Celebrations!

Dearest Friends!! Whatever you observe on this day, or even if you observe naught, please enjoy the Season and may you and your loved ones celebrate peace, love, good health and abiding joy!

A Game of Groans

Happy Monday!!

I must have been out of my mind yesterday, Sunday. I ventured into the grocery store, me and 20 million others. Took much longer with the crowd, but honestly everyone was polite and friendly.
Got the Christmas ham, chestnuts, clementines, and of course, some sweets.

I have denuded our tree of all ornaments, since it has become a game. I put the ornaments on, the cats take the ornaments off. Some of the ornaments get carried away to other parts of the house. The final straw was coming home to find the tree on the floor, dirt from the pot scattered everywhere and ornaments laying all around. The Norfolk Island pine now just has one string of lights.  Not sure if it will survive into the New Year. Groan!!!

Ah, Yule! So nice to have that benchmark met! Love the turning of the Wheel of the Year. We even have a partly sunny day.

Light and Peace!! Robin

Blessed Yule!

Ring out Solstice Bells!!!

Today we celebrate the Winter Solstice, Yule!

Light candles! Burn a Yule log! Greet the returning Light and say hurray for the rebirth of the Sun.

We stop losing daylight. And more importantly, inch by inch, the Light begins its slow journey to the Spring Equinox (Ostara)!

It is a day and night of celebration. Think about things you want to change or get rid of. Write your wishes on a piece a paper, then throw them in the fireplace, burn them in a cauldron or other safe burnable place. Your wishes will rise up with the smoke and reach out to the Universe. The Universe offers infinite solutions. Trust the process!

Happy Blessed Yule to all!   Love and Light, Robin!!

Do's and Don'ts

What I Should Be Doing:

 1. Baking cookies

2.  Buying and Wrapping gifts

3.  Writing and Mailing Christmas cards

4.  Finish decorating the house

5.  Supervising the stringing of outside decorative lights

What I Am Actually Doing:

1.  Reading a lot of library books

2.  Playing Candy Crush and the newer game Soda Crush

3.  Forgetting to do laundry

4.  Checking out all the Outlander videos on line

5.  Reading more books from the library

Perhaps I need an intervention or have my library card seized and my cell phone confiscated.

Tuesday

Time is flying too fast for me. So much to do. But at least the snow is melting. Tired of chasing persnickety kitty from the Yule Tree. I am very tempted to undecorate and forget about it.

Interesting story out of Buckingham Palace. They've got Magic Mushrooms growing in the gardens. Those red-capped ones with the white dots. Hallucinogens. Picturing the Queen and her Prince Regent tripping out. Groovy, man.

Time to put on some upbeat Christmas music and do some baking. That's the spirit!

Have a simply fabulous Tuesday!

Blood Oranges Part 2

Well. I did not burn the house down. My son thought I was burning the orange slices in the oven. The blood oranges looked black. I think they would be great Halloween/Samhain decorations. Not, in my opinion, for Yule. Also, drying the oranges took almost 4 hours, and frankly, the smell of them drying filled the house with a not-pleasant odor. My brother asked if I was cleaning the oven.

The regular naval orange slices turned out okay. Not as nice as in the photos I have seen, but isn't that always the way. Still I will use them, hanging them onto a swag of greenery.

If you try drying (or eating) blood oranges, please let me know how it all turned out.

My next experiment: A Christmas cake with brandy. Another first time for me, cooking with brandy. I am not sure why I have become fixated on trying new things all of a sudden. I suppose it is because I wanted to incorporate something new into my Yule ritual.

Have a wonderful weekend!   Robin.

Blood Oranges--not for the weak of heart

Long week with lots of snow.

Cats are having too much fun with our little Yule Tree.

Given up on the wassail idea. Blech.

There are orange slices drying in the oven as I write this post. I procured two types of oranges, naval and blood oranges. Now here is a confession. I have never bought blood oranges, ever. So when I sliced into the first blood orange for the first time, my reaction was less than pleased. It looked kind of gross, actually. And did not smell as nice and sweet as the naval oranges. And because of the way they looked, I did not taste it either. Is that weird of me? So why did I even get the dumb things? They were next to the navals and I thought, Why Not?  Indeed.

Results of my latest experiment will be posted. Fingers crossed that I did not burn the house down.

Disentangling, Dishwasher & Damon

Damon?? Why are they naming snowy weather. We get, on average 180 inches of snow a season. Will they name every single snow storm? The weather people love to make us crazy. We are getting snow, probably up to 10 inches. Good thing I can stay home and not have to drive in it. It's very pretty (from inside).

I spent over 30 minutes trying to disentangle three beaded garlands, one jingle bell light set and a door knob hanger with strands of ribbon in it. I am not a patient person, avoiding any kind of tediously meticulous effort. It was terribly frustrating, but I kept at it, with assistance from the Kittens who were having a grand time batting at all the things hanging down. After I finally got everything detangled, I had to sit down with a cup of tea and some cookies. (My version of a bracing shot of whisky!)

Hallelujia!! The new dishwasher was delivered this morning and I am in hog heaven! I almost kissed the delivery guys and the dishwasher itself. Almost...if the guys looked like Johnny Depp, I would have. But they were more like ugly Mutt and Jeff (no offense intended to them, they were very efficient). Once my son and hubby get it installed tonight, I might just pull up a chair while it goes through its wash cycle. Too much??

Back to decorating. And I am planning on trying another new thing....drying orange slices for a wreath. What can possibly go wrong?

Must fly. Robin

Anticipation

Tuesday has begun with a gray-white sky and misty rain that freezes as it dashes to the ground. The temperature is brisk, but there is no breeze; the day waits, quiet and still, in anticipation of the gathering storm.

There are many tasks to be done inside. I will put on favorite music and work and watch the sky for signs of snowy weather. Baking smells will rise from the kitchen and sleepy kitties will keep me company. An old dog will nudge me and ask for a lift up to the couch.

A quiet day, and yet so very satisfying. Yule is coming and I sing with happiness and Light.

Bright Blessings.  Robin

Ugh, Ick and Yuck

In my last post, I mentioned I was trying a wassail recipe. Ugh, ick and yuck is all I have to say about it. The recipe was poorly written, amounts were off, directions were incomplete...etc. Terrible concoction! Will not be sharing that recipe.

Apparently the Weather People have decided to hype us up into a frenzy with a Snow Event starting tomorrow and going through Thursday night. So naturally, my first thought is that I have to get to the library and stock up on some good reads. So I did. Pronto. And then I did the dutiful thing to stop by the grocery store for milk and dog food and more kitty treats. (can NOT run out of kitty treats!)

Came downstairs this morning, and there were various Yule ornaments scattered around the living room. Looks like a couple of felines had fun during the night. This is why I decorated only with non-breakable things. Gotta love those grinchy kittens.

Enjoy the December days as best you can if you are in wintry weather areas.

Must fly.  Robin.

Sunday Sampler--Yule Tree, Wassail and Turkey Soup

Greetings on this December Sunday. Sunny for a change, but rather cold. Winter is coming (as they say in Game of Thrones!).

So just ignore that post with the no-show photos. Obviously something is wrong and I will need some intense help, but it might be a little while before that will happen. So let's not talk about it anymore, okie doke?!

Today we decorated our sweet Norfolk Island Pine. It is really lush and green, and sits on a table in the living room. We thought it would be safer than getting a regular 5-6 foot tree because, you know, we have rambunctious kittens. At 16 pounds, Pyewacket can knock stuff over. There is no way he can climb up this little Yule tree. It has one string of colorful lights, one string of gold bead garland and then as many tiny, light weight ornaments that would fit. It looks festive and cheerful. One of these days, after we build our house at AutumnWood, we will have a room just for things like trees and other "no cats allowed" stuff.

A holiday experiment is going on right now as I type. Got the crockpot going with the ingredients for Wassail. That punch from the carol, "here we go a-wassailing". Always wanted to try it, and I saw this recipe on-line that might be tasty. Experimenting today, so we can make another batch on Yule with brandy added. Hope this recipe turns out well. If it does I will share the recipe.

Oh, and I did make a very delicious turkey soup the other day, using the remains of the turkey, bones and carcass. Smelled so good while simmering, and tasted wonderful (yes, I do say so myself). Served with parmesan-cheddar biscuits and cranberry sauce. With a stunning apple cake for dessert. Stunning, I say!! (lol).

New dishwasher being delivered this coming Wednesday thank the Universe!!! I have been soldiering on with (gasp!) handwashing dishes. I am dealing with my hardship as best I can!!!!

Must fly. Take care!   Robin.

Technical Difficulties of course

None of my photos I posted yesterday appear on the blog. Will consult with my Blog Tech. Too bad she lives 5 hours away.

In the meantime, have a great good Friday.

PHOTOS!!!!

So......after a cell phone conversation with daughter raethan: Photos!! She was a voice of calm, carefully explaining things, confidently talking me through the process (which is obviously simple for most human beings). It will most likely take me a few dozen times before it becomes cinchy but I am further along than I was. Thank you so much darling raethan; you have earned the title of Wiccan Writes Blog Tech!!! (hi Joyce!).

I have a gazillion photos to go through from several months of photo ops, so there will be no rhyme nor reason as to chronological subject matter. Who cares, right?? tee hee

This is a photo I took a couple of weeks ago of our Japanese Maple tree in its full glorious Autumn color, with the setting sun making it glow. You can see my stone alter in the foreground, our Arctic Blue Willow shrub to the left and hydrangeas on the right.

Oh, look! Here's a photo of our camper we got this summer for AutumnWood. Ain't she a beauty!! 38 feet long with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping for 7 or 8 people. In excellent condition considering she is close to thirty years old.

These guys are laying our water and septic lines. What a joy to have plumbing facilities!!

Hah! Here I am taking a pic of the bathroom.

And here is our little kitchen. Perfect for making breakfast and small meals. I wouldn't want to fix a Thanksgiving meal here, though we do have a ton of wild turkeys on the property. (Sheesh, no I would never hunt turkeys, or other wildlife except with a camera!)

And lastly for today is a pic of Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes. We drove up the road about 7 or 8 miles from AutumnWood. That's how close our property is to this view.

This has been a momentous post for me. I shall to do it again tomorrow. (I am just going to leave all my tabs up so I can find them again, LOL!!)

Must fly!  Robin.

Forgetfulness, Stealthiness and Scrubless

I am so unused to blogging that I forgot to check if I had any comments!! LOL! that is bad. So I just went through them and read all your great words, and am so thankful for such good friends. 23 comments have gone unpublished! So now they are there. Thanks again, Wiccan Wreaders!

As I sit here at my dining table, I am being distracted by the intrepid Pyewacket, witchy cat familiar extraordinaire, as he conducts stealth operations against the dreaded cardboard insert of a new totebag I just got. He is quite wily, able to sneak up on it as it lies on the floor in a threatening manner. You know how insiduous those cardboard enemies can be. The sudden pounce, a perfect strike and the quick insertion inside the opening. Success! The mighty Pye defeats his nemesis once more. And yet, it seems further strikes are warranted, because you never, NEVER assume your enemy is dead!!

Ugh, I am sick of handwashing dishes. Despite his best efforts, my husband has been unable to repair the piece of $%### dishwasher. Er, um anyway....so he has given me the okay to go get a new one, and I cannot wait to get that thing. It's a shame how spoiled am I; can't handle a sinkful of dirty dishes.  If that is my worst problem right now, I am doing pretty good.

Must fly. Blessed Be.  Robin.

Welcome to December

All the Thanksgiving decorations are put away and the house looks a little bare, but not for long. Slowly I will transform our little house into an homage to Winter and Yule and a bit of Christmas thrown in. Probably won't do a big ole Christmas Tree since we have two rascally kittens who would love to wreck havoc with something like that. A table top tree will be fine.

The snow has melted away, but the north wind doth blow. It's fun to spot all the bird and squirrel nests in the tall trees, not to mention seeing the various hawks who are no longer hidden, as they scan for prey.

Still not adjusted to the early sunsets; what about you? Although a winter sunset has a certain beauty with muted colors reflecting the cold winds and temperatures.

I think of the very tall evergreens that stand around the neighborhood as sentinels. Watching and guarding, offering protection for the wildlife, as the soft whooshing sound of the wind through their piney branches reminds me of a winter song.

Enjoying and appreciating Nature during this Season can be a little difficult. You just have to know what to look for. Nature is always ready to greet you.

Must fly. Blessed Be!

Egad! I've Done it Again.

Absent again. I am finding it difficult to get back into a blogging routine, and I just must make a better effort. Not that it is an effort to blog. I love blogging.  I will do better.

We missed out on the big Buffalo NY snowstorm. And are we sad? Nope. Our neighbor to the west had a rough time with over 7 feet of snow in less than 48 hours. Our neighbor to the north got snowed under as well. We lucked out! Currently we have about 5 or 6 inches which is nothing.

Thanksgiving Day was most successful and delicious, if I do say so myself. All the favorite flavors and aromas! We ate to our heart's content without overdoing. It was a good family day of food, fun and thankfulness.

Friday after Thanksgiving we just remained quiet at home. The morning newspaper weighed probably 50 pounds with all the ads. We don't buy into the Black Friday thing. Consumerism gone mad.
And delicious leftovers for dinner.

The one glitch for Thanksgiving is a broken dishwasher. Agghhh! The one day a year where every dish, pot, pan, serving ware, utensils, plates, flatware, etc are put into use. My husband has been making attempts to fix it but to no avail. I loathe doing dishes. But the family pitched in, at least on Thanksgiving. Thanks, guys!

Must fly! See you soon.

In a Snow Globe

The weekend here in Central New York was chilly and snowy. Saturday it snowed all day, but it was as if we were living in a snow globe, light roundish snowflakes all day. Not sticking to the streets, but a constant beautiful snowfall.

Now it is Monday and we have big fat flakes making every effort to discourage us from travel. But, really the "bark is worse then its bite". A showy snow!

I attended a Craft Fair on Saturday, but must say it was disappointing. There were over a hundred booths, but dismal offerings. Too many crocheted pot holders, odd and expensive floral arrangements and wreaths, lots and lots of jewelry and way too many "Vendors" selling Avon, Tupperware, soup mixes and various other manufactured wares.

 So I went to my favorite book seller and indulged in my favorite past time of book browsing. Books never disappoint.

Another week has begun; November is speeding by. Thanksgiving is almost here--I can smell that turkey roasting already. But I shouldn't get ahead of myself. Much to do this week and here's hoping a great week for everyone.

Bright Blessings from Robin.

Friday Evening

Dark so early, cold and snowy. A good night for a fire and a cozy blanket and animals curled up nearby.

Speaking of animals; my kittens are 2 and a half years old now. Quite the grown up kittens. Pyewacket is a big boy at about 15 pounds, he loves food! And playing with twist ties and pieces of "fluff" on the floor. He is also a lovey-dove who needs cuddles several times a day. Pixie is a tiny cat, and is not that enchanted with food. She is the brains behind most of the mischief perpetrated by the two of them. She loves her toys, catnip and coming into the bathroom with me. Both of them have unique personalities and give the whole family such joy. Love those kittens!

Our Sheltie, Gwennie, is still not a fan of the kittens. She does her best to thwart their efforts to gain anyone's affection. She will also leave the room in a huff if one of the kittens is lying on someone's lap (or shoulders or feet). She is almost 12 and set in her ways, so having to tolerate these feline interactions is obviously a burr in her side. But she does get lots of love and attention from everyone so no worries about her being neglected.

The evening is wearing on and I am feeling the call of a hot cup of tea and something interesting to read. If the roads are good tomorrow, I think I will head down to the library after a stop at a craft show at the elementary school. I love handmade craft fairs this time of year. Gets one into a festive spirit for the seasons to come.

Hugs and blessings from Robin. I did just figure out how to post an image. Can photos be far behind?!!!

A Long Autumn

There are many golden yellow leaves on trees all around the area. A pleasure to see since usually all the trees are bare by now. We have had mild days with sunshine; and no killing frost as of yet.

Alas, the weather is taking a turn towards normal and the snow is falling. The first snow is usually exciting, but not so much after this glorious long Autumn.

We have closed down the camper out at AutumnWood for the winter. We will still go out there of course, but for short visits, as we drained the water pipes and turned off the water meter. Don't want those pipes freezing.

It is no fun blogging at the moment, since I am still unable to load photos on this Chrome book. Terribly frustrating. Ah, for a techy brain! I ask for your patience, and willingness, to visit my boring little blog. Things will improve soon, I am most hopeful.

In the meantime, take care, and Bright Blessings to you.

Voting and Herding

Thankfully today sees the end of all the many phone calls and glossy flyers in the mail and cranky television advertisements. Yes, Election Day. Where citizens march to their polling places really just to end all the madness of political campaigns. And to clean up the landscape of millions of "vote for me" signs and placards. Deliver me from politicians.

On a positive note, the weather is beautiful. On the other hand, snow is in the forecast for later in the week.

It seems the main business of the day for the animals in our house: guarding against squirrels. The cats are twitching tails and doing that "chatter-cat" sound. Staring through the patio doors for long periods of time. At least it keeps them busy. Gwennie, Shetland Sheepdog is serious about her job. She guards the birdfeeders with a passion. No sheep to herd, she transfers that skill into herding squirrels, lol! And still, the squirrels return, time after time.

So, on to the day....may yours be smooth and squirrel-free (and politician-free).

p.s. I did vote this morning and nary a candidate's smiling teeth in sight.

Time Between Time

Post-Halloween Greetings! The predicted rain did not show up on Halloween night, so the Trick-or-Treaters showed up en masse! First year ever running out of candy after 2 and half hours. Some great homemade costumes and of course some very adorable little kids. And the usual teens, no costumes, holding pillow cases. Another Halloween come and gone.

Today is a glorious November morning with racing clouds and blustery winds. Leaves flying all around and squirrels scurrying for their last-minute winter supplies. I don't begrudge the squirrels all the seed their making off with from the feeders. Nor the lively chipmunks with their cheeks stuffed to near exploding size.

This is the time of year I love. The "time between time". The days and nights after Samhain; changing clocks back to standard time, the night rushing in upon us. It is like taking a deep breath and holding it until Yule comes. Sometimes I feel like the squirrels and chipmunks, as I make preparations for the long winter nights, the short winter days. Preparing not only for the cold, snowy weather and our winter holidays, but planning what is next on my pagan Path. How can I do better? How can I stave off negative energies that invariably crop up during the winter. What can I do to serve the Goddess? What should I focus on this year in my work for the environment? What does Nature need me to do? Many things to think about.

Wishing you all good things, because All Shall Be Well.

Samhain/Halloween

Blessed Samhain (pronounced sowen). To all my pagan and witchy friends tonight is such a special night. May your bonfires burn bright, your cauldrons smell of delicious things and may your Circles keep you safe. If you Honor the Ancestors, may only peace and truth embrace you.

And Happy Halloween to everyone.

A Warning from Rotten Darkspur

Grievings Humans. Rotten Darkspur here after a long long break. The Wiccan is out getting candy for the little brats er, human kids that will be ringing the door bell tomorrow.  Eeeesh, I can't stand all this Halloween fol-do-ral. And I can't stand CUTE. So I will be hangin' out at one of my special places away from all these human goings-on!

Where does an Imp from the Unseen World hang out when he's crossed through the Veil during this time of year? Wouldn't you like to know!! Okay, okay don't get your knickers in a twist.

My number one place, of course, is graveyards. The older the better. Where the grave stones are falling down and you can't make out the names and weeds and slimy bugs are crawling all over. That's "heaven" to me, hehehe. Sometimes on very dark nights when that dreaded moonlight isn't shining down on the graves, you can hear the dead talking and see them walking. They don't cast shadows and there footsteps make no sounds. Some of them float. I like to follow them and try poking sticks through their so called gossamer garments. Yeah, I know that is not very nice, but come on, I'm an Imp, and that's my thing you know, being mean and nasty. The ghosts don't care.  They float and flutter around, sometimes moaning, sometimes laughing. After a while it does get kinda boring.

When things get boring around a graveyard, I like to head out to the deepest part of the woods. Deepest, darkest and spookiest. Strange things are out there at the dark of the moon. Strange noises. Strange shadows. Yeah, shadows when there is no moon. Sometimes even I get spooked. Lots of things pass over from the Unseen World, and not all of them are as NICE as I am. Keep yourself protected with charms and magick words is what I am telling you.

Now that I have given you the creeps, my job is done. I gotta get outta here before the Wiccan gets back. Just wanted to give you a little scare on the night before Samhain. Beware the things that walk after dark, and carry a really big flashlight.

Orange You Glad it's Almost Halloween?

The only time I enjoy the color orange is in the Autumn. (don't tell my husband because he is a huge Syracuse Orange fan!)

But what glorious shades of orange there are in the fall. We have had a vibrant autumn show which makes driving here and there so pleasant.  Along with shades of russet, bronze, copper, gold, deep red and all the other shades in between the scenery has been awe-inspiring.

Most of the trees are bare now, with a few holdouts. At AutumnWood, we discovered the source of all the hornets this past summer. A state-of-the-art nest hanging from a bare branch just a few feet away from the camper. You know I love Nature in all her glory, but hornets I could really do without.

In our walk through the woods the other day, we saw lots of nests high in the trees, mostly squirrel. Would love to know what other birds were nesting in there. I have been in bird heaven out there this summer spotting many new birds, some I haven't identified yet.

Speaking of photos, and we were weren't we? Still a little in a fix trying to figure out how to get pictures from my camera and phone onto the Chrome. You all most certainly remember my complete lack of techno-skill. But maybe I can coerce someone in my household to help out.  I have tons of photos to show you!!

Decorations are up around the house; the orange and black are enjoyable. Hope you all are orange-happy as well. Happy Hauntings.

Since Last We Met

Greetings Wiccan Wreaders! I hang my head in shame for taking another long break from blogging. All is well with us, so no worries there.

We did have a delightful visit in August from The Godmother, who wanted me to post something so you wouldn't think she had "done in" the entire family since my last post was announcing her visit and I haven't been heard from since.  No, we had so much fun, spent the night in the camper at AutumnWood went touring around, ate great food and laughed so much. Daughter raethan was able to join us as well so, frankly, it was magickal!

Oh? Did I tell you we got a camper for AutumnWood? Gosh, my memory is going!!! It is a 38 foot camper, from 1987. In great condition, a cozy place to take respite from the weather, sleep-over on weekends, have cook-outs, play late night board games, etc. We have it hooked up to water and septic and will get electric next Spring. For now we have been using wonderful oil lanterns at night, which give a cozy glow.

We have been keeping busy with all the usual daily life stuff, husband is working regularly and feeling great. I have done an almost-complete reorganization of all cupboards, closets, hutches, china cabinets as well as shelving all my books in some sort of order. Frankly, my family has been in shock at the amount of de-cluttering I have done.

October has been a most wonderful month, with the glorious fall colors. Putting the garden to bed is always bittersweet, but it is time for earth to sleep for a while.

Samhain is almost here, Friday 31 October. I know all my witchy friends are in full Halloween mode. It is the most wonderful time of the year.

So this post is just a quick hello, to say Merry Meet, and hoping all is well with everyone. I will be back almost immediately, if not sooner.  Blessings from Robin!

Company's Coming

Cleaning, straightening, organizing, cleaning and ad infinitum.

A very dear friend, who is godmother to both our offspring, is arriving this Thursday for a visit. And daughter raethan is taking the train in for a quick visit to see her godmother. We are hoping for an overnight or two at AutumnWood. That will be a wild time, I assure you!

So I am burning incense and listening to Jethro Tull. Takes me right back to my high school days, lol! But it is very soothing, especially when one of the most favorite of songs come on ("Broadsword", "Song from the Woods", "Living in the Past" etcetera). Music and aromas, two very strong resources for meditation, relaxing and magickal practices. I must have music. And sandalwood is my go-to incense. What about you?

I am feeling great.

Outlander---My Obsession--My Passion (and no, I am not crazy)

If you have read this blog at all, you know I have a great passion for the book series by Diana Gabaldon called Outlander. The first book published in 1991 was named Outlander, and the following 7 books each have different and beautiful titles. But they all center around a lovely English lady named Clair, and her Scottish beloved, Jamie Fraser. I have read the entire series twice and have followed Diana's blog (I am on a first name basis of course, tee-hee) for at least the last 5 years. When she announced on her blog a couple of years ago that Starz had optioned her books for cable, well, I will tell ya, I practically needed CPR (preferably administered by Jamie Fraser!).  This is how obsessed I am.

It is just a damned fine series of books. Written in brilliant style, meticulously researched, it is an epic tale of history, time-bending events, supernatural occurrences, 18th century Scottish events and people. The way Diana writes the characters, it is not difficult to become wrapped up in the lives of these fictitious people who seem very, very real. I adore these people.

And now on Saturday nights I can see my Outlander world come alive and thrill at the story all over again. Don't anyone speak while I am watching this show.  I am blissfully enraptured by this fabulous drama.

And Diana just announced today that the show has (already!) been picked up for a second season.

I love the casting of the show. Jamie and Clair are perfect. All the characters are perfect. Filmed entirely in Scotland, the scenery is amazing. The costumes, the horses, the swords..........whew! Is it hot in here???

I highly recommend you read at least the first book, Outlander. Warning: the books are friggin' long, but you won't care because the story is just.so.good!

Look, I gotta go, because Outlander starts in little less than 30 minutes and I have to get myself situated in my chair. And don't talk to me during the show. Seriously!

Summer Breeze

Gardening has been a challenge this summer. A few terribly hot days here and there, cooking the plants, then days of rain drowning the plants, windy days tossing the plants. Now squirrels are stealing tomatoes. But there are some magnificent weeds flourishing. And there is always the farmer's market!

One thing we have enjoyed, and by we, I mostly mean me, is gliding on the porch glider, observing the birds and bees doing their thing. Now wait, I did not mean that the way it sounds. Many birds visit our yard and feeders. Not to mention sweet little hummingbirds. Many bees, some not too scary, but a few that I would rather not interact with. It is peaceful to glide on a pretty day and listen to the sounds of summer. Most meditative and easy to hear the Voice of nature. I don't mind gliding on a rainy day, either. (I'm under a covered porch and enjoy hearing and smelling a summer rain.)

We have an Arctic Blue Willow shrub in the yard that has grown to massive proportions. Dense foliage provides hiding places for sparrows, chickadees, rabbits, chipmunks and a wood chuck on occasion.  When the breeze changes from a light zephyr to the hardy hustle and bustle of a good strong breeze, the branches wave and dance, swirl and mingle in the most beautiful display of ballet-type dancing. Very magickal.

Every day offers a new way to celebrate nature. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Hello? Anyone there?

It is me, Robin Larkspur. Remember?

4 Months since I have been here. Mainly because my laptop died and I had to wait to get a new platform, which I did. A Chrome Book! We shall see how blogging goes!

So several things to catch you up on.

My husband is doing Great!!! He went back to work in July. He has gained back all the weight he lost, his health is excellent and things are going well. He will, of course be having a final surgery in about 8 months to reconnect his small intestine. He currently has an ileostomy, but is managing fairly well. So that is fabulous news.

We are feeling like normal people again (though, I guess to be honest we weren't all that normal before! (snort))

We have gone out to eat (rather a lot now that he is able to eat again),
We went to see the latest Riverdance show called "Emerald"
We've gone shopping and driving and all the kinds of things we haven't done in almost 2 years!!

And we have been spending a lot of our weekends at our beautiful AutumnWood. We bought an old camper to put on the property so we can sleep out there. It is 38 feet long, sleeps 8, has kitchen and bathroom. Pretty old (1987) but excellent condition. We have the water and septic hooked up. It uses propane for cooking and hot water. No electricity yet, because it costs way too much. We will do that next year.
Very cozy eating by lantern light and candles.

Beautiful summer for us.

Hope all of you are doing well! Healthy, happy and enjoying your summer.

Now when I figure out how to load photos onto this contraption, I have some good ones to share.

Getting back to daily blogging will be a challenge after being gone for so long. But I am up for it!!!
And thank Goddess no one hacked into this blog like they did my old PurrrrSnickety blog...remember that?!? eeesh!!
So take care. Love you guys!!!

Robin

Blooming

No complaints about the weather here (it has been very hot for a couple of days...that is not a complaint, that is just a fact). I am not complaining because I know parts of this wide country received heavy snow over the last day or two. And I am done with snow. Am I not??!

Our little wild violets are in bloom, as are the forget-me-nots, one white tulip and one purple tulip and I see the beginnings of lots more green growth. The greening of the earth after the winter is a joy to see.

Speaking of green and colorful, here is a link to some fabulous works of art using all natural materials. I am in awe of the artist. Please enjoy.  mandala floral art

A quick hello to everyone. I have got to start taking photos again to share here. And I might try doing it with my new Smart phone. Whew! I am really feeling so techie these days!

Till next time. Hugs from Robin.

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~Terri Guillemets

A Beautiful Day

Gorgeous weather here today. Perfect blue sky, light breezes and a temperature of 70, with low humidity. Who could ask for more?  Happy Mother's Day to all the appropriate people!! Hugs.

SPLAT! That is what I did earlier this week while walking around Autumnwood. We have had some heavy rains lately and there are several muddy spots. Son Nick and I had gone out to spend some time on our property. I specifically wanted to see how the bulbs we planted last fall did over the long, harsh winter. We had planted a bunch by the front gate, on either side. None to be seen. What a disappointment. But lo, and behold, allow the eye to wander around other areas, and there were little clumps and patches of daffodils spread out hither and yon. I think we can guess that some wily squirrel(s) decided to dig up and re-bury the bulbs. Landscaping at its most natural!

Anyway, the splat arrives halfway through our explorations. Put my boot down in a muddy spot, sink a bit and then with a noisy ska-wish, my boot came off as I pulled my leg up. And yes, down I went, in a slow-motion fall, first to knees then slowly down the rest of the way. "Oooof!" Nick came running over and assisted me up, and then we laughed at the mud covering me all over the front. Then a stern lecture from Nick advising an acquisition of boots with laces that can be tied tightly on. And then he found me a walking stick.

Planning stages in the works for our attack on the property this summer. And for barbecues, and possibly an overnight campout. And bonfires.

I can't wait for our first ritual, summer solstice (Litha). Out on our property. It will be Super Natural!

All is Well!!

Not wanting to jinx things too much, I have held off posting here. Silly and superstitious I know, but after what we have been through the last year and a half, not taking any chances.

So it is fair to say that my adorable husband is doing very well. Gaining weight, eating great, feeling great, pain is almost gone. Just needs to build his strength and soon he will be right as rain! All is definitely well (okay, gotta knock wood right here...knock.....knock!!)

How are you fantastic friends doing? I have missed your blogs. So much to catch up on, so I will start reading as much and as often as possible. If there is something big, or new, or exciting, or awful in your life, please email me. I know stuff has been happening outside my little world.  Update me, people okay?! And here is a hug or two, from me to you.

And the big news for me is I have been hornswoggled into upgrading to a Smart Phone....Can you believe that? Me the techno-phobe supreme. But so far, I have been managing not to screw up too badly..just muddle my way through. 

Be good, take care....and I will be back extremely soon!!  Robin.

Excited About Tomato Soup

Tomato soup, coffee, vanilla pudding, sherbet...all those goodies causing excitement in my husband's hospital room. Finally after over 4 months of nothing to eat or drink by mouth, he had his first cup of coffee two days ago and has progressed from clear liquids to a fuller diet. Today with his lunch of soup he will have toast! This is very big news for us. 

He is doing very well, pain level down, vitals great and progressing in a normal recovery from major surgery. Such good news!

So with a Full Moon, the Blood Moon, this week, I will light candles and sing, and give much praise and love to the Universe. 

We are feeling positive and happy and life is looking up!!

Happiness and health to you!   Hugs from Robin.

And Now for the Latest News

Hello everyone, all you good and wonderful friends! I think about all of you every day and am hoping all is well with you and yours.

April 4th, Friday, my husband had his fourth surgery. It was a 7 and half hour grueling affair and his surgeon is confident that this one has banished the source of the constant infections. The colon was straightened and rerouted and all fistulas were taken care of. For the next few days, he will be closely monitored for any tell-tale signs of infection. All his vitals are excellent, unlike the last three surgeries were he had terrible oxygen levels, high blood pressure, etc. He is dealing with the severe pain as much as is humanly possible, and has high expectations of being on the golf course sometime this summer!! He is also looking forward to eating again, as he has had nothing at all by mouth in four months. All his "food" and nutrition being administered by a feeding tube.

Spring brings us new beginnings, sunny opportunities and bountiful optimism.

I can feel that positive energy flying all around!!!

Brightest blessings and hugs from Robin!!!

Belated Blessings of Ostara! And Happy Spring!

source

The Spring Equinox on March 20th is a sacred day for Wiccans. Celebrating the lengthening days and new beginnings. A joyful time. Fresh starts for Nature and Humans alike.

Of course, as the image above demonstrates, in my neck of the woods we are still in the grips of chill, ice, snow and gray, morose skies. It's okay, though, that is how the Turning of the Wheel works, slow and steady.

Over the last few days, the sky and bare-limbed trees are filling with returning wild birds. Red-winged blackbirds, grackles and my sweet robins. Wonderful signs of spring, at least for me! Winter's silence can be quite deafening at times.

A medical update on my husband. His surgery is scheduled for April 4th at which time the surgeons will make a concerted effort to find and close fistulas that have formed in the intestinal track, as well as "re-routing" the colon. It will be a difficult surgery, but it should be the solution for all these months of suffering. So mote it be.

Another short post, but more will be forthcoming!

Cheers to all and bright blessings from Robin.

Happy St. Paddy's!

A bright, cold crisp start to the day. Got the green sweat shirt on, drinking coffee from my shamrock mug and will be playing lots of great Irish music today.

shamrock source

Other than that, we don't drink green beer or eat green eggs. We aren't Irish, but they say everyone's Irish on March 17th. Erin Go Bragh, and all that!!

Enjoy the day. 

image source

The Thing About Bears

scary grizzly

The thing about bears is that I have been having nightmares for two or three years. Scary nightmares of bears attacking, chasing me or family members, of bears crashing into the house and roaming throughout looking for us. Always waking up panicky.

Scary, scary bear

Well, not quite this scary, but still....!

One day last summer I had a discussion with son Nick about this. He thought about it for a little bit and said for me to try to look at these dreams  in a different way. Instead of running away, I should turn and face the bear. Perhaps the bear had a message for me.

Talking bear

Funny, huh? I wasn't feeling it.

But I told Nick I would think about it. And let my thoughts at night, before sleeping, focus on not being afraid of bear dreams, and possibly (possibly) trying to connect with the bear on a friendly level.

Months pass. Still scary bear dreams. I seem hopeless at controlling a dream, or the fear. Obviously I have a block.

A few weeks ago I read a book called "Zoo" by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge. A scifi novel about wild animals going bad. And of course there is a scene where our hero is sleeping in a hotel room and is awakened by bears breaking down the door and running into the room and killing him. Oh, the hero didn't actually die because it was a dream!
 

just a dream source

 Should I really be reading this kind of book?! I think not!

 

I finished the book. And gave it to my husband to read (I do recommend the book). When he finished the book we discussed it. I explained about the "wild bear" scene, that it was disturbing and did not help my bear fear. Then I raised my voice: "If these bears have a message for me, or they want to be my totem (or power animal) then the Universe has got to send me a sign!"  We laughed about it, but I was serious. I am tired of being scared of bears!

THE VERY NEXT DAY:  !!!!!!!!!!

 

A package arrives in the mail. It is from dear friend Stacy, the wonderful artist who writes the blog, Magic Love Crow,  http://magiclovecrow.blogspot.com/

 

Inside this carefully wrapped box is a sweet, charming, cute bear. A Boyd's Bear. Just adorable and tear inducing and then goose-bump raising!

EPIPHANY!!!

The Universe sent me my requested sign. A bear. Made possible by the somehow-knowing hands of Stacy and her mother. Bless their hearts and so many thanks for the love and the friendship.

(Of course I had to call her and we had a fabulous conversation, as if we talked on a regular basis at the kitchen table with tea and cakes)

And so my love affair with Bear is in its beginnings. Reading all I can, and hope to have a friendly loving meeting with Bear soon. 

I can bearly wait!!!!!!

unfortunately my camera is out of action at the moment, but I will post a photo of the sweet bear Stacy sent next time.

Hi There, My Friends

Oh, my goodness! Can you believe it! Here it is March, and so close to Ostara (spring equinox)! I have been reveling in the longer days of light! Beautiful, even on a cloudy, snowy day. And feckin' cold, yeesh!

Today finds me yearning to talk to all of you, in person, and pass out some hugs and a plate of delicious brownies. I have missed the Blog-o-Sphere so very much.

So medical update first:  No improvement, I am very very sorry to say. We are expecting a phone call today or tomorrow with the date of the surgery my husband faces yet again. I have no other words to say about this.

I have some fun stories to share, and some books, and a bit of other news. 

Time to put another log in the wood stove, chase a couple of cats out of the clean laundry and find a cozy spot to read.

Back extremely soon with an amazing story to share about nightmares, bears and an unforgettable sign from the Universe!

The Difference Between Dogs and Cats

Look at this video I found on Wimp.com.   A very good demonstration of the difference between cats and dogs!!!

dogs vs. cats

Update; and Belated Imbolc Blessings

My dear friends. Thank you for support, comments, emails and phone calls. Apologies also due for being such a gap in my posts.

So, things are still about the same for my husband. He was in the hospital from January 3rd till January 17th. Since he has been home, he is being treated by I.V. therapy, with different antibiotics, as well as TPN, total patient nutrition, which is a liquid food therapy that delivers total nutrutional needs via I.V. that goes directly into blood stream, bypassing digestive system. That is administered over 12 hours each night. He has had no food or drink, nothing by mouth in almost a month.
There is still pain, still drainage and general weakness. And there is a plan; the doctors expect the IV therapy and the TPN to shutdown the infection. Original time frame for this phase of treatment is 6 weeks. I believe we are just finishing up week 4. 

Long haul, but hanging in there as best we can. Wish I had more cheerful news, but then again, it could be much worse.

Imbolc came and went over the weekend, didn't it? Here in our neck of woods, we won't be seeing any signs of spring previews for another few weeks. But it is nice to know that this sabbat has come, because that means spring is closer. And of course, the days are getting longer too. Imbolc is symbolized by newborn lambs, tiny crocuses peeking out of the ground and perhaps the sight of burrowing animals emerging from hibernation (for example, groundhogs!). Our groundhogs are still snoring away; they are not forced into the noise of a large, loud crowd, with polka music playing and Bill Murray droning a grumpy weather forecast. (in case you haven't seen the movie, I am referring to "Groundhog's Day")

Anyway, so the countdown to Spring begins and I for one will be looking forward to warmer days so I can head out to Autumnwood and take pictures of all the apple blossoms on the property!!

I will be back quite soon, I promise!! I have missed the Blog-o-Sphere very very much!!

Hugs from Robin~~~~

Could Be Better

A note to say hello and to let you know things are not going well.

My husband came home from the hospital on December 26th and was doing okay for a few days. But he began having symptoms that led us to call the doctor. So he is back in the hospital and having some difficulties with an infection and another abdominal abscess. As of this writing, he is running fevers, in a lot of pain, unable to eat and has had a couple of procedures to try to correct things. Another major surgery is looming if the new antibiotics he is being given don't work.

I wish I had better news. We had hoped to being starting the new year out with a much better situation.

Meanwhile, you all take care, stay VERY healthy and be safe. Hugs from Robin.