The big storm is just beginning to rear its head here on Cape Cod. It is nearly dark as night and we have heavy winds and a few flakes, but it promises to be much worse in the coming hours.
My Saturday morning board meeting was canceled, and I am now at LM's house hunkered down with both of us hunkered down with Ms G.
LM just brought his electric snow blower and cords in to the house and has all his other clearing tools in the kitchen. Cars are backed in to the drive, and we have plenty of food.
Our biggest concern is a power outage and not being able to watch the Pats vs Broncos game tomorrow. Life is good.
I will report back in later. Stay safe and warm everyone!!
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Winter Calm
My project of organizing and discarding some my quilting fabrics, went very well last Thursday. I managed to find everything I was looking for, and to pare down my collection of fabric. The process got me all lined up to finish a quilt I began the day my father died in 2009. Intentionally it is a fun quilt, and I hope will go to Teddy in a few years. This quilt contains cats from my extensive collection of cat fabric, and a few donkeys, too. A lot of my favorite things! I madly sewed 25 log cabin blocks in a very short time, and needed 3 blocks to make the size right. I couldn't even look at the blocks without feeling deep grief.....now that has eased. Fast forward 7 years.. I've been having a terrible time choosing border fabric. I kept wanting to use a dark fabric, but in the past few weeks I realize that the busyness of the blocks really needs a white border to allow them to expand and float. The plan is to use a white fabric with tiny and faint black pin dots. The binding will be a very thin strip of orange. I am hoping to have this quilt ready to enter in a show this summer.
With everything else going on, I do struggle with focus, so it helps that I now have the remaining work all set to begin.
In the meantime, I think I wrote somewhere about becoming a member of the board of directors for a new art center that is opening in our neighborhood (literally a less than 5 minute walk from my house). The wheels are turning fast on the project, and I am very excited for the opportunity to play a small role in bringing new vibrancy to a much loved old school. Here is a link to some photos taken last week when a group of local and state government officials came for a tour. The building has the most wonderful light and huge windows. There are many classrooms, a gym/auditorium, a cafeteria, etc, and a lot of land on which to expand.
http://www.capecodtimes.com/article/20160114/NEWS/160119687
I do believe, I titled this post Winter Calm, even though it does seem like a pretty hectic pace, but it is all things I love, and reflects calmness in my spirit to be creating.
Tomorrow, LM and I are taking Teddy and Samantha to Rhode Island for the day to visit Kristi. We haven't seen her for awhile, but she is doing so well in her foster home. I will get some photos. Now if the snow storm being talked about moves a bit north to give us safe travel.....we shall see.
Alas, Ms G's peace has been disturbed. LM is now taking down the tree and he placed one of my vintage cat glass ornaments next to her face, and her peace has been invaded by another "cat."
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Driving
From the vantage point of being retired for 18 months, it seems almost impossible that my life has become so different. Most days I love it, some bring a trapped feeling, but others (and today is one) give me such a feeling of freedom. I can choose to do whatever I want, be around others, be completely alone, just being ME......and, being me can be very strange, say I laughing out loud, as I did this morning. It is a bitter cold day with very heavy wind, but the sun is so bright and beautiful.
After getting Mr T off to school, at 8:30 I came home to lovely quiet, with the morning sun pouring in to my sitting room, and while finishing my morning tea, proceeded to go through my paper pile that always accumulates on the table beside my chair. I consolidated lists, checked off a lot of things now done, entered movies to see and books to read into my computer files, wrote some notes to friends, paid bills, and worked out some budget matters for the month, and ordered some border fabric for my current quilt project. While preparing to leave the house on the expedition of the day, I pulled out my collection of fabric. It is all stored in a small clothes closet, and tonight I will go through each box and weed out fabric I will never use, and donate it. So all that took me about 1.5 hrs, and I was out the door with a small list of things I needed.
After the little errands were done (and how nice to not feel rushed, and be able to look to my hearts content.....today's haunts were TJ Maxx, and Michael's. As I walked through the icy wind back to my car, I thought, hmmmmmm, I can now pursue my favorite past time and have no restrictions, except a tad of common sense, of course......I LOVE to drive around and look to see what is happening. Today took me all around Middleboro, Wareham, Rochester, Bourne, and a few other places. With only natures bones exposed at this time of year, there is so much more to be seen and savored, There were lots of cranberry bogs to be enjoyed, some flooded to protect the vines from freezing, others just beautifully glowing in their deep red winter coats, and others being worked on with sand, new soil and plantings. Very interesting. Soon some of them will be covered with ice skaters. I found restaurants I have read about, and new businesses going in, and others, sadly being torn down. One particular old favorite, The Chicken House, in Middleboro, being razed to make room for a solar project. I was literally driving for 2.5 hours and kept thinking how lovely to have the time to enjoy something that has been a part of my life since I can remember. First with my grandparents and parents, then with various partners, and so often alone, driving and looking (carefully, of course) has saved me, delighted me, and taught me so much. There is always a book by my side, and if a beautiful spot arises, I love to pull over and read for awhile.
I took no photos, as I just stayed in the moments and yet, "photos" of my travels today, will last forever in my mind, and serve my sanity well.
After getting Mr T off to school, at 8:30 I came home to lovely quiet, with the morning sun pouring in to my sitting room, and while finishing my morning tea, proceeded to go through my paper pile that always accumulates on the table beside my chair. I consolidated lists, checked off a lot of things now done, entered movies to see and books to read into my computer files, wrote some notes to friends, paid bills, and worked out some budget matters for the month, and ordered some border fabric for my current quilt project. While preparing to leave the house on the expedition of the day, I pulled out my collection of fabric. It is all stored in a small clothes closet, and tonight I will go through each box and weed out fabric I will never use, and donate it. So all that took me about 1.5 hrs, and I was out the door with a small list of things I needed.
After the little errands were done (and how nice to not feel rushed, and be able to look to my hearts content.....today's haunts were TJ Maxx, and Michael's. As I walked through the icy wind back to my car, I thought, hmmmmmm, I can now pursue my favorite past time and have no restrictions, except a tad of common sense, of course......I LOVE to drive around and look to see what is happening. Today took me all around Middleboro, Wareham, Rochester, Bourne, and a few other places. With only natures bones exposed at this time of year, there is so much more to be seen and savored, There were lots of cranberry bogs to be enjoyed, some flooded to protect the vines from freezing, others just beautifully glowing in their deep red winter coats, and others being worked on with sand, new soil and plantings. Very interesting. Soon some of them will be covered with ice skaters. I found restaurants I have read about, and new businesses going in, and others, sadly being torn down. One particular old favorite, The Chicken House, in Middleboro, being razed to make room for a solar project. I was literally driving for 2.5 hours and kept thinking how lovely to have the time to enjoy something that has been a part of my life since I can remember. First with my grandparents and parents, then with various partners, and so often alone, driving and looking (carefully, of course) has saved me, delighted me, and taught me so much. There is always a book by my side, and if a beautiful spot arises, I love to pull over and read for awhile.
I took no photos, as I just stayed in the moments and yet, "photos" of my travels today, will last forever in my mind, and serve my sanity well.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Teddy Snippet
Having tea in my sitting room this morning, when Teddy walked in with his camera. He began opening drawers to photograph the contents. "Teddy why are you taking photos of Nana's things?" (pens, packing tape, old address books, quilting supplies.....go figure. I have no claim to how his very active mind works.
"It is just surveillance, Nana!!" He also mentioned that it might be too hard for Aunt Margaret to climb the stairs when she visits in May, so he could show her my things by scrolling through photos. Sweetness!!
"It is just surveillance, Nana!!" He also mentioned that it might be too hard for Aunt Margaret to climb the stairs when she visits in May, so he could show her my things by scrolling through photos. Sweetness!!
 |
| Here is my dynamic and SWEET duo at dinner last weekend |
 |
| Mg G feels it is her job to keep LM's computer warm at all times. |
 | |||
| The perfect vantage point and with just a slight turn she's spying on the neighbors, but her favorite task is keeping her "people" under surveillance at all times. No wonder Teddy is doing the same thing! Settling back in to school schedule again, after what seemed like a long holiday vacation. My days are mostly revolving around Teddy's schedule, but there is some time for cooking, thrift shopping, and seeing friends. Life is so good!! Went to a Savers' store in Plymouth today with a neighbor, and we were very successful. I found a great new crockpot, and some lovely insulated drapes for LM's house. We will use them to block off the stairway to the second floor, to keep the downstairs cozy for the winter. Ms G still likes to go up there to sleep during the day, and she can just push the curtains aside to gain access. Wishes for health, love and peace to you all. |
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
The Funnies
HAPPY ALMOST CHRISTMAS to everyone!!!! Teddy is so excited that Alison is still struggling with trying to get him to sleep tonight. Who knows what will happen tomorrow night.
Meanwhile, LM is at home and calling me every two minutes. He has been laughing so hard for the last 35 minutes and is so upset that I am not there with him to share Ms G's antics. She has become quite a regular TV viewer, and really likes watching other animals. They will hold her attention for quite a long time. Tonight, though, is the best yet, as LM is watching PBS Nature and it is all about snowy owls. There has been frantic running around, meowing, and leaps at the TV. I am hoping some of her antics are being recorded, as the descriptions I am hearing sound to be You Tube worthy. That girl is so funny.
Most of our holiday plans are in place, and LM will arrive tomorrow afternoon to stay over so he can be here to watch Teddy open his gifts on Christmas Morning. After that, we will return to LM's house to have a quiet day and work a little on the food prep for our open house on Sunday with our children and other grandchildren.
It is pouring rain here and very warm, with temps near 70 forecast for tomorrow.
Wishing everyone peace and love all around.
Meanwhile, LM is at home and calling me every two minutes. He has been laughing so hard for the last 35 minutes and is so upset that I am not there with him to share Ms G's antics. She has become quite a regular TV viewer, and really likes watching other animals. They will hold her attention for quite a long time. Tonight, though, is the best yet, as LM is watching PBS Nature and it is all about snowy owls. There has been frantic running around, meowing, and leaps at the TV. I am hoping some of her antics are being recorded, as the descriptions I am hearing sound to be You Tube worthy. That girl is so funny.
Most of our holiday plans are in place, and LM will arrive tomorrow afternoon to stay over so he can be here to watch Teddy open his gifts on Christmas Morning. After that, we will return to LM's house to have a quiet day and work a little on the food prep for our open house on Sunday with our children and other grandchildren.
It is pouring rain here and very warm, with temps near 70 forecast for tomorrow.
Wishing everyone peace and love all around.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
4 more days.........
Four more days until I am in Florida!! So exciting to know I will see my daughter and family, and also my dear friend, Sue.
Most everything is lined up for packing that I will start on Thursday. I am such a planner and love every minute of the getting ready. Teddy has been a big help in making some presents to bring, and my daughter and I are having the best time talking about what meals we have to enjoy together, and what delicious things we will cook.
The big hitch in all these plans is knowing I am going without my beloved, LM. He plans to cook a Thanksgiving dinner for his son, John and GF, Vanessa. There may be others, as well. Sure hope it all works out. We both know, for sure, that we will miss each other very much. He feels very strongly that I should have this time with my daughter without having to worry about entertaining him, as well.
I've a few shingles lurking about still, and this morning, I had a breakout of a whole new batch. I don't feel sick, so it is all tolerable.
Daughter, Sara turns 51 on Saturday. Hard to believe. I'm very proud of her these days, as she is working very hard, along with her husband, to save her marriage, after several years apart, they are gathering up the pieces and working with a therapist to be a family again. I know, Ms Samantha is one happy 8 year old.
In light of world affairs right now, I am doing my little part by sending as much love out in to the world as I can, love to all and may peace radiate throughout your lives.
PS.....Sure loved those cats at the G20 conference.
Most everything is lined up for packing that I will start on Thursday. I am such a planner and love every minute of the getting ready. Teddy has been a big help in making some presents to bring, and my daughter and I are having the best time talking about what meals we have to enjoy together, and what delicious things we will cook.
The big hitch in all these plans is knowing I am going without my beloved, LM. He plans to cook a Thanksgiving dinner for his son, John and GF, Vanessa. There may be others, as well. Sure hope it all works out. We both know, for sure, that we will miss each other very much. He feels very strongly that I should have this time with my daughter without having to worry about entertaining him, as well.
I've a few shingles lurking about still, and this morning, I had a breakout of a whole new batch. I don't feel sick, so it is all tolerable.
Daughter, Sara turns 51 on Saturday. Hard to believe. I'm very proud of her these days, as she is working very hard, along with her husband, to save her marriage, after several years apart, they are gathering up the pieces and working with a therapist to be a family again. I know, Ms Samantha is one happy 8 year old.
In light of world affairs right now, I am doing my little part by sending as much love out in to the world as I can, love to all and may peace radiate throughout your lives.
PS.....Sure loved those cats at the G20 conference.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Countdown to Florida
Some random photos on Saturday morning....
Happy Saturday, everyone!!
Finally I have a very positive turnaround in my health, and the shingles are about 2/3 on their way to oblivion and off my neck, head, back and arms. WHEW. Not as bad as it could have been, though.
Yesterday I was invited to attend a vibrational healing session and it was truly life-changing. I am still hearing and feeling the reverberation of the music from the singing bowls. Feel renewed.
Alison is working today, so I am with Teddy all day instead of with LM. We will see each other later. It is a beautiful day, and shortly, Teddy and I are headed out to see what sort of fun/mischief we can get in to. Most likely it will involve a visit to the library, a walk in downtown Falmouth, maybe a visit to the french bakery, and whatever else happens in to our path along the way. At 6 am today we saw a beautiful sunrise which lit up the sky and highlighted the clear view of the moon sliver and Venus....so brilliant.
2 weeks from today, LM will be driving me to the airport early Saturday morning, and I will be arriving in Orlando shortly after noon. Daughter, Anne will meet me, and we will then drive north to St. Augustine to see my dear, dear friend, Sue. We will stay near her at a hotel on the beach, and do a little catching up and some touristy things, of course. After that little visit, we will go to Anne's house in Ocala, where I will stay until the week after Thanksgiving. What fun to think about Thanksgiving with a part of my family I do not see that often!
This week, I spent a lot of time getting things ready for the trip, and also catching up with old friends. Life is happy and fulfilling!! I am so grateful.
Teddy beckons, so it is time for the day's expedition to begin.
Love to all!
Teddy took this great photo of his parents recently....love the perspective!!
Alison made this beautiful salad when we visited my brother, Sam and his wife recently. YUM!
Sister, Bebo (Susan) with Teddy on her recent visit
Brother, Ev and I got to cook together on his recent visit!!
Happy Saturday, everyone!!
Finally I have a very positive turnaround in my health, and the shingles are about 2/3 on their way to oblivion and off my neck, head, back and arms. WHEW. Not as bad as it could have been, though.
Yesterday I was invited to attend a vibrational healing session and it was truly life-changing. I am still hearing and feeling the reverberation of the music from the singing bowls. Feel renewed.
Alison is working today, so I am with Teddy all day instead of with LM. We will see each other later. It is a beautiful day, and shortly, Teddy and I are headed out to see what sort of fun/mischief we can get in to. Most likely it will involve a visit to the library, a walk in downtown Falmouth, maybe a visit to the french bakery, and whatever else happens in to our path along the way. At 6 am today we saw a beautiful sunrise which lit up the sky and highlighted the clear view of the moon sliver and Venus....so brilliant.
2 weeks from today, LM will be driving me to the airport early Saturday morning, and I will be arriving in Orlando shortly after noon. Daughter, Anne will meet me, and we will then drive north to St. Augustine to see my dear, dear friend, Sue. We will stay near her at a hotel on the beach, and do a little catching up and some touristy things, of course. After that little visit, we will go to Anne's house in Ocala, where I will stay until the week after Thanksgiving. What fun to think about Thanksgiving with a part of my family I do not see that often!
This week, I spent a lot of time getting things ready for the trip, and also catching up with old friends. Life is happy and fulfilling!! I am so grateful.
Teddy beckons, so it is time for the day's expedition to begin.
Love to all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)