Oh, Oh!

What could happen to the body if the pants remain at half mast.  The walking will become a shuffle way before its time.



A very interesting photograph showing how a teacher protects her class on a field trip in Israel.   The caption mentioned that in Israel they protect the children while in America, the Liberals want to make sure the children get condoms . . . Makes me wonder how the children will turn out living in such a 'screwed' up world.    



Just a lovely picture of a winter morning after a snow storm.   Peaceful , calm and serene a good way to start your day today.      We have a howling strong wind and more rain creating anything but peace and calmness to the day, . . . but on the other hand, we can find an easy chair and a good book;   or baking cookies and cakes would help to keep us busy which reminds me a friend sent a recipe for a Chive Vinaigrette which you might like to try on your next big salad . . .. 1/3 cup chopped chives/ 1/4 cup white vinegar and a splash of sherry vinegar (optional)/1 small shallot, coarsely chopped/1 tsp Dijon mustard/2/3 cup vegetable oil/1/3cup extra virgin olive oil/ . . . Puree first four ingredients in blender until smooth.  With machine running gradually add vegetable oil, then olive oil.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.    Now if I had a blender I might try making some vinaigrette dressing but I  haven't had one in years.   I make a salad dressing that is a bit more simple and very tasty . . . an old adopted Italian grandmother told me how to make a good dressing for a salad. . . all you do is add a little more oil than vinegar to your salad, shake the salt and pepper in and eat it all up.....how much?   Who knows she was a pinch and snip cook so you take an educated guess and find it is delicious.
So today, don't bother about the weather, it is going to be what it is no matter what we think it should be.    Dress warmly and don't set yourself up for a 'bug';   sniffles for Christmas is not in.    Don't forget to meet and greet your family and friends with a smile from the eyes which reflect your true feelings for the day;  and of course . . . hugs, hugs, hugs... one never gets enough of those.    As I often told my children , "You get out of life what you put into it . . . no more, no less"  . . . so work on putting a lot into your life today.     Hugs to all.

Sigh . . .

Something to think about as we watch and hear about the events that unfold throughout our world.  Meanwhile . . .


Winter begins on the 21st according to my calendar but this morning the winds are howling, the ocean is wild and the storm is here with all signs of winter weather.    We may be missing one or two  family members come Christmas morning all because of weather.   There was a huge pile up of cars on one of our highways yesterday due to a semi jackknifing and creating a horrid mess of piled up cars.    Hopefully it was fender benders and no lives lost.  Son Michael is watching the weather as he tells me it is eleven degrees and snowing up in Nevada.    Granddaughter Erin is watching the weather also.  As much as we want them here with us;  we also don't want them on the road in such stormy weather. It is the time for inclement weather . . . a nice word for damn right nasty weather out there. 

The pictures of some of my followers has been removed as we lost one of the members and I didn't want to have a reminder on the screen as it could bring about sadness and tears for the departed soul who has gone on to infinity.  

Meanwhile we struggle on, and that each of us will improve our lives and survive the hopelessness of death  and live in faith, hope and love for our own future.     Some one once said 'we are written in the book' . . . when it is our turn to walk the garden path  . . . hopefully some time off as we have much to do, and it starts today . . . use your seconds wisely.

Start with keeping Christ in Christmas.     Light your candles and sit quietly in a church of your choosing and you will hear silence and be able to sort out all of the troubled nuances that are circling your mind.    Christmas is a new beginning, a winter solstice that reminds us that one small babe came into our world and lit the sky up with a star that shines bright and shows us the way to use our seconds .    You have things to do today . . . start with the smile in your eyes and open up those arms as there are so many waiting for a hug.    Hugs to all.

Cats and Dogs



You have heard it many times. . . 'he or she, looks just like you' . . . genes tell every time.   They really are cute!



How clever...does look like the Donald.   I bet he would put this one up on his wall.  That man has the wildest hair, a big ego and a lot of words.    



Well if you have dreams, why not big ones?     This little guy sure has big ideas.   



I like the expression on this one....sort of wonders how he got there.    Those waxed floors can do it to anyone of us so be careful or you might wind up with the same expression.



Now this one should have Emma's picture on it.     She would agree with all the rules...I'm sure she made them up. I was in her company yesterday and she does rule the roost.   She brought me her favorite toy to play 'wrestle with' and then climbed up on the sofa next to me and rolled over for a belly rub, and I complied just as she knew I would.    Who can resist those soul filled eyes . . . not me.

So today is hump day . . . Wednesday all day . . . It is John's turn to cook tonight so he has invited us to Pancho's for some fish tacos, and they make the best ones in town.    Last evening we were invited to Pat's house for dinner and she made a lasagna that was one of the best I've ever eaten.    She uses  a lot of healthy combinations like tofu  brats, different cheeses and wheat lasagna and Christine made up a salad that was excellent along with a special vinaigrette dressing.    We brought the crusty bread and no desert, there wasn't room for any.     How wonderful it is to have three of my adult children to share time with.    I do not follow all of the conversation, but do learn something new when I listen.     John is car shopping and has done so much research that both ladies had much to add as they had ideas of what they thought was a better vehicle to drive.     The SUV seems to be in the lead, although the jeeps are in good running.    John is five foot six so he has to'fit' into a car and they seem to be making them more compact so now he has to go out there and sit in cars to make sure of the fit.   I will miss the Liberty jeep as it is so easy to get in and out of . . . when you get to be an octogenarian it is difficult to get in and out of anything...especially chairs....or a booth in a restaurant.   Graceful is not even considered . . . hard work and push ups work wonders.    

Have a great hump day and look forward to the cold rain or snow today as it cleans the air and makes us move about a bit faster.    Exercise gives us more energy and a desire to get things done.     Put a few extra coins in your purse for the Salvation Army kettle so they can feed a lot of hungry folks this coming holiday.      Remember many folks are 'down' this time of year so be ready to give out some of  those 'bear hugs' and if you can, put a bit of sparkle into your big 'blue' or 'brown' eyes, 'hazel too, and hum along with the music and celebrate Christmas in a good old fashioned way. . . visits, cookies, eggnog, and share YOU with your family and friends.    Sure hope some folks find there way to my door;  come to think about it, they have......how lucky I am and how lucky I hope you are.   Hugs to all.



Designs of Life



How would you like to spend five to nine hours a day creating magnificent geometric patterns in the snow?



Simon Beck of Savoie, France spends his days plodding through snow in raquettes (snow shoes) making snow art as he exercises his legs.

You have to agree he makes some sensational patterns in the snow.   Snow art at its best.   



Hillary has become quite the actress.     I cannot believe what has happened to her and her strong desire to be our next President.   She and Bill should retire into the quiet realm of their own making and be content that they 'got it all' and do not have need for more acclamations or money.   They have enough for this lifetime and certainly have proven where they stand . . . for Clintons only!



So today, know you have a week to finish up with your shopping, wrapping, and cards.    Time is fleeting faster than you think.   The entire holiday season has been wrapped up in pain for our entire nation.   Each of us has a heavy heart for the horrible even that just took place in Connecticut.   I do not know about you, but I resent the news people for taking over and making a twenty-four hour a day grand stand on each and every person, place or thing;  from phyciatrists, to children, to suffering parents, to keep each of us informed by their guess work.   A very sick young man took the lives of twenty-eight people and there isn't one of us that doesn't hurt because of it.  We don't need instant reminders;  our minds are filled with the sights we saw and the words we heard right after it happened.   Each of us has to cope in our own way.    Life goes on in spite of the misery surrounding us and although we are not going to kick up our heels and go around merry and bright, we are going to celebrate Christmas with those we love as best we can.    Go light a candle for each and every one.    Yesterday we lost a family member who had succumbed to a loss of her quality of life.  She suffered months of pure hell and yesterday she was rushed to emergency and died.   We loved her, we will miss her but knowing her suffering and pain are over brings a feeling of peace for her and for her family.     She lived a good life, was a good mother, teacher, and friend to all she came in contact with.   It is our loss but her gain as she walks along the pathway to the Gates of Heaven.    Maybe she was needed to help those little souls walk along the way.  I'd like to think so.      Hugs to all.  

Quips



Quotes Central's photograph came out just in time to remind us that our friends and family members are only a thought away.     My daughter Eileen comes to mind today, and everyday, but especially at Christmas as it was her favorite holiday when she would decorate anything and everything and made her home merry and bright.   She had a favorite blue angel that hung on the top of her tree every year, one she chose early in childhood and treasured.  She was on my candle lighting quest yesterday along with so many others.     



There is more truth than poetry in this little picture . . . our service men and women have always been paid low wages and it is not right as they leave their families behind and go off to war to defend each and everyone of us when there is a war on.    They deserve so much more.

I had to put this one on as it made me laugh out loud.   I had just stood on my scale and it told a story I certainly didn't want to see.  All the baking and eating has made a pathway to the inner folds which makes the outer folds a bit more rounder.  The five pounds I had lost found the way back, and a few more added . . . holidays are to be enjoyed but why does it have to mean eating our way through them?     The latest recipe is a chocolate Bailey's Creme cake and it is decadent, fattening and there is no such thing as stopping at one piece.     I should have a locked pantry door but it wouldn't work as I know where the key is.     Did I tell you that this year my lent starts January First . . .  and those belated Birthday dinners we celebrated this week were a tasty addition to our palates.   We did O'Hallaran's one night, tucking ourselves in a round booth, ordering ribs with all the trimmings and then last evening we got to the Nautical Inn and had the scallops with angel hair pasta and crispy spinach leaves.    And . . . the strangest thing of all is that you still wake up in the morning ready to eat breakfast as soon as your feet hit the floor.    Maybe I should light a candle for a poorer appetite!     Food is fuel . . . any excuse will do . . . go, enjoy your favorite foods and indulge to bulge then join me January First and we will behave for at least a day or two.    I'm smiling as it is time to go put on the potato laktes with applesauce . . . if you are nearby, come on in and I'll share them, a smile, a hug and a lot of tall tales.    Hugs to all.

Getting Older

My friend Marge sent me an attachment with a lot of stars and it showed how they have added a few years.  It was interesting to see the difference in their faces and how beautiful and handsome they still are . . . and best of all they still have talent and are still going strong.    There were to many to put them all on but these were a few favorites.   

Age . . . we all celebrate a new birthday every year and we all see a changing face in the mirror every morning.   Some of us age gracefully, some kicking and screaming about the first gray hair or the first wrinkle and some pay no attention whatsoever and enjoy life one day at a time.

Age . . . it really isn't the change in looks that is important;  after all that goes with the genes you were born with.   It is the attitude you decide on as you age that is what really counts.    A positive attitude brings out the beauty within while the negative attitude brings out a mirror image of discontent.

Age . . . body wise you are what you eat . . . what you do for exercise . . . and only you can adopt the attitude of creating a healthy body and mind.     It is not easy as temptation waits at the refrigerator door or the pantry closet where the 'good' things reside.    You have to remember you cannot bring home all of your favorite sugar treats and expect to hide them as you are the one who knows where all those places are and soon discover even frozen brownies are delicious.

Age . . . how lucky we are . . . we are able to 'age' . . . and we take our seconds seriously and we take good care of ourselves so that we do 'age to perfection' . . . so today, look in the mirror and if you see a beautiful smiling face it will be difficult to see a gray hair or a wrinkle . . . but, if you do, remember you earned every one of them.  Remember to love yourself warts and all so you can love those who surround you.  Hugs to all.

A Night Musing

According to Maxine, one hundred sixty-two years ago, California  had no electricity, the State had no money, almost every one spoke Spanish, gun fights in the streets . . . Basically nothing has changed except women had real boobs and men didn't hold hands . . . that is the history lesson for today.

Well now we have to think about this as Maxine has defined only one State and we have forty-nine more of them to consider.    If we take them one at a time what would we find . . . more of the same in each State?  Maybe they wouldn't have as much to 'brag' about;  but it is time each Governor called his slate together and make a few checks and balances to bring about peaceful coexistence within.     I would say the assault weapons have to go;  they are for war and that should have to be banned also, as we send off our youngest men off to be killed or maimed for life,even though they carry one.    It used to be for territory back in the olden days;   then it was political for power;   then it was not only political but endless as the years roll along and the war remains and the latest blurb on the information highway is a new ruling about not speaking ill of the Muslim attackers;  strange and stranger as the years roll along.   The longer we close our eyes and our minds to the ills which surround us, the more we have to fear.

Here at home we are having more and more of the 'events' that are killing our neighbors in their work place; or shopping;  or little tiny tots in a classroom and teachers who tried to come to their aid . . . the beast is riding high and delights in the fact humans are turning into beasts and the company is great as they regale in drugs that alter the mind and acts that make them into dark and terrifying creatures of faceless humanity defining good as evil and evil as the way to go . . . go where?  They manage to kill themselves and solve absolutely nothing . . . but leave behind sorrow, sadness and fear.

Today I lit twenty candles and I prayed in an empty church asking for faith . . . for hope . . . for help.   Think of the families and the towns who are grieving tonight and all will grieve for a very long time to come.    Losing a child is like losing a part of yourself and it never stops hurting.

Tomorrow is a new beginning let us hope that the tragedy shows us a way to behave one to another, starting in  our own corner of the world.     Sadness reigns.    It is time to stand up for our beliefs.    It is time.  Hugs to all.