Christmas Day

House sitting leads to some unexpected and memorable times in our lives!

We had a sweet little celebration  alone at my boss's house. When I arrived they had left me a beautiful tree with presents. So sweet and the lights twinkling at night were so lovely! As you can see, when LM arrived on Christmas morning, he got a royal greeting from Sammy, complete with a plea to throw the tennis ball!

LM truly surprised me with the gift of a lovely ring and a beautiful love letter!  Inside the love letter were also two funny Christmas morning pictures of MS G in bed with her two donkey friends (thanks Debbie)!  LM is my perfect match as we share such a warped sense of humor.
You can see my what-looks-like-a-dead-possum fut coat behind me there.  It was cold that day!  I've had the coat for years and only need to take it out several times a year.

LM Loved his new mercury glass lamp for the table beside his living room chair.

This picture of Teddy, taken on his birthday in December was accidently downloaded into this post and I cannot remove it, so here he is in all his sweetness on his 3rd birthday.

The mantle at my boss's house (r)
 below, a very unusual and pretty poinsetia on the coffee table, and the dining room table centerpiece where we later enjoyed a totally indulgent and delicious Christmas dinner of Alaskan king crab legs and broiled swordfish.  It truly was a perfect day for just us!

After we had dinner, and as we were doing the dishes we noticed the sky becoming very dark and the wind picking up, and within minutes we were in a full-fledged snow squall with hail, etc.  It lasted for about 20 minutes.  We hustled out to the car and drove about 1/2 mile to the beach and caught the storm clouds as they moved out over the Atlantic and Pleasant Bay.  You can see the precipitation coming down from the clouds over the water. Very dramatic. 

Below is another shot of the tree....we had a perfect day - simple.  We are so very fortunate to have each other, our love, our families, and to live in such great beauty.

Christmas Eve

Here they are, the stars of our Christmas Eve!

Samantha and Teddy had so much fun and brought us all so much joy. Samantha was so happy to be with her cousin and was a vision all dressed up in a beautiful blue velvet dress.

Alison always makes sets the table so beautifully!

Teddy's "friends" lined up and waiting to greet us as we arived!

LM, complete with bow on his ear, and Kristi, in her Christmas Sweater, enjoying Christmas Eve dinner.

Our dear hostess Alison and LM's daughter, Meggie

Nana with Samantha and Teddy having a great laugh.  They were actually trying to cajole me into allowing them to blow out the centerpiece candle. They did wait until after dessert, but it was  a challenge

Teddy hamming it up as we unwrapped presents.

Sara and Samantha....such a joy to see them happy and have them with us.

Mr technology and Meggie have fun with pictures on the phone. Meg is doing wonderfully in nursing school and you can see on her lap the study guide we gave her as a gift. Below, Teddy caught in a quiet moment with LM's cell phone....so funny.

Samantha's one Christmas wish was for a light-up magic wand....LM makes it work and was her hero.
Teddy with his handmade alligator....he loved it....When you roll it, the mouth opens and makes quite a noise.  I had it made by a man I met at a craft show.

Well, finally I was able to make some sense out of this post.  Blogger is still very obstinate.

We loved this Christmas celebration and it was everything we could have asked and more, just having the little ones and loving family close.

Naughty and Nice

Ms G thought I should show you her annual tree inspection......

I have a big collection of cat ornaments and a favorite glass bluebird (not within reach of the inspector). The two glass cats below were gifts years ago from my brother, Ev.

Our favorite feline, along with her devoted servants, wish everyone a beautiful Christmas Eve....no matter how or if you celebrate, may you feel peace and love all around and within.

Little Known Facts

I don't think I've ever mentioned that I live on the first floor of a house that has a clock shop in the walkout basement.  My neighbor takes in clocks of all kinds for restoration/repair.  Being home alot the past few weeks as I fight off the respiratory ailment living in my chest, I've been so aware of the clocks as they chime the hour and the half-hour. It is really a lovely ambience and the sounds are so varied.  Once in awhile there will be a cuckoo clock and that will make me laugh, and I love the very deep sounds of the many grandfather clocks.  I love the quiet of no TV or other noises in my own space, and find it puts me in an almost meditative state, thus when the chimes sound, it takes me to the very lovely memory of a yoga teacher sounding her bells to end a meditation. So beautiful and brings one right to present consciousness.  The sounds really touch my soul. 
The main body of the clock shop is right under my bedroom, so at night, there are frequent sounds, although I do think the shop owner silences the noisy ones.  Often I pick up on the sounds of the malfunctioning clocks and they will keep striking continuously for ages and at odd times.  It never bothers my sleep and I am strangely comforted by the symphony issuing from below in the night on the odd occasion that I am not sleeping. My grandparents had many chiming clocks in their house and I loved staying there and hearing the tick tock and the chiming in the night.  It was great fun to go round with my "Di-Di" (grandfather) as he wound the clocks and made sure the time was correct.

Off to get some more sleep in an effort to rout out my malady.
Looking forward to Christmas eve with Teddy and Samantha and others tomorrow evening.  The joy of children is like none other.

May happiness, peace, joy, love and acceptance abound for you all.

Fighting the Good Fight

.....and oh what a fight. On December 2 at the company Christmas party I began to feel a tiny  bit of swelling and soreness in my throat, and by the next day I was down for the count.  The battle seemed to be going well and after two days at home the following week, I felt  much better.  Within a few days, though, a serious cough began, and worsened  this past weekend and since then I have been at home trying to recover. This morning, I feel strong enough to return to work and am about half-way recovered from laryngitis. 

I didn't let the bout get me down, and have just listened to what my body needed.  The gifts I'd been gathering throughout the year, are wrapped, a meal is planned for Christmas Eve at Jason and Alison's, and I'll do the cookng Friday night overnight in the slow cooker.  Christmas Day will find me mostly by myself with my canine charges - yes, my boss will be away for a few days - and give me more time to rest. LM and I will share a meal sometime that day.

I've missed writing, and I have my laptop touchpad failure to blame for that - mostly.  Last night, dear, dear, LM came over and brought and set me up with a wireless mouse. Ahhhhhh.

Also, in the middle of all this, I managed to buy a new car - a KIA Sorento.  I'd bought a new car almost 2 years ago but it has been a constant problem to me with failures to start, and expensive issues, so now a new car with fantastic warranty is mine.  LM has taken care of all the logistics with the car, including driving to the north shore to find my desired color, and bring it back to Cape Cod KIA. My dark cherry 2012 Sorento LX will be mine later today.

Merry Christmas to all my dear readers, family and friends!!  May you all be surrounded by love, peace, joy and light. 

PS...Ms G sends happy purrs to all, and says she loves her life with LM, especially her days spent under the down comforter!

Preparing for Winter

Starting off December with some sort of cold/flu event just so I do not have to deal with being sick for the rest of the winter (ah, that I really could plan that well!).  While I am home working through the nasty symptoms, I'm keeping myself upright, when gravity really wishes I would stop fighting and just lay down and sleep this off. So far I have managed to sort and cull my entire book collection. 3/4 of it will be given away and some donated to a local charity shop.  I kept my two small collections of cat books (maybe not so small), and my array of Cape Cod books.  What a relief!  Next up, last night when I could not sleep from this plague, I attacked the storage box containing all my important personal papers.  All done, and there were two major trips out to the dumpster - therapeutic - of course, as I took many deep breaths of the cool night air.  What a great feeling to have these huge projects off my list, and I was distracted for hours from thinking about how awful I feel. 
In the process of purging, I was also able to sort out several collections of things I'd been meaning to give to siblings and grandchildren.  They now are ready for mailing.  I also came across bits and pieces of former lives that I find I no longer need to hang on to, and they have been let go.  Freedom for my soul!
So, as much as I do not like being sick, it's not so bad after all!  I'll be already to feel fine through the holidays!

Of course, those doing my job at the office, are probably not feeling so happy, as they are doubly burdened. Alas, I have no voice right now, so I'd not be much help, not to mention, no one needs me spreading this illness. 

Today, I hope to do a little sewing after I win the battle with gravity.  Right now my head does not feel strong to stay upright. Oh well......this too, shall pass.

Hope everyone out there is happy, and healthier.  Love to all!

No Pity

There are loud complaints heard from the home of a certain cat poacher this evening. Seems she is gazing into his eyes, unnerving the poor thief. There is also talk about how she forces him to remain seated by perching in his lap while purring, and when all else fails she lays on her back with all fours in the air to get attention.

There's an even louder complaint because he's been asked to attend the office Christmas party of the former owner of said feline. Alas, he must pay his pennance for being a stealer of hearts.

We love him just the same, though, and he'll be a perfect party date, no doubt, with nary a complaint to be heard.

If I did this it would not work!

Thanksgiving

This is a few days late thanks to Blogger!

Happy Thanksgiving!! It certainly was a perfect period of giving thanks, sharing beautifully delicious food with family, a very long trip, and some dreamy-happy and productive time at home with Ms G (well, she is "at home" with LM, the cat thief, and she being a little traitor).

LM and I did a car buy for the local Ford dealer that took us to Red Lion, PA on Friday. It was great fun even if we were both pretty tired. Left home at 2:30 am Friday and returned at 1 am on Saturday. We had lots of fun and the ride took us through beautiful Amish farms. My brother, Ev came up from Baltimore and met us at the dealer and we had a nice lunch. The trip back was a bit more stressful as I was driving the car and LM drove the new truck. He is wonderful about keeping an eye on me behind him, and our walkie-talkies kept us linked and me alerted to any upcoming turns or lane switches. The last couple of hours I struggled to stay awake but we did it with no problems.

Saturday I awoke feeling refreshed and we did a lot of work around the house. Our November weather has been such that we could open all the windows and enjoy the lovely sunshine. Ms G spent the whole day under the quilt! Crazy girl.

I've been making amazing quilt progress recently and have two more ready to go to the longarm quilter. It is helping to keep my mind off the sadness of John's situation.

The picture below was taken by a friend of my son, Jason. You can see Jason between the two gasoline tankers, I love how the camera captured the truck lighting. Jason has a dangerous job and does it very well and with great care.

The Healer

Ms G just knows when someone needs love, comfort and warmth (although she did forget my feet).

After a tumultuous week that saw John return to jail for 18 months, LM and I were very anxious to be together, make a cocoon of peace for ourselves and come to our center. There was painful air to be cleared, and after I had my anger-filled say for myself, we are fine, and will hang on to our precious love to help each other survive. My heart is not feeling kindly toward John at this time and I am trying to find the elusive compassion. To see my beloved's heart torn to shreds, pushes me over the edge. It did not help that this all occurred in a week that had my energy and endurance tested to the max.

So....after the air was cleared yesterday morning, and my faith in the love LM and I share renewed, we had a nice day....we cooked together and had a lot of fun. We roasted a pile of turkey wings with vegetables and herbs, and made the Thanksgiving gravy from the drippings, turkey stock evolved from the roasted bones, and a wonderful casserole of turkey tetrazzini http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/ became dinner. I also roasted some blue hubbard squash. A rewarding, healing and delicious day! The rest of the evening we watched PBS, and Ms G loved continuing the healing by pinning me to the couch while we watched "Doc Martin."

Off to hang clothes out to dry and rake some leaves.

Happy Sunday with love from Cape Cod!

PS....This is a day late, thanks to Blogger!

Farmer Teddy

Teddy went to visit a farm sometime around Halloween. Love this picture so much...He's the image of his wonderful Dad.

So nice that we will be with him on Thanksgiving!

I'm wrestling with the need to change my attitude on many fronts. Some deep sadness abides in my soul right now, and much of it has to do with my judgmental thinking. I strive to be always loving and accepting, and yet, in certain situations, the struggle to keep the focus on what I can do and not on the behavior of others, is just almost more than I can bear.

I know all the right ways - a step back, compassion, meditation, focusing on action and not reaction - but my will to apply them is weak. The poor choices on another's part, are deeply affecting my life and it hurts. I guess I need not say more than the fact that John is back in jail, and LM and I feel the knives of despair tearing at our hearts and our relationship.

Any and all advice on coping with a young adult who repeatedly makes bad choices is most welcome.

Love to all!

For Kristi

A few weeks ago, LM cooked one of his semi-annual fish dinners. As always, his dear daughter, Kristi was along to help and she was very happy this year to meet up with a friend, Terri. I've tried for many weeks to post the other photos of the evening but Blogger is not allowing me any more than this one lovely shot. Here's to you, Kristi! We love you and your Charlie Brown shirt.

KIA Kat

We all know that I share my life with a cat thief.....LM's reputaion is spread far and wide....he's made repeated attempts to purloin fetching felines in Canada and Florida and is making threats toward a certain Zoey in Colorado....there is just no limit on this man. He's a danger to any and all felines.

Take this beauty.....his next conquest (he thinks).......he/she lives at a KIA dealer in Medford, MA and LM visits there often, ostensibly to swap vehicles for a local dealer, but the fans of Ms G know that he always has ulterior motives....can't you just see that longing look in this sweetie's eyes??? That look is reflecting from covetous LM eyes.

Beware, oh beauty, you would not want to have to share LM with the oh so jealous Ms G. A true cat fight would ensue, and you would lose. Stay right where you are, luring KIA customers.

PS.....I must add that I feel a bit covetous of this lovely, and wish she could come to live with me, too.

Baltimore Sky

Do you suppose sailors need to take warning?? A beautifully ominous early morning sky in Baltimore this Friday. Sent by my family there....There was a very red sky on Cape Cod this morning, as well, but this lazy blogger did not get out to take a photo! I did hear a lovely sunrise description, though, from LM, who was launching a trip to western NY state this morning, and sweetly chatting with me as he drove.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.....I am looking forward to some rest time, knitting, quilting, walking, and being with my darling, LM. My little Boston Terrier friend returns to her owners tomorrow evening, and I am sure she will be very happy.
I continue to adjust to the fact that my dear friend, Nancy, will have her last day of work with me next Friday. The company is working on a new plan and seeming to be considerate of my feelings in it all. Change is good, change is good, ACCEPTANCE....my new mantra.

One Day at Lunch; A Special Birthday; Everybody Must Get Stoned, Ms G Style

A mish-mash of catch-up today....
My view at lunch one day last week. Due to a major construction project that blocks the way to my house during each day right now, I drive about 1/4 of a mile from my office to Oyster Pond Beach and soak up some rays, eat my lunch and read, as well as chat with LM. Perfect lunch!
As I leave the beach parking area, this lovely array of mums brightens the way.

and, as I circle back to the office I see this lovely view ahead as I take a turn. The ocean colors are very brilliant in the Fall.

A few weeks ago, we attended a lovely party to celebrate a "new number" birthday for a very dear friend. Nan had already been feted royally in her home town of Saratoga Springs, but her Cape-contingent had yet to celebrate. She was finally able to come down with some great friends and we all had a wonderful time with delicious food and laughter.
L-R, Moi, Kim, our gracious host, Bob, Tom, LM, Deb, and Bev.

LM and Deb

The birthday girl, Nan showing off gifts from LM and Moi

A perfectly wonderful cake from Casual Gourmet.

When Nan visits, she always remembers to bring Ms G a gift. This time it was a cute bag of catnip. We were not home 10 seconds when she sniffed it out, grabbed it and began to play, roll, sniff, etc. It was so funny.

Everyday since, she has been having crazy love sessions with her stash. Thank you, Aunt Nan! You know how to get to this girl's heart!

The day after the party, LM and I felt the need to just be outside near the ocean and enjoy the beautiful day. We drove over to East Sandwich and walked on a beach that I have not savored in many, many years: Sandy Neck. It is an approximately 8 mile long barrier beach. In another life, back in the late 1970's-to late 1980's, I spent many a weekend there camping with my former husband. You must have a "beach buggy," or 4-wheel drive vehicle to access the beach and it is tough driving, but we loved it. I loved the total peace with just the sound of the waves at night, and would walk the beach for hours collecting seaglass. At night we would have campfires and visit with other camping friends. Good memories.

The dunes, sculpted by the wind, are very large at Sandy Neck and ever-changing. The Town of Barnstable oversees this very special place and it is conserved very carefully.

We walked quite a way and enjoyed the brisk air and beautiful sky.

Coming back to the car.

The beauty of our "back yard" never fails to renew my spirits and deep appreciation for my home turf!
PS. There was a little stop at a local quilt shop on the way to this walk!!

I'm feeling better about the changes that are coming fast and furious at work, and I am looking foward to some nice walks and time with LM this weekend. We are way past due.

Love to all.....