The knee!

The Titanic;  a tale to tell;   a horrific event in history.

Good morning Mary . . . How are you today?   How beautiful you are and how much you remind me of your mother.   Share a holiday hug with your sisters and wish them well from me.

 It has turned cold here in Port Orchard, Washington and there has been a tiny snow flake whirling around but so far nothing has stayed.  We had a lovely winter day with some sunlight and a lot of cold air but nothing that said we couldn't hustle inside and warm up and stay put.    I did go over to Christine's house and watched some of the Hallmark specials;  all light and romantic and fun to watch.   Life should be so predictable, but it isn't and the tales all have a happy ending...my, wouldn't that be a small miracle if it were so.    The holidays are wonderful and we look forward to them but, the proverbial but, we miss the family members and friends who cannot be with us or we with them.    Holidays bring out the wants and the needs to be part of the embrace of family members and that includes friends who have become family;   the holidays bring out the need and want to be part and parcel of the warmth and love of those we like and love. . . but, there it goes again, we have to deal with a myriad of reasons we cannot all be together.  Holidays have a way of calling our attention to the old adage of 'distance makes the heart grow fonder...b.s. makes the grass grow longer' . . . we can do without that distance....but...we just don't have choices.   Where would you be?   If I had the money to travel, first class of course, I would stop in and visit family members near and far.   I would go to Arizona and visit with Andrea and Bob; on to Rhode Island to visit Mary Beth and meet her new grandson, the latest Sullivan family member.   I'd stop to visit John and Jo in Delaware, rest up a couple of days then on to Nevada to see son Michael and visit some dear friends who I left behind there.  I would be remiss if I didn't get back to Brookings, Oregon and see my old neighbors and friends there.   So the body will not go, but...the spirit will.  I have no one left in Connecticut, but the memory of a real winter ice storm when the roads were sheer ice and we had to stop in and take advantage of a friend who put us up for the night.  No electricity, no heat and linoleum on the floors...brr...can still feel the icy cold of the floor...we had fun, yes, fun...candle light, fire place lit, heat and beautiful flames to watch, and best of all a circle of love to keep us all warm.  So there are lots of faces and places we'd like to be sharing with this holiday time and although we cannot go , we still can relive a memory or two and reach out with a simple 'Merry Christmas to all"   and send a greeting on its way.

So today remember the good days and the friends you have not seen for awhile.   Share a card, a call, a hug if you see them, and be one of those sparkles on the tree of life in friendship and love.  Go....Shine!!!   Hugs to all.

Words!!!!

I thought I'd show this picture again, been awhile, but it looked like a Christmas omen, a beautiful Christmas bird reminding us that the spirit of Christmas hovers over us spreading love and joy in its wake.    It is time to put your best foot forward and become a part of this Christmas spirit.

Take a walk along the beach, those of you who have a beach to walk upon, and gather some of those beautiful beach stones and leave a heart behind for someone in need to find;  a sign of love for your fellow man.

From a woman who knew how to love.   Take a page from her book and and follow her example...love one another .

I am feeling good this morning as I had my first Christmas e-mail letter from a loving friend in Brookings, Oregon.    A wise, sharing, caring lady who is so willing to give of herself and is doing good deeds right now.   She went on to tell me about the events on going in town and I had reasons to smile as memories came flooding in.    She has found the secret of getting on with life after losing her soul mate and has accepted the fact that she has much to do yet with a whole parcel of family and friends to take care of.    A helping hand, a kind word, a simple treat or two and she is on her way to a healthy and happy time yet allotted to her.  It is amazing to have such a friend in my life and I am grateful for her friendship and her words.    And, I might add, I am very proud of her...Go my friend, enjoy each second as they come .

Speaking of friends, Christmas always reminds us of how many folks we know as the Christmas greetings come and we are reminded of the good days when we shared time.    The Christmas catch up letters are such fun to read as we learn of all the activities of the year and the news of change in the lives of our friends.    The miracle of life, new babies ,  new teens who were babies such a short while ago, new brides, old flames and the news some of gone on before us to spend Christmas in the forever home of God's love.    How lucky we all are to be in the world of sharing and caring and Christmas is the time we come alive and show it.   

Today is a good day to start.  You have things to do.  You have cards to send, a family letter to write, shopping to do and don't forget to take one of those little name tags off of the tree and buy a gift for someone who has a lot of nothing....make sure they have a little of something...you have the heart to share so get busy and do it.

I want you to know we had snow yesterday morning but it didn't last.   It was very pretty coming down and it looked promising but wasn't meant to stay.    It has gotten cold so the heavy coats have to be put into play.   Now is the time for all good 'men' to get out the winter coats, hats, gloves and overshoes...winter is here....Hmpph!!!!!

I am off to have my coffee and wake up.   I wish you a 'good' day ;  a special day to live, love and be happy.    Share you with those you like and love.    Visit a sick friend.  Bake some cookies and share them.    Don't forget to put coffee and tea bags on your shopping list as winter weather sets in you will be having more tea parties...invite someone in and share YOU with those you love and like. Be a friend, be a friend, be a friend....as only YOU can be.   Hugs to all.

OH!!!!OH!!!!

Good morning.  Whatever I did, I must have found a way to all but shut down the computer this morning.   Sometimes I get a little impatient and hit a few keys at almost the same time and fowl things up.  So its Monday....one of those Mondays when everything is going to go its way and not mine.   I can't get the pictures to come up. What comes up is a bland screen.  Um....I lost them.....what did I do??? You can bet I hit a key or two I should not have.   It is an effect from being impatient.    I wanted the pictures now...and the pictures disappeared to that place in the computer no one can find their way to.....oh well, daughter Christine will come over later and bail me out.  Wouldn't you think after all these years I would be able to understand the computer and its workings....not in this life time.....Next time around I'll ask for brains.

So today a lecture on patience.   Patience means taking time to think.  Thinking is what takes us on the road to patience.   Now all we have to do is slow down and take the time to think about what it is we need to do to accomplish what we set out to do.  Does that make sense?   Probably not, as the mind works quick and being a normal healthy individual we want what we want when we want it......I want to put on some pictures then find I cannot because they are taken on a camera that doesn't mix with the computer or I freeze the entire computer.    So what am I going to do about it all????? I am going to go out in the kitchen, pour a cup of hot coffee, sit in my chair and sulk.

I hope your Monday is bright and beautiful.   I hope you have patience today.  I hope you have a fun day and participate in making your seconds come alive.  Okay, take a deep breath and get on with it.    Make you today bright and beautiful just like YOU.     Hugs to all.

Just Looking!!

I have no idea what this is.

Melons, tomatoes, squash...who knows?

Looking for pictures to post today and liked the colors....

I have spent an hour looking through pictures but didn't find one I had not posted at least once or twice.   It shows I have not taken my camera for a walk in a very long time.  Maybe next summer....weather is changing and yesterday we heard that we were to have snow but it went somewhere but not here.    It was very cold out there.  I didn't venture out, but those that did came in shivering.   Winter is here...Christmas is just around the corner and folks are beginning to realize that Santa is coming to town.   Vinnie went shopping and brought back a lovely wreath for his door.  He is slowly getting in the Christmas mood and that is a good thing.   Lois came down with a lovely set of candles that need batteries to light up and bring some beauty to the room.   The doors are beginning to take on a life of their own as each one decorates inside and out.   The mood is changing to merry and bright and that is a good thing.

Daughter Christine went grocery shopping and filled my list for me.   It was so nice not to have to put my shoes on and venture out in the cold.   I had her pick up some necessary evils but missed that poking around finding somethings that would bring the taste buds to attention.    She bought some really tasty grapes, huge and colorful so you know they wont last long.   

There is nothing really special going on so I'll love you and leave you for today.    I could write more about housework and a few other necessary evils that have to be faced today, but. . . that's no fun.  I'll be back.  I am going for a refill, put on the news and find out what is going on in our world.   I have chores to do, presents to wrap, and I think a singing group is coming in;  "The Silver-tones" the all female soprano group that keeps the males 'at home'.  smile.

Have a good day, all day.  Do something wonderful.   A good deed.   A friendly smile.   A hug or two.   Practice makes perfect so go practice.  Hugs to all.

Words

Words to learn by. . . each of us has a different road to follow . . . make sure you are on the right path.

how true!!  So hum a little and find your song!

I think we have heard this once or twice before.    Sometimes we let our ears do their job.

A new day, a bit of rain wants to come this way, skies are still dark and the parking area is quiet.  I am on my second cup of coffee and 'dropped' an egg. . . a poached egg is always good and tasty.   A big fat jelly doughnut would taste good but not as healthy...but who wants to be healthy, wealthy and wise.....not me.... no doughnut so I have to admit the dropped egg was delicious.   I'll have to buy a jelly doughnut when I go shopping, a treat for another morning.  I am not a cereal eater so it is difficult to come up with a non fattening diet and one should keep up with the 'Jones' and have a big fattening something special just because...smile. What is it that Mary Poppins sings...something about making the medicine go down...sweets will do it every time.    Holiday time is here so you know that counting calories is not going to work...relax..enjoy....and get out that pen and pencil set to write up all those good promises you make to yourself and never fore fill, isn't that what the holidays are all about.      Speaking of holidays, are you almost ready?    Have you decided what to buy for whom?   Do not forget to put the wrapping paper and ribbon on the top of your list.   An extra little role of tape wont hurt.    Ribbon...ah...don't forget, that bow is important.   A little class and a lot of love goes into the makings.    

Vinnie stopped in and brought some candy and some magazines;  a lovely thought and I will put them to good use to day and stay put and catch up with what goes on in the magazine news.   He gets Cowboys and Indians and the National Geographic magazine so there is plenty of good reading....all I need is time to just sit and relax and enjoy.    Now that YOU know Vinnie , you know he didn't come without a reason...yep, needed change for his twenty which I didn't have but he waltzed off with my two fives and I'll get them back later today.  He has designated me as 'a friend' so I guess I'm it when it comes to fulfilling needs and wants....um.....better start a list and watch out or I'll be adopted...smile.

Time to go shopping, get out your pen and paper and make your list;  head out the door and find that special something for someone you love and like.    There is the perfect gift just waiting to be bought and wrapped and someone you love will be smiling.   Remember that old adage about giving is divine; wonder who thought that one up!!!    smile.....it really is fun to give . . . brings a bit of joy to the heart.   So go.....be a giver......Hugs to all.

Season

Join Maxine and have your first cup of morning coffee....aah.......

A lovely picture from Wendy over there in Japan where the leaves are colorful and have a beauty all their own.

Winter has a special beauty all its own.   Time to get out the old flexible flyer and find a hill . . . winter . . .ah!!  

If you have time to sit awhile, turn on the television and turn on the Hallmark channel and watch a few Christmas movies.  Guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.  Daughter Christine invited me over to her house yesterday to watch the movies and I put my feet up, cuddled the little black cat who decided to watch a movie with me and we had the luxury of a restful, peaceful fun afternoon.  I took Christine out for a big fat juicy hamburger as a treat and we stopped to see the baker and those little Christmas trees he makes for this season.   They are all chocolate and very cute, really pretty, and do make a lovely gift.   We put our order in.  So when I finally made it back to the apartment the ladies were out walking the hall and stopped to have a word. They came in to see how the puzzle was coming along and one went home with a puzzle to do .    I am lucky for I have a puzzle board son John gave me a few years ago.   It has been wonderful and well used.  

Like you, I have things to do and keep thinking about them but so far haven't gotten much ahead of the game.    I ran out of wrapping paper.   I haven't hit my stride yet and the spirit of Christmas has not hit yet.    It is coming.  I am just moving slower this year.    I said that last year and the year before, but time has a way of making us step up and move on.    Today...store...ribbon...paper.....tape.....I know, you are getting dressed and heading out the door.....wait for me!!!!  

Don't forget your list;  you only think you will remember everything on it....don't count on that!!  Be a scout and be prepared....smile.  Oh!!!!  don't forget some loose change for the little buckets..it all adds up to make a little holiday spirit for those in need.    Don't forget the trees with the names of those who are in need for a small gift.  Take time to find the perfect gift for that person who has no one . . . there are many out there.  YOU have so much. . . they have so little....so be a Mother Teresa and show some generosity, kindness, and love....YOU can do it and smile while your doing it.

While you are at it, stop by your church and light a candle in remembrance of those we loved and lost over the years.    Out of sight but never out of mind.     It is all right to light a candle for those who have a hard time just living; so many with crosses to bear, the likes of which we never see or feel.    There is an old adage about walking in someones shoes to realize just what that person is going through.   Each of us needs and wants that lift in spirit to help us move on out of the shadows into the bright sunlight ad get on with our lives.  Christmas is the time.....Christ In Christmas . . . the answer to many prayers.   Be YOU, be good, be kind, be generous to a fault.  Share your smiles and a few tears if you have to.   Remember you were always told to carry a handkerchief.     Now you know why.

Be YOU today...the kind generous loving person who brings a smile when you walk into a room.   Go....do good deeds and the Christmas spirit will haunt you for the entire season.....a haunting that will make you feel alive and grateful.    Hugs to all.

Yesterday!!

My dinner last night at Santa's Workshop

You have seen this picture several times, but I don't change much every morning.  Off for a refill.  I'll be back.

And the candle stays lit for Jock and those in the hospital recuperating from surgery.

December is here...The first day of our winter month..think it is the 21st of this month that it will be officially w i n t e r!!!

Good morning.   Someone said snow, hopefully up in the mountains and not here in our streets of hills, big ones,  slippery slopes in bad weather.    I am having my seconds on coffee, thinking about the pizza left over from the Santa Workshop of last evening.    We had at least fifty little tubes to wrap, tie ribbon on, fill with goodies and be ready for the upcoming December Tea.    We started a little after five o'clock and ended up a little after eight o'clock with muscles tied up tighter than a drum and cramped up hands from all the ribbon cutting.   Why thinner ribbon was not purchased for this job is beyond me;  seems someone had an idea and got carried away...but we did the job and it is now at the ready for tea time.

News that Jock came through the back operation a whole hour earlier than anticipated and doing good.    He will have to obey doctors orders and be still for awhile and that is not an easy task for Jock who is one of those folks up with the birds, off and running for the day and ready for all kinds of good things to do.  He loves to fish, to hunt, to walk his dogs at three in  the morning, a real go- getter,  and a hard man to make stay down.   Now with this operation behind him, he will be able to do all of that with a smile and no more pain.  

Hey, I got to Macy's in the big mall . . . it was fun to shop and better still to find a couple of items that will make someone happy on Christmas morning.    A lot of folks are out there buzzing like hungry bees, looking for that perfect gift and finding it.  It makes it so much easier when you know what you need and want rather than second guessing.    Now to shop for some wrapping paper and ribbon.   I thought I had some here in the house but find there isn't any so one more trip out...or maybe two more..you know I"ll forget something.

So, off you go, have your breakfast and wake up and enjoy today.   Make a list, check it twice and go out and conquer that list . . . If you are looking for the perfect tie, Macy's has some really nice ones.   I didn't price them but if it is like most of the merchandise, it is high.  Wonder if they have a mark up fairy behind close doors.

Be good, be kind, be gentle.  Look for someone who needs a hug today.  Cheer someone up.  Visit the sick.   Light a candle or two.   Be a person of good cheer today;  one that walks into a room and everyone looks up and smiles.    Quite an accomplishment , something to be proud of.   Go.....smile with your eyes;    those are not wrinkles, they are laugh lines to be admired.    BE YOU!!!!! Hugs to all.