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.

 

Flags and Flowers

How beautiful, flowers of all kind bring not only beauty into our lives but the feeling of being loved.  It only takes one blossom to make us feel good about our world.

Right now it is the wonderful pine wreaths that brighten our doorways, or a beautiful red or pink poinsettia. 

Even this little guy has a bit of red to celebrate the upcoming holiday

and this big guy is dressed in holiday colors giving the children an ear and a hug

and our brave military are not forgotten as wreaths were laid in thanksgiving for a sacrifice we can never repay.

Christmas brings out the good in all of us.    We moan, groan and find fault with all the work entailed, but only for a second as we , each one of us, truly love celebrating the birth of Christ and even good old St. Nick.    We grouse, we grumble, we find fault, but we really wouldn't have it any other way.     I hope you are wrapped up in  Christmas spirit and find your brightest face to shine throughout this season.   Here at Ridgemont Karen, Gina and Samantha put on a Christmas party for us and we were gifted with a lovely crocheted colorful lap robe.    The hot chocolate with marsh mellows , cookies and chocolates were a boon and delicious.    We had our  picture taken with Gina and her big red bulbous nose so they should be a howl when we see them.    A good time had by all , a lovely  Christmas surprise.

Check that list and plan a day of shopping.    It is not how much money you can spend on a gift, it is the thought that counts.   You place in mind that person you know and love so well and find the perfect token of your affection in knowing a favorite candy, a bar of fancy soap, an IOU lunch ticket or a movie ticket with you as the partner in crime....fun things, loving things when you promise to share YOU with those you love and like.    Do away  with stress, keep calm, cool and collected and share YOU, that is the best gift of all.

I'm off to shop for a needed practical gift for someone today.    I am also hoping that the big casino is nearby so I can try my luck and win that million to leave my kids....I'll' bribe them with a promise of the buffet which I hear is good.   A fun day with my daughters, the biggest and best gift of all.

So today, be cheerful, organized and ready 'for anything'.    time is fleeting...ten days to go.... don't forget today is a good day to do one good deed after another;  don't be stingy. . . don't be a grouch . . . do be that wonderful YOU and share you with those you love and like.     Hugs to all.