Color

A beautiful take off ;   a nice flight somewhere;   a wondrous sight.  beauty on the wing.

Angie had this picture on Facebook and mentioned it was her favorite flower.   No wonder. . . just take a good look at it and marvel at its beauty.  

Who ever thinks of chocolate being anything but delicious;  um, come to think of it the clothes are a bit tighter now that the Halloween candy is out and being whisked off the shelves.   I was gifted a big beautiful green Art Deco swan which sits on the small table at the entrance of the apartment filled with all kinds of chocolate candy bars.  The bowl is getting empty by the day, may have to buy new for Halloween and find a store with the big X sizes.

Serenity . . . a cool crisp morning where silence prevails.   

 I wonder if you count your blessings and are thankful for being young and alive in this wondrous age of technology.   The birthday party for Rose was a huge success and when I went to visit her yesterday she was sitting at her table with a stack of beautiful cards, gifts, and flowers that brighten the room.   Her daughter and son-in-law arrived and I was invited to stay and visit with them.   The lap top came out, the screen lit up and there was a video of Rose's great-grandson and her granddaughter all the way from Denmark where they live.   The little fellow was probably three and he shouted out a Happy Birthday to his great grandmother.    How much she brighten up and how wonderful to be able to share time with family members so far away.    How lucky you are to be able to see and \ hear someone you love from such a distance.   Rose's daughter is very talented and creative.  She brought along a picture book of her grandchildren that was very professional looking.  She said she just sent the pictures to one of the stores in her area and they put them into book format and come up with a beautiful photograph book complete with her words.   I had given Rose one of my picture and poetry books which was much the same idea.   

 

It was amazing to see what this one visit did for Rose.   She has decided not to be negative anymore and just be positive.  All her fretting and stewing over who would or would not come was for naught as everyone showed up and she actually got out and danced .   She said her daughter put some of the men up to it and she wasn't sure she could move one foot pass the other but she did and she glowed.    One hundred years old..   Her memories will keep her going for days to come.  She is already talking about having another party on her official day which is November First.   She thought it might be fun to have a smaller one on her day and invite her fellow tenants.   We all hope she makes it, for she sure is a party girl.    Vinnie came with a bag of small bag of trinkets for her and she got to kiss him on the cheek.   We all had a good  laugh as she thinks one should lead to two and he was all but under the table.    Just because you reach one hundred doesn't mean you cannot pucker up. . . and poor Vinnie is afraid she means it.     So our Rose is a rose like no other and I am sure if you met her you would fall in love too.  

 

It is not often you come across a true 'centurion' but if you do , ask them to dance . . . they might surprise you.   Share you with those you love and like.    Don't be stingy with your time.    Bake some cupcakes, put on the coffee pot or brew a cup or two of tea, invite friends in and have a party all your own.  To have a friend you have to be a friend....so get cracking.....put a little spring in your step;  bellow out an old song or two and make today a 'friendship' day.    Hugs to all.

 

 

 

 

 

Life

We should all be cats as they do not see any difference in color.   These two seem to have a gleam in their eye;  wonder what mischief they are plotting . . .

A lovely Heron;  reminds me of the song "Me and My Shadow"

Now you know why I love to wear purple shades.   

A lovely quiet spot for a nice long walk.   

A new week.  The old one flew bye  ending with a trip out to the airport and the Sunday morning brunch.   So many folks lined up for the ten a.m. opening and well worth the wait.    The waitresses are on their toes and they bring a carafe of coffee to the table so you have a chance to visit and warm up as you wait for the food court to open.    It opened a little early and our waitress came to tell us so we were almost first in line.   The huge silver covered pans were at the ready, as were my girls and me.    Lifting cover after cover of all the breakfast delights including biscuits and gravy.   The omelet chef is ready and you can choose whatever pleases your pallet.   We have learned to share so we taste just about everything the buffet has to offer.    Lemon pie for desert doesn't seem right but you just cannot leave it sitting there.   Sunday brunch is meant to enjoy and believe me we did enjoy itl   Make a plan, go for it and save up some extra calories so you an enjoy it.

Christine and I took off for the Gallery as she had some decorating to do for Halloween.   The huge case in front of the art rooms separates the office from  the show room.   Sally came in to help and made several pumpkins for the display.   She is a wonder with her magic fingers and took a roll of toilet  paper, a square of colorful cloth and wove it around until she had a big pumpkin;  tore us paper bag up and made a stalk and wound a pipe cleaner around a pen and made a stem.   Viola!!! fancy bright and beautiful pumpkins on display.   The myriad of colorful leaves looked like the blew in fro m the streets.  Then a little bit of added witches, ghosts and goblins added a bit of whimsy to the case.   The huge bags of candy are at the ready and the ladies are all set for the children come Halloween night. It was fun to visit with the ladies

 

We stopped over at Pat's house and I got to watch some more of Netflick and "Reign' .   It is moving right along and the intrigue of the court , the twists and turns and excitement of medieval times keeps us on our toes.    There was no mention of having anything more to eat for the day, believe me we were all sated and food was far from our thoughts.   Another wonderful Sunday, over much to soon.   

 

I hope your weekend was filled with love and laughter and you found your way to a healthy and hardy meal.   I hope you found reasons to laugh and shared YOU with those you love and like.    A new week, a busy one planned.  This week our bus outing is to the Navy Museum over in Bremerton and I am looking forward to that.   We will stop to have lunch, then on to the museum which I hear is exceptional.    The Navy Submarine Museum we visited last month certainly was a winner.  My coffee is ready so off I go thinking of you all and wishing you love and laughter to your day.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and touch someone you love gently, let them know how special they are to you. . . . a two way street as you bask in a little of their love for you.    Go be bountiful. Hugs to all.

New

A brand new member of the Sullivan clan.  Back in Rhode Island Mary  Beth Sullivan Smith became a grandmother and she is in 'hog heaven' as the old saying goes.   Son Colin and his wife Erin are the happy parents.   What a handsome little guy. . .

Wish I had known this when I had a garage.   Wonder if it works on pesky sp;iders everywhere;  bet it does.

Is this what is called a manicured walk?   A natural arch.

I love old barns.    This one reminds me of a special area in Nevada where a friend and I spent a day with camera in hand and took pictures of old barns.    There was something about an old barn that needed painting....on canvas.......they are best left alone otherwise.  

It is four a.m., wake up time for  me.  The body clock just takes off like it knows what it is suppose to do.   Coffee is perking and I am invited out for brunch today so that means two breakfast and no lunch;  I like that as breakfast food is always tasty and fuels the body for the day.   Of course I'll have a nap before leaving time but right now the quiet of the morning is delightful and I get to talk with you folks.   You are all sleeping in, good, it is good for the body and the brain.   It seems to me, before children, you could hold a dance in my room and I'd sleep through the noise, then things changed and sleep was not as important, or so it seemed.    The children grew up , all gone living life and sleeping in....think I should visit and roam around at four a.m. and let them know what they did to my sleeping habits....think it was deliberate?   Nah.....they  thought four or five  o'clock in the morning was wake up time.  

 

Speaking of waking up, I woke Ms. Rose up from her nap and we played rummy cube.  I used to have that game years ago and it is her favorite.   She is sharp and plays a mean game.  Her big worry was about her party today.   She is excited and nervous all at the same time.   She wonders if her old friends will be able to make it.   How many are going on a hundred years old, like she is.    She had her hair permed, nails done the color of her lavender dress and is hoping for one more slow waltz around the floor.   There was quite a few cards on the table and they are lovely as folks took time to write a few nice words thanking her for being such an inspiration.    Excitement rides high as she will have her family surround her today and even her great grandson will be able to attend.   So, say a prayer as you all wish her a Happy Birthday in your hearts today.  Believe me you would love her.  

 

Vinnie showed up for his reading time yesterday.   He tells me I calm him down....smile....well at ninety one I guess I  can still use the dulcet tones for some good.   Like the others in this age of uncertainty  the need is there for a kind word  and a light touch, we all can use that in our lives.   If you have elder members in your family, take a good look at them and know that they walk a path, much like a slippery slope, no knowing from one second to the next if they will make one more day.   I say that because I see the differences daily. 

 

One of the ladies, Jan, stopped in for a visit yesterday and we had tea and cookies.    She was wound up like a tight clock and wanted to tell tales of her younger years and  talk about her family and all of the words kept tumbling out .   She had a great time and invited me to visit her place when I could.    She is a grumbler, one who sees negative vibes rather than looking for a little sunlight, but given a listening ear and she  shines and her attitude changes.    Everyone has a tale to tell.

 

So today make a point in listening to someone who has a need.    It isn't always easy, but it is necessary . . . you have shoulders, use them.    Listen, dismiss the words and don't take them as part of you;  know that everyone has words to utter  and they need an ear for the moment to survive.  That is why we have two of them...in one ear and out the other.   Advice not needed;  just a friend with a broad shoulder.    There is something good about tea and sympathy.    Just don't inhale the words or you will be looking for a listening ear.     Be good, be kind, be gentle as only YOU can be.  Hugs to all. 

 

WoW!!

This is a beautiful tree in daughter Pat's yard.   I have no idea what it is but it is different  ....see different is good!!

How often do you see four rainbows in the sky at the same time.    A sign of hope maybe.

Busy daughter Christine should be presented this ribbon as she is involved in so many meetings .

A stitch in time.  Hey, Andrea here is a helper if you have problems with that new swag you are making  I am a little jealous that even the birds can sew and I can hardly thread a needle.   The desire to make something beautiful is still there but now I have a good excuse as the hands don't want to work that hard anymore.    I just received a new pillow from Paula and it is beautiful.  She has perfected the counted cross stitch and her work is like a special piece of art.   It takes time and patience and above all skill to create such beauty.  

So today, think about creating some beauty in your life.    You have a talent in one of the arts, maybe several, so think up coming holidays and get busy creating love and beauty to share.    One of our ladies, here in Ridgemont, is trying hard to get two Christmas stockings done and is taking time to make special meaningful designs on them.   She is very creative and is devoting time and energy to get them finished by Christmas.    Another creative lady is make scarfs for gifts and has taken on a new pattern which is driving her crazy.  It seems you have to drop stitches and then pick them up again on the next row but she is having problems with that idea.  so far she has ripped it out twice;  maybe the third time will be the charm.   There is much going on around the corridors as they ladies are sprucing up the walls at our doors.   Most folks put out some kind of a decoration or two, or three. . . so the rule is no more nails so it will be interesting to see how they decorate their entry way.   Rug cleaning is going on also and the main entrance room was emptied out  yesterday and the room seemed to be immense with the huge table and chairs, sofa and chairs removed.   You could hold a dance in there.  

Vinnie showed up for his reading yesterday and apologized for not showing up for a couple of days.   He has had shingles and the residue is as painful as the full blown attack, not on the outside but the inside of his back.   We learn something new every day, so think about getting yourself the shingle shot when you reach that certain age where they are on the attack.   I gather they are rather painful and last much to long.    We had a good read, I am enjoying "Winds of War" as much as he does.  So much history from a very good writer who really did his research.  He had a footnote about the times even though he disagreed with the thoughts , he followed through telling the truth about what was going on at that time just prior to  World War II.   I was too young to realize all that was going on, but we had Franklin Roosevelt talking on the radio but who listened, not me, I was to busy playing hop scotch outside.  A good thing books have been written about the good old days; we just never have to miss out on a bit of our own history.  Now Geography gives me wanderlust and I wish to travel, pack a bag and go off to see the wonders of our world;  next time around I want to be 'rich' and I'll take you with me.  

 

So, back to reality, I am off to have a refill on my coffee and think of something to go with it.   A big fat jelly donut would be tasty but there isn't any around here;  a good thing.   I'll settle for some peanut butter toast, maybe I'll put some applesauce on it too.   One can never be underfed.    So . . . be good, be sweet, be YOU and look around for some mischief to get into today . . . what is that old adage. . . .something to do with being dull . . . well that you are not so go and shine, make someone you like and love feel good about themselves today.    Hugs to all.

 

 

 

A Little More

and we have to have a lot of character to forgive and it sometimes takes a long time depending on the who, the what and the why.    Some grudges are meant to forgive;  some grudges are meant to be held as some folks delight in making life miserable for those they truly are jealous of.   There are bullies and buddies in life;  your choice in the long run.

Love those political cartoonists;  nail it every time.

A beautiful woman, beautiful thought, and so right on the line.   Laughter makes our world so much brighter.

and beauty makes our world much lighter.    Unusual.  Reminds me of  a lovely Japanese dancer  with special fans.  I would like a few of those feathers.

Well, we who are retired salute those of you who look forward to Friday and a weekend off from work duties.   You can relax and catch up with yourself and take time out for a little fun although I am sure there are home chores to catch up on.   Plan a few hours for YOU, the mind and body demand a little freedom as it allows the body and mind to catch up with each other.   

 

Yesterday was my first visit to the new doctor.   I filled out reams of paper and answered all the questions, met two ladies as I entered a spacious office without a magazine to look at.  The huge fish tank was interesting to look at as one huge fish bullied all the little ones.   Hopefully not an omen of things to come.    The two ladies, one in training, allowed me to take off those heavy shoes before weighing in . . . well they must weight ten pounds each. . . and I need all the help I can get to retain the hope that I lost a few pounds . . . um. . . wishful thinking.

 

The inner office was more like 'home' with magazines to look at.  I think it is to keep you occupied as you wait for the doctor to get to you.    I lucked out as this smiling gentle man came in the door with a smile and a young lady to take notes as we interviewed each other.   He has a sense of humor , one of the prerequisites of a good doctor.    He asked questions, I answered and we agreed to agree and I went down to the lab to have blood drawn.  Now he can check it out and make sure the innards are up to par.  He thought I was in good shape for the shape I'm in.   I wanted to say it was because I don't go near doctors...smile.....but he probably already guessed that.

 

Now the secret of good health is to find a dentist and good 'eye' man.    Hopefully within a short distance.   

 

The rest of my day was quiet.   The puzzle is coming along slowly.  It is much harder when you have to go to other spots to find pieces.   Fifteen hundred tiny pieces are just too much for fun, it is more like hard work.   gripe, gripe, gripe!!

 

So today, gripe if you must, get it out of your system.   Find some productive and exciting things to do with your seconds.   Don't forget that one good deed . . .or two, be good, be kind and gentle, laugh out loud and be a clown, it is good for you.  Put on some old records and kick up those heels . . . lighten the load and enjoy a bit of love and laughter.  Hugs to all. 

Different

Purple roses, don't see these very often.   Red, Pink, White, but purple. . . um . . . different and lovely.

Makes me think of 'when Irish eyes are smiling:   even if this little owl is not Irish it should be.  

A chapel....how different, how special, a quiet place to knock on the door and ask to be the best you can be.

I wouldn't mind this on my table for Halloween . . . clever.

Hey, today is Jock's birthday. Happy birthday Jock, may you celebrate in style and enjoy every second today.    Wish we were there to help you celebrate so we could take you out for breakfast at our favorite spot and treat you to that big omelet that makes you smile.   We'll celebrate you again when you come this way.

 

We could have danced  in the rain yesterday as the clouds rolled in and opened up making puddles to jump in. . . well, I didn't but I thought about it.    I made mention, at lunch, that we were having a rainy day and was met with words of distaste for the wonders of nature.   Some folks just do not like rainy days.    If they would stop and think about it, rainy days slow you down so you can catch up with yourself.   It doesn't stop you from doing what you want to do, but gives you the opportunity to slow down and breathe.    There is something magical about bundling up and going for a walk in the rain.   Sloshing through puddles brings back a memory or two of being very young and alive.    About the only thing I can think of that matches that is the first snow and the delight of walking on the top of the drifts, sinking in, sliding down, and enjoying the gift of nature.    Of course, coming inside out of the storms and enjoying a hot shower, putting on the sweats and grabbing a good book to hunker down with is a blessing all its own.

 

So today, enjoy your weather.  There really is little you can do about changing it.    Be happy with whatever comes your way and say a little prayer in thanksgiving that Mother Nature knows when to call a halt to her tears.    It seems that the old timers used to tell us that thunder and lightening was just a big bowling game going on in heaven . . . nice thought. . . and it took the fear out of the huge storms.   The crackle of lightening is a wonder to see  and thunder made one shake a bit but the storms passed and the rainbows came out and all seemed right in our world.    Sort of a reminder of the ups and downs of life;  they pass like the storms and we survive to enjoy the sunshine of life.

 

Be good, be kind, be sweet . . . no, you are not a sissy for being sweet . . . you are thought to be very special and adored.  Not a bad way to present yourself to your world.    Go be sweet today.  Hugs to all.

 

 

 

Extra....Extra...... A Musing about L'Amour

Good Afternoon.  Vinnie did not show up for a reading so I was left with time on my hands, so before I  leave and greet and meet my daughters for some luscious Chinese food for our dinner. I am doing an extra blog.

   I wondered what I wanted to do with myself as I had already taken Miss Rose her lunch, and found her asleep, so didn't awaken her as she has not been feeling up to par.    I tiptoed in, placed her food in her refrigerator and closed the door hoping she would rest peacefully.   As I opened my apartment door, I spied the dark blue book called "Frontier" by Louis L'Amour with photographs by David Muench.   I had recently told you about this book, a short time ago, as it was a gift to me from Ron who said he had two of them.  I have offered to buy this book from him as it is a rare book and one I am sure you can't just go out and buy at the local book store.   I may be wrong but as I have opened the cover and discovered a treasure, I can hardly believe that we, as readers, have not been introduced to L'Amour's  poetry and his history tales.    Every history class, of every school, should have these books on their library shelves.

Today I am awe struck as I look at the full page pictures and wish I could frame several.   There have been so many pages of thoughts, deeds and words that have flown off the pages to enlighten the mind, the heart and the soul.    I would write up paragraphs for you, but then I would want to start in the beginning and type out the entire contents.    Best, you see what you can do to find copies of the books for your bookcase and this winter, when you have time and are feeling alone and lonely, open the books and prepare to begin a journey you will never forget.

I am reading about Ghost Towns right now and it bring back a memory or two of my travels in Nevada.   Son John took me to one and my friend Helen and I went for an adventurous trip and found a tiny overgrown  area that was once a Ghost Town.

An excerpt from Frontiers . . . .

"The old towns, the ghost towns, no longer belong to men.  the desert and the mountains have taken them back, gathered them into their arms and made them one with the trees and brush and rocks.   The old tunnels are caves where animals live, and the dreams that gave them birth have died or been carried on to other places. 

I like to think the last is true, for does a dream ever die?  Does it not live on, aching to be realized?  If not by you, by someone."'

Doesn't that motivate you to go and find this book and spend some of your valuable time in pure contentment.

Right now I'd love to have a way of showing you the pictures but it is impossible, so you will have to take my word for it.

Be kind to YOU and check your library and see if, by chance, either of the books are there .  

You will not be sorry.

I am really in a cowboy mood as I find myself singing "I'm an old cowhand, from the Rio Grand, and I learned to ride, before I learned to stand.   Yippee Ki I Ki O,".....Smile....you are not hearing me, so count your blessings.

Hugs to all.