Happy Halloween!!

Trick or Treat!!!!

It is here...Halloween......Hope you have some fun trick or treat children to make you smile.   If I remember correctly we didn't have any little dressed up visitors last year.    We have a few folks who put out some candy by their door.   I have a basket filled with some candies for the 'dinner' bunch.   I hope you have some trick or treat children knock on your door.  It is such fun to see the little ones all decked out .  I had to laugh when I remembered on little guy coming to the door and he had a pillow case to fill.   I often wondered if he had high hopes of filling it to the top.    He probably grew up to be a Congressman or a Senator.  

There is little to talk about today.   I talked Patricia into taking me for a ride and we ended up at one of the casinos where I tried my luck on the keno machine.  They do not seem to be popular so there was only two of them and neither parted with any of their coins.   We didn't stay long, had an 'iffy' lunch, not as good as some of the places we go to.    The ride itself was lovely and it was nice to be out and about.

Not everyone is able to get out and about, some are bogged down with a cross to bear.  I wish I had a magic cure.  I don't.  I can listen.   I can say a prayer or two.   I would like to be a magician and wave a magic wand and cure all ills but I don't.    I do know life is filled with hills and valleys; lights and shadows and we do survive in spite of ourselves.   Some times the road is rough, sometimes it is smooth, but, we manage to survive and get on with our lives.    Tears and smiles are part of life lessons so it is how we handle ourselves that makes the difference in our survival.     So if you are carrying a heavy burden right now, stop, say a prayer for strength , reach out for there is someone ready to listen, to help lift that burden.   If you have been bogged down in a mire of self pity, get over it, reach out and do some one thing that will lift your spirits and become the person you are meant to be today.    No one says it is easy . . . sometimes it is the most difficult thing you have to do...but YOU can do it.    Walk in someone's shoes for a bit and you will learn that burden isn't quite as heavy as you thought.  

Be good, be kind, be gentle.    Be a problem solver today . . . you have the answer.....just stop and think, look and listen and you will find your way.    My wish for you today is for love and laughter to enter your door, along with dozens of Halloween ghosts and goblins.   Go buy some candy, put on the outside light and share some of your Halloween spirit...go be a ghostly goblin.  Hugs to all.

Sunday All Over Again.

Rothenberg, Germany, a delightful town with small shops filled with nutcrackers of all kinds.  There was a special one I would liked to have bought for my daughter Eileen who collected them, a huge lady with two big glasses of beer,  but the ;price was not right.  smile.

Sounds right....there is nothing more independent than a cat.

Spent time with Patricia yesterday which is always fun.  We were heading for her house to watch a movie on Netflick but got way laid at the thrift store.    There was a sale going on as they are going to be moving into new quarters when the new building is finished.   I went looking for some music and found three new tapes to play.   Pat put them on her machine when we got to her house so it was great to listen to MY music loud for a change.  I can't  play the music loud here in the apartment.  Sounded  so good and we had a sing along..smile, and if I hang on to the back of a chair I can still do a bit of that old 'swing'.   Hoagy Carmichael "Ole Buttermilk Sky" remember that one?  How about "Lazy River"?" Not Pat's music but she doesn't mind listening knowing I love the old big band music.   I had to laugh as I was surprised she knew so many of the words to the songs.   She has music she favors but she is not immune to the big band tunes which was a nice surprise.    I could write reams about this daughter, how wonderful she is, the loving care I receive...yep, a lucky mom .

It is amazing what you can see when you clean your eye glasses....all that dust and dirt removed and objects come to life..smile.   So, speaking of angels, Pat walked in the door.  I skyped her and said I had made blueberry waffle batter and that got her attention..So off I go to make waffles and have some more coffee.    

Have a great Sunday...have a waffle...have some company, have some fun and share you with those you like and love.    Sunday is such a lovely day to do a lot of nothing but what you want to do...thank God ford Sundays.     Light a candle....say a prayer.....give away hugs today.  Hugs to all.

  

Special Dinner Out!!

Looks Good Enough To Eat!!!

Christine, Fred and Bec.    A good time was had by all at the auction dinner last evening.  I was invited but didn't go.    It is a yearly dinner affair with all of the auction fun and the food is always tasty.   The ticket price was up this year, fifty dollars a head, pretty steep even for a good cause.   

Ha, ha,  don't we all???

Saturday morning.    The weekend is here to enjoy.   What are you going to do with it?   I am going grocery shopping as my refrigerator is empty, a good time to defrost it.    I finished up the raisin bread and it was delicious but I think I'll try a rye this time.   The age old problem, what to have for suppers this week.   As you know and have heard my uncomplimentary words for commercial food, I cook up a breakfast or a dinner here in the apartment.    I am back to the "what shall I have to eat?" There seems to be something going on with our food chain as the food doesn't keep well at all.  The old habit of buying for the week has had to change.   Picking out a few items for a day or two and then go shop again.  That one meal a day here should be sufficient but there are days you wouldn't give the left overs to your dog or cat....and if it is really good then there are no left overs and you are back to making that shopping list to fit a 'decent' meal in.    At this age I should be eating a lot less but my body and brain doesn't agree.    Food is my fuel and that is what keeps the body healthy...but...not wealthy or wise...smile.

Yesterday was my chore day so I was busy.   I took time out to read some of the magazines Vinnie brought down    He must get a dozen different ones and when he finds something he thinks is interesting he makes sure to share it.   Yesterday he was all excited about an article on Mars. It looks like a good read and the pictures are great.   I will have to spend a little time and read more of it today.   The catalogs are coming in for Christmas and that takes time to peruse as well.    

When I got up to the lunch room yesterday my usual seat was occupied so I went over to sit with Larry, Vinnie and Hugh and listened to the banter between the 'guys'.   Vinnie loves to tease and he was giving Hugh a bad time.   Both Hugh and Larry are as deaf as they can be so a lot of what Vinnie said went over their heads.    If there was a cupcake war, Vinnie would win, he has a sweet tooth and had a couple lined up to take back to his apartment.   He is quite vain and doesn't want to gain weight yet he cannot leave sweets alone.    One would be sufficient but not for Vinnie, he had two lined up and was eyeing the one I didn't want ..but...I gave it to Hugh.  smile.

The rest of the day was relaxing. it  is laundry day for me and sprucing up the apartment.   Gina came in to do her usual lick and a promise.   The two young ladies have forty five apartments to clean so they really do not spend much time or effort .  I have a studio apartment so keep it neat and tidy.  They have little to do.  If I bought a mop and a broom they wouldn't have to bother at all. 

They vacuum around the middle'' . . . smile.  

I hope to see my two daughters today.  Chris went to the auction dinner last evening and I wonder if she won any of the bids on the small bidding items.    I doubt she bid on the huge items...that's for the big wigs who attend every year.   Sometimes they bid heavy on the vacation packages.  The usual last cake auction is always fun to watch as the folks vie for the best deserts.   Sometimes the bid goes up to twenty five or fifty dollars and the cake is shared at the table.  Christine won the bid one year and it was a huge chocolate cake that was delicious but oh so sweet with the frosting a couple of inches thick.   Well, the affair is always a huge success and the money goes back into the community doing a lot of good.

So today, if you have a chance to attend one of those affairs...go, and help to make your community better.    It is a good deed.    Stay healthy, wealthy and wise. . . share you with those you like and love.    Plan a day that makes you smile.    Don't forget, be good, be gentle, be kind and pass out at least a dozen hugs today.     I'll take a verbal one.      Hugs to all.

Friday!

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder......

Some words to think about.

If only I had someone to love me.

Here it is Friday already, the week is ending and a new weekend is here to enjoy. The Fall colors are fading as the leaves are disappearing and the rains have come to stay awhile.   Yesterday was visiting day here at Ridgemont as I had three ladies stop in and visit awhile.   Doris brought up her picture of a little girl painted by Renoir to show me before she gives it to her granddaughter.   It is lovely and I am sure her granddaughter will love having it on her wall.   Doris is downsizing and giving away some of her treasures.  I have some of her tiny pewter figurines on my bookcase shelf;  a gold miner, a donkey, a couple of pine trees which tell a story all their own.   Lois came to have tea and we visited for an hour or two;  lots of conversation and a bit of reminiscing of traveling with small children way back when.   Then Doris II came with some homemade cookies and stayed for a short visit.   Our marvel lady, almost one hundred years old and still walks without a cane.   So having an 'in' day was a bit more fun than I thought.

    I have a new book to read, came in the mail from Andrea and Bob.   An Irish read they tell me is fascinating.   I am mid way in a book so when I finish it I will take myself off to Ireland and visit awhile.    I'd rather be on a trip there, a real one, but a good read is satisfying....well, not as much fun as traveling there but beggars cannot be choosers.  I am thankful they sent the book and I am sure I will get lost in the pages and a few memories of my trips over there will surface.    I'd like to do that all over again.

   It was a lovely way to spend a day, the tea was great and the cookies scrumptious, and ,of course, the company was the icing on the cake.

Today is laundry day.   We have to adhere to our own time so I have to wait until this afternoon.  I a a morning person so that is hard to do.   I think I'll ask for a time change as a lot of folks here in Ridgemont like to sleep in.  Me...I'm up before the birds.  Have no idea why my body clock thinks four or five a.m. is wake up time.  I go to bed after eleven p.m. and read awhile, yet the 'rooster' in me trills like clockwork and I'm wide awake.   I get to spend my first hour with you folks and it is a great way to start my day.    Now, if I only had some interesting words to share but nonagenarians  lead a quiet existence unless one gets an invitation to share an adventure.    A trip to the grocery store will have to be "it" for today.

So off to check and make a list, put my shoes on and walk the aisles.   One way to exercise.   I am going to buy some hot dogs and have beans and hot dogs for my dinner tonight, chop up an onion and I might even buy a jar of pickles...want to come?   You are welcome, the door is open....

Be good, be kind, be gentle and use your seconds wisely.   Someone you like, someone you love, someone you want to share time with today is thinking about you ....don't sit there, pick up the phone and make a date and get up and out that door....stop by and light a candle at your church...there are many folks in need of a prayer.    Buy some funny cards today, don't forget the stamps, then get busy and mail them off to cheer up those you like and love.    Share YOU ...who could ask for anything more???? smile!!!   Hugs to all.

Rain.

A truism

Amen to that.

After a day away, I usually do a short write up and tell Karen, our manager, about our trip.  She never gets to go and she is always wanting to know if we enjoyed ourselves and are we ready to come up with some new ideas for our next outing.   Our trip yesterday was a mystery trip, we had no idea where we were going or how long it would take us to get there.   The rain came down in torrents and I wondered if the trip might be postponed, but it was not postponed and we were off for an adventure.   This is the write up I sent her this morning.

A Mystery  Trip

The bus arrived with our favorite driver.  Twelve anxious ladies were the riders. Dressed for rain, for it was teeming, they made short work of getting in.  The ride seemed long, yet familiar.  A turn, then strange open roads.  Then a sign - Chimacum Cafe!  Sighs of relief, time for lunch, no reservations but we were welcomed, seated and fed; delicious fare ending with their famous pie which they are noted for, and lots of good hot coffee.

Off we went along the highway and ended our mystery ride at Port Townsend.  A beautiful big city, Victorian houses large and small, parks and flowers, a city of beauty so much to see but we found time caught up with us and we had to turn the bus around and find our way back to Ridgemont and stretch our legs; a bit of rest so we can be ready for the next event.

I didn't elaborate and tell about the double rainbow that filled the sky;  the clouds that made their appearance when the rain stopped for awhile.   The beautiful extremely tall pines that fill the forest lands along the way and the leaves falling leaving the bare limbs as this season ends and a new one begins.   The lighthouse, closed since 1976, lonely and bare.  The huge fort filled with a parade ground, officers quarters, lovely homes to house their families.  In some areas the clouds touched the earth, wind made the small waves in the ocean.  We rode through Washington State park  to see all this.  We even rode over a floating bridge.  A lot of the structures had huge stone foundations, different types of clapboards for the sides of the buildings.    A remarkable place.   Time becomes the enemy and we had to leave for home.   So many beautiful wonderful memories of a lovely outing, good company and now a chance to share it all with you.   Wish you were here so you could enjoy the sights and sounds of Washington State.    Each State has its own beauty so plot ad plan to view a little of right where you are.

I hope you plan a trip one day soon.   You have winter months to read up on an area you would like to visit.   Save up and when you feel the urge to go...do it....you will not be sorry.   As for me, I had a great time and am ready for the next mystery trip.

Be good, be kind, be gentle.   Today is a good day for an extra hug or two.    Take time out to relax.  All work and no play ...you heard that one before....so play a little and have some fun.  One good deed...nah, make it two today.  You can do it.    Bring love and laughter into your day , hum a little or sing out loud and watch your pet head for the door.   Be a champion bear hug person today;  dont forget a verbal hug for those away.    Meanwhile use your seconds wisely and enjoy your day.  Hugs to all.

Hump Day!!

Here is one of the Terrarium gardens , the bird slid off the rock in travel, a broken pot chard; some colorful tiny rocks, tiny plants and something that looked like seaweed and a few forest animals.

Lake Tahoe, a favorite place for me....and a million others...smile!!

Hey there, good morning, I have not opened the blinds yet so cannot see what kind of a day we are to have for a mystery trip.   We will take off at eleven and go some place for lunch out and then travel some roads, but what roads, where?   um.....yet to be found out.   Last time I checked the list there were twelve signed up, so a full bus for a change.   I wonder how many will drop out before the bus has a chance to warm up.   Some folks want to go, but, one excuse and they back down and stay ''home".  It is like the ladies who come to sing for us.  A small group of eight elderly ladies with a few younger one thrown into the mix, all sopranos and one very talented piano player.  I love piano and could listen to someone play for hours .  They are all volunteers, so  no one can complain.  We hummed along, can't remember all the words to some of the old tunes but they are familiar and bring back a memory or two.    "Broadway baby says goodnight, it's early in the morning" ...la, la, la....." and a dozen others to hum to.   Only eleven showed up, others went and played cards then wonder why we don't have more events.   Samantha served cupcakes.   So there was some toe tapping and a lot of humming and I'd say a good time was had by all.  

I took myself for a walk up the block and back for some fresh air and exercise.  The wind was a bit chilly and blowing the rest of the leaves from the trees.  The leaves are brittle now, dried and take off like a small kite trying to reach the sky but only manage to skirt the bushes and pile up.   Their once bright colors are faded and the end of another Fall season is put to rest.    Winter is about to come, you can feel it in the air.    The holiday season is coming and you can feel it in the stores...smile.     

So, I am off to have a refill, fix some toast, raisin toast with peanut butter;  maybe you would like to join me and we will  stay healthy, wealthy and wise.....no guarantees but worth a try!!   Be good, be kind, be a giver;.  Give of yourself.   Give some time.  Give some encouragement.  Give some of your talents some fresh air and share YOU with those you like and love.   Don't forget at least a dozen hugs today, make a few 'bear' hugs and feel the love.    Be YOU.   Hugs to all.

Rhode Island Birthday Boy!!!

Looks like Jake had a little too much birthday cake and is stuffed and ready for his nap.   The Sullivan clan continues to grow back there in Rhode Island.    A Sullivan niece, Mary Beth, sent pictures of her grandson .  A cutie!!  

I had fun in the kitchen yesterday.   I decided not to waste the two hamburger patties and chopped them up and cooked them into a delectable and delicious spaghetti sauce.  I invited my daughters for dinner , Pat came but Chris had a meeting and will pick up left overs today.    It was delicious, even if I do say so myself.   I love to cook.  I love to eat.  

Pat and I did some more of the puzzle.  It is coming along and going to be quite a picture when it is all through.   It is a bookcase filled with all kinds of books with titles to match and little animals and 'things' to put together.   One of those puzzles that keep you well occupied....and content.....that is if you don't lose your mind in the search for the illusive pieces you swear are lost, strayed or stolen.   You wouldn't happen to have a piece in your pocket would you?

It is time for a refill, no new news this morning, so I will love you and leave you to your business for the day.   I hope your weather is perfect for Fall cleaning....getting ready for Halloween decorating and stocking up on some of your favorite candies;  you know you only buy what you love so you can indulge to bulge.    Save a piece for the trick and treat callers...um...seems that we never get to be treated, how is that?   Maybe we should start a fad and have the little ghost or goblin hand us a candy when they ring the door bell...smile....I can see their reaction to that idea.   Well, it is a thought. . .wonder how it would work . . . should we try it?

Have a day to remember doing the things you love to do best.    Make a plan for the week and a check list so you can see how hard you really work around the house and the yard.    There is always something waiting for your attention.   So get busy and spruce things up.  Don't forget to buy a pumpkin and think about how you want to carve it.   Meanwhile, in your spare time, bake up some Halloween cookies and plan a tea party.    Be good, be kind, be gentle . . . call a shut in today and give them reason to smile.    Take those clothes to the Goodwill store, you know they do not fit anymore.    A favorite shirt..well someone will get some wear out of it.    Um....take time out and go shopping and buy yourself a new one...something with a ghost or goblin would be fun.  Make your day special just like you.  Hugs to all.

For The Bird

How often in life we have found this to be true.   

And he or she wears a coat of many colors.   A bit of the gypsy in its soul.

Reflections.   What a beautiful picture.  What a magnificent bird.

My first cup of coffee is gone, time for a refill.  I'll be right back.

My little coffee pot makes two cups of coffee ;  a good way to cut back when I used to drink a whole pot of coffee before the day was over and sometimes made a second pot. I've cut back, but have to admit it tastes just as good as ever and so easy to make.   Bad habits are just to much fun to give up.    Daughter Pat was off to the grocery store so I had her pick me up a loaf of raisin bread...smooth on a little peanut butter and  add a bit of fruit and you have a healthy breakfast.  I still opt for the big fat doughnut or one of those breakfast buns but my system tells me those days are long gone;  actually, a good thing as the calorie count is massive and they are so pricey it spoils the taste.  I remember going down to visit my sister-in-law Eileen and  stopping at the bakery to get a dozen of those fancy breakfast buns.  They were sixty cents a dozen....now they are a dollar a piece...inflation at its best.There I go repeating myself again....better get used to it, or give me up, as the brain is changing more every day.  The older I get the less it retains.   I think we could use a trap door to let a lot of 'stuff' out and have a chance to fill it with new.  I am not sure what this nonagenarian life style is going to be like;  probably forget more than I remember or is it the opposite....remember more ....time will tell.   I do not get feed back from you, so I have no idea how you are reacting to growing older.    I think you will find out that it all depends on how good you took care of yourself.  Hopefully you are active, busy, learning something new and different every day.   Reaching out to keep the old friends and adding a new one or two .

    Yesterday I visited Doris, a lovely lady who is clearing out the 'old' and swearing not to add anything new.   She gave me her collection of tiny pewter figurines which her husband collected many years ago.   The company is still in business but down sized.  I gather there is not a demand for these little items.  They are minuscule in size but amazingly detailed.    I told her I would find homes for them and promptly handed the job over to Patricia who delights in researching on the computer.    I cleared a spot on my bookcase shelf and set up a reminder of California and its Gold Rush days.  I have a couple of donkeys, a few pine trees and several old timers ready to find their gold mine.    Hopefully pewter doesn't show dust .  For someone who down sized, I am doing a good job of adding 'things' to my little space.   I  am all set for winter as I now have four new puzzles awaiting attention.   The one on the table is coming along but very slowly.    I have at least ten novels which may or may not be read, at least not for awhile.   I think down sizing is the wrong word as I am up-sizing and doing a great job of it. Pack rat is a word that gets attention so I think I will take time out today and downsize....some of those books I will not read and I know it...so time to put them upstairs in the library so someone who is in need of a book can have it.   Some of the little figurines need a good home...I will find one.    Less is better.....I know that.   When things become 'cute' it is time to clean house.   

So today, clean house....make room for new and different down the line....give yourself some breathing room and relax.    Share all those goodies you bought in case someone drops in....call them up and make sure they do come.   I've said it before and will probably say it again...'sharing is caring' so share YOU today.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and smile with your eyes;  sparkle;   grin; reach out and hug someone today.   Hugs to all.

Weekend!!

Getting Ready for Halloween

Got your carving knife ready?

The painter of light, Thomas Kincaid captures the Fall season at its best.

After a very busy week, we three ladies gave ourselves a day out and rode to a new casino some half hour drive away;  a small place, different machines which know how to keep their coins safe and secure..smile....but fun while it lasted.    The girls went off to town and looked for a yarn shop as Chris is the knitter of the family and left me to play a keno machine.   It was fun but the numbers I choose aren't the ones that pay out no matter what combination I tried.  I had fun trying a few of the newer machines but they still have not caught up with the Nevada machines.   They don't put in those with a lot of graphics.    We had lunch at the restaurant there and the food was excellent.   A cute small casino we will ride back to another day.    I worked hard at the Gallery so was treated to a day out.  The girls are not a gamer like their mother....the one who wants to win a 'big' one to share.  It would be such fun to have money to put to good use.  Meanwhile I had all the leftover food from the last Gallery function and shared as much as I could.   Ron stopped in last evening so I treated him to a snack in payment for the newspaper cryptoquote he saves for me every day.   He said I didn't have to pay him back but I noticed he didn't leave any crumbs...smile.

Off for a refill...don't go away.....

Hot and black....tasty.....yum......want some?  I'll share.

While waiting for the last perk I spied a new picture one of the ladies was going to give away to Goodwill and I said I would like it so it is hanging on my kitchen wall.  It is a Botanical Sampler by Mary Hughes.  There are nine frames with the larger frame with pictures of Blue Violet, Baby Breath, Rose, Day Lily, Innocence, Queen Anne's Lace, Peony, Poppy and a Pasture Rose.  It is very different and quite a conversation piece, and it looks like it belongs there. 

So, I am off to enjoy my Sunday.  No plans today, just shoes off and kick back and do a lot of nothing.  Now doesn't that sound good?   Maybe you should try it.    A day of rest. . . we can all use one.   Take your shoes off, find an easy chair, turn on the TV and sleep through a show or two.  If you are really  bored, stop bye as I have a 'nasty' puzzle on the puzzle board that needs to be finished.  At the rate I am going it maybe on the table until Halloween.   Be good, be kind, be gentle and above all be loving.   Your goal for today is ten hugs, more if you get moving early.   Meet, Greet, and Smile so you bring a little cheer into your corner of the world.     Hugs to all.

Wake Up Time...

Birds, awesome, different and beautiful.

I keep telling you.....Hugs matter.....

Well, here it is the morning after the Terrarium Party at the Gallery.  About twenty showed up and each one chose their glass container, went about the business of finding rock and gravel and all kinds of plants as well as little figurines to spark their imaginations.   They had a ball.   There was chatter, laughter, busy fingers, and even time out for a glass or two of wine, lots of laughter and conversation and of course a table filled with all kinds of special goodies to tempt the appetites.   A good time was had by all.  They were proud of their finished products and were happy with the choices of tiny trinkets to add to their gardens.   Some used rocks and greenery, tiny trees, shells, stones and used their imaginations to create a tiny garden of delights.  They used little houses, lighthouses, boats, trees and shrubs, shells and pebbles.   They created little masterpieces and had fun.  Yes, they even said so.   A good crowd.  a fun crowd.  I would venture to say that a 'good time was had by all'.   I volunteered for kitchen duties and kept my eye on the food area as plates emptied quickly and needed refilling.   I like to 'wash' as I go so it is a job I am very familiar with and I might say excel in...smile.....

Our 'king' Louis set up all the tables and set up the bar, actually he made it out of old drift wood and did a fantastic job.   He is a kind and gentle soul.   A good worker and delights in making changes to the gallery.  He has opened it up and changed the 'feel' of the gallery and everyone seemed to notice.   The new picture wall was spectacular and got a lot of attention.   There are more changes in the offering, one of the walls separating the main room is about to be taken down.  I hate to see it go as it is an area that the artists work shows well.   But, they tell me not all of it is coming down, just a bit in the center to open to the smaller room where more pictures will be hung and enlarge the areas.   So, all in all, it was a good crowd, a happy and contended bunch who had a fun night out and went home with a special terrarium  all their own.   I left mine in the kitchen...wouldn't you know it.....

So this morning my legs are complaining of abuse.  They are not happy with all that standing.  I was.  Can't imagine why they complain...smile.   I am getting old....really old...and the legs are first to complain.   They have been well used, not abused, and are still going strong.  The protest and send messages to the brain to sit...well you cannot sit and work at the same time unless you have a desk job.  So today I will give the a break and sit awhile.    I'm off to check with 'the girls' and find out what they plan for the day.   Hopefully they are sleeping in.  Hopefully they will want to go out for awhile later in the day. . . if I promise to treat them to dinner they might just put their shoes on.

Have a good day, do something you love to do with someone you love to be with.   Make sure there is laughter and love in the mix;  a hug will only add pleasure...so, go....have fun today and stop off at the store and buy a nice size glass bowl, a little sand, some dirt, some little tiny plants and make your own terrarium.    Have fun.  Hugs to all.

Good Morning!

Good Morning!!!   I am almost awake;  four a.m. is as good a time as any to blog.  It is quiet.  It is time the brain woke up, not my idea, just the way it is....have no idea why three  or four a.m. is a good waking time.   but.....for me it seems normal.   Tonight is terrarium night and I have no idea how many signed up to make a special gift to themselves.   The ladies have collected all kinds of glass containers, special rocks, special greens and a lot of tiny plants that have names I couldn't spell if I wanted to.   It should be fun.  

It was quiet here at Ridgemont yesterday.  It was rainy, just enough to keep me from walking to the corner and back.  The only exercise I got was from moving from my chair to the table , find a puzzle piece or two, walk to the computer and check for a visit with one of you and then I remembered the voting form was in and that took a good hour to get through and make decisions on who should run the country, the state and a bit of Port Orchard.    It is hard to vote as I do not know a lot of the local talent.   The upper crust are harder as there are no special folks running and the ones that are ...well, lets just say we have little choice.  With the hundreds of representatives we have voted in over the years, you would think we could find one or two that showed potential to lead.   I did finish the ballot and it is ready to mail back.   I did a lot of reading up on the local candidates so hope I chose the one that will make Port Orchard shine.  

So today, if you have received your local voting pamphlet  take time to read up on the candidates, then vote for 'the lesser of two evils'...smile.   Be good, be kind, be gentle and go about your daily business with a light heart and a big smile.    Do not forget hugs.  Hugs are special.   Hugs are necessary.   Hugs make our world go around.   Hugs to all.

Beautiful Bird

A Scarlet Tanager 

Have  no idea what its name is but it has a sense of royalty about it.

Two little love birds sitting on a bough reminds me of an ice cream cone...strawberry...delicious and delightful.

How lucky we are to have such beautiful colorful birds in our lives, at least in pictures, those seagulls don't count, although they have a beauty all their own.    I miss walking along the Brooking boardwalk conversing with a few of those gulls.   

 In The Company of a Sea Gull

I walked along the boardwalk

eating an ice cream cone
followed by a big white gull
walking along the rail
chirping, squawking
telling me it was all right to share.

I put a tiny piece of cone
on the boardwalk rail
and watched him grab it up
knowing it was meant for him

He stood quietly and watched me
to see what I would do
and when he chirped, I fed him
a likely thing to do

We walked along;  he followed me
right to the very end
and seemed to know I'd finished mine
and had no more for him

He flew away, up to the sky
around in circles true
gliding, wheeling, screeching loud
a thank you from the blue.

JMS.

So those of you who live in Brookings, or by a sea, take a walk and a few crumbs along and keep a gull company.

It was quiet here at Ridgemont yesterday.   I was invited to visit Doris who was cleaning up some old boxes in her closet and wanted to show her collection of tiny metal figures.  There must have been fifty or more and each one was fun to play with as there was a Kachinka doll, cowboys and Indians and some Alaskan huskies, sleds and more.   She had some pieces of flat glass, prisms of color and design that were beautiful.   I think she was having second thoughts about doing away with them.   It is difficult for us to give up things we love.   We wouldn't collect them if we didn't love them.    I gather her husband had been the collector so it is harder for her to give them up since he has passed on.    We hang on to things thinking the children will want them, only to find out they could care less and have ideas of what they want to collect themselves.    I have to laugh as I remember saving Colonial figurines which I though my daughter Christine would want and love, only to find out she collected dragons.   Live and Learn!!

So today as you clean out a closet or two, remember that each one has their own idea of what they love.   It is amazing what people like to collect..pictures, books, nick knacks of all kinds, some with the idea of saving a bit of everything and that is fine if it makes you content and makes you smile.   Dusting takes a bit of joy out of collecting...nah......it is fun to hold these treasures and think of where and when you acquired them.    I have two tiny philosophers, mud figures, that I love. . . and a dozen other tiny objects that I dust with pleasure.   It comes down to 'whatever makes you smile."

Go, dust a few of your trinkets this morning and find a few memories along the way.    Be good, be kind, be cheerful . . . Share YOU with those you like and love.   Hug away!!!  It is good for you!   Hugs to all.

Hugs!

and a walk in hug!!

And some folks had to leave before we were ready but it was time for them to go on to something special .  Lucky for us a thought brings them close and we smile.  Feeling a hug from space, now you have to admit it is very special.   

A little gypsy in my soul!!  With colors like that I believe it.   No standing by the closet door wondering what to wear.    The perfect colorful outfit...I want one!!

Hump Day, comes around and lets us know we have used up half our seconds for the week.   Time does fly.    Rainy days, quiet days here at Ridgemont and I had an invitation to visit one of the ladies and see her apartment.   The one bedroom apartments are nice and roomy.  Those that I have visited have lovely furnishings and 'match', yet tell me that my place feels like 'home' and that is quite a compliment with all my yard sale pieces.    My chair is thirty five years old and only been recovered once.   Erin wants me to put her name on it.   She already has a cover in mind.  (smile!)

I have five great pictures on my wall and came home with another one that was headed for Goodwill, but now hangs on my kitchen wall.  It is a lovely collection of water color pictures of 

weeds....beautiful weeds like wild violets.   Looks great.

I am off for a refill....I'll be back....

AAH!!!!  Coffee!!!!  

Her apartment is lovely, matching living room set, some really lovely pictures on her wall, a round dining table with a special Halloween table cloth and some real flowers.  Her daughter had come for a visit and surprised her with a treat for her table.  It looked great and the little candy bars sitting in a lovely little dish had no calories...yeah..right....indulge and you bulge....come to think of it, holiday season is about to erupt in our world and that means indulging and bulging and diet with the New Year....nothing like planning the season ahead.  Three months of wining and dining and we wonder why our clothes tighten in the winter months.   I thought it was being confined in inclement weather;  not so, it is the time of feasting and , oh my, how we love to feast.   So it is time to start making your list and store up some special treats for those you like and love.  Be generous to a fault and bring a lot of love and laughter into your lives.   You can diet in the spring . . . oh no. . . the Easter Bunny is planning a visit....can't win so don't even try.

I am  going to love you and leave you.  I am sure you have things to do today .    I hope your day is special, just like you.    Be well, stay well, and take good care of YOU.     You have a few old thoughts to think about, like to have a friend you need to be a friend;   give a little of yourself and you get some back in kind from those who like and love you.    Share YOU.   Be good, be kind, be generous, be loving, and what you give you will get back in kind.....hugs are to be shared.   So go...share a hug or two.    Be a thunder clap and roar and bring a little sunshine into the lives of those you like and love.    Hugs to all.

Greetings!!

Great Grandpa Bob Williams is in love...yes, this little one is his great granddaughter.  

The latest picture of the Amaker ranch up there in Gardnerville, Nevada.  Yes, the first snow.  It wont be long before winter arrives and those mountains will be covered in snow. So much beauty in Nevada, one of my favorite places.

Coffee is hot and tasty.   Pat and I are going out to breakfast this morning as I am overdo for a haircut.  A good trim will be nice and I can get rid of that shaggy dog look.    I often think of letting my hair grow out and put it in a bun of sorts..ha.ha.ha.ha.....me in a bun...now that is funny.  When my hair grows two inches long I begin to think I am in big trouble...short is best.  I will never be a glamour queen.

I had a chance to walk around the grocery store yesterday.  I wanted a little fresh fruit and once I saw the prices I changed my mind.   I settled for one orange and two bananas, more than that they rot overnight.   Food doesn't keep anymore.    I still have apples in the refrigerator and I am tempted to bake a few apple turnovers but I am lazy.   Baking has lost its appeal.   Retiring from the kitchen is hard, like giving up driving, but one reaches a stopping point or at least a longer time between kitchen duties when the ninety decade rolls around.  We nonagenarians use any excuse to stay out of the kitchen.   It is so much easier to walk out the door and go up to the dining area for a meal; but . . . if only the food was more appetizing.    Industrial food has its limits.    I don't know where I heard that we should eat less at this age, my appetite has not decreased and deserts always have a special appeal.   What is better than a hot apple turnover right of the oven?  I can't think of anything, can you?    Food is our fuel, like it or not, and really what is not to like?    So right now I am having a cup of hot coffee, and it hits the spot as the old adage goes.   

So, I will let you off easy this morning.  I have to go get dressed and be downstairs for my ride.  I have the prettiest chauffeur  in town and I don't want to keep her waiting.   I hope you have a day that you will remember with happy thoughts for a long time.    Don't be lazy, get out in the kitchen and make something good and tasty, then you have no excuse for not inviting someone you like and love in for a cup of coffee and a dropped egg or two.   Be magnanimous today;  spread  a little of YOU around and brighten your corner of the world.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and be a prize example of goodness today.    Hugs to all.

Maxine!

Good old Maxine says it like it is.   The author, a male, tells tales about his mother and his aunt and it is almost like looking in a mirror as he captures our spirit every time.    

Here we have the start of a new week.   Weather wise it is Fall, heading for Winter and all the changes that go with it.    Pat and I  had a ride along the water yesterday and got out for awhile.   Weather has kept us confined and that gets old, so we rode down to Manchester , enjoyed the quiet back roads and the view of Seattle across the water.  You can see the ferries making their usual runs.   We did have one of those vanilla cones of soft ice cream.   The old familiar makes the taste buds stand up and be counted.    Christine went on to a wedding of one of the Gallery ladies and told us all about it when we met for dinner.    So our day vanished and we have to admit all rainy days are not all bad....in fact I love a rainy day.

We have the start of a new week and no idea of what is in store for us.    Here at Ridgemont everything was quiet.   My neighbor, Evelyn, returned from her trip to Arizona so I should be hearing all about it at our dinner time today.   She has been gone for three weeks so she must have tales to tell as her son and daughter-in-law have a horse ranch there.   Vinnie and I had a good read yesterday and the short story book of Westerns has proven to be a fun read.    I thought for awhile he was bored but he tells me he isn't.  He has days when he chooses to hibernate and says it has nothing to do with being bored but feeling depressed which is not a healthy thing.    He doesn't like being eighty plus and scowls when I tell him it is a good time of life;  wait util he hits the nineties...better not tell him.

So I am off to enjoy today.   I have no special plans, just wait to see what comes up and go with the flow.    I dusted.   I cleaned a cupboard.   I watched "Shane" again and it is probably the umpteenth time but it is always a winner.  Today is a good day to rearrange the cupboard in the kitchen, or run away and have some fun.    My that has a nice ring to it.

Have a Monday you will remember for years to come.    Think . . . surprise yourself......good deeds are fun so line up a couple and see what they do for your psyche .  Who knows, you might set a record for making someone you know and love dance around the room today.    It doesn't take much when you give of yourself.   It does make your world go around.    So, be good, be kind, be gentle and decide that today is going to be the best day yet.    Only you can make it happen.   Be bright, be loving, be YOU.  Hugs to all.

Weather!

Weather Warnings

Momma Bird and her chicks   A pink neck green pigeon.

We all know there is little or nothing one can do about weather, like it or not, it is ours to put up with and this past few days it has been stormy along the western seaboard.    Ends of hurricanes, big seas, heavy rain which all amounts to weather . . . whether we like it or not.    Here at Ridgemont we lost the lights for awhile and just as we got out all the weather stuff we were back to normal and all was right with our world.  We didn't go outside our rooms as there was fear the elevators would stop working.   I don't think it would be fun to be stuck in an elevator.  The television was back on line so everyone hunkered down and watched "How The West Was Won" one more time.  Gina and Samantha didn't want anyone outside their rooms as some cannot go without a walker and the stairs would be lethal for them.   They served dinner to each room and deserve high praise for taking such good care of all of us.   They truly care and it shows.  How lucky we are to have them.  All in all it proved to be a lazy day and nothing got in the way of a snooze in the chair.    

When you have days like that there is nothing happening to write about.    Everyone here at Ridgemont hunkers down and stays put.  A few venture up the hallway to exchange a goodie or a paper, but most stay in and have a lazy day.    Vinnie came down to make sure I was okay.   He brought a cup of grapes  and stopped at my candy dish to fill up . . . a wise man. . . he means well....smile.  Ron stopped by with a page from the newspaper which has the cryptoquote I like to do.    One look out the window gazing at the storm was enough to keep us all in, safe and sound.  I couldn't walk out so went to one of the exercise machines and did my thirty laps.  I am working toward fifty, then a hundred, if. . . a big if. . . .but it feels good to move the muscles.   

So I am going to love you and leave you to your special events of the day.   I haven't opened the blinds as yet so have no idea what is going on out there.   I think we are do for more weather but I am content to stay put.   There is a wedding today but I decided not to attend.  The girls will go and tell me all about it.   I find I am not 'in the mood' to go out and about for large events;  sort of like smaller and slower ones;  must be getting old.   smile.

I spent my sleeping hours dreaming of stocking shelves with cups and dishes, rearranging, and woke up not remembering if I got the job done or not.    Dreams.....strange.

Have yourself a good day.    Make sure you make someone you like and love happy today.   There is a good deed that needs to be done and only you can do it.  Get busy and find out just what you are suppose to do today.    Open those arms, let someone walk in and be smothered in your love.   Don't forget the verbal hugs;  someone you  know and love is in need of one today.   You have plenty, so share . . . share you with those you like and love.     Hugs to all.

Stormy Weather ! !

Halloween is coming and the ranch is all decorated .   Good job fellows.  Even the little goat wants to celebrate with the two of you.  

There is a big storm brewing and we had the start of it yesterday.   Here at Ridgemont the lights went out as we were up on the third floor enjoying our dinner time.    The elevators stopped working so it was a long hard job for the two young ladies to get all of us, along with our walkers, down the stairs but they made it look easy.   I bet they slept well last night.   Gina and Samantha are hard workers at best, put a storm in the mix with no lights and they shine.    We are expecting more of the storm today so they are going to serve our lunch at our doors;  so much more work for them but they are bent on keeping us safe and well fed and avoid the elevators and stairwells.    We lost power for a short while.   Ron stopped in with the newspaper and the cryptoquote I like to do.  I put on a new pot of coffee as Pat had stopped bye with some cake and shared a stew she had made for her dinner.    There is nothing more fun than an impromptu 'tea' party.  

If I am not mistaken, the storm is going to continue on today and be more active than yesterday.  I guess the trees need a little help in shedding those beautiful leaves.   Winter is here, a bit early as far as I am concerned as I thought we had to have a much longer Indian summer.    The hallway doors are decorated with Halloween ghosts and goblins and add a little holiday fun.    

I hope your weather is bright and beautiful.   I hope you have a fun day doing what you like to do best.    I am going to dust today;  don't laugh, I do it all the time.    I will work on the puzzle which is being very hard as the pieces are all alike ..well they seem so as it will eventually be a mountain of grey.  The flowers are all done and that of course was the easy part.  

Have a 'good' day and share you with those you like and love.    Be good, be kind, be gentle.   Share a hug or two, a laugh or two, and something 'good' with your tea or coffee today.   Hugs to all.

Predictions

 Seconds count so spend them wisely.    That predicted storm didn't come so the lights stayed on, the heat did not go off and peace remained.

Not even the lesser of two evils to vote for.     Kind of makes you wonder what is going on.  

Hurricane Nicole bearing down on Bermuda with 130 mph winds....good time not to vacation in Bermuda.  

Here it is Friday again, my that comes around quickly.   It was a good week, especially the trip up the mountains  and a day of great weather.   Weather patterns are quick to change and a big storm was predicted.   Pat and I made it to the grocery store as well as hundreds of others as the storm was suppose to hit us heavy and folks were stocking up in case the lights went out.    Luckily they didn't and all stayed quiet through the night.  I am lucky to have a lantern and it was all primed and ready to go.   Right now the morning workers are coming in and parking for the day.  It is pitch black out there so I cannot see if the street is wet or not.   It really doesn't matter as today is laundry day so you know I wont be out and about for some time.   I may take Pat up on her invitation to see a good movie at her house.  She has Netflick and I have enjoyed some wonderful television series;  the last one was "The Ship" and it was very good, and "Cedar Cove" was excellent too.    So I best stop gabbing and get my work done so I can have a lazy afternoon.

I do have to warn you though, my mind is leaving me a bit faster than I hoped.    Getting into the nineties leads to a lot of different changes in the body as well as the mind.    I find that there are memory lapses more often than I would like to admit.    So be warned that time is catching up with me.  There are changes here in Ridgemont as well as one of our elderly gentleman went off to a smaller senior residence, closer to where his daughters live and where he will get a lot more attention.    One of our ladies is in the hospital.  She is going on one hundred and her legs are refusing to cooperate.   She fought for a long time to try and stay right here but once you cannot 'move' on your own , other places have to be considered.   It makes sense as the folks here are not equipped to take care of those who lose the use of their legs.   So take good care of your body so when you get to 'that' age you will stay functional.   Old age has its bright spots but they are farther and farther away.   Remember if you have old folks to love and take care of, cherish them as the road they travel is not an easy one.    Pay attention so that when your day comes, you will be able to move about on your own.    The more you take care of your body and mind now, the better your senior years will be.    Those of you that are already in the late senior years can tell you that taking care of your mind as well as your body is what is important.  Live one day as it comes and make sure you eat hardy, exercise the body and more importantly the mind.    

Be good, be kind, be gentle.    Remember one good deed has to be accomplished today;  two would be better.     Be a good daughter or son, be a good neighbor, be a best friend, be YOU.     Remember hugs are what make your heart jump and dance to a special rhythm.    Hugs to all.

  

Moving Slow!

An older picture to give you an idea of some of the scenery we saw on our trip yesterday.  I have not loaded the film in as yet and moving slow this morning.   A three hour bus trip along a very busy highway, through unknown areas and on to a mountain top was pure pleasure.  

The bus came a bit late for us yesterday morning.  A bit of trouble, but not enough to stop the trip, thank goodness, as we were all waiting patiently to take off for a day away from Ridgemont.  There were only seven of us willing to take the three hour trip up to the mountain top to the lovely town of

Leavenworth, a small replica of a German town with all kinds of shops along the streets.   The ride up into the mountains was absolutely breath taking.    The Fall colors were in display and there were breathtaking views , one more beautiful than the other.   I did take my camera along but the bus windows had a screen like material so I couldn't take any pictures.  I do have some taken in the town which are not loaded as yet, but you will see them soon.

The bus driver, John, dropped us on a side street away from the center of town.  That way we could work our way up and not miss any of the shops.    Ruth and I paired off and we started checking the shops out and actually stayed in the same area without getting into the center part of the town.  We found so many lovely shops right there and so many things to look at and browse over.   We found the Christmas Shop that everyone was talking about and spent some time there as it was like magic.  I brought the girls an ornament for their tree, a replica of Pat's Emma, a golden retriever, which will take a prize spot on her tree, and, a black cat for Christine's tree .  They didn't have one with two black cats but she will be pleased with this one.   We went in and out of shops with all of the nesting dolls and the Bavarian glass ware; fancy jewelry and lots of trinkets to tease the pocket book.   We found a lovely glass doorway leading to a restaurant so went in and had lunch.   We shared a tasty sandwich, a desert, a replica of apple strudel,  and very good hot black coffee.    We never left our little area and still didn't get to see all of the shops.   We ran out of time and had to meet the bus by the gazebo in a lovely park right across from the stores.    The town was crowded.  So many visitors from all over.   John was on time and we headed back down the mountain and ran into the traffic that flows like at tidal wave.   It was after seven p.m. when we got to Ridgemont, all tired and worn out but with a head and heart filled with views almost to hard to describe    The mountain passes this time of year are all calendar type pictures.   So, I would say, a good time was had by all and we will sign up for the next trip as soon as they plan one.

So today, think of a trip you would like to take and plan to do it soon.  Right now the Fall colors are at their peek and so beautiful it would take a poet to describe them.    If you ever come out this way be sure to plan a trip to Leavenworth , the ride up the mountain is worth it and the replica of Old Germany is lovely.    I saw some nested dolls that were different and must tell a bit of history.   Save your pennies so you can buy some.    The German steins were really something to see, all sizes, all patterns but pricey and that is no wonder as they were truly beautiful.  I would love to have brought home a couple but they were not in my price range...smile.

Be good, be kind, be gentle....go about today like it was your last day on earth. . . hopefully not. . . but it only means to be YOU and be generous to a fault.    Know I am moving slow today . . . plan to sit awhile and do a lot of nothing....wish you could join me.    Hugs to all.