Pecans, Puzzles and Prancer

A light snow is falling on this Friday morning. Dire predictions for heavy lake-effect snow further north of us. I am hoping it won't drift down this way, at least not till closer to Yule. But the snow blower is ready, the shovels are standing by the doors and all our boots and other winter gear are good to go. Oh what fun it is to ride...blah, blah, blah!

source

Amusing observance yesterday in the backyard. Son Nicarus has been putting three pecans in the shell out on the railing for the dreaded, dastardly squirrels. His thinking is that it will draw them away from the bounty in the birdfeeders. I watched a squirrel climb deftly up the railing and discover the tasty treat. He immediately hopped off and down into our vegetable garden, hastily digging a hidey-hole, placing the pecan in said hole and carefully covering it back up. Off and away he runs. Barely seconds later, another little bushy-tailed fellow creeps stealthily into the garden, digs up the pecan and absconds to a nearby pine tree to enjoy his ill-gotten booty. Carpe pecan!

source

New family addiction. The three of us (Happy Hubby(HH), Nicarus and I) have gotten tangled up in the web of the NY Times crossword puzzle. Nicarus reads off the clue and then a lively discussion ensues as to the validity of each other's answers. It is amazing the amount of "junk trivia" that I have stored in my brain. No wonder I can never remember where I put my keys!

On the agenda this weekend. Watching at least one of my favorite Christmas movies. What will it be? One Magic Christmas starring Mary Steenbergen? The Night They Saved Christmas with Art Carney and Jaclyn Smith? Prancer with Sam Elliot and Cloris Leachman? I could watch these movies a thousand times, and still enjoy them like the first viewing. What are your favorites?

Bright Blessings for a wonderful day! 

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.  ~William Blake

Evergreens

A delay in my brother's homecoming from the hospital. One more week. Nothing serious; scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician took longer than expected. So next Thursday. Disappointing for him, as he was so looking forward to coming home today.

Snow and sleet has found its way to us. Dresses the evergreens around the neighborhood in festive style, but it makes for sloppy driving. 

Source

Speaking of evergreens: From Dorothy Morrison's book, Yule:  "Never throw away decorations made of evergreens; they must be burned to ensure good luck (with the exception of holly)."

Well, Ringo the canary is singing, the dogs are anxious to play in the inch of snow that has fallen so far and the morning is dwindling away here. Enjoy your day!

source

Wordless Wednesday--I'm Dreaming of the Yule Fire

My Yule Log, December 2010

Mad Dash and Info Overload

Why do alarm clocks decide not to work on a day it is imperative one must be up and out? This was the case for us this morning. HH, son Nicarus and I needed to be at the hospital for a training session. With my brother's discharge looming, we needed to be trained in all things dealing with a person recovering from a stroke. Lots to learn about meds, physical limitations, speech and physical therapies, diet, etc.

A mad dash in the rain and fog 30 miles to the hospital. Somehow we made it there, only a few minutes late. Since we were each functioning on only one cup of coffee, trying to absorb all the information being sent our way was a challenge. But we had good instructors and hopefully all will be fine when my brother gets home. There is a lot to do and we are all committed to assisting him in making as complete a recovery as possible.

Hey!! Linda in New Mexico!!!! Thank you!! I won a prize in Linda's 600th post giveaway. A Not-Quite-Right Heart arrived in yesterday's mail. It is a beautiful, cheerful Holiday heart and I love it! Linda, my BB, love ya bunches.  Check out Linda's blog  here
I would love to post a photo of it, but the buggeddy camera is refusing to work. So picture a heart in your creative minds, with a black check bow and a big button on one side, and a Santa holiday paper on the other side, sewn together with a blanket stitch! Sweet!

From Dorothy Morrison's book Yule, another little tip:  "Know where your broom is. If a guest in your home makes you uncomfortable, excuse yourself and stand the broom bristles up. The guest will leave promptly and take their negative energy with them."


All for now. Hugs and blessings!   Robin.

Monday Medley

This book by Dorothy Morrison is an enjoyable reference for learning about the traditions and origins of our Yule celebrations. It is filled with history, customs, craft ideas, recipes and a whole lot more. It is a favorite of mine. I very much like the writings of Dorothy Morrison and highly recommend her books.

The weather outside is not frightful! Mild temperatures are helpful for finishing up outdoor tasks, and getting our 5 little dwarf alberta spruce trees decorated with lights. The lack of snow has some people I know quite aggravated though, as they love snowmobiling and other snow activities. Frankly, the longer without the big snowfalls the better. Not such a fan anymore.

Our front porch this time last year

Good news! A target discharge date for my brother has been set for later this week. He will need home health care for a while, and will need to use a walker and wheel chair, but he has improved enough that he will be able to finally come home after more than six weeks in the hospital. Life will be very different for a while for all of us while he continues the healing process, but it will be such a relief to have him back home. Thank you all for your caring comments and healing thoughts during these last few weeks!

A tip from Dorothy Morrison's book Yule:  "Keep a bayberry candle burning. It not only keeps negative energy at bay, but draws money into the household."

Wishing you a super week. Stay safe and well! 

Simply Stated

Yule. The darkness is daunting. What better time to celebrate the turning of the Wheel! There is light and rebirth awaiting all.

image source

Welcome December

Turning the last page of the calendar! Is it really December? The thick frost on the ground this morning seems to confirm that fact.  The start of a busy month, the end of the year and the month of memories. Remembering all the Decembers from the past. Opening up the boxes of decorations, baking special once-a-year recipes, listening to all the great old songs. The holidays are upon us. Some years better than others, some sad, some so very fine!
Whatever your traditions or religious observances (or non-observances), may this month be one of peace, contentment, happiness, good health and safekeeping.

You may recall I mentioned sometime back that my beloved camera ceased working. It is a trial not having a camera. I have been using a camera my brother got at a yardsale for 5 bucks. It is not that great, as you can imagine; very awkward to use, runs on double "a" batteries which constantly need replacing. It stamps the date in big yellow print on all photos and that function appears to be permanently "abled". Sigh. Perhaps sometime in the New Year a new camera will be possible. In the meantime here are a few photos that are relatively acceptable.

Sharp-shinned hawk on our fence, gazing at the birdfeeders

Cranberries simmering for our Thanksgiving dinner

Apple pie I made for my HH

Gwennie peeking at me (please disregard effects of flash on her eyes)

Lexie in her award-winning role as the "nobody loves me, please give me a treat" dog

Time to go start one of many lists for this month. (I do adore making lists!) The sun is shining and the day is calling. Have a great one!