Last of November

Did I hear , "Thank God" . . . smile!!! 

I like the feel of this picture.    The wolf is in its element, probably singing to the winds.  Calmness prevails in winter beauty. 

Sometimes the luck of the Irish can be a bit different than you wish or want, so be careful what you wish for. 

I hope we see sanity returned.

Here it is the end of November, so far the months have flown by and the year is all but over.    Christmas coming up and we have much to do.    I stopped in at St. Vincent De Paul's thrift store yesterday to see it all done up with tables and rows of Christmas items.   I talked with one lady who is recovering from her home being burned to the ground so she was looking for anything and everything to replace the loss of all of her Christmas treasures.     We just do not appreciate how 'good' we have it.   Some folks are really having a bad time of it.    So, a the old adage says, "take the bull by the horn" and donate what you don't want and need to the thrift stores so they can continue to help those in need.   This particular store has the right attitude as the prices were kept low and everything was clean and ready to add a bit more joy to the holiday season.   

Today is the big shindig at the Gallery and the ladies have done a great job in preparing the entire area with wonderful gifts made by the artisans and the  whole crew of helpers.   The tables are filled with great gift ideas and the prices are fair.    The walls are covered with beautiful paintings, the card racks are filled with cards to treasure.  The jewelry sparkles and the ladies have a special table filled with homemade candy and cakes.    Christine is making Chocolate Baily's Irish Creme cakes.   I got to sample some last evening when she put a side a bit in a cup cake tin for us to sample. It is delicious and different , but . . .there goes my 'but' . . . I think I prefer the wine cake made with Creme of Sherry wine as it is a bit more moist and has a delicate flavor.   Don't let me scare you though as the chocolate one is truly delicious.

A weekend coming up so put on your shoes, get your  hat and coat and head out for a bit of Christmas shopping.    We are having a 'yard-sale' Christmas so I have got to find something for everyone.  I'm off, wish me luck.    Don't forget smile with your eyes, it is amazing how people respond.    Be kind, be good and be careful today, make it YOUR day.  Hugs to all. 

Black Friday or Happy Friday

Here I am with a puzzle buddy who loves doing jig saw puzzles as much as I do.  Sheila, our hostess, had set up a puzzle on her card table without realizing she had a thirty-five inch puzzle to do on a top only thirty[-three inches wide.  I set to using the finished top area with alike color and started to organize.  We got quite a bit done before the dinner bell.

Some clever came up with a beautiful Thanksgiving platter.   Our  hostess and the guests put together on e very big and beautiful dinner starting with chips, dips, humus, baked Bree to die for.   Wine, cider, cola, water were at the ready too.

There is nothing like being caught with your mouth full.    This was a groaning tabled and before long we were all groaning along with it.   Greg enjoyed his Thanksgiving dinner and in the telling of a story game we learned he is an avid fisherman.  His wife, a co-worker of Sheila was my puzzle partner.  There were eight of us at the table and you can see each pan and pot was filled to the brim.  Sheila could have fed a whole platoon.  Delicious.    The game played was a question and answer game, like . . . where did your ancestors come from?  When was the last time you cried?   Where would you like to be a month from now?   The answers were great and funny although the tear one was sad as folks thought about all the veterans and their families who have come home broken and bent but with the courage to fight on just to live out their lives.


 

Even the monkey want this friend the tiger to have a bit of food on Thanksgiving. 

I have never seen a brand new minutes old baby elephant.    Imagine the growing he or she will do over a lifetime.

Well it is Black Friday, what a horrid name to give a shopping day which I have high hopes a lot will ignore and just rest up today and make a list of who was naughty or nice to them all year.   Not everyone is entitled to a gift, but most are.  Homemade is best and the kitchens will be in full blast for the next few weeks.    Homemade cakes, cookies by the dozens and a special pie or two.  Jams and jellies are always a welcome gift and Marcia's homemade thick lumpy delicious applesauce and apple butter is a prize and a half.    The ladies here are making up batches of quart jars of the makings of hot chocolate adding tiny marsh mellows and a big fancy ribbon.   The knitters have made bottle covers knitted in bright colors, so add the cider or wine and give a gift of taste.   There are peanut brittle in plastic baggies which I will buy tomorrow at the Gallery sale.   I have my eye on a couple of things and a big box to fill as I am due to go back home by the end of the week.  Of course this depends on the weather.   The word snow has been bandied about for a few days, hopefully it will hold off just a bit longer.   So, I will let you go to recover from you Thanksgiving feasts and give you time to start your list of what you will do for your Christmas loved ones.

Here in Port Orchard the ladies are finishing up on all the items they have been working on.   Christine has Christmas mice to finish complete with antlers; cakes to bake and more chocolate cocoa jars to fill.    We have a few errands to run and will take the wreaths over for the doors.   We drove out into the country side to an open air market which had wonderful prices and really healthy produce to offer.    We are all set for the week and excitement runs high as we close in on one of my favorite holy holidays.    The Christmas music has started . . ."Oh the weather outside is frightful, the fire  is so delightful . . .la, la, la....let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."    "Away in a manager ...la,la,la, la, la...the little Lord Jesus lay asleep in the hay" . . . "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the way. . . Oh what fun. . . la, la, la,. la......louder, I can't hear you. . . smile, grin, chuckle, and give someone a bear hug today.   Hugs to all.

Happy Thanksgiving Day

A lot of folks cannot be together day for many reasons and it is hard on both the children and the parents.   So know how much you are loved.   Know how much you are missed.    Know that it only takes a phone call, a loving smiling voice and three little words to make everyone feel special . . .

I miss you.     I love you.     

Too true!     Make a pact with yourself and do not give credence to Black Friday. . . start this Thanksgiving holiday with the thought that you are the boss of your own shopping days and you are the one that will make up your mind when and where you will shop.  

Move over, I want to help you stuff the turkey.    Merlot is good, Melbec is better.  I'll bring the wine or would you prefer some other libation ? 

Isn't this the truth!!    How I wish you were sitting at my table today, but I'm off sitting at another table with a chance to meet some new folks and enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.   But know that I will miss YOU more than you'll ever know.

Make your Thanksgiving Day the best one ever.    Eat, drink and be merry.  Share the hugs and kisses.   Share YOU with those you love.,   

Hugs to all. 

What is New?

The 'rag' sheets say he is looking for Oprah to help him save his job. . . um. . . I better not go there. 

the 'friendly skies'  not so if the stormy weather keeps up and folks have a really bad time trying to get home for Thanksgiving.   

We all have someone to remember..   My neighbor Jim passed this week and I am sorry I didn't get to say goodbye.   He was a a good man, a rancher for years, a real cowboy at heart and loved western lore.   He raised a large family and made many friends.   He lived ninety five years and made good use out of everyone of them.   He will be missed. 

Black Friday , teasing ads, spend, spend, spend even if you don't have a job or money to spend . . . take the pledge, make 'them' wait  . . . your time with family and friends is much more important.   

Hump day with much to do.  Thanksgiving tomorrow and there is shopping for last minute groceries to help feed the family with the specialties of the holiday.    Each family has its own traditional foods, not everyone is a turkey lover.    The turkey will be glad to hear that.

     We are invited out tomorrow and will bring a dish.   Christine is down for an appetizer and has baked brie in mind.  I haven't tasted that.  I think I'll bring a posy or two or maybe a special treat for desert.    Our hostess is cooking a 19 lb. turkey so I am hoping for a left over piece of  turkey for a sandwich, yum. So get busy and plan your special dinner today, reach out and touch each family member and friend with a huge smile from your eyes and a great big bear hug.  Pour a bit of wine, enjoy the appetizers, then dig in and indulge to bulge.    If you find someone in need fix a plate and share.    Don't forget the food bank as they are in need of a helping hand this season.  So many folks out of work.  So many folks with troubles and woe . . . so count your blessings and  be the light at the end of the tunnel.    Hugs to all.

Four A.M.

I'll try real hard and see if I can not waste your seconds today. 

Our Founding Fathers were very intelligent men who wanted more for America than they did for themselves.  Freedom and Independence. 

We know so many with cancer of one kind or another.  Say a prayer for each one.  Donate a few cents to the Cancer Research.   Share some time with a friend who has been fighting the battle with cancer, and add a prayer or two for those with other types of auto immune diseases. 

I didn't know this for a fact.   Guess I'll keep my honey longer.  How about you?  It sure taste good with oatmeal and don't forget the pecans which I discovered this trip and make your breakfast oatmeal taste the best you ever had.

There was an interesting article in a small magazine about finding a home for the elderly.  It went n to tell about how the staff works along with the elderly who are walking slowly to the garden path.   They take care of their needs especially in the listening department.   It seems as though they tend to reminisce and go over the long trail of a life they had and how to avoid regrets.   Oh they all had regrets but most according to the article had advice and the pictures above are what they stressed the most.   So take a minute to peruse;   let the words sink in;  and be true to yourself as you take one second of your days and live...the key word...l I v e . . . one second at a time, the way you truly want to live, no expectations, just pure determination to make each day Your Day!    Smile, advice is always good even when you don't ask for it.    Stop, look and listen. It is amazing how fast those seconds tick by.   Smother someone in kisses and hugs today and I guarantee you will feel blessed.   Hugs to all. 

Thumbs

At one time Joey, the little white dog you see here, wouldn't have anything at all do with or Emma;  my times have changed . . . buddies to the end. 

Another antiquity found;   Gates To Hell needed guardians and here are two.  They are made of marble and one is a three headed dog and the other a coiled snake.  The sight is in Turkey.   It seems that once fumes from  carbon dioxide created hallucinations, or killed those who got to close to this sight.  Maybe that is why it was referred to as 'the gates to hell'.   Imagine the excitement at such finds.
 

"God bless them, everyone" 

A lot of empty spots at the Thanksgiving Day table again this year.    Send cards and letters and a package or two even if it isn't holiday time.   Let these men and women know how much we really do care.  Bubble gum goes over big, and marsh mellows between cookies keeps them fresh and whole.   Care packages never go out of style.

A new week, beginnings. . . all over again.    I've been away two weeks and have more time out still to go.   I am having a wonderful time sharing time with my daughter Christine, something I don't get to do as often as I'd like.   She has been introducing me to 'jobs' at the Gallery and it has kept me busy as I used a paper cutter for the first time in years.   Then I had small cardboard boxes to open and put together;  if the ladies knew how 'dumb' I am about putting those kinds of things together, they would have thought twice and given me something else to do.    I did get them done, but it wasn't easy.  The new paintings with their new tags look terrific and hopefully will sell as the artists priced them  right.    I don't have any wall space or I'd be tempted to bring a couple home.   I see a few other things I'd like to buy at their sale but it isn't open yet.   It doesn't seem fair for the workers to get first choice, so I'll wait for opening day.

Monday, a new start, a busy week as Thursday is Thanksgiving Day and we do have some blessings to count.   If you have good health, you are wealthy.    If you have a good sunny disposition, you are welcomed everywhere.   If you have good manners you are invited back again and again.    If you a smile on your face and love shining from those eyes , you are loved more than you know.    Make this a week to share YOU with those you love.    Don't forget a hostess gift, that 'Malbec" is pretty good stuff and the chocolates never go out of style.    Hugs to all.. 

Crash, Bang!!

I read about a new antiquity city and here are a few of the pots that held wine so it was written up that this may be a picture of the very first winery and it had both red and white residue of the grapes.    

Daughter Christine is a collector of dragons of all shapes and sizes.   There are some beauties around the house.  I bet she'd like one like this around her house. There would not be any attempts to break in if that were the case.  

And with that attitude he became world famous and some of his work was exceptional and some was okay, but . . . It was certainly different and we find that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

You  have probably seen these words before and will again.   I think the Democrats have been mesmerized or threatened or just plain reckless in the pursuit of their duties.    To pass a two thousand word bill without reading it has to go down in history as the worst mistake to ever come out of our nation 's capitol.   We are slowly, but surely, finding out what is in the so called Obama Care Bill . . . Affordable what??  And they, our so called representatives do not have to partake of this law;  words that have been said again and again;  don't go away, you will be hearing more and more and they will be words you will not like.

Sunday, my second one here  in Port Orchard.    I went over to the Gallery and helped the ladies tag some items for the Christmas sale that will be coming up soon.    The artist have all contributed and there are some beautiful items and fair prices.   One of the ladies, Pam, is multi talented and knits beautifully.  She made funky scarves for the young ladies to wear;   baby sets that are as cute as can be, and a lovely bed set with a lap robe and a bed shawl, different and beautiful.   There were oils, watercolors and sketches, along with some pottery pieces, cards and the cutest back packs with a stuffed animal for the little ones.   They should all get a prize and a lot of appreciation from the town folks. 

 

I had a chance to meet one of the ladies who was my age and we had a great time reminiscing about the early days , old customs and old styles.   She was, as the saying goes, in 'great shape for the shape she is in';  I can identify with that.   

In the afternoon two very large black cats were d dropped off with a load of ''things' to go along with them.  The owner, a young lady just moving back home, has a father who is highly allergic to cats so they had to be farmed out for a couple of months until the owner is settled in.   They tried several places to no avail then someone mentioned my daughter Christine, the all time cat lover of the century and here they are bag and baggage.    They holed up in the bottom shelf of the bathroom for some time, then one ventured out and allowed us to pet him, the other hasn't shown up yet.   The brave one loves to be petted so is relentless, as he comes to me for petting...and I am not the cat lover....all in all they seemed to be content until we awakened at three a.m. with a big crashing noise in the kitchen.   My, they like to climb high.   We never did find broken shards but some where there are somethings broken or at least bent.   We looked around then went back to bed .  It is going to be some fun to watch them as Christine has a house filled with beautiful glass pieces, teapots and dragons.

So if you have new pets, enjoy the introduction period and be patient and understanding.   Like us, all they want is petting and not one of us ever gets enough of that.    Practice, practice, practice and enjoy the feeling of being loved.    I am sending hugs to all , hope you feel the love.    Make your seconds special today, just like YOU.    Hugs to all.

Erin's Birthday

No this is not Erin's birthday cake.  Her mother is busy baking her a very special one today and I hope they save me a piece.    I wouldn't even suggest this was a birthday cake with candles as she is only in the beginning stages of life.   I am very proud of my granddaughter as you well know.   So join me is signing as loud and in tune as possible//...Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you.  Happy birthday dear Erin, Happy birthday to you. and may you have a lifetime of fulfilled dreams and lots and lots of smiles and hugs along the way.

I met these three ladies yesterday when I was invited to see friend Sheila's home.   the  cats came out to say hello and only one came close enough for a petting.   Sheila took a day out to spend with me and we had a wonderful time.   I was introduced to the lovely town of Paulsbo where they have little shops and beautiful homes and a bakery that is like the old home town bakeries of old.  There were delights I haven't seen in years.   It is a good thing we went there after we had breakfast at a restaurant by the water.   Sheila said they had oatmeal and homemade bread that was exceptional and she was so right.    The oatmeal was served with not only the usual raisins and brown sugar but added pecans.  What a difference .  The bread was delicious as was the coffee.  I was introduced to a market that was huge and had everything you could possibly want or need.   You name it and it was there.   On to the Casino where they have a of new machines but only two keno machines that were very different.   I asked the lady next to me if she would show me how it worked and she did.   It was fun to play but no big wins.  I think eight dollars was the biggest with four out of the seven numbers showing up.   I got plenty of walking exercise as it is a very big casino.    We left to have lunch at the Olive Garden for soup and salad then on to another huge market place only this one caters to restaurants and allows the public to come in and buy also.   What a friend, what a day.
 

I found some at the market to share. 

Doesn't this make you feel good?    I think so. 

Angie had this one on Facebook yesterday.  It reminded me when I had a big tine of logos.  She, Gary and the boys would come by for a visit and I would get the tin out and the boys would make all kinds of things  while we visited.    The boys are men now and hopefully filled with great memories of some fun times when they were small.     

This is funny as it reminds me of Angie and I at work when I was learning how to use a computer for the first time and had no knowledge of how.  I would get in to trouble and ask Angie for help and she would call across the room saying . . .'don't touch that button' , in a loud and commanding voice and I didn't.  Smile.

And, the weekend begins, hopefully with sunshine to give you lots of energy to go about doing what you have to do, and more importantly what you want to do.   Use those seconds doing good deeds today and it will bring a smile to your face.    Don't forget the hugs.   Hugs to all. 

TGIF

Easy for her to say.  Think of it as one way to stay warmer in the winter weather. 

Practicing how to scare you , or just plain bored watching its world go by. 

Hugs, hugs, what would we do without them?   Hope we never have to find out. This picture reminds me of Emma....how she loves her hugs.  

In the news....a new fad going around in the big cities....a gang looking for 'whites' to hurt.   Why?  Nothing to do with their time....um.....CCC's should make a come back. 

 A mushroom. . . unbelievable.    The caption said something about how these were in existence long before our trees took over.   I like trees . . . how about you?

Here it is Friday already, a fast week and a fun one for me.  A change of pace as I got to a mall yesterday with real stores.   We rode over to Silverdale and  I am sporting a new pair of SAS shoes.   A real shoe store and the SAS prices are higher this year than last.  Now I have two pair so can exchange and have them last.   We went to Bath, Bed and Beyond and got lost in a maze of aisles filled with every kind of item you can think of.   We were looking for a new bath mat for the bathroom and I was astounded to see price tags of $39.99 and up . . . sheesh, you would think we were all made of money. The Washingtonians give the Oregonians a free pass on the sales tax but not without taking your picture of your ID, filling out a form and signing your life away.   It  is easier to pay the damn tax.   

I strolled through the big thrift store and found it ludicrous to see price tags of $29.95 on a coat.  Blouses and sweaters priced over ten dollars....they get these items for free, discards, people are out of work and they gouge and we wonder what is wrong with our world.   They charge three dollars for a hard back book, no wonder there shelves are filled to the brim.   

Christine treated me to lunch at a Mediterranean Restaurant and I ordered soup.  The owner, who waited on us, told us that his mother made the soup from scratch .  It was pea soup . . . don't wrinkle your nose, it was the best pea soup I have ever eaten...even had lemon added and some pretty red spice which I have no idea what it is called, but it added some flavor that was truly delicious.  He gave us pita bread with it.  Chris ordered tabuli so  I had a taste and that was delicious also.    He asked if we wanted real coffee or just coffee so I said real coffee, which was served in a small demitasse cup, thick, hot and tasted of cinnamon.  Not bad, but I guess I like the other real coffee better.  It was a treat but I like mine unflavored, hot and black.  So this little corner of the Northwest has a lot to offer. We did our Costco run and it is decked out for Christmas with lots and lots of good ideas just in the cookie aisle alone.   I did pick out a few 'goodies' to take home with me, to add to the cookie trays . . . but, not sure they'll make it that far.

It is down to twenty degrees early in the mornings but goes up to about fifty in the afternoons and the sun is shining so no complaints about weather.    I had to renege on the steak out last evening as I had worn myself out with all our shopping, looking, and exercising.  I hope you take yourself out to a mall and get your exercise too.    Don't wait for Black Friday, ignore it, and go when you want to.   Make this weekend all about Thanksgiving and meeting and greeting family members and friends to celebrate.   Hugs, hugs, lots of the coming this week;  yeah, a reason to be thankful.   Hugs to all.  

Closer

Turkey Day is Coming . . . "Let Them Eat Cake" 

Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails . . . what  a cutie, although when I find them on my walkway, I don't think they are that cute.
 

Amen to that! 

Good old W.C. Fields . . . what a philosophy on life. . . bet he was a sober dude and probably had a crush on Mae West. 

I do have my days when I remember most things, but then I do have my days when I don't remember most things.    

Hard to believe that it is Thursday, the day after Hump day which was filled with sunshine but very cold air.  Winter is here.   I didn't bring a coat, well who would have thought it was going to change so quickly.  We had dinner at Pam's house last evening, good old comfort food, meatloaf, green beans, special cheesy potatoes and some pears which was a nice touch and taste.    We brought desert home as none of us had room for it, a cranberry cake which we will have for breakfast today.   Pam is a lovely lady and a quilter.  She does such beautiful stitching, all by hand, and her quilts are beautiful.   What a talent.  She loves to try new and different things and has some new kind of ink card painting that looks like fun.  We brought over the finished painted glasses and will wait for her to check them out before taking on a new project.  We are taking today off and going shoe shopping.  Wish me luck as I have a foot that defies fitting. 

 

I did a little more antiquing yesterday and met a lady that seemed so alone.  She stopped to tell me it was her birthday and she was sixty-eight, then showed me her silver ring with a blue stone and told me she couldn't get it off of her finger.  She ambled on and I was sorry I didn't give her a bear hug.  

Go, enjoy your seconds today and don't forget to be helpful as there is someone in need today.   When you are shopping for your upcoming holiday feast, throw in a few extra cans of good eating for the food bank.   I hear they have more and more to help feed this year.  The economy is not recovering and so many are jobless and that means lean tables.  If you are one of the lucky ones....share....it will make you smile from the inside so you can share it on the outside.    Hugs to all.

 

Hump day

Whew, I thought he made arrangements for the group of twelve to name my day to leave this earth. 

Now this is the best idea, if the merchants don't up the prices when they see you coming. 

Hey Jock,  a bit of flounder would be wonderful.   Hope you like ice fishing and know where to find some of these beauties.    

Only if I don't have my coffee. 

\
Now isn't that the truth.    I haven't run out yet, still working hard at it.

Well here it is Hump Day all over again.   It is a good thing, mid way in your week to continue to work on your projects.   The ladies here in Port Orchard are busy getting ready for several events during November and December.   I don't know if you are into felting but there are four little mice sitting on the table this morning, just as cute as they can be with gray bodies and pink ears and long tails.   If I saw a real mouse I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you, I'd be up on the chair.  

 

Yesterday I had time to visit the big Antique Mall on the main street and spent an hour checking out the booths.   There are so many beautiful antiques and all of the booth owners had sales, some fifty percent off.  I was looking for something different, not sure what, but did find a small funky wonderful little table for Christine's TV room to house her hot coffee when she is enjoying a program or two.    I should have taken a picture of it to show you.   I left the rest behind for others to check out and went on to lunch at a different restaurant up town.  They serve fish and chips but not like anything I have ever had before, round, flat like pancakes, greasy and unappetizing;  teach me not to find my Hungry Clam here.   They really specialize in teriyaki chicken but I am not a teriyaki lover.    Today I get to go to four more antique shops and look for a treasure or two.   I understand there are several more up in another area. . . walking exercise, it's good for me, and what better to do on a rainy day.

I hope you are keeping healthy and happy and doing some of the things you love to do.    Whatever you mood, whatever your dream, make sure you treat yourself like royalty and be King or Queen for today.   Food is your fuel that keeps you going, so take yourself out to lunch just because you can.   Choices, so many of them to decide on . . . what will you choose to do today?    Whatever it is, put a smile on your face, but only if it shines through your eyes.    Open up those arms and give some one a special hug today . . . I'd line up for one of those so make mine verbal.    Go...make those seconds count.  Hugs to all.