WOW

It was another great afternoon with my writing group. There was great food (forget about calorie counting) and much laughter. Lissa surprised me with a cake complete with a candle. It was nice to hear "Happy Birthday" yet again. This momentous birthday just keeps on giving.

We spent some of our time looking at possible sites for our next writing retreat. We all really like the Penfield House except for two negatives: the noise from the interstate and not enough bedrooms.

I just realized that this was the first time that we did not write. Tho Lissa did hand out the writing prompts which were titles from Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

Perhaps I can plan "The Perfect Crime" with "Fog Closing In" on a "Wet Saturday". Since I have a "Heart of Gold", I would "Kill with Kindness".

I think it is time to take out "The Glass Eye" and get "A Little Sleep".

January Salon

Sharing good food, laughter, and poetry chased away the gloom and cold of this January night.

Susan and Larry who hosted Salon tonight had asked all of us to submit a poem that speaks to us. This was a departure from our usual book discussion.

What an interesting evening. Some poets were familiar but not the specific poem; others were new to me. Learning about why the poems were selected and what they meant added another layer.

Now what will we do for March?

Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo

What a hoot!

Besides being great comedy, it was great dance. Their technique is amazing.

At the reception after the performance we spoke with some of the dancers. They loved the audience's reaction this evening. One said that they fed off the energy and danced even better because of it.

Here is their version of the dying swan:

My Birthday Continued

What a lovely day.

I received two cards by snail mail. One was from my daughter Lise and the other from my dear friend Elizabeth. Both had written lovely messages to me.

Then this evening we went out to dinner with our friends, Larry and Susan. It was so nice to be able to linger over dinner. Usually we go out with them before some cultural event. Susan was able to have a second cup of coffee with the beet cake.

Jimmy O'Neill's Tavern is known for its chocolate beet cake. If you order two dinners, you get one piece free. Even I, a non-chocoholic, like this warm cake with oodles of whipped cream. Must be the beets.

Do I dare step on the scale tomorrow morning?

Really?

Check this out. This is a screenshot of the stats for my blog.

All the countries where I have readers.

How cool is that?

Goodbye, 65th Year

What a year it has been.

My family is the most important aspect of my life. Whether it was receiving good news about yet another biopsy, watching Lise graduate and be sworn into the New Hampshire Bar, celebrating Thanksgiving at Kimberly’s, or hanging out with my siblings in Wilmington, I was surrounded by love and laughter.

Old friends and new continue to provide laughter and support. It is so unusual to have made new close friends at this stage of my life. I am so grateful to have met these three women.

Our furry family members added sturm und drang to this past year. Callie’s health issues and accident were upsetting. But now Callie is in good health after radiation and chemo.

Both the house and I received makeovers. Why did I wait so long for both?

The new kitchen has brought such joy to my Sweetie and me. He now has a space which is equal to his culinary skills. When I am sitting on the window seat, I smile when I look toward the sink. From the white subway tile to the vintage stainless steel counter and sink to the white cabinets with the glass front ones on top, there is nothing I would change. The second floor bath is everything I had imagined. We did a great job and without a designer.

My makeover began on July 3 when I listened, with skepticism, to the app, Weight Control. Lise had mentioned it as a possibility she was considering. First, I did not think I could be hypnotized since I am a bit of a control freak. Second, how effective could it be?

Yes, I was and it was very effective. I am now 22 pounds lighter than I was in July. Yep, from a size 12 petite to a 4 or 6 petite.

One other aspect of my life was refreshed. My Sweetie and I met with a relationship coach for 12 sessions. At our last session earlier this month my Sweetie thanked Kathy for making it possible for him to fall in love with me again. I was speechless. I get chills when I think about it.

And so, what will the next year bring? I have been asked if I am going to continue to blog. I can’t imagine not doing it.


*****

How Could I Forget?

I blame it on the foxes that appeared in our neighbors' yard on the 10th.

This is a very belated but very heartfelt, birthday post about my sister.

I was not thrilled when she was born. That was hardly an unexpected response since I was 17 days shy of celebrating my third birthday. What compounded my feelings was the fact that my mother went into the hospital to have her. (Diane is the only one of us to not be born at home.) First, my mother leaves me and then when she comes home, I can't see her.

I really don't know how long it took for me to be thrilled about having a sister.

For the first 9 years of our relationship we lived on a farm. I think that contributed to our closeness since we spent most of our time together without other playmates.

Recently, we were reminiscing about the complicated plots of our imaginative play, usually centering around horses. We had our western period inspired by one of my favorite Saturday morning shows, Fury.

After we moved to town, we changed to English riding, putting on elaborate horse shows, complete with the awarding of ribbons, in our basement rec room. I think I was reading books about debutantes and their horses.

When our brother was still at home, my sister and I shared a room and laughter. There were many nights when our mother would call out, "Girls, settle down. Your father has to go to work tomorrow."

One of my vivid memories of my teenage years is that of my sister hiding behind a doorway and scaring me. I suppose it was very satisfying for her since I was always startled even though I knew she was going to jump out.

During our adulthood, we have lived far apart and together. But either way, it makes no difference. As soon as we are together, we start laughing.

Just ask our husbands about it.


Now if we could only remember what was so funny.



*****

Two days

Almost There

I feel like an expectant mother during that last week before her due date.

It doesn't seem possible that her pregnancy is ending. But at the same time it is taking forever to reach her due date.

It doesn't seem possible that my 65th year is ending. My due date is so close and it is taking forever.

I have been thinking about what I will write on the 27th. Will it be a recap of this past year or a look to the future? Will I be philosophical or humorous?

I won't know until the labor pains begin.


*****

Three days

LBJs

My Sweetie captured this series of photos of LBJs or little brown jobs as a friend labeled the ubiquitous sparrows.

Feeding frenzy

Danger!

Fly away!

*****

Four days

Ground Feeders or Not?

The cold weather and snow cover has resulted in a lot of action at our numerous feeders.

Some backyard birds, i.e., junco and mourning dove, are labeled ground feeders. Contrary to what some "experts" say, these two will indeed perch if necessary.



Junco. (He's the charcoal gray one.)

Mourning dove

Here are some of our more colorful "regulars".


Male cardinal

Female cardinal

Blue jay


Red-bellied woodpecker



And this one came for a drink. If you click on the photo, you will see his orange breast. Robins remain here year-round but usually they stay in the woods. Our heated bird bath may be the only water available due to the extreme cold.

Robin


*****

Five days

Brrr

This weekend brings the coldest temperatures of the winter so far. And, as if the single digits are cold enough, we will have wind chills of -1 to -4. But I am not complaining because my family in New England will have lows of -5 to -20 without the wind chill. With the wind chill factor? 30 below! Seems downright balmy here.

National Weather Service

*****

Six Days

Three Bags Full...and a Box

My Sweetie and I filled three large bags and a big box with items we no longer want or need. The clothes that no longer fit us because we have both lost weight since last winter filled three bags; the no longer needed kitchen items filled the big box.

As I went through my closet and drawers, I remembered the love that accompanied the gift of some of the clothes. My daughters gave me the flannel-lined jeans so I would be warm when I visited them in New England. My late mother gave me sweaters that were difficult to part with but I no longer wear them. It will make me happy if someone else will be warmed by them.

Something has changed for me about hanging onto things. Maybe it is a part of aging or perhaps the renovation showed me that I really don't need all these things. Hence the large box of kitchen items that my Sweetie will put on the front porch in the morning for Easter Seals.

It just feels better to give away possessions that are not being used and just taking up space.


*****

Seven Days

The Garage Is Illuminated

Today Mike the Contractor wired the last light on the garage into the motion sensor. I think that my Sweetie did a great job on selecting the lights. I was not sold on them at first but they look mighty handsome, almost as handsome as that mysterious figure in the pool of light.





Here's a picture of the fixture:




*****

Eight Days

Snow Days

All my grandchildren had a snow day because of the storm that hit New England today.

When I was a child, I remember lying in bed, watching the amber lights of the snow plow flash on my ceiling and thinking, "Please, please, snow enough so I can stay home."

When the announcement came, my sister and I whooped with joy. We would be able to play all day. We would not have to sit through boring classes.

Ah, the simple joys of childhood.

******

Nine days

10 Days Until My 65th Year Is Over

I decided that I would begin the countdown now ala space shots.

I cannot believe that the year is almost over. Where did it go?

Mister Six and PBS

What is it about Nature on PBS that attracts Six?

He was sound asleep when it came on. He watched for several minutes before he went back to sleep.

It wasn't only the birds he watched. He seemed to enjoy watching the antics of Arctic foxes.

Finally, the House Is Cold Enough to Have a Fire

How strange it has been without a fire in the evening.

Now that the heating system has been fixed, the house is once again 68 degrees.

How cozy it was watching Bones in the warmth and glow from the fireplace.

Callie decided that the log carrier right next to the fireplace was the best place to be.

Life Sometimes Gives You Roses

When I received the phone and email messages from Kathy, I had no idea how surprising the afternoon would turn out.

Kathy is a relationship coach who has a show, Can You Relate?, on Channel 3 at 12:30 on Monday afternoons.

Because one of the regulars for the segment, Relationship Round Up, was ill, Kathy asked if I could fill in. Why not? It would liven up an otherwise cold and gray January day.

I had never been on the set of a TV program before so I was fascinated watching how many people it takes to do this half hour show. The logistics are daunting since Kathy has several guests for each show. And each of these guests require a different setup.

As we were entering the studio, a local dog whisperer was leaving after taping a segment for February 7. I learned that the half boxer-half mastiff was a rescue and had been a problem dog. No one could tell by watching him now.

After watching another segment being taped for the Valentine Day's show, it was our turn. We three women sat on the couch and responded to Kathy's question, "What is the most romantic thing your husband has ever done for you?"

Just as I was finishing my answer, I catch, out of the corner of my eye, a bouquet of red roses being handed to me. I think how nice. Then I looked up to thank the person and there is Loren with a big grin on his face. I was totally surprised.

It was no longer a cold, gray January day.

Not Again!

Callie

I was enjoying my nap after breakfast.

Wait! What's that noise? Food? My Guy is going to feed me again?

No sooner had I walked up to the bowl that I felt his two large hands pick me up. Why? It wasn't time for my heart medicine.

Oh, no. Not that!

Unceremoniously I was stuffed into the carrier. Oh, sure, they apologized, but I was not happy. As gentle as Dr. Amy is, it is still uncomfortable when she starts feeling my insides. And there is always the possibility that I will have to stay overnight.

Whoa! The Obnoxious One is going also. Besides his personality and having only one tooth, he seems in perfect health. Well, there is the matter of that scratch across his nose and down his chin. Beware of the big girl with the vicious right jab.

Oops. I really wish they would keep the carrier level. It is feels as if we are having an earthquake.

Hey, it is cold out here. Just because I have a fur coat doesn't mean I can handle this. After all, the temperature in the house never gets below 65. At least I do have some extra padding. Not like the Obnoxious One who has a lean and hungry look.

Safety first. I am securely buckled in the back seat. So is the Obnoxious One. He is complaining as usual. In fact, he does it so often that he has earned the name, Mister Cranky Pants.

And we're off. I hate going in reverse so I am so happy that My Guy has turned the car around already. Ah, the turn onto Mayfield wasn't too bad. He really is careful when we are in the car.

Hey, I thought they just repaved this street. They should demand their money back. Ouch.

Brrr. Back out into the cold again.

Check out all these cats who are checking us out. Wonder what they did that they never get to leave the vet.

Which is better? Going first or not? The Obnoxious One is dragged out of his carrier. He half-heartedly complains.

His weight is good. So I guess his lean and hungry look is what he is supposed to look like. I prefer my cats full-bodied.

He passes the exam with flying colors. How is that fair? Sure, he only has one tooth left in his mouth but he takes no medications.

One last complaint while Dr. Amy trims his nails. Then it is back in the carrier for him.

Dr. Amy is happy with my weight. I do take pride that I have regained my voluptuous figure even tho My Lady says it looks as if I swallowed a bowling ball.

I suffer quietly through getting my ears cleaned. They wouldn't need cleaning if My Lady didn't rub medicine in them. But since it is my heart medicine, there really is no choice.

Then it is onto Dr. Amy feeling my insides. She is pleased with what she feels. Since I have lymphoma, I take that as a good sign. She listens to my lungs and heart. Lungs are clear but there are occasional skipped heart beats.

Lalalalala. I try singing so I can't hear all this but it is no use. Instead I listen to what might happen with my heart. Great! I'm in remission but I could die of heart failure. No guarantees; no timeline.

Dr. Amy starts clipping my nails. No, stop that! Why are you letting her do that? How am I going to nail the Obnoxious One? My Guy and Lady never clip my nails because I always use the scratching posts and have never kneaded their laps with my claws out. Not like someone else I could name.

I get my B12 shot. I hide my head in the crook of My Lady's arm.

Finally, the carrier is on the table and I quickly make my escape into my inner sanctum. I am going home!

What?! Dr. Amy forgot to give me the upper respiratory vaccination. After a brief discussion, it is decided that I should get it today. My Lady suggests that I stay in the carrier. That doesn't work since it isn't an injection but a nasal one.

Stop that! How would you like it if someone tried to dump you off the sofa? Gravity wins and I am out but not before hissing. My Guy and Lady express surprise since I never hiss. Well, maybe that one time.

But soon I am safely back in the carrier and out in the cold again. How about we only go to the vet when the temperature is above 65?

Even the Obnoxious One is quiet on the ride home. We know that we are safe for a few more months.

636.8

In My Own Backyard

While I was enthralled by the nor'easter, Mother Nature decided that she needed to crank up the Lake Effect Snow Machine.

My Sweetie spent several hours with his snowblower. Besides doing our driveway and walk twice, he did three of our neighbors.

There is a possibility of more tonight. This is what our seven-day forecast looks like:

Snow, snow, and more snow!

As of today, the only state that does not have snow is Florida.

The Weather Channel

While Mike the Contractor patched walls and Clay the floor guy sanded and stained the floor in the small hall on the second floor, I was enthralled by the possibility of yet another nor'easter burying New York City and parts of New England. This one has the potential of being a blizzard, in part, because of the midwest snowstorm joining forces with the low off the East Coast.

Here is the definition from the National Weather Service:

Blizzard
(abbrev. BLZD)- A blizzard means that the following conditions are expected to prevail for a period of 3 hours or longer:

* Sustained wind or frequent gusts to 35 miles an hour or greater; and
* Considerable falling and/or blowing snow (i.e., reducing visibility frequently to less than ¼ mile)

I found myself turning on The Weather Channel to check the progress. By this evening the forecasters had backed off their earlier predictions of measuring the snow in feet. But Mother Nature is fickle, who knows how much may fall.

Only time will tell.

Our Latest Wildlife

I still cannot believe that these beauties were in our neighbor's yard.



Deb, thanks for calling me about them!

The Tiler Returns

Before I bought the house, the original clothes chute had been removed. The wall it was located on in the kitchen was very uneven.

Nick the younger tiler had tried to even it out but it was did not look right. As usual, Mile the Contractor decreed that it needed to be re-done.

This morning brought Nick and another Mike, this one the owner of the tiling company. Off came the tile and most of the patch. Then Mike began leveling the wall. It took half a day to even it and install new tile.

It looks great. It is good to have a contractor who is a perfectionist.

Good Food and Laughter

What a lovely evening. We have just spent several hours talking and laughing with our next door neighbors, Deb and Calvin. I have been fortunate to have them as neighbors since 1990. I have watched their daughter grow into a lovely young woman of 18.

We had promised that they would be the first dinner guests after our kitchen was completed. My Sweetie prepared a delicious meal that included apple pie as dessert.

Everyone should be so lucky to have such neighbors. They have cared for our cats, our plants, and the house while we are away. You may remember that Calvin was the knight in shining armor who rescued Callie from the radiator.

It is great to have them next door.

They're Back!

Look before crossing


Now look the other way

This is not a good idea

Safely on the sidewalk


Let's go back. They have really yummy shrubs.

Yes, the ladies, all six of them, were back today. While I was watching them begin to sashay through our yard, an 8-point buck cleared a neighbor's 7-8 foot fence from a standstill. My Sweetie saw one of the ladies express interest in him but all six left him alone in the backyard. Maybe he will have better luck next time.

Punch List

We went over the punch list with Mike this morning.

One of the items needs to be finished by the tiler; another by the floor refinisher. The rest he will do himself.

In addition, he said that he wanted to do some more smoothing of a wall that hadn't been part of the renovation.

He said, "I know it is an old house but these places needed to be filled in."

How can you argue with that?

The Two Daves Return

Since we are still experiencing sauna-like temperatures if the kitchen thermostat is above 62, the two Daves returned today.

The mystery has been solved. The relay for the old pump is malfunctioning. So sometimes it comes on even though the main thermostat isn't calling for heat.

We have hopes that the part will come in tomorrow and it will be installed around 3:00.

Will we really be able to set both thermostats at 68 and have all the rooms be 68?

Construction Resumes

At our request there has not been anyone other than us working on, in, or near our house since December 25th. Today John the Carpenter and his able assistant Reed returned with saws and nail guns.

At 10:00 this morning our basement door looked like this.





About an hour and a half later it looked like this.





I no longer have to worry about an icicle impaling anyone.

Were There Really That Many?

The first one caught my attention because she appeared to be eating the azalea that my Sweetie and I had struggled to transplant in August. I was ready to take drastic measures.

Please don't eat the azalea.

Then I noticed this one.

I'm just resting.

And then there were more.

Wait a minute. Four of them!?

Watch the video to see how many were in our backyard at the same time.

My Sweetie's Day in the Kitchen

What goes best with watching the Browns lose...again? Baking and cooking.

At least that is what my Sweetie did today.

First came the pumpkin pie.

Yum! My favorite pie!


No sense wasting all that heat.

Sweet potatoes shared the oven with the pie.


Yum again! Banana nut bread.


Mashed Yukon Golds


The wonder machine on its lift-up shelf.

There is whipped cream in the stainless steel bowl. For the pumpkin pie, of course.

All these delectable delights were made with the help of his new wonder machine which replaced one he wore out.


The Wonder Machine with the Wonder Man