Let It Snow . . .!

A full moon with a huge ring around it means a storm coming in, so the old folks used to tell us. The weatherman is predicting a huge storm today and we may even see a snow flake here on the coast. One friend sent an e-mail telling me about her stay at Mt. Hood where they have plenty of snow and now twenty three inches more is expected. A family who love to sky, so they are exstatic knowing they have 'powder' and may not dig out until spring. They have been making snow globes, which I had never heard of, and the picture she sent was beautiful. They made snow balls, big ones, and stacked them like a pyramid around a lantern, I would assume, and the end result is a tall snow globe shining brightly. The picture would not download, so once again I can't show you this lovely sight. Maybe you have made a snow globe and if you have snow in your area you can go out and make one for yourself. Granddaughter Erin is snowboarding up in the Sierras. Last we heard a storm was brewing and I heard the words . . . ten feet of snow . . . I hope she had a chance to snow board down the mountain before the storm hit, otherwise she will be inside looking out. The Sierra mountains are a sight to see in winter. You can ride in a canyon of snow and not be able to see over the top of the piles. Daughter Pat and I rode down in a snow storm some years ago. The weatherman said a storm was moving in after midnight so being clever and smart we decided to leave after Pat got out of work about nine p.m. and thought we would beat the storm but rode right into it. Snow flakes falling on the windshield so you couldn't see. We followed the lights of a big truck until it pulled over, but like the battery bunny we kept going and no chains. We inched along with the window open and my head out keeping my daughter apprised of the road. We passed cars that pulled over and were stuck but we kept going and finally made it to Auburn. Usually Pat would suffer in silence as I am one of those 'helpers', you know the one that reads all the road signs, hums a lot, and sees every bump in the road, but that night she was glad I was her co-pilot and we all but kissed the ground when we arrived, cold, wet, hungry and wondered if we had lost all our marbles trying to circumvent a Sierra snow storm. We were just plain lucky.

So if you are in stormy weather today, drive carefully, walk gingerly and stick out your tongue to catch a snow flake if you have snow. If the rains come sheeting across your path, become Gene Kelly and dance in the rain. Laugh out loud as you join a friend or two and count down to the New Year ------Happy New Year One and All-------my love and best wishes to each of you.

Remember Calvin?

Cartoons tickle our funny bones and we find ourselves laughing out loud. I admire the artists who not only draw the pictures but come up with captions that stir our imaginations. If you had a house filled with children then one or two must come to mind when you read cartoons. I thought Denise the Menace was funny, then Calvin came along and my sense of humor along with it. I thought to add a political cartoon but having awakened at three a.m. with the latest letter from the Social Security Office on my mind , stating there will be no Cola raise for the next two years. I don't think the cartoonists have come up with a fitting one -----yet. Although that cartoon with the sharks brings a thought or two to mind.

Well, today I cannot have my coffee or eat as I am having some blood work done before my next appointment with the doctor. He is keeping an eye on my cholesterol, blood pressure and body weight. He had the nerve to say that eating normally wasn't good at this age, less is better . . . well, that is his opinion and I'm stuck with it . . . believe it or not he is right. I use the excuse that food is my fuel and keeps me going but that's a crock and I know it. I love to cook. I love to eat . . . a dangerous combination at any time of life. I didn't get this size because I wanted to wear Queen sizes; how else could I be related to a Queen? BUT, I never met a hot dog I didn't enjoy or piece of hot apple pie with or without ice cream that didn't stick to my ribs. I've never been one for special exercises as I kept busy all of the time but no one told me what happens to the body as it ages. That ad about falling and not able to get up is not a false ad, believe me, yesterday I cleaned out the pantry closet and when I got to the bottom area and took five minutes to get down to see what was there, I found a few things to move around but still useful so didn't throw anything away. The challenge was to raise the body back up to a standing position, lucky I had sense enough to bring the stool over to use as a hold to get up and it took more time than I thought it would. Thank God no one was home with a camera. Just think I may have to give this housework stuff up . . . poor me!

I hope you exercise and eat according to your age . . . I had no idea there was rules about eating at any age, but I am learning as I go. Make today a good one. The year is ending so go out and attend those parties with all the goodies, spread out in the open, for you to indulge to bulge and make your New Year's resolution to diet. Aren't resolutions meant to be broken? I think so.

Inching Along

It is coming, the New Year, 2010, I wonder what is in store for us. I keep talking about how fast time goes by, but then I think each of you feel the same way as you lead your busy lives, that is unless you are the parents of a teen age child or two and your survival rate goes down a notch. We do survive our growing children and they survive us, and that is the wonder of it all.

I had unexpected company yesterday when my friend Angie, who was visiting her sister Pat in Medford, decided to come and visit me and the ocean. They wanted some fish and chips and a chance to watch the whales. They saw a few spouts but the whales were busy passing by and didn't stop to play in the beach area so no 'bodies' were seen. We all hope to see a whale breech but they save all those antics until they get to the Arctic. Angie and I go back about twenty-five years when we worked in the administrative section of the U.S. Geological Survey office. It was when computers were being introduced and some of us learned so much quicker than others. I was not one of the quick ones. I can still hear Angie calling across the room . . . "Jean, do not touch the keyboard . . . I'll be right there!" I thought if I pushed a key everything would be as it should, but data had a way of disappearing whenever my fingers were ready to strike and words would come up on the screen saying, "one more stroke and your data is lost" . . . It was such a struggle to try and learn an entire new style of communication when I had already survived the inroads to the electric typewriter and the old shaved cylinders. I remember when I went back to work after being off for fifteen years while raising my little ones. I was hired and my first day I was listening to dictation on a new tiny machine ----using a new style ear device and the word that came through was 'incomprehensibility' . . . I had not heard a word that long for years and my mind stretched leaving the baby talk behind as I typed that word and many more and even spelled correctly. To this day I am a typist and I can spell most words but computer literacy is not my forte and I am thankful for the spell checker anyway. I add some new knowledge now and then but when I see what can be done, I know I am number one on a computer nerd list.

Jason is a computer whiz and had his new lap top ,which he just got at Christmas, and he fired it up and talked with his friends and was completely at ease as his fingers found their way over that little flat area below the keyboard, you know the space I'm talking about, the one that refuses to cooperate when I try to get the little arrow to go where it is supposed to go. I have to have a mouse or I am spewing a few choice words that start with damn and go on from there. I guess it takes practice and patience which I run out of when it comes to lap tops. We ladies kept up a running conversation and I don't think he knew we were there. Who knew a lap top could tame a teen ----where were they when mine were growing up? I've known Jason since he was a tiny infant and he is now almost six foot tall, a handsome young man, bright and sweet with a fine sense of humor, and he likes Gramma Jean, so I know how lucky I am. I couldn't stop looking at the pixie face and tell him how handsome he is. Grins do tell a story!

I met Angie's sister Pat who lives over in the Medford area. She has ten acres and horses and dogs and loves her life. She raised one colt and 'broke' it and even rode it, although she got tossed off and landed on the ground. She said, "and the ground is very hard." I bet she had a bruise or two especially as it happened a couple of times. She was such fun to be with and the threesome made my day a good one. They promised to come back and I hope not too much times passes before they can.

We had a computer visit with Angie's husband, Gary, who couldn't make it this trip. I hadn't seen Gary in a couple of years and he has added a little weight since then. He calls me "Gramma Jean" and even showed off his big belly and had us all laughing out loud as he is still a character and a half with a sense of humor that just never quits. Gary has spent a life time with pain and has to be admired for his tenacity to live with it and go on with his life. Good people, good friends and I am lucky to have them in my life.

So today, think of a friend or two you have not seen in some time and contact them and enjoy a few hours of camaraderie and let them know how important they are in your life. You are all important to me and I wish it were possible to see you and spend some time together. I'd offer to cook up a feast but right now I'm all 'cooked' out after our big turkey dinner and all those left overs. I thank God daughter Pat is home and volunteered to cook up a prime rib for our New Year dinner. I think I heard her mention some new recipe for black eyed peas . . . um . . . do I even like black eyed peas? . . . guess I'm about to find out.

"Old Paths"

I have been musing about "Old Paths" which was sent to me a couple of days ago. It is written in poetry form by a retired minister from Tennessee. Remember my musing about 'rose colored glasses', well this reminded me of one version of what our lives 'used to be' . . . but . . . like a lot of stories we read, or hear about, there are a lot of necessary words left out and the darker side not discussed as it didn't exist for some folks. We have gone through a lot of changes in the last several decades, just as others had to go through changes from the Victorian era. Growing up, whether it is supposed changes for the better, or the growing pains of our bodies and minds, is not a one way paved road but one of ruts and uneven paths to our own futures. Each one of us has had our own path to follow. The suggestion is that it was a better life style . . . "brothers went into the army, and sisters got married BEFORE having children." the exception today is that both men and women are going into the service and the ladies are getting pregnant with and without a marriage certificate and it is not hidden under the rug as it used to be. "Crime does not pay" from the headlines about out illustrious leaders, I'd say a few are making billions and living 'high on the hog', but then we had politicians who were masters at stealing from the public since the beginning of time. "Mom's could cook; Dads would work; Children would behave" . . . how come the stores are now selling packaged dinners, and a lot of father's don't work because they are not educated in high tech and pick and shovel days are around the corner once again . . . and some children do not behave, but I bet you can remember a 'kid' in your past who was far from an angel with wings. This one I got a kick out of . . . "women wore jewelry; and men wore the pants." I didn't know many women who had much in jewelry as most were confined to being 'barefoot and pregnant' by that 'king of his castle' with the roving eye and the beer gut. "Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen; and children looked decent." Um . . . girdles and slips and stockings and high heels; men with ties and starch collars and children in starched dresses or shirts. Thank God for change! "People Love the Truth, And hated a lie." We could have a debate on that subject. "They came to church to get IN, Not to get OUT." I believe a lot more would attend services and enjoy all of the wondrous traditions if the clergy would take the politics and hypocrisy out of organized religions and practice what they preach. "Cursing was wicked; Drugs were for illness; And divorce was unthinkable." All the ills of weaknesses that never change because we do not change. Old habits die hard. "The flag was honored, America was beautiful, And God was welcome! It still is but it takes a bit of time to find it now a day. We live in the most beautiful country in the world; we have it all . . . but we do not take care of it, as we should, and it starts with each one of us, cut back, cut down, cut out We need to be patriotic, we need prayer wherever we are, inside or out. "To be called an American was worth dying for; To be called an American was worth living for; To be called a traitor was a shame!" That hasn't changed. The ending statement was that the minister 'loved the old paths best' Um. . . food for thought as you agree or disagree, the choice is yours. I think we humans need a 'kick in the pants' and should not forget where we came from or where we want to go. Times will continue to change for both the good and the bad, it all depends on us and how we live our lives. Some one said 'it is better to light one little candle than to stumble in the dark'. . . think about that and make today the best one yet. Cook a dinner from scratch; do some laundry in the bath tub; hang your clothes out on a line; visit a church of your choice, and for heavens sake, please say a prayer for me.

Whatchadoing?

A few days left of the old year and we are supposed to have whales going by within the next few days. I have no idea why this one week is a whale week but you know I will be out there looking at the ocean and hoping it stays calm so we can get a look at one of those gray whales. There was a write up in our local paper saying that the whale watcher teams are out there ready to point out a whale or two. Usually we see the spout and if we are lucky the blackish body of the whale, yet I have not seen one breech high and dry, maybe today is the day. I'll take my camera with me just in case.

Yesterday I spent a lot of my time going through all of the Christmas decorations I have accumulated over the years. I forgot I did that last year and many went to the yard sale box as I had culled the decorations down to three boxes . . . no more . . . there is one box of old decorations all sealed and put away with the children's names on them . I can hear them now expounding noisy remarks and a few sighs thinking they already have enough 'stuff'. I find I have the spirit but not the energy to decorate the whole house. I remember I used to, ah those words again, even put Christmas towels in the bathroom and kitchen. Candles too. I have simplified my Christmas decorating and find I only use a tiny tree with changing lights that sparkle, my smokers, although I didn't put the cone in to see the rising smoke from the wood cutters pipe, or Santa's round mouth, or the town crier's lamp. They looked pretty special this year. The tree has its own box, the creche is boxed too so there is no room in the big plastic bin of which there are two now, the sealed on and one with cards, paper, and a few bows. I'll have to find some bows on sale when I go to the store and find them at half price, although I watched a special on television showing how to wrap packages in square scarves which made beautiful and useful coverings, no waste, no paper and cardboard to send to the trash pile. I may go on a scarf expedition this year when I go 'junking'. I may do away with wrapping paper, in fact I may do away with decorating . . . bah humbug, how is that for Christmas spirit? I received a Maxine calendar from my granddaughter and I am betting she has something to say about decorating I can hardly wait to read her quips which I'll be glad to share as we spend our new year together.

Erin is a photographer with an eye that captures the scene she is looking at, or the faces, and she has chosen several from her trip to Cuba and has framed them. She is on Facebook so if you want to see what she has accomplished, go in and take a peek. The one she gifted me is of dolls in colorful costumes probably for sale in a stall in one of the small village markets. I love it. I hope she has done the one of a carved door with a bird cage hanging nearby. It was striking and a picture I thought I'd like to have here in my home gallery. I'll have to ask so I can be one of her first buyers. If you love original art you may want one too, just tell her Gram sent you and she will give you a discount . . . (smile . . . I'm just using my bragging rights.)

Erin also sent me the movie "Odd Fellows", it used to be a favorite and I will enjoy it all over again. John and I watched "The Old Curiosity Shop", a Charles Dickens story and it was well done. I have two more as it was sold as a set. I had bought it for a couple I exchange gifts with but daughter Pat reminded me I bought the same set a year ago for them . . . I quickly bought something different for them and kept the films which I had not seen myself. Neither one of us really remembered so someday I will have to ask my friends if I did or did not give them a set of movies and if I didn't, maybe I can give them the 'used' set next year. I seem determined they should see them . . . heaven only knows why.

So today, cull down your decorations, wrap them lovingly so you can enjoy the memories they bring to your heart and soul. Add some one new bauble each year like my angel with the beautiful deep red dress holding a candle that lights up the true spirit of Christmas.

I am waiting for my coffee to drip, hopefully a little bit faster than the drips in the picture. It is a picture Jess took on her trip and I am hoping she visits soon so I can ask her more about her blog on South America. I did have an e mail from two friends,Joyce and Ken, who are spending some time in Ecuador. They are finding it different but much to their liking. They found that Christmas is celebrated with comradery and laughter. In the little village where they are, sixty people got together in their friend's shop. These people come from all over the world and do not speak the language . . . Spanish I think, were fortunate to have those that were bilingual translate for each other. It was so much different than any Christmas they had celebrated in the past with no packaged gifts but gifts of friendship. I can well imagine that they told stories about their own Christmas traditions and because they found an exchange of 'self'' they found the true meaning of Christmas. What a cacophony of noises must have permeated the room. Joyce and Ken are enjoying their fantastic trip and who knows, they may decide to stay.

They left Brookings in late October and came to see me before they took off for what I would classify an adventure of a life time. They packed and stored all of their belongings and went through a myriad of paper work before they could travel there. Joyce worked all year getting things ready for this trip and was happy to be joining some friends who have been over there for some time. They came by to say goodbye and I hated to lose them as they had become good friends, you know the kind that drop in and have a cup of tea after their daily walk around the neighborhood. Unique folks with a panache for living and I miss them.

From what they have written so far, the village is small and there is a central location to pick up their mail which is then posted on the outside of the building for them to check and pick up when a letter arrives. Joyce had not gotten the letter I wrote well over a month ago. Lucky she has found a way to e-mail so she can keep in touch. I wait for news as I am curious about the place and the people. She tells me it is quite hilly and high elevation so I am reluctant to take up the offer to come and visit them. Oh, how much I would love to travel but it takes good feet, time and money all together.

I hope the New Year brings an opportunity, or two, for you to travel, and if you cannot get to an exotic place, remember that beach walks, fish and chips, home cooking and a good scrabble game await you here. If you were here I'd share my coffee, I can smell it and I am ready for my first cup of the day. Make yours a good one. I might walk to Freddys and see what the after Christmas sales are like just out of old habits, but on the other hand I got the Sarah Palin book for Christmas so maybe I'll curl up in my chair and see what she has to say for herself.

Christmas Morning

My tiny tree is lit and I am waiting for my son, John, to awaken so we can open our presents. We have been having special treats all week so today when I need to serve some fresh pineapple and other goodies, they are long gone, um. . . must have been a mouse in the house.

Last evening we celebrated Christmas eve by going for a ride around town. I thought we would see a lot of decorated homes but there were more neighborhoods dark than I've ever seen before. We even rode down to the Sporthaven marina and only two boats had lights on them, then we spotted two more as we drove out of the park. There was a tiny tree decorated and lit which brightened the pier. The wind was blowing cold so our walk on the boardwalk was short and sweet. It was very quiet around town, but the Azalea Park was holding court to a lot of our town folks. There was not one car in Freddy's parking lot which in itself was nothing short of a miracle. I am still wondering why Freddy's doesn't have at least one Christmas light, not a colored bulb to be had. They are THE store in town and do a tremendous business as we really are the captive audience . . . theirs to do but I still wonder.

The homes we did see that were all a glitter were absolutely beautiful. There seemed to be a lot more purple in the lights this year, a nice edition I would say. Down at the harbor there was a huge Santa in his sleigh riding with whales, not a reindeer in sight. The light house was aglow and it looked lovely so the Christmas spirit did shine through in many places. I took one picture, yes, I did have my camera with me, but the message came on the screen that my batteries had gone. Ah, good intentions . . . I am full of them.

I thought our city fathers should have added a bulb or two to those lovely bears we've been hosting in town. Our local newspaper building was all lit up as there was a Christmas tree in some of the shop windows so the Christmas spirit did prevail. It made me think of the Thanksgiving I spent with my son John in South Dakota and I saw my first Christmas parade. The community really was filled with Christmas spirit as every business and organization participated. The trucks of the companies were decorated with Christmas lights, as were the fire trucks and even a police car or two. The boy and girl scouts were out as well as the school band and the streets were lined with smiling faces. It was a wondrous sight and I would love to see a Christmas light parade in every town .

Our friend Jo is settling in her new home and it sounds like she has conquered a lot of the boxes, but twenty inches of snow, no plows out, a computer that crashed and family and friends far away, she is managing to keep her morale up, meeting new neighbors, getting her ducks in a row and smiling while she does it....now, that is Christmas spirit. Way to go Jo . . . we miss you here this year. Another friend, Maggie, stopped by on her way out of town yesterday to drop off some packages for me and John. She had her dogs in the car and was off to Medford to join her family. She gives good hugs and that was the best present of all.

So, I am off to the kitchen to stuff our turkey and get it going while hoping the noise will awaken John and I can open my presents. I know Andrea, you think I can't wait to open my packages and do as they arrive,but honestly, I can be patient although I almost poked a hole in your package because I know there is something very tasty in there. It's not open, it's not...not yet!

On this quiet Christmas morning I am visualizing all of you who have children and I envy you the noise and excitement and the laughter and smiles. I have memories of such Christmas mornings and they have all passed by much too quickly. Make today a memory builder, a toast to each of you for a happy today and hopefully a bright and healthy New Year. I just had my first telephone call and spoke with Pat and Erin and it was my first and best present of the day . . . what a way to start my day! So get on the phone and say good morning to someone you love.

Christmas Eve

I was sent a hug this morning with the picture of the two puppies attached, so I am sending it on to you this Christmas eve. Our political cartoonist are at their best, and our men and women overseas are making the best of being far away from those they love . . . not easy at all. My heart goes out to them and my thanks.

To me, the fish represents Christ and Christmas and was presented to all by the Master of Origami, Won Park, otherwise known as the money folder. He uses the dollar bill mostly but has used other denominations as well. He lives in a dump truck, but what a dump truck. It is one he has had made into his own apartment and it is beautiful. We would all like to have one in our garage. There were so many examples of his art, and it is an art. I couldn't fold a dollar bill into anything. My friend, Alanda, can make a cowboy boot out of one and showed us how to do the folds, but do I remember how, nope . . . a lost art to me whose claim to fame is folding laundry. There was a very clever one that was going around right after 911 when someone folded a twenty dollar bill and it showed the history of the attack. It was amazing to see and very strange to actually see the event from our own currency. Life takes on an eerie stance when these things happen.

John and I are having a great time this week and I have been making all kinds of good eating for the two of us. We had a lovely Cobb salad for lunch yesterday and hot apple turnovers from the oven. We both love mince pie so I made a small one which we had after our dinner of lamb chops and fresh broccoli. We've been able to eat in style and not too much of any one delight. My neighbor came in with a plate of brownies and chocolate chip cookies along with my annual fruit cake soaked in brandy. She makes the best fruit cake and I get to have it all to myself because I am the only one who loves fruit cake. It will last for months as I chip away a little at a time. La Verne ran out of brandy so I donated some, after all what is a fruit cake without brandy?

Pat and Erin are having a great time in Oakland. They have been out and about, shopping in the big malls which Pat is finding very expensive in comparison to our stores here. The 'big' stores carry the 'big' styles by 'big' folks so the price gets bigger all the time. They have found some new eateries for Pat to try new and different dishes and have taken in a movie and a museum. I am getting daily e-mails and although they are having a ball, I am hearing they wish they were here . . . me too. Son, Michael is out of the sling and very happy about that. He is having his first therapy to get the arm moving again and it is painful. He is happy that he is going to have the use of his arm back. Like most mothers I am hoping he learned a lesson and wont move a forty- foot ladder by himself in the future . . . but . . . knowing Mike . . . um . . . I'll say no more. As for daughter Christine she has plans to join some friends for Christmas as the weather if 'frightful' as the Christmas song goes and she is not for driving anywhere in that. She is thinking of a beach with sunshine and I'd treat her to a ticket . . . if I had a huge bankroll, but all I can offer is teeming rain and something hot out of the oven, although yesterday we had a sunshine day and about fifty degrees, so there is no reason to complain. Complain??? Me???? Never ! ! !All I can say is that it is 'okay' BUT . . . my most favorite expression. What is that old adage? . . . "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride."

Make your Christmas eve the best one yet. Invite someone in and share a pork pie, an old French tradition, and if you don't have the recipe I do. Share love and laughter and a gift or two to add a bit of spice to life. Keep in mind how special you are and know how much I love you.

Old Tune

I read an interesting tidbit yesterday about a Christmas carol that I have been humming for years, in fact I do know most of the words as you most likely do. This beautiful Christmas tree is our National Tree decorated by our school children from all over our country. There isn't any 'partridge in the pear tree' that I can see but I am betting the words are there somewhere.

It seems that back in 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith. I was about to say I didn't know that, but if I think, it was one of the reasons those folks came to the new world for religious freedom. It seems that someone wrote a carol as a catechism song for young Catholics and it is amazing when you stop and think of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

1. The Partridge in the Pear Tree is Jesus Christ; 2. Turtle Doves are the Old and New Testaments; 3. French hens are Faith, Hope and Love; 4.Calling Birds are the Four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 5. Golden Rings recalled the Five Books of the Old Testament; 6. Geese a-laying are the six days of creation. 7. swans a-swimming are the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit . . . Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contributions, Leadership and Mercy. 8.Maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes. 9. ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit . . .
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness. 10.Lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments. 11. Pipers piping stood for eleven faithful disciples. 12. drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles Creed.

WOW ! ! Someone had a brain and used it. What a wonderful way to teach the children their faith in spite of the protesters who wanted to do away with God . . . now that seems a bit familiar as the current protesters want God out of our lives. I am not clever enough to come up with a song for our children to sing and there is no place to take off to and start a new world unless outer space is it. Right now we can't afford the ticket price, although I am sure the thought has passed through our minds now and then. I guess we will have to fight for our rights and we know it has been done before and will again. but not if we do not stand up for what we believe.

So when you are humming this particular Christmas carol, remember its message and sing it out with gusto . . . keep in mind no one has the right to dictate, change or destroy what we have built over our lifetime. Too many have died to protect our rights. Make sure you keep Christ in Christmas . . . sing loudly, it is okay.

Christmas Lunch At The Tea Room

The call went out . . . Christmas lunch at the Tea Room on Monday . . . Since each one has places to go and things to do this Christmas, we braved the teeming rain and met for lunch. One group came in and sat at the table looking over the menu, got up and left, no hamburgers or friend food served there, so . . . they left, and we had our section of the Tea Room all to ourselves so could be as noisy as we liked. Dee, who is the friendliest and best waitress in town, and our special friend, took our orders then hovered over us like a Mother Hen with her Chickens. She made sure we got the biggest and best of what we ordered, and had a laugh out of the fact we ordered light so we could partake of the beautiful pies and the three tiered chocolate cake sitting in the bakery case. Fattening, of course, but who is counting calories on a Christmas Monday.

Peat loves to work with wood and this year he made special bowls filled with fruit made from different kinds of woods which he carves and polishes. He worked eighty hours alone on making the fruits to fill the bowls. We saw some of the finished products and his family members are going to be very happy Christmas morning. He took time to make salt and pepper sets out of myrtle and manzenita woods for us. My set looks like tiny Christmas trees and very festive on my table. Dee bought each of us delightful rich smelling candles, housed in a tin, each with a different aroma that will fill our homes with a fresh and delightful smell. Mine is vanilla so you know everyone is going to think I am baking up a storm . . . I have been, but now the wonderful smell of vanilla will permeate the air as I sit and read my first fantasy book which, by the way, I am finding delightful. Maggie had already delivered her gifts to all of us, so we have to wait for Christmas morning to find out what 'Santa' left. John looked on with a big grin and his Bah Humbug attitude about decorating Christmas Eve and taking it down Christmas Day . . . 'presents' . . . bah humbug! Although he usually comes through with some wonderful surprises.

As you can tell, Peat is a man of choice words. He and Darlene thought the defusser was beautiful and wondered about the sticks of smell . . . he did say he is allergic to some smells but didn't put a name to one, and he hoped the note saying it was 'ocean smells' meant "good, ocean smells!". His reaction to the package of Harry and David delights, which Pat had given them, got a big laugh . . . Peat looked at Darlene and said, "and be sure you leave those behind". He wasn't taken any chances of sharing those with his large family on Christmas day, after all he would be coming home to an empty house and needed to know there was some goodies to devour when he settled down in the after glow of Christmas eating. Dee loved her new French -Press coffee pot and my latest book, "Collage". She came and gave me a hug saying she was hoping I'd give her another book as she loved the last one I gave her. It's so nice to have a fan.

No one knew son John was going to join us so there were no gifts for him unless you call all of those hugs he got coming and going and in between. John is a favorite and Peat is always happy to have him there so he isn't the only male around. Of course he is the Sultan of the group and not unhappy with the title, although I am sure he has some private thoughts when the 'gaggle of geese' start in on some of the female delights that come to the surface. Darlene showed off her new Elvis Presley Christmas album and Peat had the nerve to say, 'well I didn't like him . . . but . . . he did sing a couple of songs I liked'. Outrageous, The King, how could anyone not like the gyrations of that hip swinger from way back when. I told Peat that is what I did like about him and that got a laugh.

We all miss daughter Pat who had taken off for Oakland and her first Christmas visit to her daughter's home. We were all invited but John was caught up in his work project and I am not as 'spry' as I 'used' to be, so walking around would have been exciting and fun but it would have slowed the pace down to a crawl and that would not be fun. Pat has been wanting to see Erin dance at the clubs and spend some alone time with her. It has been a hellish and busy year for both of them and this was a chance to celebrate each other. It is strange not to have them here but knowing they are having a special Christmas together doing things they love to do makes me content and happy. I am going to 'home' cook for John who usually eats on the run and we will have a day to remember. Pat bought him a special movie I am dying to see, now if I don't sleep through it . . . well, that is what octogenarians do.

So, I hope that you have tea parties to go to this week as you prepare for Christmas Day. I hope you find family and friends to share time with and enjoy all of the hullabaloo of a birthday celebration . . . Happy Birthday Jesus, thank YOU for sharing it with all of us, we are hoping you have many more. ---- Make today a good one, put a jaunt in your step and a twinkle in your eye and find reasons to smile----- a lot.

Talented Camera Workout

Year after year we see pictures of the waves at Waemea Bay, Hawaii. They usually are featured in our newspapers and on the television news showing us their awesomeness and strength as some of the surf board riders enjoy the thrill of riding them to the beach. I thought they were the most beautiful sights to see until the wife of Clark Little said she needed some art for her wall. Mr Little didn't hesitate, but grabbed up his cameras and headed for the beach and the results are here for you to enjoy. He started in 2007 and you can imagine how successful a photographer he is going to be. His 'art' sells for $4,000 dollars, and rightly so, as he must take his life in hand when he goes out to capture the natural beauty of the ocean waves and shows us the power and beauty as they thunder in. I think each picture is a masterpiece. He has captured the very heart of the waves.

I know I like each picture which captures a world I have no knowledge of. It makes my imagination soar to new heights, especially the one showing the sand heaving and swirling into a huge ball of life containing faces for us to see. One is called liquid gold and the shimmering beauty of it captures our world in such a different way. I cannot believe the height of the waves,or understand the courage of the men and women who think nothing of taking a board, almost as beautiful as the pictured waves and putting themselves within the tremendous power of them. Last year one of the gallery owners invited a well known surf board 'king' to Brookings. The gallery owner featured a special book with pictures of the surfers and their boards which are hand made, gorgeous pieces of work, creating excitement and interest to our little group of surfboard riders here., along with the 'Saturday Art Walk' street surfers who wouldn't miss any of of our galleries of unbelievable art. They not only featured the book, but gorgeous poster size pictures of the riders along with several of the boards which were a piece of art all by themselves. I wouldn't mind having that picture on my household 'gallery' walls. I should go around and finish taking the rest of the pictures because I added some new ones. I don't have pictures as awesome as these, but each picture I do have has a story all its own. Maybe we'll be lucky and someone will be smart enough to put pictures like this on a New Year calendar so we can cut one or two out and frame them. I'd like that, nothing cheap about me.

So today, if you are able, take a walk to the beach and look at the waves let them build in your mind so they can sweep the cobwebs away and you could make yourself strong and beautiful

as you share your day with those you love.

Some Bull

Good morning, some title, some bull, a bit of tongue in cheek as I remember the e-mail I received yesterday with this picture of the bull at the end of a funny story. A DEA security police officer greeted the owner of the farm saying he wanted to check out his property. The farmer gave him permission to search the farm, but also gave him fair warning not to go into a certain field. The agent pulled out his badge and said he had authority to go where ever he wanted. A bit later the agent is running and screaming for help as this huge bull is chasing him and the farmer is hollering "show him your badge" . . . " show him your badge". That is one mean looking bull and although I've never been close to one, I can honestly tell you that I am in no hurry to introduce myself to one, even though I think this one is handsome.

Pat and Jock went fishing the other day which means heading out to the river in the dark and cold with the expectation of catching 'the big one', from Jock's favorite spot. From what I gather it has a natural formation where the water flows and spirals so the fish find it a perfect place to hide. A storm was predicted but had not moved in , the dark and cold sent shivers up their backs but the love of fishing kept them warm inside and their jackets kept them warm outside.

Jock usually starts a campfire and cooks breakfast out on the river as they wait for the fish to ring the colorful bells on their poles. Jock is a master chef when it comes to cooking anything he catches. They tramped to the river only to find their favorite spot taken. Horrors, how can one fish when your most favorite spot has been commandeered by two 'friends' who know that spot is spoken for? Jock doesn't have a claim to it so he and Pat hiked up further on the river and put their poles in. It wasn't very long when the bells rang and Pat had a fish on her pole. It put up a good fight but she landed it much to the dismay of the two fishermen who had been sitting out in the dark and cold for hours without a bite.

It is the time of year when you can only catch a certain size of winter fish in the river and this big monster was thirty pounds, caught by Pat, who had to toss it back into the water. They did catch a smaller one they could keep. Pat was laughing when she told me the story of catching the huge fish and throwing it back into the river as the two fishermen packed up to leave. The first of the new year the rules change about how many you can catch and keep. It is unbelievable how many rules out there for the fishermen to follow, all for their sake as well as the fish. I've never fished, no desire to skin and bone a bloody fish, yet I love to eat all kinds of fish, and am no shirker in attacking one on my plate. I miss the taste of Boston mackerel, or the Big Blue my brother-in-law used to catch in Newport and admire the fishermen who have the patience and the skill to catch them.

I don't know if you are fishermen, but if so, get out there and catch a few. Have a good old fashioned fish fry like we use to have years ago. It was such fun and more than delicious to have so many choices. I wouldn't mind having one of those Maryland crab cakes, or a dish of scampi or a cod fish cake (I'm lying as I hated those cod fish cakes. . yetch. . almost as bad as having to eat tripe. I just got carried away in my enthusiasm to tell you about fish fries.) Baked, boiled or fried, you have to admit it is one of he delicacies in life. Make your day a good one. Do something special just for you. I am talking son John into fish and chips today. You could join us if you were only closer.

Picture Musing

I was browsing on a blog called "Bitten By The Travel Bug" which Jessica, a best friend to my granddaughter Erin, wrote when she was fortunate enough to travel a year or so ago. She delighted us with her stories of each stop and believe me it should be in a special travel book as she visited Buenos Aires, Argentina, Machu Puchu and so many other places. She introduced us to the people and the food and it made me want to pack my bag and join her.

Jessica is very good with a camera and she focused on so many people and places it was hard not to put all of them on a blog for you to see. I chose one, my favorite. It seems as though the haphazard way the stones were placed sets a mood of strength and courage. It may have been an old stone house at one time. I thought it must be a wall but why a window? The color of the green moss in the window sill seems to be creeping down over the rocks. The greens in the leaves in the outside area are sparse and I wonder if there had been a garden there. How unstoppable the hills look with no pathways showing and the mountains behind look dark and foreboding. What a backdrop for a tale or two, as we look out of the window and the mind wanders to the small villages and the folks who live so much differently than we do. From all accounts Jessica and her friend tell tales of warm and friendly folks who still live much as they did for centuries. The big cities are alive and different but the villages have the simplicity and love of life and people. Jessica told of having a lunch of charizo on french bread with chinichurri sauce, now that is a name and I wonder what it was made from . . . chinichurri, sounds like a berry to me. I'll have to ask Jessica next time I see her and thank her for sharing her blog and pictures. All I can tell you is that I feel restless and want to go on a trip to all of the places she visited but realize my travel days are just about over as the feet do not want to do what 'they used to do'. The spirit is willing so I'll have to relax and read or watch the travel channel and enjoy the sights and sounds of our world.

If you are able to travel, pack your bag, and go and see some of the wonders of our world. Take pictures, blog and put my name on your list. I promise to read and enjoy your trip to where ever your heart desires, and sulk a little because I cannot join you.

Check Up Time

Why anyone would make an appointment for a check up in December, almost Christmas week, is beyond me, but then I am apt to do such things, and I did. Not only did I see the new doctor for a second time this year, but also the eye man. I'm not sure I am happy walking around all day with huge brown eyes that look like an owl took residence within, but the checkup was good and I do not have to spend money on new glasses, and the cataract is still slow growing. A reprieve, as I thought for sure I would be told I'd have to have it removed. I told the doctor I was trying hard to beat him out of this operation and the expense but he just laughed knowing he would win in the end.

As for the new doctor, I like him. We had our first visit and established who was going to be the boss of what I put into my body. Strange how quickly he could come up with the reasons he was right and I was wrong. He is following my blood pressure which I think is fine. I am not having any new and different body events happening so 'it must be as it should be at this age'. He tells me noway, it has to come down as it could cause inner changes in the organs that keep you alive, so I have lost my crown for not taking prescription medication and have agreed to try one that has a name a yard long and lower my blood pressure from 173 hopefully to 143 to keep him happy. I remember the days it was 120 over 24, but then I was twenty-four. When I walked into the nurse's station and she took my blood pressure she had a reading of 200 over 90 which sent her into shock as she was thinking she had better call the paramedics and get me to the hospital before I had a full fledged stroke . . . but I calmly asked her to take the reading on the left arm, because my right arm was injured once upon a time and I thought it gave a bad reading. She took it again to see the familiar 173 over 80 and gave a sigh of relief. She told me to be sure next time to tell her use the left arm only. How was I to know that when I pulled a muscle closing a van door which did not cooperate that I would have pain forever. Katrina the Great never bothers with those small things because it would heal and be fine . . . well, she was wrong as usual and it fires up more now that I have lost my graceful get up and go and use the arms to uplift the body from a seating position. I hope you are laughing, I am, as I have a captive audience to listen or not, shut off the blog and my moaning and groaning which I am thinking of as polite conversation between the ages. Well, as my friend used to say when anyone started to complain, ' go ahead complain, no one listens' and she was right. I am really only expounding the virtues of events that lead to growing older. Everyone is doing that!

It was really a fun visit as the office ladies are great, and in full Christmas spirit having decorated a huge tree with lots of lights . They have stuffed beanie baby animals dressed in holiday costumes to sell for the cancer fund. I have my eye on a couple so will have to stop in this week and pick some out for decorating my packages. I brought over a tin of homemade cookies for their coffee break but forgot to tell them I didn't double the eggs in the chocolate chip cookies like I should have and they came out very crispy. I hope no one breaks a tooth. They really taste great but I was afraid to use the word dunk thinking they may think I added cement to the ingredients. I did bring the doctor a copy of "So You're Going To Have a Baby" . . . he and his wife have just had their third child in as many years, and I wasn't being facetious, but hope they will laugh out loud at the stories I told. I also gave him the "Stories To Tell" which he will be able to read to his children as they grow.

So, if it is time for your checkup, I hope your visit is a good one and that you come out without prescription medicine and start a regime of healthy habits so you will live life in abundance. Breathe deep, walk a lot, eat lighter and forget the words of the older generation about cleaning your plate and remembering the starving children of China... those kids are some of the best athletes in our world with great muscle tone and no fat on their bodies . . . now that should tell us all something. Look at that bevy of beauties in their dance costume, granddaughter, Erin is second from the left and if you notice they certainly do not have a weight problem. So the answer lies before us....move.....walk.....dance......and eat a piece of chocolate now and then. Make your day a good one.

Big Boy Toys

Now this I would love to see. Can you imagine two brothers, Frederick and Gerrit Braun, twins ,building the world's biggest train set, a 'miniature wunderland' which they began in 2000. So far they have covered six countries and intend to add three more. They hope to finish in 2014 with the continued help of those people who are buying tickets to visit the project and enjoy the views.

There is 12,380 square feet and six miles of track , when completed it will be 18,376 square feet and 12 miles of track. The longest train is 46 ft. long and there are 700 trains so far, 10,000 carriages and wagons. It is controlled in the high tech center keeping up with 900 signals, 2,800 buildings, 250,000 lights. Truly an amazing undertaking and well worth the ticket to go and see it, only they didn't say where it is located within the e-mail pictures and story. I would assume Germany or Austria. Maybe I'll see a write up again in the future and can catch us up on a few more details. The ending caption was, "boys and their toys." I imagine there are a lot of 'boys' young and old who would love to be a part of this project. I know there are several 'train men' in Nevada who would love to hop a plane and be a part of this project. I would love to see it, wouldn't you? I can hear your resounding 'yes' from here.

So today, you can't hop a plane but you can enjoy the pictures and admire the men who shared their imagination and talent. Maybe you are buying a miniature train set for a 'boy' in your life. Son John started one but does not have the time right now to work on it. His intentions were good but work gets in the way. I hope you are all staying healthy and busy getting ready for Christmas day, only a week away. I have mince meat cookies to bake today, stop by if you are in the neighborhood and I'll put the coffee on.

She's Back

Good morning. Here she is, Maxine of Words, in her glory, as she prepares for Christmas. I wish she were a real live person I could invite over for Christmas dinner. What a conversationalist! Bet she'd clear the room in a hurry. She does remind me of a few old gals who were a challenge to really get to know. They led the parade in waving a baton of friendship and snatching it away as you got close. Determination is the secret of success as each of them became a life long friend, gone now, but oh what memories they left behind, and a ding or two to the heart when I think of them. The holidays bring about a myriad of thoughts and deeds that need repeating in life. Forgiveness to others and save some for yourself. Love of family, some folks do not have one, so share yours. Adopt a pet, especially a person pet who needs a hug or two. Light a candle for those in need and stretch its warmth to include those who left us behind with unresolved issues. Lighten the load and slow down and see and hear the voices of those who love you and want to share a little of your time. Maxine may not agree with my thoughts this morning but I would include her in my company and give her lots of hugs to thank her for the belly laughs and her tremendous sense of humor.

Make today a light one....go outside in the snow, the rain, the wind and blow a few cobwebs out of the brain. A great day to shop for those impossible to buy for . . . that special trinket is waiting for you to see it and snatch it up. Decorate your space then sit back with a bit of eggnog and sing along with the Christmas music even if you do not remember all the words. Make today a good one.

As It Should Be

We had storm clouds move in and the rains have come, our usual winter weather, familiar, and 'it is as it should be' as we head towards Christmas. All over the country terrific storms are happening dumping tons of snow which brings about a lot of driving problems, high heating bills, and the fun of shoveling pathways for the plows to come by and cover up . . . but, such beauty as it settles in for the winter months.

The current cry is "Global Warning" and the scientists are busy trying to find out just how much damage has been done as we have a 'hole' in the atmosphere. People are up in arms over the debate on going right now in Copenhagen as the experts try to come up with an answer to what is a huge problem for the human race. It is far beyond my comprehension as to how to 'fix' things, but each of us will have to do some one thing that will help the cause along.

There is a little ply board making mill here behind my house that spews particles in the air twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and we are told it is not harmful. Most of us have allergies and find that there are 'things' in the air which create allergy problems, yet there is little or nothing we can do about it. The little mill is the only place for workers in this town. One of those damned if you do and damned if you don't deals. So, my guess is that we have to pay attention to what we learn from the experts, listen well, and try to do our bit in stopping global warming . . . like doing away with plastic which does not disintegrate in land fills.

I watched a glacier calve on television this morning as the show host talked of the glacier slowly breaking off making it dangerous for ships in the ocean up in the Arctic, but 'that is as it should be' as it has been doing for generations. The glaciers grow and shrink all by themselves so maybe Global Warming has nothing to do with it. Maybe it does, so you see how little I know about such things and my brain refuses to absorb much more. I'm for having a trap door to allow the 'old' stuff to calve and fall away which would allow the new stuff to enter into my brain and allow constructive thinking to help the cause. We could go back to using all those old fashioned concoctions to clean house . . . vinegar, baking soda with a little bleach, or vinegar and salt cleans pots and pans, so who needs all those fancy expensive abrasive formulas. I know, I know, some of them work wonders as they should and we defeat our purpose before we start.

Maybe you have a few suggestions and can help our world with its Global Warming problems. I hope so, as each of us live in our world and that is 'as it should be'. Make today a good one. Make it 'user' friendly and go out and make a huge snow man if you are lucky to be where the snow is add a red hat and big boa , stand back and laugh out loud.

Rose Colored Glasses

Here it is Monday morning, the start of a new week and I wonder what is in store for me. I have an appointment with the eye doctor and my regular doctor for a check up. I would gladly give up both and go play pennies.

I was thinking about 'rose colored glasses' which we all wear at times. I had a marvelous sister-in-law who would have been the poster gal for rose colored glasses. She never saw anything wrong with any member of her family, as far as she was concerned we were all perfect. She lived to be ninety-two and never changed her mind.

We could all use a rose colored glass person in our lives to remind us that there are many moments to cherish in spite of what goes on all around us. We can't solve all the problems of the world but we can add a little life and spirit to those we love, starting in our own home. Sharing thoughts, words and deeds, so simple and so good for each of us.

Today is a good day to start wearing rose colored glasses. Put a pair on and I am betting you will find lots of love and laughter in your day.

Christmas Lights

Cookie bake yesterday, dozens of them and wine cakes too.

The rain is falling softly and we have warmed up a bit after a few chilly days when the winter coats came out, along with a scarf and gloves. Son John is home for the weekend and an invitation out to dinner is never refused, at least not by me. Where to go was the question as neither of us were famished so we decided on The Onion Grill. The owners used to have a Chinese restaurant but then went upscale and added all kinds of foods to their menu when they moved to a new building on the main street here in town. I was in the mood for fish and chips and it was served with sweet potato fries and a bowl of stewed onions, don't shrug your shoulders, they were delicious. John's steak looked very rare but then a lot of people like their beef 'on the hoof 'as the old expression goes. Our friend Peat wants it burned to a crisp and of course if I were to order it I'd want it to be medium rare.

After dinner John and I drove up to Azalea Park where the Christmas lights are ablaze. The folks who volunteered to string the lights deserve a medal, along with the business people and the individuals who sponsored each area. The lights were strung low on the pathway making it so easy to find our way around the park. Each nook and cranny was filled with thousands of tiny lights on every tree and bush in the park. the life size animals were colorful and fun to look at, especially the two pelting snowballs at each other and hitting the mark. The huge flag brought a sense of pride and the massive creche reminded us all what the lights were all about. The new Campanile is finished and it sits in a slight rise in the park, all lit up looking so inviting. My only regret was not having my camera so I could have captured some of the beauty for you to see. Maybe next year.

Meanwhile I had an e-mail yesterday showing 'the most patient man in the world', Stan Munro, who made a toothpick city using six million toothpicks and 170 litres of glue. He is only thirty-eight year old and works for the Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse, New York. Imagine the patience it took to work six years on one project that truly is a masterpiece.

I wish I had a few pictures of the young lady who works with sand and does amazing real life stories on a huge board. She makes it look so easy as her talented fingers shake out sand, then moves it around like lightening bolts and comes up with scenes that are unbelievable. My claim to fame in the sand department would have been carrying a small sand pail to the beach and trying to make a sand castle which never did take shape. How much I admire the artisans of our world.

I hope you have a talent, we all do, and use it to make yourself and others happy. We may not have the patience or the creativity of some folks, but we do have enough to share and put a smile on some one's face. My granddaughter is a first class photographer and took my picture when she was home for Christmas. She put me on 'Facebook' for all the world to see . . . she did a great job but I wonder where she put her air brush . . . but then if she had used it I wouldn't be me and I worked hard to develop the cracks, the crevices and the avoirdupois. So dress up and smile, you just never know who may be lurking around with a camera.