My sweet husband has been pretty ill since just before Christmas. We thought he was better, but now he is down again, and being admitted to the hospital this afternoon.
Wish us luck. 2012 is giving us one last kick in the keister! But still, I have high hopes for 2013.
Happy New Year. Be safe, happy, and HEALTHY!!
Hugs and love from Robin.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Eve of The Eve
The snow continues to fall on us, icicles are forming around the roof and the snowpiles on either side of the driveway are getting higher. Winter Wonderland!
We have been watching movies, playing with kittens and dogs and even done some decluttering and furniture rearranging. I seem to always want to make the men of the house move stuff at this time of year. To start the New Year with a different view, so to speak. The Christmas stuff comes down on New Year's Day. Usually sort of blah and blech for a couple of days after.
No big plans for New Year's Eve, as usual. It is a night for popcorn, movies, board games. Sometimes we make it to midnight, sometimes not. I know, how boring is that, right? But it's how we like it.
After a very very quiet Christmas, I am looking forward to a fresh, bright New Year. 2012 was a little rough going for our family, so I am expecting good things from 2013.
I wish the same for everyone!
We have been watching movies, playing with kittens and dogs and even done some decluttering and furniture rearranging. I seem to always want to make the men of the house move stuff at this time of year. To start the New Year with a different view, so to speak. The Christmas stuff comes down on New Year's Day. Usually sort of blah and blech for a couple of days after.
No big plans for New Year's Eve, as usual. It is a night for popcorn, movies, board games. Sometimes we make it to midnight, sometimes not. I know, how boring is that, right? But it's how we like it.
After a very very quiet Christmas, I am looking forward to a fresh, bright New Year. 2012 was a little rough going for our family, so I am expecting good things from 2013.
I wish the same for everyone!
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| Our front porch and steps |
Friday, December 28, 2012
Winter White
Well, we got a bunch of this:
And my son did a lot of this:
Watching all the snowblowing wore somebody out:
Someone else was very tired too:
And the thought of some Christmas leftovers made someone do this:
Looks like a certain sparrow family need to get their shovels out:
Hoping this time in between Christmas and New Year's is happy, healthy and safe. Hugs from Robin.
Watching all the snowblowing wore somebody out:
Someone else was very tired too:
And the thought of some Christmas leftovers made someone do this:
Looks like a certain sparrow family need to get their shovels out:
Hoping this time in between Christmas and New Year's is happy, healthy and safe. Hugs from Robin.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas to All!
Hoping the day is happy and healthy, filled with good food, fun, family, friends and furry kids, if you've got 'em.
White Christmas here which is cozy and bright. It starting snowing late Christmas Eve, so perfect.
Hugs to all and wishing you merry blessings of the Season!!
White Christmas here which is cozy and bright. It starting snowing late Christmas Eve, so perfect.
Hugs to all and wishing you merry blessings of the Season!!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Hello, Winter!
On the second day of Winter, my true love Mother Nature gave to me; 12 inches of snow overnight.
Today is the perfect day for baking, playing great music, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the comforts of a cozy home in winter.
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| Through a glass darkly |
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| Gwennie sheltering under the covered porch |
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| Snowing and blowing |
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| Kittens investigating their first snow (brought in by dogs) |
Friday, December 21, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sleep Blogging
I am so not awake. A terrible night of no sleep. Who knows why. I think the best thing for me to do is post some pictures and be done with it! See you sooner than later.
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| Two kittens plotting, one dog sleeping |
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| Pyewacket thinks Lexie has slept long enough |
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| "Uh, did something just step on me?" |
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| "No, no, just go back to sleep, only innocent cats here" |
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| Pixie hiding out in boxes |
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| Tools of the Season |
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| "Here, Mom, I will hold the ribbon while you tie the bow" |
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Old Fashioned Comfort
This rainy dreary Sunday fits the mood, I think, of most people still reeling from the horror and shock of the event in Connecticut this past Friday. My thoughts seldom stray from the families of the victims.
It seems frivolous to think about wrapping gifts, baking and decorating. To laugh and chatter, singing along with favorite music. Saying that "life goes on" sounds heartless. But life does go on, the sun rises and sets, the stars shine, we breathe and we grieve. Focusing on the "whys" is pointless. Evil exists and crosses the paths of innocents daily.
Today I am wrapping presents, decorating and singing along with some great music. My heart and mind and spirit are sad. Centering on old-fashioned, comforting tasks, hugging my family, spoiling the pets and being thankful and appreciative of every small moment is my way of coping with situations beyond my understanding.
Sending thoughts of comfort and love out into the Universe. Blessed be.
It seems frivolous to think about wrapping gifts, baking and decorating. To laugh and chatter, singing along with favorite music. Saying that "life goes on" sounds heartless. But life does go on, the sun rises and sets, the stars shine, we breathe and we grieve. Focusing on the "whys" is pointless. Evil exists and crosses the paths of innocents daily.
Today I am wrapping presents, decorating and singing along with some great music. My heart and mind and spirit are sad. Centering on old-fashioned, comforting tasks, hugging my family, spoiling the pets and being thankful and appreciative of every small moment is my way of coping with situations beyond my understanding.
Sending thoughts of comfort and love out into the Universe. Blessed be.
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| Image source |
Friday, December 14, 2012
Connecticut
There
are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we
don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without
but have to let go.
~Author Unknown
There are no words to describe the pain one feels upon hearing of such a heinous act. Whatever the reason behind it; mental illness, substance abuse or some other cause...perhaps an evil nature or hatred, this horrific event is not the first of its kind and most likely not the last. I truly do not know what I would say to these families who lost their beloved children. As a Wiccan, I do not believe in "Hell". This is one time I wish I did.
Frosty Friday--Yule Plans & Kitten Feet
Very bright sunshine this morning which makes the frost everywhere shine like diamonds. Blinding for driving, of course, but still very beautiful I love how everything shimmers and can't help but think we are living in a faery world Truly magickal!
Meanwhile, in the mundane world, my lists of things to do is ever-growing as I negotiate this Yuletide season. Some things get done, but the lists don't grow any shorter! I am excited though, that next week is the Winter Solstice and our family will be having our delightful celebration.
At this moment, the kittens are racing through the house, up and down, over boxes and bags of secret purchases. There is no pitter-patter of little feet by any means. These two little cats sound like a heard of elephants as they run up and down the stairs, through the kitchen, a quick stop to look at the patio door, then, with tails in the air, they zoom into the living room, up to their window perch, down the stairs to the family room where they begin again. Pixie throws her catnip mouse in the air, pouncing on it, attacking it and rolling around the floor clutching the thing in her mouth. Pyewacket isn't enthralled with the mouse the way Pixie is. He pounces on Pixie as if she were a catnip mouse.. Thank goodness for those surgeries they had last month, is all I can say!!!
On the agenda today: wrapping and packing up gifts to mail (yes, I am behind schedule), making out the shopping list for Yule Dinner (Cornish hens as the main course) and all kinds of little tasks that have waited this week. I am thriving in orderly chaos!
Big item on the to-do list: Find a beautiful oak log for our Yule fire ritual. We always have a small piece of the Yule log from last year which we use to light this year's fire. The new log is decorated and adorned with holly, evergreen branches, paper garland, pine cones, sage, rosemary, cedar. A special part of our ritual involves each of us writing our wishes on paper for the New Year and then throwing these wishes on the Yule log, to be taken up the chimney in smoke, out into the Universe. With proper intent, we know these wishes will come to fruition.
Just one of the things I am looking forward to. Family time in sacred space on Yule.
Now off to the races, kitten ones that is!! Have a wonderful day!!
Meanwhile, in the mundane world, my lists of things to do is ever-growing as I negotiate this Yuletide season. Some things get done, but the lists don't grow any shorter! I am excited though, that next week is the Winter Solstice and our family will be having our delightful celebration.
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| Image Source |
At this moment, the kittens are racing through the house, up and down, over boxes and bags of secret purchases. There is no pitter-patter of little feet by any means. These two little cats sound like a heard of elephants as they run up and down the stairs, through the kitchen, a quick stop to look at the patio door, then, with tails in the air, they zoom into the living room, up to their window perch, down the stairs to the family room where they begin again. Pixie throws her catnip mouse in the air, pouncing on it, attacking it and rolling around the floor clutching the thing in her mouth. Pyewacket isn't enthralled with the mouse the way Pixie is. He pounces on Pixie as if she were a catnip mouse.. Thank goodness for those surgeries they had last month, is all I can say!!!
On the agenda today: wrapping and packing up gifts to mail (yes, I am behind schedule), making out the shopping list for Yule Dinner (Cornish hens as the main course) and all kinds of little tasks that have waited this week. I am thriving in orderly chaos!
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| Image Source |
Big item on the to-do list: Find a beautiful oak log for our Yule fire ritual. We always have a small piece of the Yule log from last year which we use to light this year's fire. The new log is decorated and adorned with holly, evergreen branches, paper garland, pine cones, sage, rosemary, cedar. A special part of our ritual involves each of us writing our wishes on paper for the New Year and then throwing these wishes on the Yule log, to be taken up the chimney in smoke, out into the Universe. With proper intent, we know these wishes will come to fruition.
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| One of our Yule fires |
Just one of the things I am looking forward to. Family time in sacred space on Yule.
Now off to the races, kitten ones that is!! Have a wonderful day!!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
And Now For Something Completely Different
Firstly, Hanukkah Blessings to those that observe this wonderful Festival of Light! May you experience peace and joy during this celebration!
It is less than two weeks away from Yule, the Winter Solstice, the Wiccan/Pagan celebration of Light. And then Christmas a few days later. These are times of preparation, baking, cooking, gift-giving, fun, and observance. Sometimes a bit hectic, time-consuming, wearying (if you let it). Try to find some peaceful moments to reflect on simple things.
Here is something different that I saw in today's paper. Birds-of-Paradise. Not the tropical flower, real birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is launching a website in January, 2013 all about these magnificent birds. I visited the link this morning and was astounded by the short video there that shows a few of the 39 species of Birds-of-Paradise that inhabit New Guinea. If you watched the "Planet Earth" series a few years ago you may have seen some of these birds. There are not enough adjectives to describe these creatures.
If you would like to have a little respite from holiday havoc, here is the link to this 5 minute video. It will "wow" you. Nature is awesome! Have a great Monday!!
Birds of Paradise
(and one of these days I am going to figure out how to imbed a video on my blog!)
It is less than two weeks away from Yule, the Winter Solstice, the Wiccan/Pagan celebration of Light. And then Christmas a few days later. These are times of preparation, baking, cooking, gift-giving, fun, and observance. Sometimes a bit hectic, time-consuming, wearying (if you let it). Try to find some peaceful moments to reflect on simple things.
Here is something different that I saw in today's paper. Birds-of-Paradise. Not the tropical flower, real birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is launching a website in January, 2013 all about these magnificent birds. I visited the link this morning and was astounded by the short video there that shows a few of the 39 species of Birds-of-Paradise that inhabit New Guinea. If you watched the "Planet Earth" series a few years ago you may have seen some of these birds. There are not enough adjectives to describe these creatures.
If you would like to have a little respite from holiday havoc, here is the link to this 5 minute video. It will "wow" you. Nature is awesome! Have a great Monday!!
Birds of Paradise
(and one of these days I am going to figure out how to imbed a video on my blog!)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Kittens, Hobbits and Alberta Dwarf
A bright sunny Friday. Kittens are running around the house enraptured with the big bags of wreaths, garlands and other holiday accoutrement that I have brought home from the stores. My husband says not to buy these kittens any more toys...just bags and boxes, crumpled paper and twisty ties.
Speaking of kittens, my poor neglected blog, PurrrrSnicKitty, has been sitting alone and unloved for a while. I apologize to my kittens and my readers. Part of the fault lies with the kittens, though. I have been unable to get any good photos lately. I don't want to post without photos. I will make a concerted effort over the next few days, honestly. They are thriving, silly, funny, sweet; a real joy.
I am wondering how many "Hobbit" fans are out there? The new movie opens on December 14th here, and though I won't attempt to face the crowds for the first week or so, I am thrilled to be planning on seeing it. I spent many a happy hour reading The Hobbit in my youth. I loved Bilbo Baggins. In fact, when I started reading the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy I was very upset that Bilbo wasn't the main character. Frodo? No!!! I want Bilbo! Of course that changed and I do still believe that "Frodo Lives!"
Well, naturally the weekend will be fraught with countless tasks including putting lights on our 5 dwarf Alberta spruce trees in front of the house. Yes, little Alberta will be spruced up with lights, Christer!
Have a fabulous weekend, won't you?!! Be safe out there!
Speaking of kittens, my poor neglected blog, PurrrrSnicKitty, has been sitting alone and unloved for a while. I apologize to my kittens and my readers. Part of the fault lies with the kittens, though. I have been unable to get any good photos lately. I don't want to post without photos. I will make a concerted effort over the next few days, honestly. They are thriving, silly, funny, sweet; a real joy.
I am wondering how many "Hobbit" fans are out there? The new movie opens on December 14th here, and though I won't attempt to face the crowds for the first week or so, I am thrilled to be planning on seeing it. I spent many a happy hour reading The Hobbit in my youth. I loved Bilbo Baggins. In fact, when I started reading the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy I was very upset that Bilbo wasn't the main character. Frodo? No!!! I want Bilbo! Of course that changed and I do still believe that "Frodo Lives!"
Well, naturally the weekend will be fraught with countless tasks including putting lights on our 5 dwarf Alberta spruce trees in front of the house. Yes, little Alberta will be spruced up with lights, Christer!
Have a fabulous weekend, won't you?!! Be safe out there!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Seasonal Remarks
I love traditional Christmas carols. Singing them with a bunch of people is fun. Even though I am not Christian, I did grow up that way, and Christmas music was always my favorite at church way back when dinosaurs walked the earth!
However, Christmas music has been playing non-stop in stores and restaurants for days and days now. There are so many versions of the same songs, and to hear most of them over and over is a bit of a downer. A peppy, rocky version of "O Holy Night" is a bit much, don't you think?
Even my favorite Sirius radio, a classical music channel, started playing Christmas music non-stop yesterday. Sigh.
Am I sounding like a Scrooge? Don't mean to. Just a seasonal complaint, kind of like the flu.
Cooler, rain mixed with snow today. So much for the fabulous weather of yesterday. But that is okay; it is weird to have warm weather here in December. It should be snowy! The fire will be so delightful!!
Once again, I would like to recommend this wonderful book by the beloved author, Dorothy Morrison, "Yule A Celebration of Light & Warmth". Filled with so much good information about this important Sabbat; history and customs, rituals, crafts, recipes and other ideas to observe the Winter Solstice. I love this book.
Thinking about Yule really makes me smile.
However, Christmas music has been playing non-stop in stores and restaurants for days and days now. There are so many versions of the same songs, and to hear most of them over and over is a bit of a downer. A peppy, rocky version of "O Holy Night" is a bit much, don't you think?
Even my favorite Sirius radio, a classical music channel, started playing Christmas music non-stop yesterday. Sigh.
Am I sounding like a Scrooge? Don't mean to. Just a seasonal complaint, kind of like the flu.
Cooler, rain mixed with snow today. So much for the fabulous weather of yesterday. But that is okay; it is weird to have warm weather here in December. It should be snowy! The fire will be so delightful!!
Thinking about Yule really makes me smile.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Turn Off the Heat, Open the Windows!
Apologies to dear friends in snowy, frigid Sweden and blizzardy prairies of Canada. Here in Syracuse today we have bright sunny skies and it is almost 70 degrees F. I am blissful. Though I do like cold snowy weather around Yule, it is lovely to have a day like this to throw open the windows and let the balmy breezes blow through the house. This gives me an opportunity to do a special ritual for cleansing. Working with the wind can be a little iffy, because it is so fickle. Blowing first one way, than another, then ceasing all together. But grab the opportunity when you can. I love how the house feels after a windy day ritual. It smells divine too!
One of the craft stores I go to is having a special 50% sale on all their Christmas supplies. Boy, howdy did I go a little nuts!! Decking the halls is a little challenging this year with kittens amongst us. So I am looking vertically and high for decorating. These little cats are jumpers...leapers...climbers. We shall see! I will keep you posted. I did buy a small artificial tree to put on a table top. It will have soft or wooden ornaments. I am sure they will be fascinated by it. I just don't want to risk our usual big fresh tree; worried about the kittens ingesting needles, drinking up the tree water, climbing up and inside and all around.
The next few days will be busy with decorating, crafting and other Yule-themed activities. I think I have gotten a bit of the Spirit of the Season simmering. That's a good thing!
How is December treating you so far?
One of the craft stores I go to is having a special 50% sale on all their Christmas supplies. Boy, howdy did I go a little nuts!! Decking the halls is a little challenging this year with kittens amongst us. So I am looking vertically and high for decorating. These little cats are jumpers...leapers...climbers. We shall see! I will keep you posted. I did buy a small artificial tree to put on a table top. It will have soft or wooden ornaments. I am sure they will be fascinated by it. I just don't want to risk our usual big fresh tree; worried about the kittens ingesting needles, drinking up the tree water, climbing up and inside and all around.
The next few days will be busy with decorating, crafting and other Yule-themed activities. I think I have gotten a bit of the Spirit of the Season simmering. That's a good thing!
How is December treating you so far?
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Fun Start to December!
Well, I have been silent on the blog this week. Still a bit under the weather, busy with doctor appointments with my brother, and just a bit blue. But that is neither here nor there, as I am back today, a rainy Sunday to say happy December!
Last night, my husband, son Nicarus and I went to see my most very favorite comedian of all time. She was at the Palace Theater in Syracuse, we had great seats and, as always she was fabulous. This is the second time we have seen her live performance. Years ago, in southern California we saw her in Ventura. She is as fresh and funny now as she was then. I am talking about Paula Poundstone, of course.
Laughter is, indeed, great medicine. A fun way to start the month of December!!!
Last night, my husband, son Nicarus and I went to see my most very favorite comedian of all time. She was at the Palace Theater in Syracuse, we had great seats and, as always she was fabulous. This is the second time we have seen her live performance. Years ago, in southern California we saw her in Ventura. She is as fresh and funny now as she was then. I am talking about Paula Poundstone, of course.
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| A little blurry, but here is Paula Poundstone |
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| She interacts with the audience in hilarious ways |
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| At some point, Paula ends up lying on the stage. Here her feet are propped up on the stool. |
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Snow Job
The newspaper tells us this morning that a "Siberian Express" weather event will hit us sometime this winter. The article goes on to say that we are most likely in for a "snowmageddon". Last winter we only received 50 inches of snow, total. The normal is about 120 inches.
This is not sitting well with me.
Of course, how often are the weather people correct, right?
Right?
This is not sitting well with me.
Of course, how often are the weather people correct, right?
Right?
Monday, November 26, 2012
Mindful Monday
Snowing again.
The turkey is all gone.
Should have made two pumpkin pies.
We watched the animated movie, "Brave". Really entertaining. Scottish accents, too.
Here's a cute picture of my son and daughter.
They have great smiles, don't they? And beautiful eyes.
A quiet, mindful Monday today. Lots to think about and plan.
Yule is coming.
The turkey is all gone.
Should have made two pumpkin pies.
We watched the animated movie, "Brave". Really entertaining. Scottish accents, too.
Here's a cute picture of my son and daughter.
A quiet, mindful Monday today. Lots to think about and plan.
Yule is coming.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like........
SNOW!! 6:45 am this very morning, I got up to a snowy world. 3-5 inches predicted for today. Hot chocolate, anyone?
Friday, November 23, 2012
Good Gravy & The Day After
We had a delicious Thanksgiving. And now are thinking about the leftovers we will have tonight. Always so good. Of course, I had my traditional, morning-after Thanksgiving slice of pumpkin pie for breakfast. The weather is unusually mild. I did miss that crisp, chill air yesterday.
My success story for Thanksgiving dinner this year is a new way to make the gravy. Our wonderful Jaz at OctoberFarm blog posted her method, which saves the stress of having to make the gravy at the last second while everything else is ready. Click HERE for her wonderful gravy recipe.
The above is a photo of my stock pot filled with turkey parts (legs, wings, necks) and a large variety of veggies and herbs and seasonings. It smelled divine whilst simmering away.
A steamy photo of the finished turkey gravy. It is a cinch to make, especially if you are familiar with making the basic roux (flour and butter) then continuing on to make a bechamel sauce (basic white sauce), etc. If you have never done that type of sauce before, Jaz's instruction are very easy to follow, and with photos!!
This was an excellent tasting gravy, and such a relief to have it all done way before the turkey came out of the oven. Next year I will be making this gravy a few days before the big day.
Naturally I completely forgot to get a nice photo of our Thanksgiving table. So aggravating. Please take my word for it that everything looked and smelled wonderful, and everyone enjoyed all those wonderful flavors.
I hope all who celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday had a terrific day.
We are not Black Friday shoppers so today is a family-oriented day. It's quite pleasant.
Here's two curious kitties peering out the front door for the first time. It's a big world out there, kittens!
Have a super day!
My success story for Thanksgiving dinner this year is a new way to make the gravy. Our wonderful Jaz at OctoberFarm blog posted her method, which saves the stress of having to make the gravy at the last second while everything else is ready. Click HERE for her wonderful gravy recipe.
This was an excellent tasting gravy, and such a relief to have it all done way before the turkey came out of the oven. Next year I will be making this gravy a few days before the big day.
Naturally I completely forgot to get a nice photo of our Thanksgiving table. So aggravating. Please take my word for it that everything looked and smelled wonderful, and everyone enjoyed all those wonderful flavors.
I hope all who celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday had a terrific day.
We are not Black Friday shoppers so today is a family-oriented day. It's quite pleasant.
Have a super day!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
The Eve of Thanksgiving
Busy goings-on here, as is most likely the case in homes across this great nation of ours! The Thanksgiving feast is poised to greet us tomorrow, and I for one, am very happy. Love the flavors, aromas, the menu and the memories of Thanksgiving. Particularly poignant for my family this year, our first without Mom.
The cranberries are simmering away, the butternut squash is roasting away and soon pumpkin pie will be baking away.
We have a 23.68 pound fresh turkey in the fridge just waiting to hop into the oven tomorrow morning and do his part for our dinner. To Mr. Tom Turkey, you have the gratitude of a thankful family. I have been buying fresh turkeys for several years now, as I am so tired of the anxiety of defrosting the big ole butterball. Some years worse than others, especially when, on occasion, another frozen bag of "innards" would appear way down somewhere unexpected. Now don't anyone tell me that has not happened to you!! lol!!
So scurrying around, cleaning (rather haphazardly, I might add), baking, checking my 100 lists, getting excited for the arrival of our lovely Raethan and her sweet husband, herding kittens, and looking forward to the quiet evening of happy chatter, the roll of dice on the board games, and thoroughly enjoying this Time Between Time holiday.
And absolutely no thought given to all the Black Friday nonsense (or Black Thanksgiving for that matter, ludicrous). Stay home with the family. Don't be bullied by the retail industry into racing around like turkeys without their heads trying to find the best, better, cheapest deal on most likely made-in-China crap that will be broken or forgotten by New Years. Okay, sorry for the rant.
How is your Eve of Thanksgiving going???
The cranberries are simmering away, the butternut squash is roasting away and soon pumpkin pie will be baking away.
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| Cranberries simmering on the stove this morning |
We have a 23.68 pound fresh turkey in the fridge just waiting to hop into the oven tomorrow morning and do his part for our dinner. To Mr. Tom Turkey, you have the gratitude of a thankful family. I have been buying fresh turkeys for several years now, as I am so tired of the anxiety of defrosting the big ole butterball. Some years worse than others, especially when, on occasion, another frozen bag of "innards" would appear way down somewhere unexpected. Now don't anyone tell me that has not happened to you!! lol!!
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| image source |
So scurrying around, cleaning (rather haphazardly, I might add), baking, checking my 100 lists, getting excited for the arrival of our lovely Raethan and her sweet husband, herding kittens, and looking forward to the quiet evening of happy chatter, the roll of dice on the board games, and thoroughly enjoying this Time Between Time holiday.
And absolutely no thought given to all the Black Friday nonsense (or Black Thanksgiving for that matter, ludicrous). Stay home with the family. Don't be bullied by the retail industry into racing around like turkeys without their heads trying to find the best, better, cheapest deal on most likely made-in-China crap that will be broken or forgotten by New Years. Okay, sorry for the rant.
How is your Eve of Thanksgiving going???
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Ascending from the Murky Depths
Huh? "Ascending from the Murky Depths"?
Oh, that's just me being melodramatic.
I am feeling a lot better today, though I really got hit hard by this dang cold. And now here it is, two days before Thanksgiving. Have not done the food shopping yet. The house is a disaster. Pies must be baked. Cranberry sauce needs cooking.
I have a lot of blog reading to catch up on and emails to answer.
But, the good news is I have family members to lasso. They will pitch in at the last minute and all will be well.
And I do give thanks for that!!
Oh, that's just me being melodramatic.
I am feeling a lot better today, though I really got hit hard by this dang cold. And now here it is, two days before Thanksgiving. Have not done the food shopping yet. The house is a disaster. Pies must be baked. Cranberry sauce needs cooking.
I have a lot of blog reading to catch up on and emails to answer.
But, the good news is I have family members to lasso. They will pitch in at the last minute and all will be well.
And I do give thanks for that!!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Bless Me!!
The kittens and I survived their surgeries! They spent the night at the veterinary hospital and then were ready to come home the next day. Everything went well and they were very very happy to return home. I was glad to get them back home too!
Don't get too close to the screen, now! I have a miserable cold and am coughing, sneezing, sniffling and groaning. So much to do before Thanksgiving! Isn't this always the way?!
Meanwhile, the computer is still giving me some problems; it seems to be hit or miss as to whether I can get to websites. Very strange. I am glad my husband will be home from his trip tomorrow. Fix it, please, dearest husband.
Have a superior weekend!! Can you hand me a tissue please?
Don't get too close to the screen, now! I have a miserable cold and am coughing, sneezing, sniffling and groaning. So much to do before Thanksgiving! Isn't this always the way?!
Meanwhile, the computer is still giving me some problems; it seems to be hit or miss as to whether I can get to websites. Very strange. I am glad my husband will be home from his trip tomorrow. Fix it, please, dearest husband.
Have a superior weekend!! Can you hand me a tissue please?
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Glitches and the Power Outages
Oh, people, I have had a terrible time this morning trying to get my computer to do what it is supposed to do. Firefox kept crashing (at least 4 times in a row). So, I shut down the laptop, got a cup of coffee, turned the ding dong thing back on. Wait. Wait. Wait. Finally, up and running, seemingly. Just seconds away from logging into my email, and "Blam" the power went out. A minute or two later, the power came back on, then, right back off again. About three minutes later, the power is back on. Still on. Waiting. Should I turn on the computer? Wait. Still on. Okay. Turned the computer back on. Got another cup of coffee and a book.
So here I am about an hour later, answered one email and signed into blogger. I will attempt to read some blogs. Completely forgot my plans for today's post. Just happy to be here at all.
Have a great Wednesday. Hopefully, I will see you tomorrow.
Argh, my kittens are having their surgeries tomorrow. Wish us all luck.
So here I am about an hour later, answered one email and signed into blogger. I will attempt to read some blogs. Completely forgot my plans for today's post. Just happy to be here at all.
Have a great Wednesday. Hopefully, I will see you tomorrow.
Argh, my kittens are having their surgeries tomorrow. Wish us all luck.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Ruminations
After two gorgeous, sunny high 60's days, we are back to the chilly gray drizzly ones. But it's November so what can one expect?
The leaves are all off the trees and have turned into dried brown skittering-along-the-street things. All day long yesterday the streets were in constant motion with hundreds of dried-up leaves dashing off to parts unknown. It was an interesting sound.
So much going on in the news these last few days, and on the blogs. I am disgusted at the Petraeus situation, concerned and shocked about the lack of progress being made in NY and NJ with post-Hurricane Sandy problems. I like to keep abreast of current events, but it is difficult at times, to not become obsessed with certain situations.
Unfortunately, some of the blogs I have been following are suffering from negative situations; death, both people and beloved pets, jobs lost, ill-health and other life upsets. One leaves sympathetic comments, but that never seems enough. Makes you feel helpless.
I realize that Mercury is in retrograde and these circumstances crop up a lot more during this time. We just must redouble our efforts to send out as much positive energy as possible.
On the homefront, my husband is away on business for a week, my brother has medical tests and appointments, and the kittens are having their spay/neuter surgeries this week. The good news is Thanksgiving is just around the corner and my daughter and her husband will be able to join us this year to observe the feast with us. Now that makes me smile!!
Sending out good wishes for calm, non-eventful days!
The leaves are all off the trees and have turned into dried brown skittering-along-the-street things. All day long yesterday the streets were in constant motion with hundreds of dried-up leaves dashing off to parts unknown. It was an interesting sound.
So much going on in the news these last few days, and on the blogs. I am disgusted at the Petraeus situation, concerned and shocked about the lack of progress being made in NY and NJ with post-Hurricane Sandy problems. I like to keep abreast of current events, but it is difficult at times, to not become obsessed with certain situations.
Unfortunately, some of the blogs I have been following are suffering from negative situations; death, both people and beloved pets, jobs lost, ill-health and other life upsets. One leaves sympathetic comments, but that never seems enough. Makes you feel helpless.
I realize that Mercury is in retrograde and these circumstances crop up a lot more during this time. We just must redouble our efforts to send out as much positive energy as possible.
On the homefront, my husband is away on business for a week, my brother has medical tests and appointments, and the kittens are having their spay/neuter surgeries this week. The good news is Thanksgiving is just around the corner and my daughter and her husband will be able to join us this year to observe the feast with us. Now that makes me smile!!
Sending out good wishes for calm, non-eventful days!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Because of the Brave
Veteran's Day has come round again. I join in with honoring all the men and women who have served the United States during war and peacetime. It does seem a very long time since we have seen peacetime. I will repeat a phrase I love, which I have used here before: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave." My heartfelt good wishes and gratitude go out to all who have served and are serving now.
My dad was a veteran of World War I. My husband is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, retired after 24 years of service. His father was a veteran of World War II. My dearest friend and godmother to our children is a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Persian Gulf.
No matter the stance one has on wars and armed conflicts, or one's political views, the fact that our military is ready to serve, ready to risk life and limb, that so many have been killed, maimed and suffer countless other traumas on behalf of our country--we must support them, honor them, help them when they return home. We must thank them, believe in them and be proud of our fellow Americans.
Today also is a special day for our family. My darling husband was born on Veteran's Day, November 11th (um...some years ago, lol). Happy Birthday, Hunny Bunny! We are all very proud of you!
Three cheers for all our veterans!
My dad was a veteran of World War I. My husband is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, retired after 24 years of service. His father was a veteran of World War II. My dearest friend and godmother to our children is a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Persian Gulf.
No matter the stance one has on wars and armed conflicts, or one's political views, the fact that our military is ready to serve, ready to risk life and limb, that so many have been killed, maimed and suffer countless other traumas on behalf of our country--we must support them, honor them, help them when they return home. We must thank them, believe in them and be proud of our fellow Americans.
Today also is a special day for our family. My darling husband was born on Veteran's Day, November 11th (um...some years ago, lol). Happy Birthday, Hunny Bunny! We are all very proud of you!
Three cheers for all our veterans!
Friday, November 9, 2012
KnockDown DragOut--Post Election FallOut
Yesterday morning I was sitting in a doctor's waiting room while my brother had an appointment. I was reading a really good book.
Next thing you know, a loud conversation started up between two older gentlemen. One was ranting about the election and the second one was ranting louder about the election. Of course it became apparent which party they each belonged to and that their opinions were vastly different.
The older of the two started getting quite riled up which made the other fellow even louder. They were each spouting extreme opinions.
There were about 12 people in the room. Reactions varied to this debate; chuckling, outright laughter, embarrassed silence, irritation. The lady sitting next to me was also reading, or trying to. She stated "People are trying to read, please be quiet." The two men kept right on going, louder and angrier. She hissed at them again to settle down.
I asked the old guys, "Can't you two just agree to disagree?"
Apparently not.
Finally the loudest man was called by the nurse. He rumbled and ranted from his seat, then stood by the nurse who was holding the door open for him and barked a a little bit more. Eventually he went in (to get his blood pressure taken by the way!). The other man huffed and puffed for a bit until another lady handed him some magazines to look at. A quiet peace descended upon the rest of us.
I thought at one point the old geezers were going to come to blows.
Most likely, this same scene is playing out across the country in diners, barber shops & hair salons, club meetings, work places. On the positive side, I am glad to see people showing interest in the issues that face this country; for too long there has been a lax and apathetic feeling among a vast group of people. It would be more productive, though if discussions could be less volatile, better informed and less accusing.
Probably never going to happen though. But freedom of speech is alive and well in America, and dissenters were the impetus behind the founding of our country.
So talk on, people. But a little more quietly...people are trying to read.
Next thing you know, a loud conversation started up between two older gentlemen. One was ranting about the election and the second one was ranting louder about the election. Of course it became apparent which party they each belonged to and that their opinions were vastly different.
The older of the two started getting quite riled up which made the other fellow even louder. They were each spouting extreme opinions.
There were about 12 people in the room. Reactions varied to this debate; chuckling, outright laughter, embarrassed silence, irritation. The lady sitting next to me was also reading, or trying to. She stated "People are trying to read, please be quiet." The two men kept right on going, louder and angrier. She hissed at them again to settle down.
I asked the old guys, "Can't you two just agree to disagree?"
Apparently not.
Finally the loudest man was called by the nurse. He rumbled and ranted from his seat, then stood by the nurse who was holding the door open for him and barked a a little bit more. Eventually he went in (to get his blood pressure taken by the way!). The other man huffed and puffed for a bit until another lady handed him some magazines to look at. A quiet peace descended upon the rest of us.
I thought at one point the old geezers were going to come to blows.
Most likely, this same scene is playing out across the country in diners, barber shops & hair salons, club meetings, work places. On the positive side, I am glad to see people showing interest in the issues that face this country; for too long there has been a lax and apathetic feeling among a vast group of people. It would be more productive, though if discussions could be less volatile, better informed and less accusing.
Probably never going to happen though. But freedom of speech is alive and well in America, and dissenters were the impetus behind the founding of our country.
So talk on, people. But a little more quietly...people are trying to read.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Now that It's Over.....
Not a landslide victory, but still a Win. What we can hope for now is that the next four years will justify the votes of 50% of the US. And that our President will do his utmost to fix/repair/heal the significant ills that face our country.
My heartfelt and fervent wish is that the people who did not vote for Barack Obama will put down their mudslings and do their utmost to support the President. Not a naive wish; it could happen.
Congratulations, Mr. President, make us proud.
My heartfelt and fervent wish is that the people who did not vote for Barack Obama will put down their mudslings and do their utmost to support the President. Not a naive wish; it could happen.
Congratulations, Mr. President, make us proud.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Not-So-Lonely Pumpkin
In yesterday's post, I put up a photo of my pumpkin, looking sad and lonely on the deck. This drew sympathy from my caring readers who wished the poor thing didn't look so melancholy.
In the interest of keeping my Wiccan Wreaders happy and engaged, I present now a Happy Pumpkin, no longer singular or unbefriended. Your Welcome.
In the interest of keeping my Wiccan Wreaders happy and engaged, I present now a Happy Pumpkin, no longer singular or unbefriended. Your Welcome.
Have a great Saturday!!
Friday, November 2, 2012
November Tempest
Dreary, rainy, chilly. Typical for November. But at least we are safe and snug in our homes here, while the thousands of people affected by the Hurricane in New York and New Jersey, as well as the other states, suffer through the tempest that has become their daily lives. Catastrophes from weather events continue to display the power of Nature over us humans despite the fact that Man is supposedly advanced in all arenas of intellect and technology. Nature will win. Our thoughts and prayers and energies go out to all who are suffering. And to the many rescuers and repairers as the damage and destruction of the hurricane is made right.
Halloween has come and gone. All that remains is one lonely pumpkin and some fallen leaves. The Wheel of the Year completed its circuit with Samhain. The end of one year. In December the first sabbat of the New Year is Yule, the Winter Solstice. For me, from Samhain to Yule is a "Time Between Time". A waiting time. Sort of a take a breath, say goodbye to the year just passed and get ready for the next sabbat and the start of all new things. Squirreling away things for a long, cold winter. Planning festivities for Thanksgiving at the end of November. Reading, baking, talking with family and friends. Reflecting on the past year, thinking about the good and bad, putting it behind me, though taking note of lessons learned and generating ideas for the New Year. No action taken at this time. Simply being in the present moment and waiting for what will come. Time between Time.
On the deck under the woodpile, somebunny is preparing for winter too. Fortunately somedoggies were not aware of this trespass.
Meanwhile, out the front window, kittens discover sparrows in the Japanese weeping cherry.
And Lexie keeps an eye on the kittens, making sure they don't shred the curtains or wreck the blinds.
All is well and quiet in our little world.
"I like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and its content."|
All is well and quiet in our little world.
"I like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and its content."|
- Lin Yutang
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