Thinking

And wishing you could stop in for a cup of coffee and one of Doris' muffins.  She brought me six of them and I'd share.

We are setting up an artist reception today at the Gallery and get to be a taster...smile.

and some folks think of the cactus as ugly....are they in for a surprise!

Last week it was catalogs in the mail;  this week it was the start of solicitations for one cause or another, the holiday season has arrived.    Speaking of holiday season I had a ride over to one of the largest drug stores here in Port Orchard.  It is really a drug store and a gift shop combined.  I have no idea who does the shopping for them, but I can tell you it is a fascinating store filled with really lovely things to buy.   They have a wall filled with the colorful wool blankets from the woolen mills that are gorgeous.  There are cases of unusual artifacts and shelves of special mugs that have sayings and pictures to make you smile.    The built in jewelry cases are filled with lovely pieces and the prices are not bad at all.    It is a fun place to go and there is no way you can leave with buying a card or two.    One of my favorite shopping places.   Christine is having a birthday next month so I was able to find a surprise for her.    When you come for a visit, I'll be sure to take you there and you can see all of the wonders yourself.    There is a hamburger joint close bye and we can have lunch.   .  . smile.

While out riding around I asked Pat to take me to our local candy shop.   I wanted to find some different and unusual candy for Vinnie to thank him for the lovely soft blanket he gave me to give to a little girl I know. She will have such fun wrapping herself and her doll in it.    Colorful, soft and easily washed so her mom wont mind her dragging it around.    The store is small but filled to the brim with candies I've haven't seen in years.    All the old fashioned favorites.   I settled for some of their fudge at a banker's price and wont go there again.   Talk about high prices.  It is a wonder they stay in business.    A good idea but a pricey one, much to much for my pocketbook.

Here it is Sunday all over again.   The minister will be out in the activity room playing his guitar and singing, neither of which he does well, but...he does try and he does bring a little 'church' to Ridgemont every Sunday morning.   The activity room is right next door to this apartment, so you know I leave for an early lunch..smile.   

So, I am off to get dressed, have seconds of my coffee which came out very good this morning.   I hope your day will be all that you want it to be.    Be kind, be gentle, be God fearing and do at least two good deeds today.     One for the inside and one for the outside.    Some one person needs a hug today;  you can see it in their eyes as you say good morning...reach out...grab hold...and let them know you care.  Give up a hug or two , does't hurt a bit.  Be one who smiles with your eyes and let the flow of good words seep out and make that someone glad to be alive.    Life can be cruel and we have no idea what goes on behind some closed doors;   be aware, be kind, be loving as only you can.   Hugs to all. 

BIG!

I wonder if he is as mean as he looks;  you go over the fence first...

and if I saw this guy I'd freeze and he could have first bite, I wouldn't argue...just run like hell.

You get out and tell them to move.  I'll wait.

Ah, a lovely road to drive on....wouldn't mind a ride on it.   Wonder where it leads?

Weekend is here and it is going to be a rainy one, or at least that is what has been predicted.  Our weather has been more spring like than wintry, maybe it was the time change and nature is confused.  It is hard to think of Thanksgiving coming up so quickly.  Holiday time. . . some will grouse and groan and others will be ecstatic  (yeah, I looked up the spelling on that word) and be on the shopping circuit trying to find the perfect gift for a love one.  Yep, that time of year, so get your boots on and start thinking about your Christmas list...that's right C H R I S T M A S....wow......I m worse than the stores heralding the holiday before it gets here...but then how else can I remind you to start making your list and checking it twice so you can buy for those naughty and nice...that's half the fun.

It was a quiet day here at Ridgemont yesterday.   I put up a new puzzle on the puzzle board.  That board has been one of the best gifts I could ever receive.  It makes it so easy to set up the new puzzle and organize.   The frame is in, now to find the pieces to make sense of what looks like a million small windows in a huge village scene and they all look alike.    Come on over, you can help.

Yesterday was Samantha's last day with us.  She is moving closer to where she lives and has a new job line up there.    We are going to miss this young lady as she is not only beautiful but is caring and loving, a gifted combination for the type of job she chose.  It suits her well.    She and I have exchanged addresses and she has promised to come visit when she has some free time. I'll take her to lunch and catch up on her new life style.    She is taking the first steps in getting closer to her home town and her wedding which will be early next spring.    We are going to miss her smiling face and her helpful ways, but we want her to be happy and we do wish her well.

Vinnie likes to buy things.  He loves getting packages in the mail and yesterday he came with a thin blanket asking if anyone wanted it but had no takers.  I finally said I'd like to have it and later told him I would give it to a young mother for her little girl to play with.  It is colorful, thin, and will be easy for her to drag around.    He does not understand why I like to give everything away and I try telling him that is more fun than storing it on a closet shelf and never using it.    I am going to go to the local candy shop and find him a candy gift for his sweet tooth and a small thank you for being the person that he is.    He is a good man, kind, gentle, and a sometimes pain in the you know what, but aren't we all!

Have a good day...a day to remember.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and look around and see what good deed you can do today.    Someone needs YOU.   Someone loves YOU.   Someone is saying a prayer YOU will come bye and give out a hug or two.     Go....be a light in the shadows.    Hugs to all.

Captions

A truism.

So be sure you are KIND today...all day.

and my first cup is gone..aah....off for a refill.

Sometimes no news is good news and sometimes new news is no good....our Jock is set for his back operation and that is good news in that he will no longer be in pain and will be able to pursue all of his wondrous life style, but it also means pain, recuperation time and a bit of down time he will not like.  He is a doer... a man of action;  hunter; fisherman; gardener and a best friend...so if you have a prayer list, most of you do, please put him on it so that is November operation will be a success.  And while your at it add a prayer or two for the good old USA;  we need it.   We have a new President and we need to get behind him and help keep our country better, best and great.   We need to give him a chance to prove himself.   So maybe a Novena would be best and he will get stronger each day and know the right way to lead our country.   We have had some 'beauts' who have not done us any good.   We have had a few that have done a bit of harm.   His tale is yet to be told and hopefully he will have a few good surprises.

Meanwhile life goes on and the Fall weather cannot make up its mind.  We actually had a summer day yesterday.  A bit confusing but enjoyable.   I had what I call a 'down' day, but I did have company as Ron stopped in for a visit.  It has been awhile and it was nice to have him here.   We are movie buffs and talked about some of the Hallmark Christmas shows that are on right now.  I cannot get them on my TV but he invited me down to watch them on his TV.   I appreciate the offer but Christine has set her TV on the channel for me and the little black cat is ready to be petted and likes my company.  If you have not tuned in, do so, as they are light, bright and fun.

Holiday time can be a bit depressing so watch out for the signs.    Some folks have a lot of family and they have tales to tell to those who have none so it can be a bit of lonely time for those folks.  The best bet is to adopt a family of friends and make the holidays shine.    If you invite those who have no family or place to go, you will find a new family of your own...good friends....they make special families.   Invite a few of those who have no family.  Each one will bring  a little bit to the feast and a lot of friendship and love along with them.    It is time to start planning the menu.   I still laugh at daughter Patricia who has a tough time stuffing a bird....she can think of other things she'd rather do.   I miss my kitchen.  I miss my neighbors.  I miss the fruit cakes.   But...I am lucky, Christine is going to be the master chef.   Patricia and I will find some goodies to take along with us.  We will miss our family members but they are a phone call away, second best when you can't 'see' them.    There is a need 'out there' for kindness;   maybe you are the one who will light the way.

Today is a good day to enjoy the sunshine or the rain....who knows some one of you may be having the first taste of snow.   Where ever you are;  what ever you are doing. . . stop, look, listen and find a way to be kind today.    Be a listener.  Sometime that is all it takes to solve someone with a problem of loneliness.    Be a huger, sometimes that is all it takes to makes someones day.   Be sure whatever it is that you bring with you today is special; an act of kindness;   a word of praise, a smile with your eyes that tells how special a friend is.  It takes very little to light up someones life when you take command and give a little of yourself.    Love does make the world go around.  Today is a good day to test that theory.     Be a lover.....be kind, be gentle, be YOU.   Hugs to all.

Good Morning!

The yellow rose was a favorite flower of my daughter Eileen.  Whenever I see one, she comes to mind and I wonder ....life has never been the same without her; a bit of sunshine went along with her.    

and a promise of a good one.    

The sunrise, another beautiful day to claim as your own.This picture was taken way back in 2011 but if you were to walk outside and take the shot again it would still be lovely and welcoming.

Good morning.   Don't go away ...I'll be right back,  need a refill...have to have something to wake up the brain and hopefully the inside word processor.   

Okay, I am back, full cup of hot black coffee and one sip leads to another...ah!!!

I look at my little plaque which has the Prayer of Serenity and I say it one more time in hopes that I will be granted the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference....it sure says it all.    I did open the blinds but all I see is darkness, no lights on in the hospital wing that I can see from my window.   It is just to early and folks are sleeping in.    It is to early for the first workers to arrive and if I had any sense I would go back to bed and snooze in for another hour or so , but that is something I just don't do;  the body clock says up and that is what it does and stays there.    Well, I'll have my coffee, spend a little time with you and then I'll hunker down in my favorite chair, turn on the TV and two to one, I'll snooze!!!    There is more than one way to ' skin a cat' as the old expression says.   Who in their right mind would want to skin a cat...not me!

Speaking of cats, Christine has two black cats that are beautiful , one is friendly, the other is not.  I was over her house yesterday to watch a little more of the Christmas shows on Hallmark.  If you haven't tuned in, do, as they are fun to watch.    A little corny, a little predictable, always enjoyable to watch.  One of the cats , and I have no idea if it has a name or not, but the one without the crooked tail, is friendly and cuddled up and stayed with me through all the shows.   A scratch behind his ears and he is a friend forever.   Chris was working down n her office  and had nothing I could help with so kept busy until tea time.  She stopped for a tea break and came up to say hello.  She just returned from a business trip so I am sure she had lots to catch up on.   I offer to help and some times she has some work I can do but yesterday was not one of them.   The shows were fun to watch and later I took her out for Chinese and we had an interesting discussion about the current political choices.   She says black if I say white and visa versa...smile......  We also discussed some of the horrible situations of the homeless.   The facts of no possible way to solve the problems when money is tight and the need so great.     When 'we' stop saying 'not in my backyard' then maybe some solutions will be forth coming.  Until you yourself is in that same position, you will not change your tune.   One never knows when the other shoe will drop and drop it will.  No one goes unscathed through life.    There have been centuries of talk about  'being my brother's keeper';  no one wants the job but it is there and it needs doing....think of 'there but by the grace of God , go I' and then maybe the heart will free the hands and the pocket book as the need is great.  Think about it as the holiday season comes along and you shell out money for 'things' when you could use a small bit of it to share with those who have absolutely nothing.   You may not have ever been in that position, and thank God you haven't...but...be mindful that 'things' change sometime overnight and the shoe can be on the other foot...so stop, think, be generous to a fault and give a helping hand to those who are at your mercy.    God loves the merciful so practice during this upcoming holiday season and see what you can do to ease the 'plight' of others......not of their choosing but of their circumstance. 

Go, be generous, do not pass up one red kettle this holiday season.   Keep change in your pocket and reach out for the red buckets and fill them for those who have nothing.    Count your blessings...you have many.  

Be good, be kind, be benevolent, be gracious to a fault....be a lover....a huger and be that person you are meant to be....someone who loves life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.....some one who finds happiness in sharing and caring.    Look around, pay attention and you will know exactly what to do.     BE YOU!!!!  Hugs to all.

A Good Morning!!

The election is over...The Donald WON!!  Now to see and hear if he meant what he said and said what he meant.   Donald Trump has gotten his wish and is our new President;  some folks are very unhappy this morning;  some are very happy their man won;  now comes the test of his ability to fulfill the promises to 'cure' America and make 'us' great again.   

This is a picture of the Donald's playroom;  hopefully he will be much to busy being a leader and not have time to just relax in luxury.   We don't begrudge him some leisure time but we want him to be a good leader and heal what has broken down in our country.  Only time will tell.   

Time to say our prayers for our new president and wish him well and success in the coming four year term.  He has a chance to show us what he can do.  He has a chance to prove he means what he says and says what he means.   We are in for a ride...let us hope it is a good one.

I had fun yesterday browsing in the junker store;  not sure that Goodwill would appreciate that title, but the store was filled with every Christmas throw away you can think of.  Some of it cute, some funny, some awful and some just junk.   I didn't buy anything as I still have some Christmas decorations I can use and having a little studio apartment I don't have room for a lot of'things'...I still love to look all of the decorations over and there is always one or two pieces one would enjoy, but...you need the space and the place.  I didn't buy anything, but that doesn't mean that I wont.  There are a few things out there that are to pretty to leave behind...but....first I have to look at the box I have and see what I do have.  I am sure I have more than enough....but.....one more little item can't hurt...after all it is much to cute to leave in the store when it can be put to good use lighting up the apartment and spread a bit of holiday cheer.  It is going to be so nice to concentrate on the upcoming holidays and leave all the political strain and stress behind us.  We elected a new president and he will need every prayer we can say.   He will have a chance to show us if he is true to his word . . let us hope so.    Maybe now Hillary will retire and become the grandmother she could be.   Hopefully 'the Donald' will prove to be a strong President;  we are about to find out.  As for Obama,   wonder if he is considering retiring to Dubai.  Politics over for a bit;  now to live with the results.

I am off to have seconds on my coffee;  catch up with some of the political results and am happy to say I am glad it is over for another four years.    We have to live with the results of the election and it is time to get over our wishful thinking and get on  with being the best citizen we can be. Some are  disappointed, some happy, some could care less. . . it is politics and we have to live with the results by being the best citizen we can be.    So the saying is that one should never talk about religion or politics to survive; so I'll quite talking about current events and get on with my day.    What is in the offering today;  not sure...but something will come up.     I enjoyed my dinner out with the girls last evening.  We went to the center market place and I had a bowl of fish chowder which is always very tasty.   It was nice to spend time with the girls and listen to them talk about the upcoming plans for the Gallery.   The Gallery has been changed around quite a bit, part of an old wall removed and more open space to show off the paintings and the different art pieces that the artists produce.   We have some talented folks, some with a bit of Wimsey  as well as some serious pieces.    

So today, be YOU,   be good, be kind, be gentle and don't forget hugs make your world, and that of your family and friends, go around and around.  Make your today an official 'hug' day...go...you have work to do.    Put on some music and dance around the house; best exercise there is.....shake, rock and roll!!!  Hugs to all.

Scenes.

A lovely tea cup.   My neighbor gave me a half dozen of these for the gallery and future tea parties.  She is going to our next tea and see them in action.   A lovely gift from a lovely lady.

Up, Up, and away!!!

I wonder how son Michael is doing this morning up there at the ranch.   I'd like to be there with him.  Ah, the Sierras.....a favorite place, a favorite valley.

Well here it is Tuesday all day and no special plans.   I will have to think of some special plans to get into some kind of mischief today....maybe a ride to a mall.....maybe I can talk the girls into lunch out, maybe I'll open the blinds and find out it is not going to be a nice day but a rainy one and then I can plan to stay put and finish my 'read'.    Or...invite someone in for a tea party.  I had company yesterday and it was wonderful.   Lois is a favorite and she dropped in.  I like that.   Drop ins are always fun.  We had a tea party.  I must replenish my cookie jar as it is empty again.   I miss baking.  I could try the stove again but I am leery of setting the alarm off.   This place is not like 'home'....but you have heard that before.    Now I understand why old folks get crabby....it is not the age as much as the place....the lack of a familiar kitchen to play in....ah...memories of some great baking days and the fun of sharing and caring.    I miss all the baking.  I could give this oven a try but the first time I did I set off the alarm and it made me leery to try again.    I think I'll buy the ingredients for wine cakes and make some up over the holidays.  They do make lovely tasty gifts.   And, if the alarm goes off, so be  it....smile.....

I opened the blinds to find a dark clear morning which seems cold and wintry.  The color of the sky is an early morning blue with faint white streaks , the trees are not moving so there is no wind.  The blinds are drawn over at the hospital building, no sign of movement but then it is only a little after six a.m. I have noticed the change in time, have you?   It takes several days to get used to this day light savings time.    The body rebels for a day or two then gets acclimated and use to the change.    Right now I am hearing silence.    not a peep, no noise of any kind.     Time to turn on the television and find out what is happening in our world.    Voting day...what will the outcome be???   Table talk at dinner time is interesting.  So many different views...some old time never change people and a few hardy souls who are courageous enough to sound off about their choices.   Choices...a strange word to use for this election.    I wonder if 'Mickey Mouse" will get it this year..smile.  Well, I will leave you to your choice...Good luck!!    I am off to refill my coffee cup, turn on the news, and think about the day ahead.    I hope you have a good one, a productive one, and you do exactly what you had in mind to do.    Enjoy the day.  

Be good, be kind, be gentle.   Don't forget the good deed today.  Share a few cents and help fill the holiday baskets for those who are less fortunate.   Be a giver.    Take time out for a few hugs and share you with those you like and love.   Make your day special, just like YOU.    Hugs to all.

Symbols.

A beautiful creation

A beautiful formation with color and meaning

Symbolic of war and peace

Good morning.  A new week starting and I wonder what it will hold...good things, I hope.

The weekend was a quiet one, nothing special going on.   Pat and I had a ride out to get one of those soft cones and enjoyed it.    The television got a lot of attention and I found out I do have Netflick, now all I have to do is learn how to use it.   Not an easy task for me.  The mind seems to want to stay put and not add anything new and different.   This nonagenarian state is quite interesting;  there seems to be a cheese like cloth over the brain and it takes longer an longer to learn anything new and different no matter how simple it is.   I wonder if there is any place you can order a new brain;  um...probably put in a request but to get it you would have to leave this earth and there is no guarantee you can get back.  Guess I will have to continue to make the one I have work...do not laugh, I may be losing a few cells at a time and then you will have to work harder to understand me.  I think of giving up the daily blog, but then it would be like giving up YOU and I wouldn't like that at all.   You 'guys' have been a part of my life for some time now and losing you would be something I don't even want to think about.    Friends...family friends......friend friends......um....has a nice ring to it.   So, what is there to talk about this morning.....nothing really as it is very quiet around Ridgemont.  The folks went to church,  had dinner up in the dining room,   went back to their rooms and closed the door and all stayed quiet.   No one set off a fire alarm.  No one knocked on the door.  No one ventured out with the exception of daughter Pat who came over and put the ending pieces in the puzzle...all done....a beautiful puzzle when completed and would have been lovely framed, but only if you were a book lover as it was a puzzle filled with shelves of books of all color and shape with a few little 'things' added.  It was a fun one to do.  The puzzle board is down, the table cloth is back on and I am thinking of taking a puzzle break...but....there is another box on the bottom shelf of the bookcase and I think it is a puzzle that is waiting to be put together.  um......

So today starts a new week;  a November week heading for holiday time.    Doesn't seem possible we have changed the clock and we are going to have to get busy and prepare for celebrations.   Are you going out?  Joining family?   Having friends in?   We are all signed up for the Ridgemont Manager's dinner ;  a lovely celebration and a gift to all of us.   It will be on the 18th , then I think I should take my daughters out for a celebration dinner and give them a day off from their kitchens...but...I think Christine wants to cook and she is very good at it.  Pat is too and she would contribute to a dish and of course I will be happy to bring some treats along.  I just don't stand at the stove and do all that heavy duty cooking any more.   I miss it though,    I never felt it was a chore; but rather a fun job.   Baking, cooking, fixing special treats for family and friends are what makes the holiday really big and bright.    When you do something you love, it is never a 'chore'.  

So think about what you can do to lighten the load for your holiday dinners whether it is you playing hostess or you are going to enjoy the company of someone who is going to be the hostess.   Make sure you bring your smile....a hug or two....and always a gift or two....a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, a special desert and YOU, what more could possibly make a holiday better....Just prepare early and then you can relax and enjoy the holidays.    

Be good, be kind, be gentle...be YOU....share you with those you like and love.  Hugs to all.