Snow!!!

Patricia took a picture of our first snow from her front porch.    It snowed most of the day but it came down more like white rain , soft, sticking to the roof of a car, or a house, but the streets stayed clear for some time, then it decided to stick and it looked like we were in for it..then..it stopped.   Our first Port Orchard snow.   We have so many huge hills around here that the city has a zigzag pattern to follow to go into town.

Maybe so, it is getting to know the 'whole' person that makes for beautiful friendships, loving companions and new faces to add to your home and hearth.   I met some folks over the holiday I'd love to see again.  I would put my side three on a high shelf and forget where I put it.     
 

Yep, feel just like this.   I have been wined and dined and have boxes of cookies still left, plus candy in a dish and in the refrigerator.   I even had the rest of y slice of fruit cake for breakfast awhile ago.    Burp, bubble and squeak surround my frame and I do know where I hid everything.

Frost on a fence.   Wow!!

A new week and we are heading for one more holiday....the beginning of a New Year...2016....It is time to start thinking about the New Year resolutions you intend to keep....but probably never will....but the idea is a good one.    and I think instead of diet, exercise and a few other improvements on your list, I will go for the Sun Gazing words and try to be 'good' this year to "accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be." so join me and have a very "Happy New Year."

 

New seconds in a new week, use them wisely.    Be good, be kind, be careful and take time to light a candle or two for those who have had a bout with Mother Nature and have to rebuild all over again.    The Food Banks did a spectacular job over the Christmas holiday and will need replenishing so go to that cupboard filled with all kinds of soups and 'stuff' and share.    If you forgot and got to busy to remember our men and women in service, choose a  packet of bubble yum and mail it off.  Those desert countries leave you dry.   

 

Christmas brings out kindness.   Let us hope the New Year will bring out the courage of our own convictions.   So be kind, be a lover, be all you can be.    Use those seconds wisely , rest up between chores and when the snow falls, grin and bare it as it brings up new challenges when you have a shovel in hand and a huge pile to clear a path to your door.    Coffee pot on?  Well, it should be.    Left over Christmas goodies by the ton, have a party.   Don't be shy, get in the mood and celebrate YOU and make someone smile today.    Hugs to all.

Sunday News.

a herd of Elk run in the snow.   You would run too if you were out there in the cold.  

A beautiful picture ...a Full moon  Christmas Night.    How lovely our world looks when the moon shines bright.

Erin and friend enjoying a hike in the heat of lovely Hula sands . . .

It seems there are ghosts ;  we just don't take time out to look for them.  someone took a picture and this is the results.   It certainly looks  like and angel to me.     Makes you think doesn't it?

 

 

Sunday morning, hard to think of it as Sunday but holidays do that to us.   If they come in on a week day then we are confused for the rest of the week.   It is cold here this morning as the heater is on.  It is nice and cozy in here.   I am almost awake, coffee cup at the elbow and the remnants of a good old fashioned fried egg sandwich.  So much of my promise to make myself some blueberry pancakes. What are you doing there when you could be here. . .um. . . probably making some special ones of your very own.  Well bon appetite!!

From what I heard yesterday at the dinner hour was good words about the folks having a great Christmas with family and or friends.    Several were sporting new tops and told tales of their Christmas day.   Vinnie was a no show and that was a third day.   I was beginning to think something was wrong but Gina told me she had checked on him in the morning and he was fine.    Maybe Christmas is hard for him.  I had her slide an envelope under his door which contained a gift certificate to his favorite ice cream stop and a big chocolate bar as Vinnie has a sweet tooth.   Later, a knock on my door and there he stood with a piece of fruit cake for me and a used shopping bag.  He really is quite a character.  He wouldn't stay but did say  he was having back problems and just didn't feel like being out and about.    So the lost is found and maybe we will get back to reading the sequel "War and Romance' (I think is the title) and find out what happened to Pug and his family during World War II.

So this Sunday, find a cozy spot and relax.   Do yourself a favor and do a lot of nothing;  days like that help make you healthy, wealthy and wise.     If you get restless, call someone in to share some of those goodies you have to use up.    I am going to have to buy a piece of ham as I keep think of our hostess and her delicious sweet ham that would taste good this morning.    John and Jo had Prime Rib and that would be a taste treat but I am sure they have no left overs and way to far away to travel to. I wonder if Mike brought home some left overs.  I'll have to find out, but he has snow and is cracking ice for the horses to drink so that's out.    Erin was hiking on the beach in Hawaii ..now that sounds like the place to be but that would take ticket money so she will have to have that fresh pineapple all by herself.    Too bad there isn't a fast service to fly left overs to those who enjoy munching on all that good stuff.    So go and have a feast of left overs and sit back and do a lot of nothing...you earned it.    Um...wonder if Jock caught a fish. . . salmon on the grill. . . doesn't that have a nice sound to it; and he is a master chef.   I am always amazed when someone says they don't want to eat ....can't figure that out as I am always first at the table...smile.

Enjoy your Sunday in whatever you choose to do.  Just add a good deed, a hug or two and relax.  Hugs to all.

Day After

In case you didn't get any mail.....the magpie wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Remember to thank the fantastic police force for the work they do in helping to make the holidays safe, happy and bright for thousands of children.

A good thought to keep in mind as you heal from whatever tried to control your life.  You are blessed with a strong heart and mind and know how to take control of you.

The day after Christmas is always a 'let-down' day , not a bad day, just a day to realize that all that plotting and planning and hard work paid off with a special really merry time and now you can sit back and relax knowing that YOU made our special holiday a blessing and fun for family and friends.   The oohs, the aahs, the smiles, the tears told us a lot about being treasured and loved.   The giggles, the smiles,  told how much you are treasured.   The knock on the door, the special plate of cookies, and that tasty fruit cake you turn your nose up at....all had a special message as you received the embrace of those you love and like.   The long distance calls, the loving voices of those who could not join you on Christmas morning but let you know they were with you in spirit.   Watching the Hallmark Christmas stories were a lot of fun just because they did have happy endings.    And, the frosting on the cake was the invitation to join friends for dinner and be wined and dined in great conversations and lots of hugs.  

Christine, Patricia and I were invited to a friend's home in McCormick Woods.   A lovely area of huge homes and of course one of the best golf clubs around.   The streets are wide, the homes spectacular and the inside with very high ceilings, huge rooms, a fireplace to die for and a table set for a King.   Gifts were brought for the host and hostess and the chairs were filled with happy faces and voices.    No one was a stranger for long.    

The smell of special dishes permeating the rooms, yes, the taste buds were at the ready.   A lovely ham, escalloped potatoes, baked broccoli, a special molded salad, cranberries and rolls to die for.   The drink of your choice and all topped off with the biggest chocolate cake that you made room for even though you were already sated.   Voices became familiar although names were already lost, it just didn't matter.   The conversations were lively and the smiles welcoming as you felt welcomed and strangers no more. A lovely way to spend Christmas Day when you could not be  with family and old friends.

Hearing granddaughter Erin's voice on the telephone from Hawaii was a special treat.  She sounded healthy and happy although she plans to be 'home' next holiday season.    We will see her May and that is something we are really looking forward to.

The only complaint I had, yes, there is always something to complain about. . . was little or no Christmas music this year.   I miss the old songs and the Christmas carols.   I heard a few jazzed ones on the radio which I didn't care for...don't need the carols jazzed up.   Some things are much to sacred and beautiful to change . . .  maybe each generation will carry on the traditions of the old times, they really were worth while.    I was gifted with a radio which I have sorely missed.   I will find my station and my music and be content.    Humming and singing makes our world go round and I intend to do a lot of it from here on in.    So if you come this way bring your vocal cords along as I will have some music to hum to.  

I thought of each and every one of you and prayed that your Christmas was merry and bright, filled with love and laughter.    I hope it was and  hoped that smiles were your umbrella if you had rain drops in your life.     Share YOU with those you love and like.   Remember no good deed is lost as you tread your way through life reaching out to make someone happy.  What goes around comes around...and think of the joy you receive on the other end.    Breathe deep as there is another holiday on the way....get ready for a brand new year......meanwhile finish up the old one with lots of hugs and kisses;  send a few this way.  Hugs to all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS NIGHT

In some places, like Nevada, and elsewhere there is cold, ice, wind and snow.   Ice on the water buckets and son Michael is out on the ranch breaking the ice so the horses can have a drink of water.   "Baby, its' cold outside"....

And no fruit cake arrived.  oh well....guess I'll have to go buy one.

Snow Flakes are so different....so beautiful....one of our Wonders!!

Nevada Ranch land in the Sierras....

Just got back in from a Christmas sabbatical  and had a ham dinner with all kinds of wonderful side dishes and ending with a three layer all dark chocolate cake to die for....no room...but no trouble making some..smile.

Good folks,   fun company,  a beautiful home, a wonderful way to share Christmas afternoon and evening.   

I'm back , full, tired and ready to do a lot of  nothing, BUT,  I had to say I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful Christmas day and are feeling sated and happy.

have sweet dreams when you get there. . . gear up for a New Year . . . and make a pact with yourself to eat less, exercise more, and slow down once all the frivolities are over and done with.   I hope you made new friends,   paid attention to the old ones and spread a lot of love and laughter.    I'll be back.  Hugs to all.

Christmas Eve

"Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse"  "um. . . and you think I should be singing!!!  

for some parents it is never ending...smile....well, you wanted the sound of happy feet. . . and you got it. . . so count your blessings and know that the best is yet to come.

Ah, Family and Friends alike;   you fit the bill . . . how lucky I am.

Our friend Diane is a button collector.    I wonder if she had a hand in this picture.    what a novel idea and very beautiful.

Christmas Eve . . . it is here. . . I don't know about you but I miss the Christmas music this year.    I watched the Christmas movie with Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra  and enjoyed watching the scenes of Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island.   I walked down that avenue a hundred times.    The scenes taken with one of the mansions were great and if I were to go back for a visit, I would go through them one more time.    An annual Christmas movie and quite a few different stars played the leads.  Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant were in one.    I've seen two versions of Scrooge, both well done and one Walt Disney one that was odd , different and very enjoyable.    So Christmas is really here and today is your last chance to catch up with yourself.    I've been invited out to dinner at the Lighthouse with Christine and her friends.   I hope they have some Christmas music . . . it really is missing this year.  

 

I think I told you that we finished reading 'Winds of War" and have started the sequel "War and Remembrance" which started off recapturing some of the moments of the Pearl Harbor attack.    Vinnie bought himself a Christmas present. . . a big table book...an Atlas that is really truly beautiful and huge.    The pictures, maps and views even into space are quite spectacular.   Sue stopped in at supper time so I shared my soup with her.    Doris gave me two big beautiful cook books she had been given and doesn't cook anymore, so I have them for my girls.  Big table book size cookbooks with lots of interesting things to make.   Will they curse me or bless me?   Time will tell.

 

So I am off to pack an overnight bag and spend tonight at Christine's home so I'll be there for Christmas breakfast and the opening of gifts.  I have hope that Christine will set up her computer so I can greet you Christmas morning.   But...if it fails , know I love each and everyone of you;  I wish you a blessed happy and  Merry Christmas to you and all your family.   Make your Christmas big, bright and beautiful, just like YOU.     Hugs to all.

 

 

The eve of the eve. . .

Only our artist friend Sharon Guinn could come up with this Christmas greeting of her and husband Bud.    She has such a sense of humor;  sure makes us laugh out loud.    Beautiful people, beautiful message done up as only Sharon can do it.  thanks for the laugh Sharon.  You two are truly 'beautiful' people.  

Here is a clever idea for a little one...a doll's bed;   a dog or a cat living in high hog manner....clever and cute.  We would have to have king size for our Emma.

We know that...but sometimes whining is part of the solution.

Oh yes...many times.   

I returned from shopping and found some new 'egg-nog' candy just in time to share it with the Carolers that were coming down the hallway singing "Frosty The Snow Man" . . .  I was in the mood for Christmas music but they must have worn themselves out walking down other hallways and we on the second floor got the residue of a few light tunes.   I had a feeling they were not really into this as they didn't seem very enthusiastic.    I passed out candy and cookies and got a hug so made someone's day.    I had just returned from one of our biggest and loveliest drug stores;  one that has wide aisles, glass wall cases for jewelry  and the aisles filled with all kinds of wonderful things to buy.   When I was checking out I asked the manager why there was no Christmas music and he said he had some on but some folks were not in the mood for it.  I said I was and if I didn't hear some I would sing out loud.  He laughed and told his co-worker to go put the music on, nice and loud....sheesh....and he never heard me sing.

What's wrong with everybody?  No Christmas spirit . . . so our world is going to hell in a hand-basket as our old folks used to say;  but it hasn't gotten there yet and if you change your attitude it may never get there for YOU.     So you don't have money to spend on gifts...so.....get busy and make something.....and especially share YOU with someone ....it is that easy....no one says you have to buy into Wall Street and the money crowd.   If they want to spend it is theirs to do.   You don't have to jump off a cliff because 'they' do.    Stop,. look, listen and be creative...that's what you really are....make something for someone you love....knit, crochet, build, bake but mostly throw open those arms and envelop someone within and make them feel loved .   

No Vinnie today but  Sue found a copy of the sequel to "Winds of War"  which I think is called "War and Remembrance"   She said she has already peeked into a few of the beginning chapters and thinks it is going to be a very good story.   That should cheer Vinnie up as he was worried he wouldn't be able to find it.    Some of the residents are beginning to think they might like to listen to a 'read' and they can, all are invited.   We may form a group and read other types of stories that they may have in mind.   

Several of our folks are leaving for the holiday.  Evelyn is going to be gone for a week traveling with her daughter to visit family members around the area.   Some have sons and daughters who will wine and dine them through the holiday weekend so the air is filled with anticipation of a warm and loving Christmas holiday.    Some will be left behind but the staff has plans to surprise them.    A special dinner will be served just for them and I am sure there will be a gift from Santa for them.    The spirit rides high here at Pottery Avenue.    I am going off with Christine and Patricia to have dinner with a friend of Christine's .   It will be different but I am sure wonderful as our hostess is a lovely lady who loves to celebrate in style.   Like so many folks, we have to accept change in our lives and that means having to do without some of our loved and cherished family and friends. 

So hurry up, find someone to love and hug and treat to your heart full smile;   Be a Christmas spirit and share YOU . . . if you can't sing, hum. . . .  if you can't bake, buy some egg-nog candy.    Roar and bellow those wonderful carols and get in the mood for the best Christmas you have ever had.   It is not what you get out of it;  it is what you put into it.   Hugs to all.

l

Good Morning

Ah the Grinch knows some folks just do not brighten up for Christmas, how much they miss, a season of sharing and caring,  One can never get too much of that....

and that says a lot.   Look what we have now.   

I gather times have not changed much as the winter weather brings on slides after slides on the mountain passes.  We used to dread the ride over to Medford, Oregon as one never knew when a slide would and could occur.    Caught between a mountain and a river is scary and dangerous.    My hat is off to the road folks.  They sure do a great job of keeping the passes open in the dread of winter months.    The roads have been improved a lot since this picture was taken.   But, slides do occur and one has to keep an eye on the weather before adventuring out.

I probably  put this picture on recently but it has such a lovely feeling to it.    I love the quiet, the peace, the early morning break in the weather...peace....harmony....silence....it does the soul good.  Or you can let your imagination wander and wonder at the end of a day, serene, peaceful and thinking of wending your way home to a fire in the fireplace, a hot toddy and your feet up.   contentment at its best.  Let your imagination take you to your spot of contentment.

 

Christine loves to come up with new and different libations to sooth the aching heart, the wandering soul, the lonely and those ready for a good stiff drink....a different kind of martini...sweet....and maybe not as lethal as the old seven shots of the very dry martini with its bright green olive and its red center;  a harbinger of feelings that soar and sometimes lead one astray if they are not careful.    So if you are out and about choose your drinks wisely.    Remember to have fun at the Christmas parties and find a reliable sober driver to get you home safe and sound.   

The rains stayed, a lot of folks didn't go down town for the free wrapping of their purchases in town.   A few did and were delighted with the results as the 'court' young ladies, did a great job.    These high school young ladies are a boon to the town.  They are always ready, willing and able to participate in the town's events.  They not only are lovely to look at, but they smile and offer to help whenever and wherever the need is.    I'd say Port Orchard is lucky to have such upcoming bright and beautiful young ladies.

You are right, I did put another one thousand piece puzzle on the puzzle board...and I found out it is part of the reason my eyes make a glance to tiny sparkling lights.   I guess my puzzle days are about over.  I'll miss them but into each life some rain must fall...isn't that an old adage from way back?  I think so.   We are told 'all good things must come to an end' and so when age creeps up on us, a lot of special things end . . . ;but some new and different things take light.  I haven't found them all out yet but I'm working on it. 

Vinnie, Sue and Don and I finished "The Winds of War" and are now on the hunt for the sequel.   Christine knows where to get a copy and is busy ordering it and hopefully Vinnie will have a Christmas present he does not expect.    I think Sue and Don will come more often to listen to the story as it unfolds and take turns reading.    It has been slow to catch on, but it is catching on and hopefully we will grow and the folks will have a reading time and enjoy many more good books;  there sure are a lot of them out there.   Some of the folks are a little shy about owning up to having poor eye sight.   A shame as it isn't something they can control and it is not a sin not to be able to read or to be read to; it is a chance to listen in and enjoy a good to great story.  

So, if all goes well today I will get out for one more shopping spree.  I have a few small items on my list and fun ones to shop for.   Either Christine or Patricia will come by later in the day and take me to the nearest drug store.  We have a Walgreen store not to far away and they are well stocked with the items I am interested in.    I want one stop at the Catholic church here in Port Orchard and hope they have the candles to light for those who have gone before us.    My list has grown so I should be able to brighten the hall way.    I am up to an even dozen now and you are all included in my prayers for good health and happiness in your lives.     Take one day as it comes, do your best to be the best you can be, share YOU with those you love and like and adopt someone who has no one and pass the baton of good to make your corner of the world a healthy and happy place.    YOU can do it.  Hugs to all.