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.

Design

If wishes were houses I'd be living in this little beauty in Pat's big back yard  .I think Emma would like to sun on that porch.

There are many ways to decorate for the Christmas holiday.    Clever idea Just don't add the book you are reading.

Some roads are impassable, so be sure you are careful out there in the winter storms.

Talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve....What a cutie.

Just when you think Christmas will never come, it is just about here, four more days...now that should shake you up and get you moving to finish up on the shopping, wrapping and baking .    There will come a day, in your future, when you will be a 'scrooge' and think back on Christmas past and you will smile as you think of those wonderful moments you shared with family and friends in happiness and sadness over many years.    You will be thankful for all of the wonders and excitement of Christmas and the part  you played in sharing YOU with those you love ....and like....even taking on a curmudgeon or two.  

 

Just remember that you do not have to do it all by yourself . . . every family member deserves the right to participate in getting ready for the holidays.    A worn out you will not do.   Delegate.     Share.     Make it a happy time around your house.   Even the little ones like to poke their fingers in the cookie dough.

 

Here in Ridgemont we are expecting some Christmas carolers to walk the halls.   I have some cookies ready.   Most of the folks are going off to family and friends which is  a big treat for them.   Several have no place to go so they will share a Christmas dinner together in the dining room.    The staff will see that they are well fed and have a surprise or two. 

 

We had a good reading session and the book is about twenty pages from being finished.    We are now in the midst of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and the author has brought to life memories of a very sad day in our lives.    Hopefully we will finish the book today.  Vinnie is on the prowl for the sequel and Sue has decided she would like to have a chance to read also.   Don has joined in listening, something he didn't want to do for some time, but he has had a change of heart.  Rose, our one hundred year old, sat and listened for awhile and slept through most of the reading.   It is okay, she deserves the company and the snooze.    Our staff ladies, Samantha and Gina work around us.  They come over to the table and remove the table cloth and put on the new one, then listen as they work around the other tables.   

 

I left my door open when I got back.   I had gone for a walk as the sun was out but I found the cold wind not to my liking so didn't go very far.   Ron came for a tea break and is slowly recovering from a painful ligament problem.   His leg is in a cast and it has been so difficult for him to work around a huge cast which will remain for several months.   It has been a very difficult time for this man who is huge and having so much trouble just trying to survive.    He had such a bad time trying to get dressed so finally found a solution of wearing short pants with wide legs rather than try to battle into a pair of trousers with skinny legs.    He is very thankful for a grandson who has taken on the duties of helping him survive the ordeal.    That is all the news from Ridgemont today.

 

Now it is your turn....wish you would let me know a little about what is going on in your lives.    A note now and then would fill my empty mail box.    I promise not to put you in my blog unless you want to be.    I think others would be happy to get to know you too.    So I am off to get dressed and hopefully get to the Walgreen store for a few last minute things.    So get up, go out and get going.    Enjoy all day today.    Start humming..."It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, every where I go...."    la, la, la,   ....or "pucker up and fly right" ...has a bit of nostalgia . . . Or..."I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....."  and in you neck of the woods it could happen.     Go with God.     Hugs to all.   

Sunday

My grandson Mason and his wife Amy.    the years roll bye quickly and this little guy was the apple of my eye for a lot of years.   We did a lot of reading and a lot of talking to one another for a very long time.   Then the teen years came, the working years and the married years and changes came into our lives and we lost touch.  Seems hard to believe, but it happens much too often in families.   It has nothing to do with anything really, just that we get busy and busier . . . we get caught up in our living our own lives and soon distance takes its toll . . . then one day we wake up and realize that something important is missing in our lives. . . and it is not too late to go fishing, throw out that line, and reel it in with the biggest and best of what our world has to offer. . . a family member who is much to nice to lose forever. 

Words are not needed.   Prayer and heart felt thanks is more in the offering.

Ha,ha,   Rather striking I'd say.

Daughter Christine created some excitement yesterday when she strolled into the dining area with some chocolate covered strawberries she did not want to go to waste    It caused quite a stir at the table when the ladies got to choose and devour a huge piece of chocolate strawberry.   I walked the box around and several enjoyed a treat, Don came over looking for seconds.   What a nice treat and a wonderful surprise.   Later she picked me up and I went over to her house to watch the Christmas Hallmark movies and have homemade pizza with her and Patricia.   They had gone shopping at Costco and we had many things to share.   It was  a catch up day and I enjoyed a ride over to the outside market for some fresh vegetables and look over the garlands that were half price.    Pat has some lovely garlands gracing her front porch railings.    "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."....la, la. la. la . la......

 

If  you haven't made home made pizza for awhile, now is a good time to put the ingredients on your list and get busy . . . delicious, delightful and very tasty.   I am spoiled as I got to sit and watch a Hallmark Christmas movie while the ladies spent time in the kitchen making pizza.   Really delicious, and if you were nearby you would have been invited to join us.   That was the only thing missing ...no you....hopefully you are busy plotting and planning a pizza party of your very own.  Don't forget a bit of red wine to help it go down.

 

Five days to go, a bit scary when there still is so much to do.    But, everything has a way of falling into place  like magic.  YOU do wonders when you put your mind to it.    Be creative and add a bit of sunshine to someone who is hoping for a little bit of your attention.    Yes, you are busy, but not to busy to be that wonderful kind, loving creature that brings light, laughter and love to those you care about.   it is like a two headed coin ...you toss it up and your special choice comes down. . . you are a winner and one we wouldn't trade for all the tea in China.   Speaking of tea, throw a tea party , invite a friend or two in to share some of those cookies and cakes you have stored in the tin boxes ready to serve.    I was invited for coffee yesterday and it was such a wonderful visit sharing time and conversation with a lovely lady.     There are a lot of Danish folks in this part of the country and they have tales to tell of where they grew up.   I could write a book on some of the stories and you would be delighted and amazed at the tales.

 

Vinnie was a no show again.   He seems to gravitate toward the darker side of regrets;   sad, as it does nothing when wallowing about what could have, should have, gets in the way of making the best of each day as it comes.    Wailing over the past is a waste of precious seconds.    You cannot relive life but you can get on with it and live it to the fullest each day as it comes.    So today make up your mind that you will not waste your seconds over what the old timers would call "spilled milk", but pull up your boot straps and get out there and make this the most beautiful day yet.    You have much to do today and making someone you love and like is on top of your druthers.    Go.....be a beacon and shine.  Hugs to all.      

Weekend

Orchids.. . . Special beauty . . . a Blue Ribbon Winner.

Sea Foam on a beach in Yachats, Oregon.

Time flies when you are having fun,  well, I have news for you, time flies when you are not having fun.    A weekend already;  where did this week go?    Here at Ridgemont we are seeing more empty seats at the dining hall.   Some of the folks have already left town for a Christmas visit with their family and friends.   It makes me think of how lucky we are to have family and friends to celebrate with.   Some folks never learned the knack of reaching out and becoming a part of a family, adopted or otherwise.   They seem to prefer their own company but it has to be difficult when the holidays come and they find themselves all alone.   Maybe they just prefer it that way, but it seems like a very lonely existence. Well, we cannot force them to join in the festivities but we can try.   Sometimes reaching out  brings about small miracles.    Keep an eye open and be ready with your good deed in mind.   I watched The  Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart which was well done.   I've seen it a dozen times but that just brings on the spirit of Christmas.     the old curmudgeon finally wakes up and chooses to live life. . . a good lesson for each of us.   Open the doors to your heart and share you with those you love and like. 

 

I am enjoying the telephone calls although I am lonely for those I have shared time with over the years.    La Verne tells me she has drowned my fruit cake in brandy and is mailing it out to me.   I hope it gets by those post office folks when they get a whiff of it.    It really is safe though, amazing how many folks turn their nose up at fruit cake;  they just do not know what they are missing.    One thing I am going to do is take my green apples over to Christine's and make an apple turnover , then eat it hot and savor every bite.   I would share if you were here.

 

Keep up the good work and the good deeds.   Help make your part of your world a better place.    Keep an eye open for those less fortunate and share a bit of cheer.    Don't forget to stop by your church and light a candle for those who have gone before us.  They are out of sight but never out of  mind.    As you think of them by name, remember their faces, their love that made you feel special.    That one thought or prayer may be the one that gets them into the doorway to Heaven.    That galaxy is swooping around making room for more. . . all aboard......and you have to be sure to live life, be a Mother Teresa and reach out.    Someone is waiting for eyes that smile, lips that brush away a tear and finding contentment in  just knowing YOU.    Right now I am counting my blessings for having YOU in my life.  How very lucky I am.   How blessed.   Hugs to all.

 

 

 

 

 

Counting Down

Well, take that!!!   So......you know the holidays always add a little more avoirdupois to those well developed muscles. 

a home in the woods....pretty nice.....a sort of tree home away from home;  would be nice to have.

good old Moon Dog Restaurant here in Port Orchard.    A special every night and the price is always right.  

How cute can he be. . . that snow is cold and deep;  I think he is right....and insight plumbing would be the answer for this little guy.    Maybe the cat will share.

It is coming along...looks good.....a special tub in Pat's house.  It has taken forever to get where it is but then once finished you know who will be smiling.    No workers, No mess, No open doors and windows in the winter months at long last...Patricia will be smiling!!!

So a new day;  Christmas is edging on, closer and closer, and the list is getting shorter and shorter while the Post Office lines are getting longer and longer....well that is expected and we roll with the punches.   The  shopping is almost done;   if only we knew what to get for that impossible person who has everything.   . . .  a gift certificate to their favorite luncheon spot;  or one for an ice ream sundae or one of those big blizzards.   No one ever cried over receiving a box of their favorite candy and cookies, even fruit cake . . . the list is limitless.  So I wish you happy endings to your Christmas list.   I had two very nice long distance phone calls that made my day.    Familiar voices, a billion memories all crowded into a little phone. . . words spoken and catch up news, what a wonderful Christmas gift when busy folks take time to share.   That is a fabulous gift, verbal hugs, sure made my day.

 

 

Daughter Christine came out in the black of night, and the on going storm to take me to treat her to an ice cream I promised for driving me to pick up a gift certificate for Vinnie's Christmas card.    He is a lover of ice cream, any kind, any size and first in line at Dairy Queen.   The clerk made up our cones then made up a gift certificate, not a problem until we drove off and she didn't hand it to Christine.   We got all the way home when we discovered we didn't have the gift certificate so back we went...and they were waiting for us.   They knew we'd brave the storm and pick up the certificate.    I owe Christine big time.  That was such a miserable ride to begin with, and a second time around was not fun.    It must be the excitement of the holiday so I'd suggest we all slow down and take one thing at a time.    Stop, look and listen....good words to get by the holiday.     So my little list is complete.   I wish I were a multi millionaire so I could gift each and every one of you.   You will have to be content with my verbal hugs and know that I will be thinking of each one of you and will be waiting for news of  how you spent your Christmas.   

 

Just do the impossible first, then one step at a time.    Practice patience, then fortitude and soon you will be finished and ready to relax and enjoy your family and friends.    Bare the Christmas trees so there are no cards left for the children and the adults in need.   You don't have to spend a mint, just a few extra dollars from that latte you are not going to have today, or that sugar filled jelly donut you have your eye on.    Sacrifice makes perfection. . . so be perfect today.    You are you know.   Hugs to all.

.

 

Four A .M.

Mary Beth Sullivan Smith sitting at her brother's Thanksgiving day dinner is sitting in the left corner;  Paul is in the blue shirt and his two boys are on the right of the table along with three lovely ladies who enjoyed a terrific Thanksgiving Day dinner.    A few Sullivan members I haven't met.   It is nice to see the family resemblance , sure would love to meet them all. 

Some one has a sense of humor.  

Ha,ha, the expression on her face brings back a memory or two.   I have seen it once or twice in my lifetime.   sisters!!!

It isn't Monday but the picture was so cute.   I can see that this big fella is smart...lunch time!

I went off with Patricia to Fred Meyers store yesterday and got to walk the aisles for exercise and had a peek around to see what should go into my basket.    I miss having my own big kitchen and cooking.   I love to cook and bake.   I know, I groused and groaned about cooking in the 'old' days but I honestly love to putter around in the kitchen.    Here it sets the fire alarm off so I am a bit shy about making it go off.    Marie Calendar had their big pies on sale and the Razzle dazzle pie was the first item in my basket.   It is delicious with ice cream.....I had Christine store it in her refrigerator until we can get together and bake it up.  The next best thing to a home baked pie.    I found the store crowded with folks piling their baskets high with all kinds of goodies.    I think one man thought I was following him as we kept meeting in every aisle.   I didn't smile at him as he might have gotten the idea I was on the 'make'....on second thought I should have smiled, maybe he was on the make.

I miss the Christmas music, no carols to hum too.    No smiling faces, a lot of hurried people trying to get their baskets filled and out of there.    I would love to have the receipts of one day of Freddy's sales.  I'd be rich as Rockefeller.   This particular store is immense and a great place to exercise.   I managed quite a few aisles before I called it quits as Patricia was through with her shopping and out in the car waiting for me.    She never rushes me, takes her I Pod along and keeps herself entertained until I show up with my groceries.    She shops faster than I do and has no desire to 'walk' Freddie's. long aisles crowded with busy folks looking for bargains.  I am still trying to find my way around the store and have to follow the signs to find what I want.    They gave me a map but it is much more fun to go hunting for what I want.   

 

So today, get lost in your grocery store.   Take along a list of what you need, and another for what you want...and go hunt for the specials and fill up your basket.  don't forget to try the 'razzle dazzle' pie and invite a neighbor in to share it.   Be sure you have some vanilla ice cream to top it.  Sharing time with a neighbor is fun.  Speaking of neighbors, I had a telephone call from La Verne who tells me she misses me.   We had many day to day visits and conversation over the years.    She is making her Christmas fruit cakes and tells me she is soaking them in brandy and will soon mail me one.  She makes a terrific fruit cake and I always manage to eat one all by myself.  I feel sorry for those who do not like fruit cake as it really is delicious.   Hers are filled with brandy...maybe that is the reason they taste so good.  It was a fun call and made me a little bit homesick for Brookings and the old neighborhood.   

 

So, I am off to refill my coffee cup, watch a bit of news and find reasons to be alive this winter morning.   More rain predicted. . . it could be snow, so I wont gripe and groan.   Weather is weather and there is not much we can do about it but accept its wonders and enjoy it.    So put on your coat and hat, get out the gloves and go out the door.    Enjoy the day.    Stop and visit a friend or two;   bring a treat a long and have a tea break.     make someone smile and you will find yourself smiling right along with them.   Be good, be kind, be gentle, and don't forget to add some change to the red kettles.   Don't forget to get a name from the Christmas tree and buy a little gift for someone who needs one.    Be Santa for a day.   Hugs to all.

 

   

 

Prayer

One of our best habits . . . prayer . . . how often we ask for blessings from above . . . one is never to old to pray, or to young.  Remember that when you feel like you have no one to turn to . . .

asking for a blessing to the food we eat is a must as we have no idea what is being put into our food today....why the experts feel they have to add chemicals to our food is a mystery yet to be resolved.  We had better say a prayer or two before we digest the food;  that old habit of asking for a blessing before we devoured our meals was a good one, so keep it up...Bless us oh Lord for these thy gifts. . . .

A little miracle...."Daddy!!!!!"   Wow!!!!  What a Christmas greeting!!!

December 16th, it can't be....time is flying bye....I'm not ready......are you?     We still have time to check that list and make sure we have a little surprise for those we love and like.    The lines at the Post Offices are long.   The silence of Christmas music is loud this year.....Where are those wonderful carols to hum along with?    Old Bing's "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" . . .    would sound pretty good right now.     "The weather outside is frightful, the fire is so delightful, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"   sounds good to me but we have rain, fog and more fog and rain.   It followed us all the way down the highway but it didn't stop the heavy duty traffic.  Folks just don't pay attention to weather and go their merry way.  We arrived at the Casino and I was dropped off to play a bit before the ladies got through with their looking around for a gift or two.   The casino was far from crowded and how they stay open is beyond me.    I miss my four card keno and have no luck on the bingo type machine they have so didn't waste either time or money on the ones they do have.   I managed to lose my money and then win it back, which is part of the fun of gaming.   I made a dent in my 'poke' but got it back just before leaving and that was the time to go....but not before we went to the big buffet room where there were counters filled with all kinds of treats from Mexican to Chinese and good old American choices.   that coconut crème pie was not at all bad....had just as many calories as the ones we devour around here.    I met one of our ladies there and stopped to say hello.    She introduced me to her husband .   They have a long marriage, lots of children and grandchildren but he prefers to stay in the country while she prefers to be in the city so they agreed to separate quarters but spend an awful lot of time visiting each other.    True love at its best.    She is an avid knitter and has just finished her third Christmas stocking for great grandchildren.   She thought it was to be her last one, but I recently met her daughter-in-law , the owner of an antique store here in Port Orchard, and she was telling me that she would love to have one of those stockings for her fireplace.   I didn't mention it to Betty J. , let her think her family Christmas list is finished....it is not....smile......and I am betting she will be very happy as she prefers to knit and does such a wonderful job of it.    Last I saw of Betty she was sitting  at a machine, content, and living in high hope for a big win.  I hope she got her wish.

So today, check your list one more time.    Think positive thoughts as you go out to fight the crowds.   Be prepared to stand in line at the  Post Office, I hear the lines are long.    Our Jock sent each of us a 2016 calendar of Wildlife and Outdoor Photos of 2016 Rich Watson 's beautiful calendar.   The cover picture is so beautiful;   a lovely sunset in Gold Beach where the photographer lives.    What a talent , such beauty to behold each month . . . thank you Jock, it is the one calendar I like to have hanging on my wall.  Each picture should be framed.   How did you know it is just what I wanted....thank you.

 

Remember this when you get short tempered while out there shopping . . . patience ....remember that old adage:  "patience is a virtue, possess it if you can, seldom in a woman, but never in a man"     . . . um, . . . now that can't be true. . . I know a few patient men. . . not many, but a few....smile.

Get busy on your Christmas list, wrapping is half the fun for most but not me...I botch the job every time.    The fingers have a mind and will of  their own and fight me to the last second on trying to tie a  bow.   I used to.....well, you know the story of those words. . . used to has become a struggle, just wait until you reach the 'age of wisdom' it is a far cry from your expectations so start preparing NOW!    Buy bows that are premade and perfect or you will have to settle for shabby chic and create a lot of laughter in your life.     Be brave, be true to yourself, be kind and you will have your world by the tail.   Remember a hug says so much and a kiss on the cheek sends one to the moon and back.   So get busy and make a few of your family members and friends 'life off' today.   Hugs to all.