Tag: Family

The Family that Hays Together.. Stays Together

   Sunday here on the farm was Hay Day.  Those two little words invoke pure happiness (oooh, the sweet aroma of fresh cut hay, and  hooray for a full loft of hay for the horses!)…. and it also invokes heavy sighs and eye rolls (allergies, a lot of heavy lifting and tossing and sweat.)  
    This year, our kids’ significant others joined in and I gotta say, both have proven once and for all they are in-law material. Kidding!.. but really not! 
    Decent feed hay around these parts now costs $10 per bale- and those aren’t the big bales.  By making our own hay, we have saved about $4000 to feed our horses this year – well worth the sweat equity and seed cost last year. 

  Have I told you lately how much I love my kiddos?    And while we aren’t a full working farm in the way many of our ancestors may have been- more of a farmette  compared to the previous occupants of this land, despite the work it takes to keep the place up and bring in the few crops we manage – it’s a good life, a reaffirming life.  I appreciate every single day we get to do this.  
Meanwhile.. back at the house – little Sally  AKA  Scout, Maddie, Olivia, Penny…. is doing just fine.  The other three dogs are accepting her slowly and she is just a love bug.   Now, if we could only decide on a name that suits her….. 
 

Of Fairies and Farm Markets

   My friend Linda and I run a farm and artisan market here in town – it’s a once-monthly affair on the second Saturday of June, July, August and September.   This is one of my great joys in life, seeing friends, neighbors, vendors, artists, even dogs and their people… come together to buy stuff from local farmers and artisans, chat with each other, make new friends, visit with old… I see hugs, smiles, giggles, out-loud laughter –  Just.. all the good stuff of life, you know?

Refreshing, it is.

   The icing on the cake here is the market is held on a farm  owned by the town we live in that has been restored mainly by volunteer power of it’s residents and local businesses.  The husband and I have been a part of the efforts and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the finished product… a place where the community gathers to enjoy the outdoors and each other through the various events now taking place.  I strongly encourage all of you – in what ever capacity you’re able, and that differs for all of us … to get involved in a project in your community.  The effort doesn’t have to be a huge commitment of time or money – volunteer for what is comfortable for you in a setting and for a cause that you believe in.  Talk about restoring ones faith in humanity… 

    So… about those fairies…. This fairy in particular is a good friend of ours and you may be familiar with her blog – The Herb Shed.    She’s known as Raven… and in character here as Queen Bee. 
  In her fairy life she visits sick children at hospitals, she’s an actress in the Renaissance fairs you may see in the region.. and this was the first time in all these years I’ve known her, that I got to see her in action.   WOW…  not only does she captivate the children, but the young at heart as well.   My husband may still have a little blue glitter stuck to his person 🙂    As soon as she arrives, she is in character, speaking in a completely different accent than the one I am used to.  It’s musical!.. and she is a trained actress, so she projects her voice well. The joy of that for me is.. I can still hear some of it!   Queen Bee was accompanied by her friend from the Glen Wood,  Peasblossom and together they were enchanting. 
 Besides mingling with the crowd, there was story time as the fairies read to the children, including song, and much.. much.. *.*.*.*.GLITTER*.*..*.. 
Some of the children wore their own fairy wings! 
 We will invite the fairies back to the market for sure.
 As for market day, we had glorious weather and the crowds showed up, always rewarding to see plans come to fruition.  The farmers and artisans work hard throughout the year and these markets are so important to their survival.   When you see them advertised or pass by them in your travels, take a few minutes to stop in and browse the market for fresh foods or artisan pieces you and your family can enjoy.  Farm markets are a huge advocate for eating healthy, we need to encourage their existence lest they cease to exist. 

The smiles!…

Is he not the cutest? There’s always one in the crowd who captures my heart.  

 For those of you in the know, you’ll notice my family is dispersed throughout this post.  I so appreciate their support in my endeavors too…

 This month we held a car cruise on the front lawn of the farm to help bring crowds in and to give the men something to do while their wives and children enjoyed the market and fairies…

 All in all, it was a very good day –  if you’re reading this and you came to visit with us at market, a huge thank you for your support.  

Celebrations and Cottage Life

   Last night was the perfect example of what I have envisioned Cottage Life to be… simple pleasures,  family togetherness, good  food, laughter, easy conversation, relaxing.  A charming little place to celebrate all that is good in life.  Mission accomplished. 
Happy Birthday, Mom 💗

  I’m proud of this guy right here –  He started the Nutrisystem plan on Jan. 1st  and as of May 28th he has lost 50 lbs.  He’s looking and feeling so much better –  It’s a beautiful thing. 

Cottage Life & Family

   Friday and Saturday weather was glorious, Spring is in full bloom and for whatever the reason, my allergies aren’t bad.  I use Nasacort spray every few days and it seems to be keeping the allergy misery at bay.  I am also happy to report that since I began taking a small dose of  Melatonin  each evening, my sleep is indeed improving.  Boy what a difference that makes… proper sleep. 
   
   On Friday evening we invited the moms down to Stella for dinner as the temps were in the 70’s and sunny most of the day.  The kids showed up too, and it was such a joy to share the evening with all.  M and I feel blessed to still have our moms around to enjoy the place, and we love the close relationship they have with our kids.  Not a day goes by that M doesn’t miss his father, who passed too young from Lung cancer, and we often think of what we all  have missed out on, what he missed out on, having left us too soon when the kids were still very young.  Because of that experience, we cherish those who are still among us, and the times we get to spend together. 

 These two are my true joy.  The fact that they get along even better as they mature is a beautiful thing. I know they will always have each other’s back and that is such a gift for a parent. 
   
My mother makes the best Gin & Tonic with a fresh twist of lime.. ever. 
The secret is in the ingredients… fresh lime squeeze, and Beef Eater Gin. 
Any other Gin just doesn’t cut it. 
 I’m pretty sure it’s in the dictionary next to the word refreshing. 
 I made that Trisha Yearwood Banana Pudding I posted previously (it’s in the recipes if you browse that tab on my blog)  I substituted the meringue on top  with fresh whipped cream enhanced with a little vanilla and a little sugar – absolutely delicious, wow.  Also hard to believe that was the first time I ever made  pudding from scratch.  When I make icebox cake, I use the Jello Cook and serve variety but what a difference, the pudding from scratch, and what a delicious and easy crowd pleasing dessert this is. 
 Frasier has gotten used to cottage life very quickly too.. he has his own set of bowls and bed and a gate on the deck so I can keep him up there if I’m working in the little yard and don’t want to worry about him chasing the many  rabbits.  At that moment he was wondering if I was going to share a little taste of that pudding.  This after he had already been given a hotdog and a hamburger.  He’s just a little chubby like his mama right now.  *sigh   We both adore food. 

Yesterday while the sun was  shining with  the temps in the 70’s,  my son and I ventured out in the kayaks and did a little exploring.  The water was still chilly at 40 something degrees but it was clear and refreshing and the salt air scent was intoxicating.  Cormorants were resting on the rocks, wings expanded, sunning themselves. The leaves on the trees are just coming out along the shoreline, but we saw many people enjoying their yards and decks, busy  with the spring opening rituals that are a part of cottage life.  I love watching the “island” wake up for the season and feel so very grateful that we are a part of it.

Grab the Coffee and donuts

    First up – WordPress vs. Blogger –  any advice? What’s your experience?  As a creative person, I know Blogger is limited, but I’m used to it.  And Blogger is Free… that’s kinda nice. But did you know… Blogger is owned by Google.. and that means your content is owned by Google… and at any time whatsoever, they can just turn it off, be rid of  it, bye bye.  That means your blog and it’s contents. Gone.  *sigh… did not know that, kinda defeats the purpose of being a log for you, your friends and family over the long haul.

     Wordpress is more “technical”.. not as easy at first, needs some patience, of which I am in short supply, always..just my nature. And.. it’s not free. If I understand correctly, the most basic costs about $100. a year.  If that’s all I’d have to spend on it, it’s worth it to OWN your content and know it is not going to be erased by parent company. However, their security isn’t as high (google has much bigger security program) , bigger chance of hack with WordPress. Then there’s the tricky issue of transferring your blog to WordPress… not easy from what I have read.   Can any of you tell me your experience?  I think a few of my blog friends use WordPress. 

   *warning – If you didn’t know already, I  curse sometimes.  Blame it on my NY upbringing, except the rest of my family isn’t afflicted.  I know it’s not ladylike, but for me it fills the need, underscores the offense in the way I need to express it, a little satisfaction when talking about a less than satisfying situation, like a quick punch in the gut. Since I hate physical violence, the curse word does the job. 
   Next…how about B*ll O’Re*lly being fired from F@x!.. Ha!… Nothing turns me off more than an arrogant holier than thou a$$h*le, couldn’t have happened to a better guy –  don’t let the door hit ya! But let’s be honest, he’s being let go because of multiple sexual harassment issues –  and F@x didn’t fire him until sponsors started dropping like flies.  He also got a hefty 25 mil golden parachute… so they lose points there. It wasn’t their ethics that took him down.  No.. once again.. money.   I do feel at least the vernal pools at the edges of the swamp are beginning to drain.  There’s that. 
   Speaking of the swamp, how many flagrant outright lies, hypocricies, conflicts of interest,outright abuses of his priviledges and incompetencies is Agent Orange going to get away with before we collectively say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.  If you’re still proud of your new POTUS, I have to hand it to you, you’re able to overlook an awful lot for the sake of  the “agenda”… although.. does anyone really understand the Agenda?  If you do, please explain it to 45, because clearly, it’s lost on him.  Never in the history of EVER has there been a POTUS who flubbed, lied, mispoke, lied, abused his power, lied… and still had a base unwilling to acknowledge ANY of it.  So.. freak’n… strange, this acceptance or ignoring of the obvious ills.  SO strange.  It’s no longer about left vs. right.  Morals vs  none is more like it.  And his tweets?  Honestly…..  on some level 45 is mentally ill. No other explanation for it. 
    
    
    On a health note – Because I had some worrisome symptoms I went through a bunch of tests recently and thankfully all turned out well. Just minor annoyances of menopause , which I have apparently hit full steam ahead.  My advice here – get the health screenings regularly. Don’t skip them, they are important… especially as we age.   I turned 52 and my body said.. OK girl, time to throw some sh*t at you, just a reminder you’re no spring chicken.  
      Sleep is still  currently an issue for me – if I get five hours all in a row, it’s a good night.  My fibromyalgia reminds me on a daily basis that’s not enough sleep, so I am trying to find methods for getting more of it.  Currently my fibro doc has me on melatonin, and my OBGYN has put me on low dose of estradiol and progesterone.  In the long term these things aren’t great – they up your cancer risk. But to get me back on the right track they want me to try them short term.  They had me try a low dose of antidepressants as a sleep aid, didn’t work.  I already employ good sleep habits, I read before bed, I don’t eat shortly before turning in, no caffeine,  we go to bed at a decent time, always have been up before dawn but that’s not the issue.  I fall asleep without a problem, but staying asleep is another story…. have you had any of these struggles?  and what have you tried that actually works?   Things like Advil PM don’t have much effect, and you don’t really want to get into a pill taking habit either.   I can knock myself out with Benadryl, but I am a zombie the next day. 
       As for our current weight loss goals – the Mr. and I started Nutrisystem in January and he has lost 45 pounds – I kid you not.  The program works if you stick with it, strictly.  He looks and feels so much better.  So why didn’t I stay on it?  It’s full of prepackaged food, not all of it healthy – snacks are oreo type cookies, chocolate cupcakes, meals include pasta, rice, sodium, sodium.   Sounds unlikely, right?  It’s the portions that make the diet work.  I just really want to eat real, fresh, whole foods – so … I quit it.  I have not yet lost the 15 lbs I want to lose.  Now that I know I’m not dying and I can push myself with the exercise, I have started the weight loss goals again, let’s see where I get by summer.  One thing I did learn through nutrisystem is… it’s all about calorie intake – and .. PORTIONS.  
     Last but definitely not least… my boy, my baby, my youngest child, has turned 21. Oh, how time flies…. 
     The family spent Easter giving a large donation to the Tribe at Mohegan Sun – a delicious buffet lunch and then some obsessive lever pulling, button punching slot machine worship ensued.  I think half  the state of Connecticut was in attendance as well. 
     I love this boy beyond measure, he is kind, considerate, appreciative, inquisitive, and just as stubborn and thick headed as his mother….but thankfully he has not picked up my tendency toward profanity.   I’m also very grateful for this extended family of ours – we are so very lucky to live near each other, to be able to spend time together, to recognize the value of doing so.        –  It’s all good. 
     

Treasures…

   I’m getting fed up with being fed up, I’m anxious over all the anxiety,  I’m mad as hell about all the madness that has descended in this ill wind that currently blows through the white house and our government at large.  The damned fibromyalgia is flaring and I’m getting tired of seeing my own hot air spewed all over my social media pages. 
   So today.. even thought there are at least five new obnoxious revelations by the Orange Scream and his cohorts that I could highlight here… aren’t there daily??… Today…  I will be the light.

A local pub is collecting sneakers, bras, socks, duffel bags for the homeless of New Haven. I decided to send a shout out to my friends on FB to start a collection to help her and I am so happy to see the outpouring of caring people who are donating those items.  Already within half a day’s posting, I’ve got socks, shoes, duffle bags, reading glasses and hair brushes here at the farm waiting to be disbursed.  A good friend is sending 18 pairs of socks through Amazon to my house along with two duffle bags – I haven’t seen her since HS!  Amazing.  WE the People are what makes America great. I needed to see it again and here it is, being dropped off at my side door. 

Here’s a funny for you – the computer guy is here right now putting in a new router. Apparently ours was a dinosaur and the new one will give us internet at warp speed.  The key though.. was to remember the old password.   *sigh.   And come up with a new one.  *sigh again.  Why must passwords be such a pain in the ass. 
Ah, but we’re not complaining today, are we… 
   My 52nd birthday was spent in my favorite way – among my family,  the kids and their partners and the moms, enjoying each others company. We went to a noisy italian restaurant that serves huge portions of delish, you always go home with a meal for tomorrow when you visit the Log Cabin.   I was even able to keep up with most of the conversation despite my defective hearing.  The sangria was the bomb!  While I’m not much of a drinker, put a glass of a good red wine Sangria, a Mojito, a Margarita with salt or my mom’s version of a gin and tonic with a splash of lime in front of me and I’m good to go. Just one glass is all the resfreshment I need and the alcoholic version only happens a few times a month.   Cheap date, I am.

  While I don’t need gifts and prefer to be the giver, a few of my blog buddies who have been reading here for years surprised me with a few treasures.  I sure wish they hadn’t, but I am so grateful for their thoughtfulness and the friendships we have forged through this little blog.  You know who you are.. thank you dear friends. 
  This shall be placed prominently on one of Stella’s walls… 

.. and these are part of a line I have not been familiar with until now… 
I am so looking forward to trying these two culinary delights out…and from what I understand, the maker has a fantastic show on pbs – you may have already heard of her – Vivian Howard – 

http://www.vivianhoward.com/

 Ever since I read The Prince of Tides many moons ago I have thought a part of me was meant to live down south somewhere…  but time and experience and a few summer visits have taught me that the heat and humidity aren’t my best friend.  However, Vivian Howard’s South is just lovely. Check her out.

   This book arrived in the mail this afternoon – thank you H!  Tonight’s new read!

 As for Stella – oooh, we’re getting close to move in time!  The floors are finished and just a little tacky to the touch. So we’ll wait until Friday and then.. AND THEN.. friends… we get to move  “stuff”.. in.  You know I’ll share it with you as we go.  I’m nearly giddy.

 I found a couch yesterday that was within our comfortable price range.. it’s actually a love seat.  While I had a whole ‘nother look in mind,  the look and the price didn’t match the budget.   The love seat size is better suited to Stella’s small size and the color is a slate blue/grey – should go OK with the rest of the place.  Not taking the pillows – have never been a geometric design fan.  The couch was found at the same place we got a few other pieces for Stella – Consign & Design in Branford.  In the couch picture you can see a real gem in the background – unfortunately not for sale.

 When the owner of the consignment shop rented this space – the desk you see way in the background there was in a back room covered by a tarp.  The previous owner said – Oh, you can have that, we have no use for it.

  “IT”… is an original sign-in desk from Ellis Island.  THE Ellis Island.  Can you imagine all the hands that rested and signed upon that desk…. amazing… perhaps even some of my or your relatives. Hard to tell in this picture, but the desk is huge. the books on the desk are about chest high, to give you an idea.

                      What I would pay for this desk… however, some things are simply – not for sale.

Stella’s Christmas, NutriSomething and a huge thanks to you

    Needless to say we’re all pretty excited about Stella and the good times we will share there.  One of the reasons we decided on a little place not far from home is the entire family can enjoy it frequently without the hassle (and worry) of significant travel.  Because we’re in the field of work that overhaul and maintenance requires, the renovation and upkeep were doable with our own crew.  Big Plus.  When we contemplated a home on the Vineyard or Vermont, two things deterred us.  1. The cost of housing there is outrageous now and 2. we would have to hire out the work to people we don’t know and repairs of any sort would also be done by people we don’t know.  Having Stella so close by keeps all that in M’s control. 
   The kids were extremely thoughtful with their gifts to us this Christmas. With Stella in mind, the following were “under our tree”…
    My son worked with our stone guru to create this fire pit on the edge of the blue stone patio – it is a free form creation complete with quartz – the stone mostly collected here on the farm.  “S”  has a way of laying stone so that without the encumbrance of mortar these stones will stand the test of time placed on their own.  The remaining stone he didn’t use still needs to be removed and I will lay a garden around the base, but the form is clear in these pictures. Yesterday we saw the finished work and absolutely love it.  Thank you M junior for such a thoughtful gift we will all enjoy for many years to come.   Our friend S did most of the stone walls here on the farm over the past seven years and the foundation and porch here at This Old House –  This man has overcome some major struggles in his life, most recently a significant bout with Lyme Disease. His work takes a great deal of physical strength and he is quite gifted with stone…. I am so thrilled that Stella will have some of his work in her little yard an that he is regaining his health through really hard work and determination. 

     PS.. Did I mention a Priest lives in the next yard over?  I told my husband we’re gonna need to clean up our language when sitting on the deck, as he’s definitely within earshot.  Funny thing is… when M finally had a conversation with him, during the course of that conversation his response to a question was something like  “Oh, you don’t need to worry about that shit”.    LOL.  I feel so much better now.  We’ll get along just fine. 
    My daughter also gifted us with some beautiful things for Stella –  this is a wind chime she found on Etsy – made from recycled materials –  including old spoons! Love it…  I’m told the sound is a very soft soothing  tinkling… 
A beautiful shell wreath  too… 
I found a re-worked dresser at another thrift store called The Picking Pot. 

 Very sturdy and the soft ivory color falls right in line with the light neutral hues
I want to adorn the cottage with.  Stella is so small there will only be room
for a bed and dresser in each of the two bedrooms. I’m still looking for 
one more dresser and a queen bed frame. I’m taking the advice to not buy crap
I won’t be happy with down the line – so far I have managed to find thrift store
pieces I love. 
     The Mr. and I have started the Nutrisystem program as of yesterday. While I’m not thrilled with the idea of  the processed food that was delivered a few days back, so far it doesn’t taste bad and seems like it will be manageable.  Adding fresh veggies and fruits is recommended as well.   I plan to stay on it for one to two months, as I’m just looking for a weight loss jump start. My goal is to lose 15 pounds, and with the success I’ve heard about on this program, if I can just stick with it, it should get me to my goal. Then I need to stay with the portion sizes and calorie intake  this program teaches, and maintain the weight loss.    The Mr. wants to stay on it a little longer as he has bigger weight loss goals.   What I have already learned in two days is PORTION CONTROL.. and water intake.. are very important for any kind of weight loss.  We love food and we don’t drink much or smoke at all, so food has been our vice over the years. 
  That’s lunch.  See what I mean? PORTIONS. Holy cow, we’ve been going overboard by about 1000 percent. 
    I’d like to thank each of you who comes here and converses in the comments section from time to time.  Our shared experiences and advice is cherished.  Some of you have been visiting this space for over six years and you’ve become dear friends.  FB helps us keep in touch even more (one of the actual GOOD things about social media, and yes there are some redeeming qualities to it) and I’m glad to have come to know you.  
  Happy, Healthy 2017 to All – may we find peace of mind and strength in unity. 
Love, Karen 

The gift you can give yourself

  I don’t watch a lot of TV, but in the winter months when the light fades early and we’re inside more than outside, we like to unwind in front of the tube.  Two things amaze me (and piss me off)… Sometimes the commercial breaks are so long you forget what you were watching. Then there’s the fact that you pay for 600 channels and there are only about five stations that actually have quality viewing. The rest is just crap.  I love the history channel, Discovery Channel,  CNN before the Orange Scream came along, a few series have caught our attention over the years – The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Poldark to name a few….  and there’s the sports package for the Mr. 
  
     Anyway… Dr. Phil.  Occasionally I tune in, when his guests aren’t the Jerry Springer type.  I often wonder why they load so much makeup on that mans head,  he looks like he’s been dipped in the stuff. You’d think in this day and age they could figure out the stage makeup and make it look a little more natural.  His show is also obviously an infomercial for his and his wife Robin’s many products, but that’s to be expected.  Speaking of which, where did half of her go?…  She’s a good example of a beautiful woman who let weight loss goals take away some of her natural beauty. Angelina Jolie.. another case in point.  
  
    So Dr. Phil… recently there was a mother/daughter situation where the  young adult daughter wanted  help for  a better relationship with her mom. The mother was a real hardass, apparently had been abused as a child herself and abused her children physically in return as she raised them. She is an adult movie performer and is raising yet another child, whom she says she’s doing a much better job with now that she has “grown up”.  The daughter is angry for all she’s been put through, and wants her mom to apologize and to be a more supportive -mom-.  While the mom comes off as a cocky b*tch during the entire interview, she also apologizes repeatedly and doesn’t deny the abuse. Because of her  tough attitude, though,  the apologizing doesn’t seem sincere. The daughter is clearly struggling and after an exhausting back and forth and many interjections by Dr. Phil,  he shuts the whole thing down and says  (this is not word for word, it’s the jist) 
     Look, it comes down to this.  What is it that you want from your mother so that you can move on.    She had no answer for him.  He asked the question repeatedly but neither the mother or the daughter had any answers to the question. It was pretty clear the relationship wasn’t going to change.  
     He then said to the daughter…. This is what I want for you.  I want you to build relationships with quality people who want to be in your life, who are worthy of your trust, who will support your positive goals in life. You’re looking for something from your mother that she doesn’t have to give.  If you came into my office and asked me if you can please have a zebra, I don’t have one to give you, it’s that simple. You are looking for something to come from your mother that she does not have to give.  You will always, always and forever struggle with this relationship if you keep looking for something that isn’t there.  You need to accept it for what it is and move on.  

     How many people can relate to that simple truth?  Boy, did it strike a chord with me.  I’ve talked a little about my relationship with my father in this space before, and to be clear,  I did not suffer the kind of abuse the woman in this story had.   Ours has been an emotional struggle… but the bottom line in his advice is so spot on.  Part of my anger toward my father has been that he was not what I wanted him to be as a Dad.  That’s not necessarily a fair request, because he can only be what he is. At times he did try in the ways he knew how, it’s that simple.  What I’ve been looking for is not coming, I’m angry at him for something he’s not even aware of.  In order to find peace of mind, I have to grant it to myself.  Accepting that simple piece of advice above is the most important part of the equation. 
   I’m not gonna lie, it’s still hard for me to visit the nursing home and do the grocery shopping and get him the things he needs because that little disappointed and resentful part of me still tugs at the edges.  As I grow older and he just grows old I’m slowly figuring out how to release the expectations of that little girl, the teenager, the young woman who wanted the Hero figure.  He did what he could with what he had, and that’s the truth. 
   He had his 80th birthday a few weeks ago. I decided a  party was in order, something I have never done for him before. I know that sounds harsh, but it was a result of the nature of our non-relationship, those resentments.  I got in touch with some of his old boating friends and some folks he worked with before retiring. They were happy to meet us at his old haunt, a local eatery and pub nearby. He didn’t know they would all be there. I picked him up at the home and we drove down the Boston Post Road instead of taking the highway  so he could view all the Christmas lights.  He was like a little kid, admiring some of the big lighted trees in the town greens we passed.  I was amazed that he noticed them at all.  Then I remembered some of the decorating he did when I was a young girl and he still lived -home-.  I also remembered the drives he took us on in our neighborhood to see the lights of Christmas.  He wasn’t always gone. He did what he could in the ways he was capable.  
  So we walked into the dining area where a large table had been set up for our party, and the look of surprise and delight on his face when he saw those old friends and some family  brought tears to MY eyes.  Tears of happiness… for him.   It was also obvious these people cared about him. He had forged some meaningful relationships, whatever they may have been. 

   On that night…some of the baggage I have been carrying around for all these years was left on that restaurant floor.  I’m not going back for it either.  
   

Christmas Spirit

 
   I love Christmas. 💖
   But.. something is different this year and I didn’t give it much thought until last week when I dragged all the decorations up from the basement. 
 My kids don’t live here anymore.  
   We had a family right away after marrying, and so all of our Christmases except the very first one together have been mostly about the kids.  Oh, how I have loved that experience.   The toy shopping,  the present hiding, the surprise building, the cookie and gingerbread house making, the stocking stuffing and tiptoeing at midnight to fill the tree skirt to overflowing with gifts for the next mornings surprise.  The Christmasy breakfast with monkey bread for pulling apart, the big fire in the fireplace as we opened presents usually early AM, because anticipation, you know.
   So I hoisted all the decorations to the first floor.. and  looking at all the boxes I thought.. well, maybe not so much this year. It’s just us.  A sadness blanketed my Christmas Spirit…  But the manchild stopped in shortly after and said “Where’s the ***, and are you putting out the ***?  “Where’s the star plate? I love that star plate”.  
   And the girlchild came by looking to see if maybe I had a few extra decorations because they’re tight on money  having just ventured out together on their own and could we spare a piece or two? She also made a few gifts for family this year and she said “It feels so good to MAKE something you know another person will enjoy”.  
   They’ve been paying attention, and I do believe they have the same Christmas Spirit in their hearts that their father and I do.   I’m loving Christmas all over again, the lens in the glasses just needed an adjustment.  Sorta like this aging deal. And you know, just as in aging, I’m damned lucky to have a reason for the  need for the lens adjustment.  Biggest Gift of all. 

 K made this in Kindgergarten….

M made this in kindgergarten too…

My mother had this made when I was born.. it has my name and birthyear on it….

We use the Christmas Spode all during the season as our daily plates.. why ever not.

Christmas cactus in full bloom… 

   We all have our trials, the spectrum is wide and varied. Wherever you find yourself and your loved ones on that spectrum this year, may the spirit of the season surround you in the ways you find joy and peace of mind.  May the threads of kindness in our Humanity prevail – 
 
    Bless Us Everyone 







  

She’s come undone, but she’s coming back together

  I’m feeling that in more ways than one.  As a good blog friend has reminded me more than once as of late.. Let Go Or Be Dragged.  I hear ya Stephen.. I’m listening… 
   Stella is also coming back together… the Mr. and I drove down to the cove this morning to soak in all the progress without all the workmen.  It was clear and sunny with no whipping winds, the water was crystal clear and I swear Stella was smiling as we pulled up to admire her newfound fortitude.  Let me show you a -before- and  – current – situation. 
I took this at waters edge.. see the bubbles? That’s how clear the water. 
 Meanwhile, back at the ranch.. last night the manchild invited his old HS buddies for a bonfire up on the hill. All are home from college for the holiday and I just loved hearing their giggles and chiding and noise in general as they decended upon my kitchen once again. I miss that noise.
   Our Thanksgiving was a fun family affair hosted by my SIL. The kids got together for some football on the lawn and board games later on after a gracious dinner.   The maple cheesecake recipe I shared with you in the previous post was the BOMB, I highly recommend the recipe. Use real maple syrup if you try it. 
     I picked my father up from the nursing home to join us, and although he didn’t take his jacket or hat off for the entire visit,  he truly enjoyed the company.  We all stayed away from political discussions because the group was mixed. Actually, a text was sent out just prior to arrival that said NO POLITICS!  …. it worked. 
 We’re having dinner at my daughters condo tonight – her partner is an incredible cook and they have invited us for a second Thanksgiving meal.  While I did not welcome the empty nester thing, there are definitely some perks. 
   Reading lists – I’m in full reading mode again now that the chill is in the night air and the darkness decends early.  I just finished Mud Season, currently reading Girl on the Train.  It’s OK, not really grabbing me.   I should admit I didn’t like Gone Girl much either – the characters were just totally unlikable for me.  I do want to know the mystery brewing behind Girl though, so I’ll finish it.   If you’re so inclined, list some  good reads you’ve enjoyed in the comments below. 
Happy Weekend, All – as always, thanks for stopping by. 
Karen