not able for cable ... go set the table

well- to be more correct ... we have opted, at least for a while- to LIMIT our expanse of cable tv. The prices keep going up (& up & up) and .... let's be honest, we'd all be better off with less of it! The issues we ran into were that much of what I was watching was on expanded which we have eliminated but again ... doesn't hurt me a bit. Just changes things. I have found that I don't turn it on (for noise) as often, if I need some entertaining ... well we have Netflix & Hulu to connect with. AND (unfortunately) .... the news is still available!
IN THE MEANTIME- little projects are getting my attention, chores are getting done all in one day (instead of an hour for this & an hour for that) and .... I seem to have more time :o) Now, if I was to lose my electricity ... then you might hear some painful moaning & groaning for a while!!

that lovin' feelin' ..... (no TMI this time)

I have finished my banner due to post in a couple of days and found out that my incredible hubby has been fast at work on his own Valentine plans. A few weeks ago I told him that all I wanted for V day was a love letter from him. I have plenty of theses and way too many that's and I don't need anymore of the other stuff .... but having his thoughts in writing would be a wonderful gesture. Now don't misunderstand - I DO want them presented during a quiet dinner for 2!

Due to the expense he went to for my Bday present .... he announced it was also my Vday present (totally understandable), but I did ask if he was trying to get out of writing my love letter and he just laughed (?) AND TODAY I found out that he has made additional quiet time for 2 plans for us as well- and again I asked if he was doing it instead of putting words to print. Now, I should point out here that he is always romantic, loving & demonstrative on both counts- so it's not like he could write anything he hasn't communicated to me, soooooo .... if the "letter" never materializes .... he's certainly not in the dog house in any way, shape, or form!! To say that I am spoiled is an understatement to the Nth degree. (and I wonder on a regular basis what I did to deserve how special he treats me!!!) I love this man of mine ..... and not JUST in February!

dis is da dede day

my first outing with the Captain .... finally, I was available, HE was available, & the weather was awesome too!! NOW, to document it in my P365. Happy Day to meeeeeeeee.

today is my favorite day

I could almost say (everyday) that "today" is always my favorite day. I have something to be thankful for or something special to enjoy nearly every-single-day.

But when I say today is my favorite day TODAY .... it's because it is the day I arrive back home. Whether it is 2 days away or 2

weeks .... my favorite day is this day. When I am home, when I can sit in my design studio, water my orchids, feed my fish, pet my kitty kats, sleep in my own bed, take a bubble bath .... and anticipate a vist with a friend or neighbor I've missed. AND THESE THINGS are just the tip of the iceberg for me. When I am home, I feel whole again. I feel at peace. I feel loved (more than anywhere else). And I had a prize awaiting me upon my return. My 2010 blog book arrived and it looks great!

I have already unpacked. I have already sorted some laundry. I have already put my birthday present in it's case (that I ordered in anticipation of it) and I am already feeling like ...... me. ahhhhhhhh with a cherry on top!

nervy, disrespectful (and a bag of chips)

while sitting in this restaurant ......
chatting amongst ourselves with anticipation of a yummy-fied lunch (part of our regular routine when here in P.S.)- what should we be subjected to but a business meeting going on between 3 men in the next booth.

I would estimate their ages at 55, 60+ & 65+ yrs, with the elder of the trio doing most of the talking. His voice was a few decimals louder than necessary, UNLESS one of them was hard of hearing (and if so, why conduct a meeting in a busy establishment?). As if it wasn't annoying enough to hear his game plans for the coming year .... he was particularly fond of the F word. And I mean ... as often as a teenager uses the word "like". I felt sorry for the server working their table, I was embarassed for them as adults to use such language so openly, and I was annoyed that I had to listen to it.

Why are some people so oblivious to those around them? Common courtesy seems a rarity these days and that disappoints me greatly. I want to see the best in people first, but the more I see, & the more I am aware of people around me ... the more difficult that is! ARGH

A post from ....... "the PAD"

Here I am .... Tapping away at a flat screen that NOW has many fingerprints on it and getting the feel of things. I took it to bed with me last night and still have all sorts of things I want to look for and check out and fiddle with. The Captain's weather station doesn't show up so he will just have to use his phone if he wants to know what's happnin' at home!! As for me, it's where I am that concerns me until I'm leavin' !! And on that note .... I think I'm leaving my blog right now!

doing the bunny hop & playing with F stop

We stuck sort of close to the roost today. Pop needed a rest, & I needed to make sure he was following protocal ... We had lunch out at one of our favorite haunts- then took it easy ..... but in doing so, it didn't stop us from checking out the wild life (?) This critter must be the pet of one of the residents here, since we've seen it (them) the last couple of years about the same spot. Staying put, gave me the opportunity to take a look at some of the print outs I had from my sister's photography class too ... I was working on depth of field .... & I (obviously) need more practice.

havin a cup of coffee is lookin good!

THIS was my scenery as I enjoyed
a toasty cup of Joe this evening.

my adolescent husband (and yours I imagine)

My husband was "caught" hiding the raisin snails this morning.

well .... actually, he was hoping to hide them.

To his credit- he is usually a good sharer ... but he has mentioned being in the mood for HIS fav pastry a few times recently- so when he came back to the condo with a full box of Svenhard's goodies (cuz the store did NOT have the right ones in a 4-pack), he had probably already devoured his "chosen ones" mentally. BUT- his actions reminded me of my own kids when they were .... hmmmm ..... 10 or 12 maybe!! He got a good kidding over it (and knows he is now the subject of this posting).

Let's face it, all men are little boys at heart .... and we're probably lucky that "kid" doesn't come out more often!!

$16 couture !!!!

OMG .... I could have spent a L-O-T more time (& money) in this place if I had either (thank goodness I didn't) EVERYTHING in the store is 16.00 (seriously) and I have to say .... I was shocked! There was tons of clothing, shoes, scarfs, jewelry of MANY types and purses (lots of styles) The merchandise is arranged according to color- so if there is a particular hued item ... you don't have to wander the entire store. In a given section it may be different shades of (ie) pink but include sweaters, jackets, tanks, dresses, skirts, etc. It's awesome .... the sizes run a little small .... so I found little that was "fluffy" enough for my bod .... but, trust me .... that was a good thing. The baubles ranged from bangles to wild earings, beaded items, & long chains with fun, oversized, pendants. AND- I'm not exagerating when I estimate over a thousand scarves!! Very friendly, very organized place. I was impressed (& excited). The guys were doing their own thing ... and I was shoppin' away. Here are my "treasures".

Hoarding? I hope not.

I have overheard Rosie O'Donnell discuss the tv program about hoarders .... and I watched it for the first time tonight. RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND .... I want to go home and clean out a room, or a closet, or at least another drawer!
After mom's passing nearly 4 years ago ... we had Dad packed up and moved in a couple of months. A lot of sorting, donating, compressing, trashing, & gifting was done during the process, but as time narrowed, we packed up some things that we knew would have to wait til after he was settled in with us. According to plan .... we put dad to the task. It was difficult for him, as you would expect, and the time came when the Captain and I had to take some of the responsibility on ourselves as well. Being able to pass on things to people who need them far more than any of us, is a good end point, but getting there ..... well, we are still on that journey. In the meantime- the Captain and I have discussed the need to avoid creating the same situation ourselves. Currently, I believe we are losing that battle. On my part ... I may have tipped the scale this past year in a forward direction (getting rid of more than I'm adding) .... but my better half is not doing his part in the "stuff" war. He SEEMS to be listening to me more about it, but I've yet to lead him toward the light. I'm not giving up .... even if it means my nudging turns to the dark side by way of nagging .... CUZ, I don't want my kids to have to figure out what to do with all our ...... STUFF. For the moment, maybe I'll just clean out the make up bag in my purse!!

livin' the princess life today!

The guys took off to go to the aviation museum mid morning, leaving me to my own resources. oh darn. What will I do with myself ??? Well, let me just say that with a computer at my disposal, along with TJ Maxx, Michaels, & World Market virtually across the street .... I think I'll survive!! (and I already took today's dip in the pool. I had it to myself as well :o) ahhhh peace & quiet)

Palm Springs welcomed us with sunshine!

Our drive east to P.S. was smooth sailin' today! The weather was perf, the traffic fairly light, & my companions ..... well, the boys are ALWAYS entertaining! The hills along 166 were carpeted in green and had we not a ways to go ... I would have been stopping here & there for some funky tree pics. Lots of craggly ones as I call 'em. I took most of the pics right thru the window until the sun was hitting my side .... then it was up to Pa to hold on to his hat if I rolled the window down suddenly!

..... after so much rain this year, the lakes & reservoirs were full & gleaming. As we rose to higher elevations, it looked like the sunlight danced across the surfaces. Very kewl.

The Captain and I took a speedy walk a block from the condo to

pick up a bottle of wine to christen the new innards of the unit. Everything is brand spankin' new & looks totally fab!!! Here ..... I am using my "Vanna White" style to show off the glamorous cleaning gloves I picked up (so I can look cute when I clean the bathrooms huh??) and my glass of Riesling that the Captain picked out (it was yummy too)

.

I set up a little "station" for my Project 365 gear & supplies (it was in a the biggest suitcase that we brought on the trip!?!) and already tucked my pictures for today into it!! wooo-hooo ..... I'm bookin it!

photo ID contest entry???

I rattled off as many frames as I could, considering I didn't think about it til the last minute (duh) ... but then .... I decided that it actually is very appropriate for what was happening at the time anyway. Sorta MANIC. I'm posting the exposure where some of the wording can be read, so it's not really a mystery anyway (certainly NOT to our neighbors)

Most important of all .... pops in good hands. All was fine by the EMT, etc arrival but to play it safe .... a quick check in at the local ER "just in case".

d.a.d. & v-day plan

continuing on my drawer a day (d.a.d.) vendetta against clutter ... I actually ended up with 3 drawers and a cupboard by 10:15 this morning and, I don't think I'm outta the mood yet. I started thinking about the mish-mash of stuff in my computer armoire that has since become a storage locker .... hmmmm. AND last night I told the Captain that I could describe EXACTLY what I wanted for Valentines Day (besides a dinner for two). He was excited to hear ... until I told him it was a love letter from him. His grin took a trip slightly south as he thought about it- but I think he's up to the task. (and it's far cheaper than what he usually does too). In the meantime .... my mind is also wander about the romance department to think of something I haven't already told him dozens of times. I have some creative writing to do of my own! If I get busy on it .... I could even get it into the mail and do it proper-like. :o) love is in the air !

trust that INNER voice

I CAN remember many times when I heard the voice, but didn't listen!! With my life a little lower in key & stress levels, it makes sense that the "voice" is more easily heard .... and listened to.

.

.

each of us solves issues or problems by different manner. Just remember if there is any reason or person telling you a decision has to be made right now- then you gotta listen to your instincts ..... it's pretty rare that anything is THAT timely!

.

be patient, be willing to change, be willing to visualize or sleep on it, the help you need will be there.

Just Listen.

"the good life" does not make you happy

I have found that being financially comfortable has never made me happy. It has only made misery, disappointment, fear, & disappointment "look" better. Financial woes not withstanding, money doesn't solve your problems, it simply takes your mind off them. Ultimately .... they come back around and you will use your bucks to wisk you into oblivion again. I know people with great jobs, big accounts, groovey cars, nice houses, lotsa travel opportunities, evenings out, etc- that, at the end of the day are not unhappy in the pure sense of the word, but ARE unfulfilled. And it will wear on them over time, trust me.
SO- while you may not have the dinero to live the life you desire, you can still be very happy living the life you have on your current rupees. And ultimately .... YOU are going to be the thing that makes you happy anyway.
FIND that something that gives you purpose each morning and at the end of the day ... look at your accomplishments. Feeling good about yourself is the start to true happiness. Find it within- spread it about- & it will return to you twice fold. (a pinch of salt or sugar doesn't hurt either)

what a gorgeous winter day here!

the key word (of course) being "winter". It's not unusual for us to have a few such days ... particularly in December. It's been upper 60's to mid 70's for a week now & not stopping anytime real soon. In the valleys (1.5 hours away) ... tule fog and highs in the 40's everyday!

THIS is the place to be (and Oprah agreed .... they were here over the weekend taping for an upcoming showing) wooo hoooo

gotta love those glamour shots!!

I have no words for this one .... there's no excuse.

TODAY

I was sitting here (on my lanai) ... FINALLY getting to my Christmas edition of Martha Stewart's magazine, and a breeze fluttered thru. I closed my eyes ... because somehow, I feel it more intensely that way (I guess), and I noticed the flow of the water over the rocky fountain up here seemed to change pitch. About that time a gaggle of song sparrows started what sound like an argument in my lemon tree. They paused for a split second and then, I swear, it sounded like a bunch of women cackling. I think one of them told a blonde joke or something and sent them into hysterics! THAT gave me a fly-by thought of what my kitchen sounded like when Kitty & Spikey were in it a while back. And then .... I glanced back down at my magazine, and continued the conversation I was having earlier with myself about how it's much cheaper to look at the December issue AFTER Christmas .... so I don't wanna run out and buy stuff to make my table look like this, or my craft room to look like that. And I am back in the moment. THIS is the way I live my life most of the time now. Doing (mostly) what I want to, when I want to do it. But I have found that I enjoy my day even more if I do a little goal setting the night before. I appreciate my non-scheduled part of the day if I accomplish something productive. I have 2 things on my plate today .... first- I am going to de-weed my serenity garden while it is just a "little here & a little there" and then, I'm going to spend some time in the store room. It can ALWAYS use some sorting. And the Captain was wondering if he still had a book that he's pretty sure his mom would've kept around. So I am on a treasure hunt there. SO .... pile of magazines- here I come .... right after I get to the MEAT of the day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIA GULIA !!!!!

to a delightful neighbor , friend, confidante, & partner in crime. I love you !!!

broccoli, brussel sprouts, & black-eyed peas

I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYONE CLAIMS ......

you CAN teach an old dog new tricks !! The Captain is living proof! I cannot even imagine what he will try next. I don't know if he is truly curious ... or just likes the look of shock on my face. But I love it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANESSA ! !

some of us deal with the "#" attached to our age far better than others. i won't mention any names, but my sister CINDY hates the idea of a larger & LARGER number each year. the bottom line, I have found, is that since you can't (really) change it .... you might as well wallow in it !!

.

.

Happy Birthday to a terrific young lady that I have grown to love very much!!!!

It must be Friday .... my lemons are ripe!

ON THIS MOST GORGEOUS of days ... I glanced out toward the ocean :o) and noted that our lemon tree was FULL of fruit. So it meant a lovely hour or so catching some vitamin D and snipping citrus, Since there was far toooo many just to keep to myself (that is ... after putting some in the fridge & tossing a few in a bowl or container for practically every room in the house), I dropped some off at a friends' work.

...

and did I mention how beautiful today was????

I have the goofiest (and greatest) friends!

a while back .... the Captain and I disagreed on an addition to the wall decor next to the surfboard "art" that we had mounted already.

Low & behold ... a few days later said items showed up in the mail- and with that, they were framed & hung. While I felt then (and still do now) that they were appropriate, just not "needed" ... it created an entire scenario with our friends. They, #1- found what he was talking about and were tickled to be able to send them on to him and .... #2- were, perhaps, even MORE tickled that they could get my goat!!

.

We have all spoken many times about the incident with great humor ... and although the whole thing took place over 2 years ago ... it wasn't until about 7-8 weeks ago that the surfboard was re-situated so that the wall was balanced out with the additional wall decor. Another example of the Captains "get right on it" timing!! This letter accompanied the gift at the time.

To the Betty Boop in my life ....

In honor of a

VERY special lady!!

Happy Birthday.

I miss you more than words can express!

my roses look like calla lilies

Retirement has made it possible for me to take time to stop & smell the roses every day ..... and I'm trying to convince my Captain to do the same. The process is moving quite slow. He lines up too much to do, then adds to the list. That's too frustrating to me. I set my expectations far lower than that. He & I think differently on this subject. Lately, I have stated to the Captain on at least 3 occassions that if something in particular consistantly DOES NOT meet his expectations- then he should either lower them, or change his reaction to the disappointment. He scoffs at this, and I scoff at his frustration. Our scoff encounters are all in good humor, but it's another example of left brain VS right brain. Mars va Venus. Rattled vs relaxed. It's why he has more gray hair, (and less hair for that matter), more wrinkles, more headaches, less time, and always, ALWAYS ...... a much longer "list". Years ago, when I was working 50 hr weeks- it was important to make lists so that I stayed focused and organized enough to get everything done. When I went to part time, lists enabled me to know at a glance how much more I could add to my plate. Now, my lists remind me that there are still things to accomplish on a regular basis. And on my list somewhere .... in some way .... for some amount of time ..... is the opportunity to once again, stop and smell the roses, every day.

the circle of life- my version

As children, it's pretty rare that we appreciate the care & worry that goes into the parenting. That which keeps us healthy & safe, and rears us to become responsible adults. More often than not, we don't realize how well it was done until we are adults. We are, (most of us) particularly unthankful (and somewhat underserving) of the love, devotion, & patience through our teen years. Constantly testing and stretching boundries. But, for the most part, .... everyone comes out at the end, though perhaps a bit more wrinkled & gray haired .... to love each other in our own way. And in the best of circumstances, also showing that love and appreciation routinely back to our parents. For some, that is continued well into our adulthood as life comes full circle and we, in turn, are using the tools we learned from them .... with them. That is, they are now the ones needing the guidence to stay healthy & safe. But as adult as we may be, there is still some learning to be done. Although the premise is the same .... the means to it's end is not. We are not teaching them the laws of the land. not instilling morals or ethics. But we are parenting by way of guidence .... to lead them to the watering hole. We are helping them to help themselves. We are there to advise, when asked. (and gingerly we do so ahead of time on occassion) And sometimes, even against their wishes, if that's what's needed. And ..... herein lies the greatest challenge of it all. They are chronologically adults, having earned the right to make their choices. UNLESS (due to illmess or condition) they are in teenager mode). Then, with all respect intended ...... we cant' always allow it. Sometimes we have to be the bad cops. AND ONCE AGAIN ... when all is said & done, you hope that at the end of the day everyone knows (or is told) that it is out of love. and choice. and the belief that it will keep them healthy & safe .... & be around for a lot longer!!

determination & lotsa caffeine

WHILE I AM staying focused on my Project 365 (and early Bday pres from my sis) ..... I DID need to post these for the sake of the

friends that took part in the day and are dying to "see" why they enjoyed it soooo much.

quirky kat .... 1 sardine short of a picnic!

this ..... is Popoki (aka POKI, Yellow Kitty, Big Lion)

and he's superstitious. ADHD, OCD, PDQ .... or something.

Now, I know what you're thinking. He's a cat, he has habits. Silly Habits. BUT THAT'S NOT IT. I have stated on many occassions that he developes a habit, only to change it as soon as you have pointed it out. THIS is different. THIS is pure & singularly .... POKI behavior that I speak of now. The only common denominator is that it all seems to revolve around food. Let me explain, and you be the judge!!

EVERY morning .... he walks along my side of the bed and stops about waist high to me and stares. I sense him there, but if it's earlier than usual ... I pretty much drift back to sleep. He walks down the bed, across my feet- up the other side, usually about chest high on this trip. I open my eyes and he takes another step closer and eases in for me to pet him. If I stop, he walks back down the bed, across my feet & up the other side for more. If I don't respond, he taps at my pillow repeatedly. If I still don't, he walks across my stomach to the other side & taps again. MOST of the time, he is purring the entire time. Now I agree, all of this is just one of his habits or routines. The funny part is, if the Captain reaches out to pet him, he jumps down and waits, cries out, paces, & cries out some more .... cuz HE KNOWS the Captain is likely to be the one to get up & feed him! He will NOT let the Captain touch him on the bed before breakfast!! Again ... habit. BUTTTTT .... when you walk toward the kitchen (which is a straight shot once you come down the hall) ... he WILL NOT go straight in. He makes a left, around the dining room & a right into the kitchen. EVERY TIME. Even if he happens to be in the kitchen already when you start down the hall, he comes out & goes around to the other entry. That's odd-cat #1. The other cat-stance is at night. The movie ends, the music starts up with the credits & Poki pops out of a sound sleep to head into the kitchen for his bedtime snack. (it's like he hears the clock chime or something) Only not straight into the kitchen (which in this case IS THE ENTRY he usually comes in) .... he walks to the left a-r-o-u-n-d the dining room table ... then into the kitchen. without fail. One time .... he came straight in & just as I was pointing it out to the Captain- Poki stopped and walked out & around the table & back in again. SERIOUSLY .... this is one OCD cat!!!

1+1= 4

First thing this morning I finished the last of the wrapping needed for
our journey to celebrate "Christmas in Bako". That accomplished, my
next goal was to pack up all of the holiday decor to get it back into the

attic. Between the 2 chores, I lost count at 20 trips down stairs or up to

the attic. HENCE .... by lunch time, a little help was in order. I have a few things
left to do but I am pleasantly surprised at what I was able to accomplish!
SOME DAYS just go a little more smoothly than others. YAY 4 me.

letting go ....

Most often ... the concept of letting go has a negative inference surrounding it. But that's not always the case. The need to let go may have come from such .... but the act of letting go can be the first step to a life that is far from it. In most cases, I imagine, life brings a little of each. As in mine.

Letting go of the childhood dream that my "real" father would find me and have an amazing story of how he had travelled the world endlessly in search of me. Letting go of the dream that I'd make a mark on the world that everyone I knew would be in admiration of. Letting go of the picket fence fantasy of the perfect marriage followed by 2.5 children and a golden retriever. letting go of body issues. letting go of being the constant go-to girl. letting go of always trying to please everyone else ahead of myself. letting go of past hurts that affect the present. Many, and in fact most of my conscious letting-go campaigns have been significantly improved (if not totally successful). It's not easy, & not instant.

My current work in progress is the set of flickering candles the Captain brought home before Christmas. Knowing that come warmer weather, I will relinquish them without a second thought ... at this point in time, I find myself comforted by the mental warmth they create in my environment. Mentioning this, the Captain told me he liked them as well and to keep them out as long as I like! problem (?) solved. ALRIGHT- in all honesty, the candles have nothing to do with anything at all on this subject. I do like them and I do currently have them sprinkled about my studio. BUT, I am trying to let go of the fears and ties that are keeping me from returning to my music. I remember only too well how much it once meant to me. I know the therapudic & emotional outlet it once provided me. It's hard work and joyous at the same time, but there is a little tug-o-war going on inside me. And .... a soft sweet Betty like voice urging me forward. SO- rather than letting go of the joy it once filled me with, I want to let go of the ties I feel are holding me back. In this case, I am letting go of those little recordings that tell me to be scared .... in favor of the one that encourages me to take the 2nd step.

tackling the post-Xmas chores

Over the next few days .... I will manage to catch up & tuck away (as a result of) Christmas. In spending time doing this, I will again need to catch up on other things by this time next week. But after that .... it will be business as usual.

Things are moving right along, but it will get much worse before it gets better, and have a few trips to the attic in my near future.

.

Rather than waste more time at the moment ... I'm gonna get back to said chores right now. It could be a long day ahead.

tah-tah but not goodbye

and another girl's weekend came to a close today!

.

It was actually our annual ring in the new year with the tripod couples time .... but the guys know (and agree) it's really all about us women!! There was some outdoor activities (when weather allowed), games, late night chats, & over indulging meals .... but best of all- keeping company with people we tend to only see 2-3 times a year. Jokes, sarcasm, advice, soap boxing, teasing, laughter, & learning are all part of the curriculum .... culminating with hugs by & with all. And they we hope our lives allow us another shot at it before long. Thanks gals (and guys)

and the music plays on (I think)

Tonight, at the urging of my husband, and accompanied by two of the most musical ladies I know .... I sang. I made music. Less than I used to. FAR more than I have in a very long, long, long, long, long time. (as the Captain would say). I was as nervous and anxious as the new kid in class, but excited at the same time. So- as I have MANY times before .... I have to thank these 3 people for pushing (a little) and encouraging (a lot)- to get me to take this step. I know now that the music is still in my heart and just needs a little warming up (and a whole lot of exercising). TY to the Central Coast Celebration Chorus for making us feel welcome tonight!!
Watch out region 11, here I come (I think)

Christmas is starting to fall apart!!

this little trail .....

is a result of this not-so-little tree
that

met
it's
demise

today.
All in all .... the tree was in pretty good shape (I think we brought it home around the 10th) .... but (nearly) all good things come to an end. AND THIS CHORE is never really a fun one .... til today! My singin' buddy Smurf & I watched The Witches of Eastwick while we were stripping the tree of it's adornments. It seemed to take no time at all and bestest .... the living room looks bigger (and cleaner). Even though I am not ready to clear out the holidays completely (since some of the glam will disappear) it will mean our visit with friends are coming to an end for this time around.

It has been a really warm & enjoyable holiday, even though there were loved ones we lost this year. They WERE with us by way of traditions and stories..... but it's not quite the same of course. NOW .... time to shift into the 2011 gear. It's here, & we're hoping to make it an improvement over this past one. Time will pass and those we lost will be less in our thoughts and MORE a part of our motions & deeds!!

glorious VS gloomy

rainy, rainy day and ..... it's beautiful!!

some may see this as a gloomy.

NOT ME!

The greens against the marble grays of the sky are rich. The lights in our house are cheery and bright against the landscape. I love, love, love it!!!

2010 is kicked to the curb!!

NOT only did we make it to midnight without losing anyone's interest .... we made it to 1am and had only lost one (and Marlo, I promise not to tell that it was YOU). By now, everyone else is tucked safely into their beds after a dinner feast of lasagne, dessert of apple-cranberry crumble top cobbler (the 4 C's), a 2 hour ROCK BAND event that had everyone involved, and the midnight toasting of champagne. A couple episodes of Twilight Zone and there was an occassional snore to be heard .... along with a lot of yawns & eye rubbing. For a bunch of old folks (and a spunky teen) .... we did a pretty darn good job of starting off 2011 with lots of laughter.