ill and just as rarely sedentary .... that he is not a very patient, patient. Between the 2 of them there is noise abundant with coughing that sounds like a bull horn & nose blowing that sounds like a moose call. The kleenex & tylenol is all gone, the trash cans are full, I have no more room in the fridge for more chicken soup & my hands are chapped from using anticeptic cloths!
OTHER THAN THAT .... all is well at our place! haha

what's in a name? SOMETIMES .... a lot.

IF YOU CAN'T READ THE WRITING (and you want to) .... click on it!!!

lost time, lost friends, lost love & loved ones

We call ALL certainly relate to this post.

My thoughts started when I decided that today woud be a good day to see if Netflix has the LOST series on instant play. I'm tidying up my design studio and it's been a really long time since I've seen it. Years ago, it was one of the programs that I recorded each week so that when I returned from my commute in the Bay Area .... I would have it to enjoy at my leisure. In those days, the Captain was still working (and living) 3/4 of the time in Sacramento and I was alone a lot. We lost that time together, but we made up for it by appreciating what we did have. Anyway .... although I do have the series playing as I type here .... I continue to think about other loses. And, as a result, I am not getting my studio cleaned up. THAT is not of major concern to me, because somethings are more important than others. more timely. It's lost time- but it's not wasted. And it's not a loss that I will concern myself with or lose sleep over. For other losses, I've done both.

Loss can be painful. At the very least it can be unsettling or confusing. Ultimately, it generally has to be accepted. And to accept does not necessarily mean to forget or dismiss the importance of the loss. Sometimes .... it just is what it is. THAT MUCH, I have learned.

The past .... well that's exactly what it is... past. You can't get it back, you can't have overs, you can't even make up for it. But, I do believe that it's never too late. Never too late to apologize, to explain, to ask questions, to forgive .... or to start over.

If a loss has changed who or what you are ..... and you suffer because of it, then you have to confront it. Otherwise, let it take it's course. You may find that you are the wiser, tougher, or more peaceful as a result. Feeling lost. Feeling loss. Both human, both painful, both temporary .... unless you give up. Don't do that.

rain-y, reindeer, reign-ing in

While the Captain & pops contemplate an eggnog before supper .... I am enjoying the rain, watching a movie about a reindeer, enjoying my own cocktail .... and thinking seriously about post holiday calorie intake deprivation. and I do mean seriously.

HOWEVER, for the moment ....

I have decided that it is far more appropriate to take pleasure in nature's musical storm, and the treasures & treats of the season without guilt .....

A week from now will be plenty soon enough to move more, eat less and live healthier.

yes Santa .... I loved "my" Christmas present

It's been a quiet day.

JUST PERFECT after the frolicsome & lively grouping we were part of last night!

As we have gotten more mature(?), our idea of Christmas morning has redefined itself. As much as I loved the early morning excitement when we had small children around (while I was MUCH younger of course), the relaxed, easy going, sort of sneak-up-on-you approach to the holidays that we are getting closer & closer to .... has MUCH to be appreciated. There is less shopping (which ='s less wrapping), less stress, & more joy in some of the simpler things that accompany the holidays. We have spent festive time with family & friends (and have more planned), plus more time enjoying our own home, and I for one- have really enjoyed it!

my facination with the turning of a phrase

I'm into a novel on my Kindle that continues to intrigue me because I can't figure out where it's going. That's makes a book particularly interesting for me. The author, Lisa Unger, uses phrases that are almost poetic. If I am reading at night and feel myself getting tired, I often read on, planning to stop when I come across another bouquet of words. I read them over & over to absorb & remember them. (who are we kidding, I write them down). Sentences like "memory gets pulled like taffy in it's retelling" .... or "memories in shades of gray or sepia, that change color with current events". Oh that I could turn such a phrase. That is now a goal of mine ... to create such texture with sentences.
And speaking of what is now on my mind ..... I first have to express an AHHH ...... because we are back home and plan to stay put for a couple of weeks. I like that thought. It's a little quieter here than it has been for a few days and that, in itself, has it's own set of pros & cons. Young Anthony was returned to the nest today. The pros of said event is that he is with his sister, mommy & daddy for Christmas. He is at an age when you can explain more about the reasons & the spirit of Christmas, and his appreciation for the decorations and neighborhood light displays is sweet. His curiosity is in high gear and I can get him to do just about anything if I add an element of mystery or difficulty to it. He likes a challenge. He respects the boundries (I just have to remind him a couple of times). We had a list of things we wanted to explore/share with him during this visit but the time passed so quickly (and the weather didn't cooperate) :o( Todays day trip also allowed short visits with a couple of the "kids", and my dad as well. Lately, he's been a little under-the-weather emotionally. (and I doubt he's played dominoes since mom died) But with a little time & extra attention, he was doing better today and we had a nice chat. The trip felt like a double rainbow. Full of hugs & holiday wishes.
But NOW, the hallways here are quiet, and Anthony's blanky & favorite toys are tucked away for the next visit. Looking around the room, there is no evidence of his visit at all, except that both the cats are out in the open and not sneaking around corners checking if the coast is clear! By this time every evening he was here, he was usually asleep on my lap, or tucked away in bed already. He's a snuggler and I already miss him. (although I admit, I do like the idea of sleeping in tomorrow!). Here in lies the 'con' of the situation .... that it will be a while before his giggles & questions once again bounce off our walls.
SO- while I was neglectful of some chores or DeDe Do's while he was here, it was wonderful (& exhausting) none the same and .... well, tomorrow is another day to do my stuff !

Thanksgiving Soup

rainy day ...

chill in the air ....

the smell of cookies baking ..

wrapping presents ......

listening to Christmas tunes ..

playing with my grandson ...

hanging with the hubby ....

thinking about family ....

shopping for new PJs .....

.

what could make the day any better?

DUH .................................................

HOMEMADE soup & noodles!!

you got it :o)

the boys of the house were busy as bees

We headed out to the grocery store (in the rain) right after breakfast, to get supplies for the chore that "the boys" decided to dive into. And so it shall be ... that the kitchen was taken over by the Captain and his first mate- engulfed in about 3 hours of serious cookie batching. 4 flavors and an anticipated 360 cookies resulting. WELL, that is if his official "taster" (seen here) didn't do too, TOO, much tasting!! Last I heard, the Captain had received 2 thumbs up at each level, and I'm sure his first mate will continue in his official capacity tomorrow or Wednesday, when they hit the oven!

so then .... Anthony says .... "gramma, pretend this box came in the mail and it's for you" (then he promptly curled up inside it and asked that the top be closed.) Of course the Captain couldn't just let it go at that. He believed that when the mailman delivered the box (?), it be inspected, tapped on, & rolled over to make sure it's safe to open it. A giggle or two escaped from the package ... so we decided we should open it to check things out!

It's amazing what they send through the mail service these days!!! It wasn't even even labeled fragile.

thru the eyes of an (occassional) angel

THIS little man has taken up temporary residence in our household as of this evening. He has actually been with us for the past 2 days, but we were traveling to visit family up north and arrived home just a couple of hours ago.
He is quite the gentleman. Often saying "thank you" or "excuse me" without prompt. He is funny & smart (and a little stubborn), and ALWAYS loving & affectionate. He doesn't like being wrong (or losing at games or puzzles), but usually open to learning or getting explanations- if you are patient enough to break thru his protective shell. And he is a great traveling companion. As long as you have a pillow, plush animal, some writing tools, & an ear for conversation .... he's your man. He'll snack on apples, raisins, & gold fish. Nap (likely) after a couple hours of travel and be in good spirits without asking "if we are there yet" for your average 4 hour drive. And ... most precious of all (well, besides the fact that he is my grandson that is) ... he helps us see things through the eyes of a child. Simple, imaginative, wide eyed innocence of a mind that is totally open to learning and seeing new things. What a gift.

the princess, Santa, & the Tazmanian Devil

What an evening .... 17 family members, about a $100 worth of pizza & beer, little kids, big kids, kids that are no longer kids, talking, visiting, laughter and .... HO-HO-HO
As luck would have it, Santa happened to be scheduled to show up at this particular place while we were there. The little ones, facinated, but timid at first .... soon were begging us to let the go & talk with him (soon- it was more like stalking, than talking!)
Our grandson, Anthony- watched a little longer than the others & I could hear his brain clicking away.. formulating, calculating .... and by the end of the evening, he announced that he was "pretty sure it was a real Santa" when I asked how he knew, he told me that he'd seen a lot of pretend ones at the stores and other places, that he knew weren't real (although he neglected to elaborate why). He also confided in us that one of them might even be his dad, since HE has a Santa suit. (uh oh).
By this morning, he had (apparently) given it more thought and decided that, due to Santa "having the wrong shoes on", was NOT a real one afterall. However, he was cool with that because he was pretty sure that it was a friend of Santa's. Anthony also insinuated that there are times when Santa is so busy, that his mom has to deliver some of the presents on Christmas. The 3 little ones -AKA: the princess (Delaney), the Taz Devil (Wyatt), & ACE (anthony) ... gave Santa a run for his money. They had questions, plenty of Christmas wishes, & requests for pictures. BUT THEY ALSO were pretty wired up by the time we left .... given the soda pop & candy canes!! AND GUESS WHAT ?!? we get to do it again today (minus Santa).

Hawaii blooms on our lanai (in a snow storm)

OK, OKAY .... there was no snow storm.... but it was cold! (well alright then .... cold for the central coastline)

all that being made clear .... the WHOLE POINT to this post is to show you the picture that almost does justice to what our hibiscus plants look right now. They are, oddly, VERY happy in this spot on the lanai. For that reason, we have left them there- despite the fact that they were originally planned for my serenity garden. What a gorgeous sight thru the glass doors to see this AND the ocean!

a good "wreathon" to have Spiker as a friend!!

like a lover-lee bunch of coconuts .... my cohort in crime showed up today and performed her magic. It all started with her making some one-of-a-kind wreaths for a neighbor and after seeing the results of her cheap-chic (which translates into groovey creations made with a dollar's worth of stuff). I mentioned that the only blank space where I could hang anything was on the outside of our "kitty room" room door. 24 hours later .... there is fresh, pine greens adorned with mice & feathers .... where a blank door once stood.
She is the McGiver of decorating in my eyes. You got something that needs a little "something more??"
But you can't figure out what it is!! She's your gal!

time to kick these cards to the curb!

I believe I have hammered out the last of the homemade Christmas cards! Last count was 42. Most are in the mailbox as we speak, just a half dozen stragglers that will go tomorrow. I have another 5 that will be hand delivered and- no doubt- will find another 2-3 that were over looked amd need a-makin' .... but for now, ahhhhhhh. My back hurts from standing 3-4 hours straight at a time. My wrist hurts from all the pressing, punching, twisting, tagging & grasping. BUT, I am mostly just relieved that I am done with time to spare.
DON'T GET ME WRONG ..... I do not have an over abundance of free time suddenly (I have packing & wrapping to do for this weekend's travel) .... but I have finished (theoretically) sooner than usual. Just moments ago, I boxed up alot of the trims, tools, & treatments used only for the holiday cards ....... helping to clear some of the clutter from my craft room. I have L-O-N-G been looking forward to that alone. And now, with a warm cup of tea at hand & the delicate lighting that eminates from the decorations the Captain installed in my serenity garden- I am enjoying the feeling of accomplishment & the silence. Only the tick of the coo-coo clock is audible ..... and I like it. And tomorrow? Well, it has it's own set of chores ready for me to tackle, so I will just wait til then to even give it a thought!! For now- my Kindle calls.

the ho-ho-ho hat ..... and the idiot

THEY ARE NOT ONE & THE SAME (I hope) !
.
I heard on the news tonight that a mom is suing McDonalds because of their "enticing" advertizing aimed at kids.
OMG
You don't want to get me started on this subject! REALLY.
Uh .... what the ???
Bear with me ... I must have lost something in the translation ..... or is she nuts? Her kids were "enticed"? And then what .... they picked up a weapon & held her against her will until she took them to get a happy meal?? I can't believe she is taking legal action against a company that produces something her kids could do without!! Good grief .... It's not like they are taking french fries & chicken nuggets & implanting a subliminal message telling the kids to scream & have a tantrum so mom will give you anything you want to shut them up. She APPARENTLY does that well enough on her own. (I'd hate to be in Walmart at the same time as her & the "all powerful" kids!)
WHO'S THE BOSS here?? The only thing I'm interested in is seeing who the idiot judge is if they don't throw it out of court! Hey lady - treat it like drugs .... just say no!

the tale of the musical rug .... and how it makes me smile

Last year (I think), I came across this doormat and thought it would be clever to put it right by the kitty beds so when they step on it, (and the music plays) it would take them by surprise. The antics created by any unexpected event around here are so entertaining. (obviously, it doesn't take much in this household). The letters are surrounded by teeny, colored lights that also blink as the music plays. I knew it was against the odds that either cat would step on just the right spot to activate (the 'O' in welcome) .... but just the same. So it sat in front of their beds .... where they go EVERY night when we settle in front of the TV or fireplace ..... and it sat ..... or perhaps it layed .... silently in wait. (with the key word being silently) After a few days, I began crawling over to them at some point (& more than once) each evening to set it off for them. I had pretty much figured out by this point that they weren't heavy enough to set it off easily. They did sniff it, by the way. A couple times I think. The music didn't disturb them. It didn't annoy or bother them. It ALSO didn't interest them. But I liked it!!! SO- pulling it out this year .... I noticed it looked almost new (duh) and I set out to find a more "active" place for it. BINGO .... at the landing of the stairs where we tromp up & down numerous times a day. NOT ONLY is it keenly located, but the music can be heard both up & downstairs (within reason), AND .... everyone hits the spot when they step onto it .... even if it means an extra step. The first day- it chimmed merrily more times than in all of last year's use. At night .... the little lights show up grandly and I love it even more!!! simply put- as the post title states ..... it makes me smile!!

tri-podal reunion!

......... fa-la-la-la-la ... la-la-la-la .............

There is little else that compares to the uplift my spirit feels, than when I share space with these two gals!!

Once upon a time, we were 3/4 of a quartet known as FIZZ. Before & after ..... we have referred to ourselves as the tripod. I was lucky enough to put some time in, however short it felt, with these two "wwhhhitty" chicks over the weekend! ..... what a conversational ride I experience when in their presence!

Thanks ladies!!

how many lifetimes have we been friends?

I have heard (and choose to believe) that after you die, you come back again ... and again, and again. Some feel that you return until you accomplish what you were intended for. I (choose to) believe that you return repeatedly - each time with what you gained from your last appearance. That you carry with you the lessons learned & mistakes paid for. That each arrival & departure brings additional enlightment, courage, & knowledge. I also believe that there are people that accompany you in these journeys .... just in different capacities. Perhaps as a sister the first time, your gardener the next, maybe your child in a 3rd life. It can span over tens, or hundreds or thousands of years. Who knows. I have a couple of friends that I truly feel that I have spent time with in previous lives. One of them- I visited this past weekend. In at least one previous life, she was there to help & support me emotionally. This time around, it's my turn to do the same for her. She is an amazing woman, & a wonderful friend. For that reason, it is painful to see her unhappy & struggling. Slightly older, & immensely more talented than I- she has had more challenges in her life than anyone deserves. She's a sensitive & tender soul. This, in part, causes her to be insecure & self conscious at times. She lacks the support system around her that she has given freely to so many others. She gives so much more than she gets, and in her selflessness .... she can end up feeling empty & lonely. This is when I am the most protective of her.... wishing I could do more ... wishing I could be close enough for a drive-by hug at any given time. She knows I love & care about her, but the logistical distance between us keeps us apart for longer time periods than either of us would prefer. Right now, she's going through a particularly difficult time, so being together this weekend was more meaningful than usual. With the recent & sudden loss of my mom, I feel more strongly that we should work toward visiting more often. To begin using what remains of this lifetime more wisely. If I needed her, she would fight an army to get to me, and I want to do the same. I love, respect, & adore this woman. With good people around her, she will gain the strength & determination she needs, to put her hopes & dreams on the road to realization. So as of now I say ..... let the good times roll again (soon)!!

the bird has landed (on my tree!)

I am finished decorating the tree. MOSTLY. There will be (numerous) times during each day that I tweak this or straighten that .... but the big part is done.

I wasn't sure I was up to it. My designer was ill & not able to come & supervise :o( She would have had particular fun with this one I think. I have a few more touches I could add but at this point, I am feeling that the 7+ hours I already put into it is enough (?) And my mood soured ever so slightly when I was near finished & found half a strand of lights that weren't lit. I had tucked things so nicely, & attached trinkets & tinsel in such a way that the wiring was nearly invisible, so I was not happy that things had to be disturbed in order to fix the issue. bah-humbug!! HOWEVER, with by hubby's assistance ... the problem and mood quickly reversed itself & all was well!

2day was FULL of creativity

I was a good girl today :o)

I created 26 Christmas cards ... no 2 alike. It kept me in my craft room for nearly 8 hours (seemed like half that) ..... I have a little embelishing to finish up .... then, address them & toss them into the mail. Not in a BIG hurry. Personally, I like sending them out so they are received about 5 days before the holiday.

THE TREE is sucking up water ..... so it will get "dressed" (probably) on Thursday.

FONZI (and his hair) would agree

There are somethings that should not be messed with, tweaked, repeated, redone, updated, repeated, remade, improved upon, or revamped. There are some things that are perfect just the way they are. There are instances where it is so well done, that it never measures up the 2nd or 3rd time around. Other times when it takes a time or two to hit perfection ... so stop there! I'm not talking about cloning (like the halarious movie Multiplicity), I refer to Christmas music (well duh), and I shall now elaborate in specifics .... stick with these;
Bing Crosby -White Christmas/ It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Barbra -My Favorite things
Burl Ives -Frosty the Snowman
Josh Groban -O Holy Night
Celtic Women -Carol of the Bells
Taylor Swift -Santa Baby (although I ALSO like Lauper, Madonna AND Eartha Kitt's!!)
Celine Dion -O Come all ye Faithful
Andrea Bocelli -Silent Night
Clay Aiken -Mary Did You Know?
Michael Buble -The Christmas Song (sorry Mel .... beautiful song, but you aint got the chops)
Kelly Clarkson -Grown up Christmas Wish
Mission Valley/Garden City BB shop Chorus' -Baby it's Cold Outside (you had to be there)
The Lennon Sisters -The Christmas Waltz
Rascal Flatts -I'll Be Home For Christmas
Andy Williams -It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Jim Brickman -The Gift
Cindy Lou Who -Where are you Christmas?
(can we all agree that the radio can stop playing the barking dogs' Jingle Bells, as well as Grandma got ran over by a reindeer ?????)
HO-HO-HO

the rain has gained me time :o)

The "boys" were going to head out late this morning to get a tree. We don't do the live thing very often .... but I felt I needed the fresh smell this time around. However ..... mother nature had different plans and since they are less adventurous than the Griswolds, the outing was cancelled on account of rain! HOWEVER, in my eyes, that worked out nicely because my 2 hour project took much of the day- so having a naked tree in my living room would have agitated me. It would have affected my bedtime, my sleep, & probably tomorrow's wake-up schedule as well! It appears that it is the last of the B-I-G projects, so the next couple of days will be used up, & then I can get to my glass painting & Christmas cards. (I somehow know I am making it sound WAY easier than it will ultimately be!!) ho-ho-ho

The cycle of anti-abuse comes full circle

You may think that a strange title.
But note that I state it as anti-abuse. I was watching something on tv a few days ago that was (once again) evidence of how often the treatment (beit mental, physical, emotional, or verbal) of abuse that we find hurtful & wrong- is again repeated in the generation. The same can ring true of financially assisted families, or those that are infested with bigotry, illiteracy, alcoholism, or mental illness.
And hither I fall into the puzzle. I am my mother's daughter ...... Although I am an individual ... the sum of parts not entirely inherent to her - there is much of her that is evidence of her existance in me. The beauty of it's actuality being just that ... beautiful. I speak not of physical attributes (for I should have been so lucky to have been small & petite), but rather of characteristics she may not have consciously instilled upon me. I am strong willed, particularly when when I feel someone has been wronged. I am compassionate to the feelings of others. I have laudable work ethics & not afraid of challenge or change. I have risen from ashes on more than one occassion, stronger & wiser. I learn from my mistakes. (just not necessarily the first time). I would work as long & hard as necessary to support my children.
All these qualities were part of life with mom. I didn't learn these things from her .... I lived them because of her. And though we are different in more ways than we are analogous , I find that our common denominators are those fragments of me to be most thankful for and proud of. Thanks mom, these are the gifts that I hope will continue in full circle for many generations to come.

the warm fuzzies continue on today

let me first point out that I thought being retired would give me (so much) more time to accomplish the normal decorating this time of year. and while many of you reading this will be thumbing your noses at my quandary over this .... let me assure you that I am not complaining- I am simply surprised (and admiring of those of you leading busy, working lives & having already trimmed the tree). With that perplexity being stated .... I hit the floor jogging this morning to get more stuff done. Along the way- in line with

belief that one should have a "stop & smell the roses" moment every day- I noticed how beautiful the colors are on our 2-pear-a-year tree. During this instant of admiration, I thought the abstract window tree crystal was sort of fitting for the changing of the seasons that is near.

MOVING ON .... I find that Santa has dropped a little something under my fru-fru tree. It's one of those gifts that keeps on giving.

I was busy for a good "wreathon"

It's the year for freshening up the ole wreath. I added a few things to the traditional one I hung on the front door today, and started from scratch on the one for inside. It's a preview of our tree theme this year. This part was fun ..... dragging all the boxes up & down the attic ladder & digging thru them ... wasn't. oilwell.
we'll see how much I get done tomorrow. Right now the place looks like a cyclone hit it!!!

and the question was ... do we have to pay extra for the sunset or does it come with the neighborhood?

What a treat ..... the lights of our decorations and the lights of nature!! GREAT sunset tonight. Just to make sure I wouldn't forget the time of year we were enjoying the sight ... I made sure some of the Christmas lights showed up in the shot. Ahhhh the good life!

it must be Tuesday .... I hear the leaf blower

I noticed that the gardeners started a little later than usual last Tuesday morning. (and again today) With a neighbor that is a night owl, I always wondered if she used them as an alarm clock on Tuesday mornings & got her day jumpstarted from the lovely hum of the leaf blower! Until recently, I didn't give it much thought because at 6:45am on those days, I was passing them on our street or on the frontage road as they headed this way. The funny thing is .... I don't know what they are blowing ... we have no LEAFS (yes, I know it's leaves) .....we all have palm trees around here. . . so are they just making noise so we know they are showing up?? Hmmmm .... maybe there is method to their madness .... getting exercise while walking around with a blower, & getting paid for it. (why didn't I think of that?)

routines, ruts, & re-decorating

I'm a fan of routine ...... it helps me to be prepared & organized. Routine allows my planning without being hurried. Routine lowers my stress levels. For others, having routine is the prelude to ending up in a rut. OR SO THEY SAY. The fact is, if you have a routine in your life that allows you to get certain things done at certain times on certain days ... then it's also likely that you will then have time to do things on the fly that therefore avoid getting into a rut! Take our cats for instance (figuratively speaking) ..... they have routines that last all of a few days to a few weeks and about the time we call it a routine ... it isn't one. No chance of them getting into a rut ! And speaking of redecorating (huh?) .... I pulled all the autumn puffs & fluffs together today so that I can get them packed away for another 11 months. Then, as the week continues to unfold ..... I will change over to Christmas stuff. Gonna do things a little different this year. Not as much, not as busy, not as traditional. Talk about getting as far from a rut as I have ever been ??? We'll see how it goes!
hey ... ....
EVER NOTICE things look so much worse before they begin to look better? You might say it's the "House" version of decorating ..... without the insults or vicodin.
hmmmmmmmmmmmm ........ what to do next ......

changing of the holiday guard

in the tradition (?) of out with the past & in with the present .... this will likely be my next blog banner .... arriving sometime later in the week.

have you had your pumpkin pancakes today?

A few days ago ... someone emailed me a recipe for pumpkin, ginger, pecan pancakes. Being the pumpkin freak that I am (yum), I couldn't wait to try them out. I opened the can of pure pumpkin, and as the Captain wanders thru, he reminds me that he's gonna run a last minute kayak tour, so he'll be home around 2pm- & out the door he goes. DARN, I don't want to make pumpkin pancakes for 1 (and Pa was far from awake). So, can open, I take a spoonful of it out & dump it into some Betty Crocker biscuit mix, add a dash of pumpkin pie seasoning & a little cinnamon & milk and tah-dah .... pumpkin biscuits! A couple of days later ... with the balance of the pumpkin still in the fridge, I decide I want pancakes "right now", so I start up a batter- using the "just add water" pancake mix, an egg, cinnamon, some pumpkin, p.p. spice and some water & POOF- big, fluffy, orange pancakes served with maple syrup. Again- the Captain was out the door or busy or who knows- so I took a couple of pancakes, along with some maple sausage down to pops. YUM (they were all that and a bag of chips)
I didn't measure, I just threw in some of this & sprinkled in some of that and figured if I could pour it into the shape of a pancake .... then THAT'S what it was .... a pancake!! TRY IT (without the ginger, without the pecans- for that matter, without the recipe!!)

insert picture of chocolate cake here .....

that is .... if we hadn't attacked it like animals there might have been a picture. It was a lovely looking piece of cake ...... dark, rich mahogany colored, with matching frosting. As soon as it arrived in our kitchen .... I was looking forward to it .... so I ate lite at dinner. And while the Captain was washing up some dishes- I was making a pot of double dutch chocolate coffee. Within seconds of it's delivery to the dining room table .... the plates were practically licked clean!!! So while I apologize that you didn't get to see the Captain's paycheck for his consulting work today .... I do NOT apologize for enjoying the rewards of his mental toil. (our thanks go out to the Francos for our sweet smiles this evening)

what are the 3 stooges' names? .... (I think I know)

A few minutes ago- I mentioned to the Captain that there was a 3 Stooges movie on & that he should hurry with his chores so he could watch it. It's a joke between us, because he thinks the stooges are silly, & dopey, & he's embarassed for them at times. MUCH to his foolishness just moments later- he calls out loudly "do you think the stooges' names are Ken, Dan & Dick?" Now, I could stop this post right now because THAT says it all but ..... given this opportunity .... how can I let such a question pass without elaboration? The Captain, of course I know everything about and yes, he qualifies for the trio. By himself NO, but in the company of Dan, most definitely. Dan, I know enough about to know this. Dick is the newcomer to the CDS ratpack and already, I see a probable 1/3 contribution. These are 3 guys that can laugh at themselves. (yay) Better yet .... they are also 3 "go to" guys. You need help? They are on your doorstep! SO, while they all are likely to admit they would prefer to be compared to the 3 Musketeers rather than the men of mayhem ...... let it be said that I know 3 wives that are younger than their prospective years because they laugh every day!!

in a snap (ginger that is)

as if my hot tea wasn't soothing enough .... the Captain brought home some ginger snaps :o)
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my rain didn't arrive, but my hubby came to the rescue!!

(apparently) you can never have too many cat beds

POPOKI has made it clear (on more than one occassion) that he is the alpha cat in this household. Yes, he's a stranger-phobe, & we often wonder if he has feathers rather than fur since I swear I've heard him cluck!

As a result of him dominance- Monkey has staked out some spots that Poki is either scared to go into or unaware of still. In lieu of the fact that Monkey often plants herself in whatever room I am in, and often walking (or snooping) about in places she doesn't belong or too small to tiptoe about without creating crafting chaos .... I kitty-fied a cubby in my design table & she pulled into her new parking space immediately. That was a few days ago and I have seen her in it a couple of times since then- but today, it was Poki in residence. INFACT- he's been following me around for the past couple of hours. Intellectually, I know, that it's because he thinks eventually I will go into the kitchen & he will get some tuna. But emotionally, I choose to believe that it is because just wants to hang with me!! And to make my me party even more enjoyable, I brewed up some cranberry tea. With a few projects lined up .... I am hoping to have the entire day in this room. THIS is pure pleasure for me ..... because I know that my Captain is supportive of giving me whatever time or space I want- and today is just the day for that. (the weatherman is promising me a little rainshower this afternoon!)

ahhhhh ..... a warm brew, kitty kats for kompany, & the Hallmark channel. lucky, LUCKY me!!

Thanksgiving .... different, but dede-lightful.

traditionally, this day is spent quietly, with the "real" Thanksgiving Day celebrated with a large family group on Saturday. Noise, comotion, great food, lots going on ..... but this year, with life getting in the way of our social calendar ... it's a little different. We are here- tucked safe & sound (?) in our cozy home for the long holiday weekend. BUT- without much of a thought or a plan .... our neighbors, who are as much family as friends could get .... were sharing their harvest with us & vise-versa and you would have thought hours of planning had paved the way. Like clockwork- they arrived for PIE NOON ... then disappeared for a few hours to return with bountiful side dishes to compliment the golden bird that had been rescued from our oven. The meal turned into a laugh-fest & sharing of memories from many Thanksgivings past and the time flew by. Next thing ya know, it was 10:30pm and I heard .... "well, we better get to bed so these nice peole can go home!" (gonna use that one again sometime I assure you). So you see ..... even at war with these people ..... we found a way to all just get along!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PA !!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POP-A-ROO !! another milestone reached (yay) and this year we decided to celebrate over a turkey dinner with all the trimings!!

87 years and going strong.

PIE NOON is dedicated you you Pa.

Dinner delivery ala the Captain & his Princess!

WE DID IT ..... we spent our Thanksgiving eve doing the kind of thing I think Thanksgiving is all about and it felt really good! (and I am hoping this is the "first annual" outing for us)
We checked in at the Vet's hall just after 12noon today and by 12:35, we had made our first meal delivery. That continued on til 6:48pm this evening and by then ..... we had returned to the hall 5 times for additional addresses & meals ...... and our final delivery made it 106 meals that we handed over. We were here & there and then back to there again, and as if it wasn't worth it just to see the looks on some recipient faces .... the Captain & I did it together. It was probably the most compassionate "date" we have ever been on! The time went by really fast and I am already thinking of ways we can make more deliveries in the same amount of time for next year! WELL DONE VOLUNTEERS .... rumor has it that over 400 meals were delivered (and MANY more than that were served at the hall itself). What a wonderful community!

Alfred .... we need you to direct THE BIRDS #2

I believe that when we get hard rains or persistent showers .... the birds are "shut-ins' for a few hours (or a day) and when they are able to come out & weather the storm ... they act a little manic. particularly the doves. First off, and I mean this in the most adoring "observer les oiseaux" of ways .... doves are stupid. They look soft & doe-eyed. They make a sweet sound. But they are dumb as rocks! How many times do you have to land somewhere that you cannot balance before you realize you cannot balance? (apparently infinite number of times). How much bigger are you than say, a yellow finch .... so why do they scare you EVERY time they blink? I swear .... I can almost hear them say "duh" at times when they can't figure something out?!

From early Tuesday morning; There is something about this picture that warms me. I think it might be the richness of the plum sheering against the wet redwood fencing, and the serenity of the moment. No birds, no breeze, just ...... serenity. I like that at times. just me & the air that surrounds me- enveloping me in it's stillness and bringing along a peaceful feeling ....

x*#-&),?+@^=%!/;"$j .......

Oh, the insomniatic mind (?)
Whether it be the mental menu of things to do, the curiosity of what family members might be up to 48 hours from now (a poker game, a turkey sandwich perhaps), hopes of catching a glimpse of the full(ish) moon, or just the clucking & chatter that I can normally ignore or write off as a dream .... I have the propensity to do this with upcoming travel or emotional trauma, but I wasn't aware of either being on the table ... not that one would "plan" the trauma part. I had almost dozed off a second time when the Captain's phone chimmed - announcing a text message I think. But it's not as if it woke me ... it simply nudged me over the edge. That is, pushed me to the breaking point of getting up, rather than pretending I could go back to sleep. I know, with all reality, that if I am cognisent of the current time & temperature (from the projection on the ceiling) on more than 2 occassions .... I may as well get up for a little while. It's actually more of a rest for my brain anyway- to let the words, thoughts, blah-blah-blah flow out onto paper or cyberspace- rather than try to hush it. It's been the case since I was in high school. A poem, a creative writing idea, whatever .... would tap away at my brain. Sometimes, I would dream that I was writing things in my sleep, only to wake & find that it wasn't a dream after all. Let those creative juices flow I always say. Well, actually, I have never said it til now ... but I will from now on ... then "always" will be appropriate. Oh my gosh ... what if my insomnia is a result of guilt & shame for talking the Captain into putting up the Christmas lights today. What if I am being punished for my sacrilegious act of besting our neighbors in this endeavor! They must have been crushed to come home and finding our home looking like something out of a Thomas Kinkade holiday post card collection! (?) They too are probably lying awake at this hour .... perhaps sobbing into their pillows, anguished at the defeat. How could victory be sweet after such heinous behavior? Oh, who am I kidding .... I know for a fact that Danno is already planning his revenge! For all I know, he has already removed all the light bulbs from our festive display. And with the finish of this not-so-poetic rambling of mine .... I believe I feel a yawn coming on. nite-nite

the "light"man cometh ...

FIRST OFF- if you are having ANY trouble reading what's on the picture to the left- CLICK on the picture & it will come up loud & clear! You do NOT want to miss it's meaning or the victorious spirit currently held by the Captain & myself.

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sometimes, you have to take a stand ...... draw that line in the sand or put the block of wood on your shoulder & dare another to knock it off ... sometimes .... you have to drag your lazy tail out of bed to do things JUST to make a point. JUST for the principal of the matter.

Let me warn you ahead of time that if the O'Briens make some ridiculous claim that they are not decorating this year because of travel, financial reasons, or physical (or mental) limitations .... it's just an excuse!!! It was our opportunity to not only keep up with them ... but surpass their efforts. Huff & puff all you want Danno- we gotcha this time!

P.S. - YES, it feels good & YES, it's likely to be the one & only time we'll get away with this!!!

CONGRATS to Sirbil !!

TODAY was the big day for Pa ..... his trip to the DMV to renew his license. Once upon a time, that wouldn't have been a big deal- but now, with dozens of new laws involving alcohol consumption, & smoking, & cell phones.... well, let's just say that just knowing how to drive safely isn't enough! BUT YOU DID IT POPS! Even after arriving at the DMV to find all the computers crashed without any idea of what to expect next- you hung in there & waited ..... and took the situation in stride. Then You marched out with a triumphant smile on your face that, you confessed, was not used for the picture on you new ID. :o( Since getting a DMV appointment often means going out of town .... we made the best of it by doing a little shopping & having a dede-lightful supper afterward. With this obstacle behind us, it's time now to focus on Thanksgiving which, this time around, ALSO happens to be pop's birthday :o) This being his 87th .... I realize he's had plenty of practice by now but still- we don't want it to go unnoticed!! So we just might stick a candle in a pumpkin pancake for him !!

WOWEEEEEEEEE post #800 !!!

BEEN BUSY and still much to do .... however, duty calls and it's time to hit the grocery store (since the cow in the carton went dry)

and we have things on the burner for a birthday taking place this week as well. As you can see .... little kitty was looking for a new cubby hole for when she is in my design studio .... so I added a kitty mat for her comfort.

let's go jump in the puddles .... where are they?

with the newest storm arrival, it seemed appropriate to be in Seattle this morning! AND- having received a heads up on a pumpkin ginger pancake recipe ... but after the Captain was eating his cereal ... I adapted it a bit and made pumpkin biscuits instead!! ummm ummm yummylicious. Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, & pumpkin butter tucked inside- they were the cats pajamas (?)

Home (and mood) Improvement

NOTHING changes my mood (and the look of things) faster or cheaper than a coat of paint!!!! Since both were in need of a little updating ... I took the task on with optimistic expectations. The 1/2 wall that I painted paprika 2-3 years ago was washed away with a shade called brown sugar that we had already used on another wall in the room. LET ME insert here that it is my opinion that the people who name these colors are paid minimum wage & given a list of names to choose from. I have NEVER used any brown sugar that was this color! (But what a fun job if you could just make up your own huh? And not as fattening as tasting to name Ben & Jerry's ice cream)

It was an easy job to prepare for and not much to move outta the way- so I had no problem when the Captain stated that he had plenty of things of his own to accomplish. His only assignment was to start the first movie of the marathon I was planning. BELIEVE IT OR NOT- my choice was the set of "The Planet of the Apes"! I've seen them before (more than once) and I bought them myself.

I was already pleased at the onset, but when I got to the mantle ... I was tickled pink .... uh, I mean brown sugar! It really cleaned up the look (well, along with removing a few of the tchatchkes). It was a little chilly but with the sliders open, there was no fumes & since I was up & down & here & there ... I kept plenty warm anyway!
POPS showed up a couple of times to check things out & would watch a few minutes of the movie too.

Everything turned out as well as I had envisioned & hoped for ... well, except that in my dreams, the facing on the fireplace had changed too. ha! OMG what a messy job that will be someday. The prep, paint & semi-clean up took me thru 3+1/2 of the ape evolutionary tales ..... then I sat & munched popcorn for my lunch, while that one finished up. It was a perfect rest period and gave me an excuse to use my new air popper (thanks for the heads up Jules)



and OF COURSE even though my Captain always acts like he's going to disappear when I start this kind of project .... instead, he pulled the "art work" from the wall, re-positioned it's brackets, plugged & painted the evidence (and was watching the movies too). By dinner time, #5 was over & we were already watching #6 and afterward ... the evening ended with #7. A true marathon for the day ... without being lazy!

I have something to stew about-

Or rather I have some stew to do something about.

Upon hearing the forecast that we were to have a rainy weekend .... I made plans early in the week to make something hot & filling that I could throw together from scratch. Like my mother ... I can look into the refrigerator & pull out a dab of this & some leftover that and tah-dah, a casserole to feed an army. BUT today, I was a little more prepared with a lot of fresh items that I chopped, sliced, & chunked- & with the help of my slow cooker (the machine kind- not the Captain) .... we had the beefy aroma to enjoy for at least half the day. I think that is the key to the best of meals; after you smell it cooking for a few hours, you are so in the mood & hungry for it that you enjoy it more! With some good ole fashioned grilled cheese sandwiches to go along with it- our tummys are full & happy .... though the rain didn't show up as planned!! I'm not sure it counts as comfort food, but it sure was yummy.

soggy, noisy, puddling rain ..... (YAY)

transitional traditions

times change ....

so I guess it's inevitable that traditions do as well. For what seemed like the longest of times .... Thanksgiving was a 4 day event with numerous family members spending the entire time at my parent's home. Sleeping bags & blankets invaded the living room floor like a campsite. We would wake up to the aroma of roasting turkey that was already 2-3 hours into it baking journey. Pancakes, sausage & dirty eggs would be on the table within minutes of the first peek into the kitchen, where mom had been hibernating (probably) since around 4:30am. Her solitude now broken, she would scold us to "leave the cook alone" til she called us. By the time breakfast was done, so was all the prep work for the massive meal to take place late afternoon, with the exception of the ambrosia fruit salad that has been my contribution from the time I moved away from home. Once completed .... a gathering of adults (ONLY) would saddle up to the long, portable table that was residing in the family room ... to begin what was ultimately a poker marathon. From time to time- my sister Bev & I would go "to check" on the turkey ... which everyone knew meant we were stealing the crispy edges from the stuffing, that was peeking out at us from the bird. The oven door always squeaked as we opened & closed it. Mom, as if it were the first time ever, would demand that we close the door & not let all the heat out! And the smell .... ummmm .... just a few yards from where we sat, counting our chips after a winning hand. By 2pm ... still in the heat of Jacks or Better Progressive, trips to win (later names (JOBPTTW) .... we were ordered to "pick up our crap & get the table set" .... Everyone scrambled to find a cool whip bowl or ceramic container to scuttle their chips into for what would be continued late into the night once the feast was devoured. AND THEN .... like an angel descending upon our dining room table .... the delicacies arrived, colorful & fragrant. If you were already sitting at the table, you would try to divert your favorite dish in your direction. If you were still escorting food over, you might make a claim on a particular seat. It was a carpet of flavors. The beauty (and spoils) of the meal was that you could eat any item in any order you chose (and in any quantity for that matter). So if, for example, you were not a fan of winter vegetables, there was no reprimand as you passed them over your plate without partaking. It was likely that every bowl emptied, could easily be refilled, as the bounty was plentiful. If you asked for something to be passed, it would readily do so ...... after a "please, to me" was added to the request, UNLESS it was a homemade roll. The rolls were passed .... but with quarterback precision. Be ready to catch it- or duck- if you leaned into the line of fire! These were the days of pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce & potatoes made from scratch. (although there was a curious look from newcomers at the color of mashed wonders). It was before the invention of the green bean casserole, loaded potato bake, peanut butter pie, & Martha Stewart masterpieces. Those things came later .... beginning the year that Mom had surgery & we felt it was too much of an undertaking for her to host. Then it moved up the hill to Cindy's house, & after the first year of that .... mom realized the luxurious ease of just showing up with fresh rolls & a pumpkin pie! And a transition began. The handing off of recipes. The change-over of culinary power. And it's still doing so. Changes occur on a pretty regular basis now. Some for the better, some not so much. For me, we have lost a little bit of the holiday "feel" of things. Family members are harder to gather. The economy puts a crunch on expenses and there hasn't been a card game or pineapple chiffon pie for a few years. But there are memories & routines that I still hold close to my heart, and I will never forget those weekends with the family. The noise. The smells. The laughter. And the biggest change of all this year is that it is the first one without the matriarch. There will be no chopped nut toppings that we have longed teased her about. There will be no doggy-bag containers going off into her wing of the house. It's our biggest transition yet.

And with everyone growing up & out & busier than ever .... the Captain & I felt the need to start a new tradition of our own. This year, we will be delivering Thanksgiving meals on the eve of the holiday to those who might never have experienced some of the joyous ones that we've been lucky to have.

Times change ..... yes. But the spirit of love & sharing doesn't have to!!

hairballs & happy thoughts

on my way to the SanFrancisco Starbucks (cup), I passed 2 reasons for pause .... a Popoki hairball, & the last of the condolence bouquets received. The former was easily cleaned up & tossed away, the latter ... not so.

I sniffed about the still colorful arrangement, hoping for a late bloomer or hint of sweet aroma- and while there was very little .... I did find one stubborn cluster of carnations that somehow wanted to hang around another day or two. The weary, limp bouquet had been begging forgiveness of it's demise since yesterday, and today .... it wimpered enough to get my attention. This lovely gathering of blossoms started on the breakfast bar 9+ days ago because it's enormity precluded conversation at the dining room table. But once the stargazer lilies faded & were removed, the vase made it there. The white roses began to tire & the gathering was whittled down to a bouquet appropriate for my design table. It has resided there until today, when I removed all but some delicate heather-like stems, a few of the green pompoms, & the last remaining stem of "smelly" carnations. So here I sit, in my favorite room, surrounded by my favorite sights & sounds (kitty kats & Ella Fitzgerald), drinking my favorite latte flavor (pumpkin spice) ..... and pondering.

Life's ups & downs

If you have a heart beat & brain waves (regardless of how many) ... you've had your share of ups & downs in life. Most people will also agree that it is life's downs that truly give us the appreciation of the the ups. AND best of all- you don't have to have a down to match every up, if you learn from your mistakes or misfortune! As I posted previously ..... my life is a bowl of kumquats. SO ... in my case .... I am way past the ups & downs (for the most part) and now experience ins & outs .... or at least I did today.
The food kind. The brand spankin' new, smiling faced trainees, grand opening in AG where my beloved Sizzler used to be kind. The 400 calorie, 18 grams of fat kind. The kind that I have (always) been able to get exactly the way I WANT .... every time. The kind with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato & thousand island (ish) dressing. No pulling stuff off. No special ordering. Just my way. And as the saying that the Captain has recently adopted goes ...... "it tasted as good as I wanted it to!!"

I hope my toad has reverted back to a tadpole!!

Yesterday, my head felt like it was as big (and heavy) as a bowling ball. I slept in an extra hour, & landed back into bed a couple hours later & slept 3+ hours, & slept nearly another 2 hours while Ken was fixing dinner! Dayquil. allergy meds & Nyquil, along with a motrin & I hit the pillow at 10pm ready to sleep some more. BUT- I feel a lot better today & an early morning walk on the beach, trip to the pet store for "lizard food", quick stop at the grocery store, & some minor gardening & I am still upright. I see that as feeling a lot better, despite the persistant sinus headache. I want to hit the ground running with this retirement gig!

unfortunate 1 undeniable 2

I know people are already thinking about Thanksgiving menus and family gatherings & I know that also includes feeding the less fortunate .... perhaps by volunteering to deliver meals or working at a kitchen or even adding to the donation barrels outside of various grocery stores.

BUT, I must say I was still a little surprised to see that someone was so far ahead of the game that they had to have the first turkey leg!! Low & behold we found that the fowl on our flagpole had met with foul play!!!

THAT being the case .... a flag change is in order ... but before I head out to catch up on some chores .... let me share last night's sunset with you. It was the best yet (and the pictures do it far from justice) It was colorful & lasted a really long time. I wish I had thought to catch the quarter moon with the sky full of color a little sooner.

But you get the idea. Glass of wine, a few chips or crackers, & a great sunset .... it was a lanai evening indeed!