It's Sun-Day and the Rain Has Stopped, For The Moment

I don't have the house lights on today in the new "kitchen" and we enjoyed reading the sunday paper with sun.  Here's a cactus in flower.  I think this is one that I potted up using broken bits off a customer's plant.   Or bits off a store plant that broke in transit.  It's a very pretty peachy pink.  And, as usual, I like it best in bud.    This saucer holds three little 3 inch pots of cactus.

Yesterday it rained.  And rained. And then rained some more.  While the above ground temps were in the 40's the ground was in the deep freeze.  So, for most of the morning--the surfaces were ice.  When G and I left, to drive to P's for dinner, the "snow fog" was pretty.  On the ride home, in the dark, the snow fog was dangerous.

This morning we woke to brilliant light.  The SUN.  And out in the yard, the snowblower trails that G carves out, are now green grass.  Frozen, but green.  The paths you see here--lead 1. to the birdbath and 2. to the bird feeders  and 3. past the feeders and around the vegetable garden and then left and down to the shed and compost bins and back to the house.

Riley uses the paths.  When the snow gets a hard thick top layer--it's dangerous for a running dog.  Could break his leg.  It's also dangerous for 67 year old men.  Me?  I don't go out there at all.

Before and after our dinner with P, G and P walked around looking at the many things a single gal needs help with.  Loose chair seats, a mirror that needs hanging, shelving.  They would yell for me when it they needed an "opinion".  I always have those handy.

My opinion on the larger mirror in the bathroom?  Honestly, how much of yourself do you really want to see?

On closet space?  The "three bag" method of sorting.  Keep.  Get Rid Of.  Don't Know.  After 30 days, sort the Don't Know bag again.  I also mentioned my method of taking all the summer (warm weather) clothing and washing, drying and folding it into a large container and then storing it in the nether regions of the closet.  Doesn't need to be taking up closet space on hangers.

I also recommend folding sweaters, pants (the casual type) and stacking them on shelving.  P had cubbies that were the perfect size but they were filled with a mix of non clothing items.  I, you know this, sort by size and season, in my closet.   The shirts in my closet are a mixture of sizes and season and I need to weed my way through.  Too many items from the employee store.  Twenty cent pants and $4 linen shirts are like crack for me.  I just can't stop myself.  Anyway, I need to move the short sleeved linen shirts to a container.

We had a nice mixed salad, a tomato based vegetable soup, bread and sour cream chocolate cake yesterday.   Oh, and very nice gin and tonic "cocktails" using a new brand of gin that P has found in the local grocery.   A very large bottle for $19.  It was very smooth.  It was a delightful visit.

Then we watched the rain soaked Patriots do their version of the Chicago Bears.  A running game.  G got very nervous in the last quarter but I knew they were going to win, even though I read my mystery and only looked up occasionally.  The games leading up to the Superbowl are always the best games to watch.

Later today---  the neighborhood meet and greet with the new neighbors.  He's a major real estate agent.  Good news to have him on the street.  I hope.

Winter--When I Dream of New Beginnings

I saw this image on another blog and it says it all.  Simplicity.  Seeds.  Spring.  While I wait for Winter to do it's work.   And that work is decomposition in the soil and compost piles.

Today we are having rain.  Which is making everything turn to ice because, while the air is warmish, the ground is very cold, covered in snow.  I would prefer Winter to chose one.  Snow or rain.  Not alternate between the two.

My Amaryllis bulbs have decided to make only leaves this year.  Not one flower bud on any of the dozen plants.  I am disappointed as the bulbs are large, had many leaves over the summer and I expected a few flowers to cheer me up in January and February.

One of the citrus trees decided to drop all it's leaves.  It's bare branches have now been pruned back and we are waiting to see if it leafs out.  Again.   The others --well, no one is dropping leaves at the moment--but who knows.  They may have gotten a bit too cold out on the sunporch during the "big deep freeze" that was December.

Nothing much is going on here today.  G is napping.  The dog is sighing.  He wants a walk--never mind the weather and his lunch.  I got up late.  Next on my agenda is a shower.  Finish reading my book.  Do a bit of cleaning.  Perhaps change out the dishes.  Put Apple away and bring out Petite Fleur (which has never been used except for coffee and cake in the 1980's in Germany).

Riley wants lunch.  Got to go.

Dog Paws Jumping Off The Deck

It's snowing again.  Seemed warmer yesterday and colder today.  I feel warmer, in the house, with a scarf wrapped around my neck.  The peachy pink one my daughter gave me for Christmas--to "put color" in my cheeks.   Reflected color.  And it's warm.

My paperwork packet arrived (on Wednesday) from the state unemployment office.  I have my work Search Diary and my Blue Book of rules.  Ready to go.  My seasonal furlough lasts around 10 to 12 weeks.  It could be shorter this season.

Took the few ornaments I had off the tree and almost all the lights.  I'm leaving that last few feet up around the top for G to handle.  He's better on the step ladder than I am.  I step "off" into space--forgetting I'm on a ladder.  Been doing that since I was 16.  Terrible habit.

One of the neighbors is having a "welcome party" for the newest residents of our street.  (this is a first) We're all invited on Sunday from 3 to 5.  G and I are the most senior residents (in length of time here on the street).  Everyone else is new (to us).  We see them come and go.  The fascinating thing about this little "get together" is that there are people on the street who don't like each other.  I will be going to see how it shakes out.

Tomorrow we are going to my gardener friend P's house.  We'll be having cocktails.  So, far, January 2014 is turning out to be quite the social whirl.  I'm feeling dizzy.

And, Gemma, I have lightly boiled (35 minutes from a cold start) the beef marrow bones I give Riley since he was a pup.  Six years.  He still has a few of the original bones and enjoys gnawing on them (his teeth are incredibly clean).  The bones don't splinter because I buy the thickest ones I can find.  I boil only until I can remove the marrow and cut away any "ick" and tendons on the outside surface of the bones.  I did buy thin ones one time and he cracked them in half and I immediately took them away from him. He chews the new bones for hours, days, weeks, months.  We check them.  And if any look thin, we toss them.

The raw bones give dogs the "runs" and smell up the house.

Domestic Bliss For The Dog

Yes.  The entire living room.  Dog World.  This is what happens when the house is too large and the dog is so adorable.  Notice the TWO baskets of toys to the far left?  This is a tidy picture.  Usually the entire carpet is covered in toys and beef bones.  I noticed Spot was looking at me last night.  Riley was in the kitchen up against the radiator.

Yesterday I met a friend and we walked around the Rec Center track for a little more than an hour.  Around and around.  I think my daughter mentioned 36 laps equals 4 miles.  We may have done 3 miles.  It's dry, its warm and there is a water fountain and toilets.  This was "left behind" when the government closed the navy base in our little Town---along with the runway, new traffic control tower etc.  747's can land on that runway--it's that long.  Those giant C-5's were the usual.  Carrying tanks and helicopters to war zones.  This was my first visit to the base in 20 plus years of living here.

My friend walks the hour on the track--while reading a book.  Waiting for the ice to melt off the city street.  She walks. Everyday.  Last year she slipped and fell and now is more cautious.

G and stopped in Freeport to buy another bag of the delicious artisan rolls.  They are so GOOD.  Crunchy, chewy crust and a moist, yeasty interior.  Like a fat, short baguette.  G also purchased Frosty's donuts.  Sigh.  A raspberry filled one for me.

Today--making a pot of rice in the slow cooker to be eaten with the black eyed peas.  Boiling the two new bones for Riley.  Eating the last portion of lentil soup if it's still safe to eat.  Sewing hems into more 20 cent pants.  I will be threading the machine with appropriate colored thread and using the open arm.  Swearing like a sailor.  While I enjoy sewing--I do not enjoy the mechanics of the sewing machine.  I would do the hems by hand--but they are 20 cent pants.  Not deserving of hand sewn hems.  And I want them all DONE as quickly as possible.  Today the size 20's and possibly the size 18's as well.  If things go well--- I could even do the 16's.   There were no size 14 20 cent pants to be found.  But that might be far too optimistic in the weight department.

 My "test pants" are 14's.  And  if I get close, I usually can only count on fitting into them during the summer months.  When I am busy in the perennial yard and in my own garden at home. And they are corduroy.  So, not going to be wearing them.

I have four piles of pants in the closet now.  Feels like "money in the bank".

Now, the electric rice cooker.  I'll be attempting Brown Rice today.

Errand Running Day

We had checks to deposit at the bank.  Library Books to return.  Bills to drop off at the post office. Pants to return to Freeport.  Lunch (French onion soup).  Then Petco for dog food (and Riley had to sniff the hamster display and the parakeet display).  Then Target for a desk top calendar (that I write on all the time while on the internet--it's right under my keyboard).

G used to work at Target and is fondly remembered by people still working there. So he had to "catch up" on the gossip.  G doesn't really remember most of the people but he's kind and polite and listens with "interest".   I used my credit card to pay and now I regret doing that. Dumb move.

To make myself feel better (???) I ordered a peppermint mocha.  Decaf, no milk (cream instead), sugar free.  The $4 size.  I brought it home and mixed it half and half with regular decaf.  Finishing the second very large cup as I type.  Delish!.

The question I am asking myself right now is---how many pairs of winter boots is too many?  I brought home another pair today.  They may be my second favorites. I have heard others ask "do I really need another jacket?  Down coat?".   With me, it's slippers, fleece pullovers, thermal tees and winter boots.  Enough to supply me for the rest of my life.  Sigh.

I looked for Valentine photo card holders.  I thought I would make and send Valentines.  None.  Then I looked for card stock.  The smooth heavy kind.  None.  So I guess, tomorrow, I will visit Staples and see what they have.   I can also cut photo holes in card stock, myself?

Tomorrow I am walking the Rec Department track with my friend.  One hour.  Then we might have a coffee.  We haven't seen each other since I started having two jobs in late September.  Lots of news to catch up on.

Watched Downton Abbey on Sunday.  Bored.  The writer of the show--Mr. Fellowes mentioned in an interview that there are only 7  possible story variations.  He doesn't know how long that will interest the viewers.  Well, I can tell you the "Thomas creating trouble" story line has worn paper thin.  As has the "Lord Grantham being dumb as a rock" story line.  Rose is now playing the "Sybil as Rebel" role.  We'll still watch as G likes the show quite a bit.

Our shows right now are Blacklist, Almost Human, Good Wife, Elementary, Sleepy Hollow, Person of Interest (which had better step up it's game as it's getting very dull), Atlantis (for laughs), and Netflix for West Wing when all else fails.  What are you watching?

January 5, 2014

I was looking for a picture of a Pomegranate but instead I have this--which is the right color.  I had four in the vegetable crisper, purchased BEFORE all the extra employment.  I needed to cut them open and remove all the ruby, juicy arils.  Now I have.  And I can start eating them with yogurt.  For lunch. Perhaps with a squeeze of tart tangerine juice.

I also, finally, had a moment to file for unemployment.   Never, never an easy thing to do. And with two employers now--more trouble.  I know the retail employer does not pay claims.  But I had to list it.

Downton Abbey tonight.  Bistro steaks, baked potatoes for supper.  I'm not sure what cut of beef a Bistro steak is exactly, but our favorite restaurant (now closed) used to have them and I liked them with a cognac shitake cream sauce.  Anyone know where the Bistro occurs in a steer?

The sun was shining today and it felt like summer outside--  somewhere between 30 and 40 degrees. G took Riley for a walk on his leash.  Had him climb snowbanks.  To wear him out.  Riley was very happy to be out and about after too many days in the house.  Riley was smart enough to know it was way too cold for him to be out.  He thought it was way too cold for him in the house as well.  LOL

Both G and I have actually finished reading books.  Amazing.  I even have a second book at hand to start reading.  What a thrill!!!  We watched football last night.  And had a flatbread pizza that G put together and baked.

I tried on all my pants yesterday.  Sorting them into piles.  Too big.  Just right. Too tight.  You'll be amused to know I am wearing the "too big" pile.  All the pants are the same size, same style, same brand (guess who).  Some need a belt to stay up.  Some are too short at the ankle.  Some need to be cut and hemmed to not drag on the floor.  No wonder customers bring them back.

The just right pile--another set of issues.  Some button easily at the waist and some take some huffing and puffing.  There are two sizes in this pile.   And you would be dead wrong if you thought the larger of the two fits better. Another reason to return the pants, if you paid full retail.

Pile number three.  Let's just say--if I struggled to get them over my butt--the pants went into pile number three.  My "test pants" are the pants I try on to see if my diet is working.  I was surprised to see they are the same brand as all the others.  These pants are over 7 years old.  And they fit sporadically over that period of years.

What was LESS amusing was a favorite pair of pants I purchased in July--that I wore to work almost constantly until it got cold--and which are in pile number three.  They fit in September and October.  They CERTAINLY DO NOT fit now.  That's how incredibly fast the extra weight piled on and I started wearing the stuff in pile number one.  I guess. I didn't eat any differently (though G was making nachos a lot during those months).  My body is a mystery.  The previous weight gain happened at about the same time.  I purchased skinny jeans in early November and in February I couldn't pull them higher than my knees.  So "something" happens in late October to January/February.  I know I don't indulge in holiday eating or baking.  I wish I could.

Following the Sun

The "Sun" room was sunny (mostly) but not warm enough for these guys.  So now they are here in the house, up against the western windows (but no sun--yet).  Plants are also making good use of the brick fireplace floor--- waste not, want not.  Riley's bed is snuggled up against the radiator in the lower left--with perfect window sill for resting his little chin while bird and squirrel watching.

Today the sun is supposed to make a visit, but not enough to get the temperature into double digits.  Like 10 degrees.

I crisped up two Artisan bread rolls we had gotten from Bow Street before New Years.  Preheated the oven to 400 and wet the rolls all over with water.  Then in to steam and then crisp up the crust for about 5 to 10 minutes--keep checking for a crisp crust. (works with any older, stale-ish bread).  I had mine with sweet butter and peach jam.

My task for today--start cleaning and "simplifying".  Where to begin?  My credit card holder.  I sorted thru the things inside;  updated the AAA card to the new one as I did with my new Medicare supplement card.  Looked at the odds and ends I had stuffed in there.

 I didn't go in to the retail job today.  I called "out". I was scheduled for a full 8 hours.  I just couldn't do it.  I look at my watch all the time--wanting it to be break time or lunch or time out--but the day drags on.  I was raised to ALWAYS go to work if I had a job.  So this feels wrong.  But going in feels "wronger".  I will just have to deal with my feelings about this.  And be smarter in the future.

Today---I start simplifying the work room.  Sorting through art and fabric supplies.  Packing things I want to keep in containers.  Folding.  Winding.  Packing.  Carrying things up to the second floor.  Where I will need to start labeling and stacking the containers so I can "find stuff".   Right now I have to open everything in order to find anything.

The sand truck is spreading more sand on our street.  Not that it helps.  Everything is covered in ice.

Baby, It's Brutal (Cold) Outside

It seems to have snowed all night.  It seems to have gotten colder.  The wind is blowing the crisp little snow grains--ripping into any skin you have exposed.  G is cleaning snow from the daughter's driveway and then will come do ours.  We aren't going anywhere.

I had a hard time falling asleep last night---  the furnace was running through the zones almost constantly.  $$$$'s is what I was thinking.  Last bill was over $500 for 30 days.  This one?  Not worth thinking about but I did.  Almost all night.  The snow you see out there is knee high or more in the drifts.  And at the bottom, rutted solid ice.  That wreath (60 inches) hangs (with two others) in the porch arches along the length of the porch.  See the wind blowing the ribbon?

But....... not as bad as one winter we spent in our little blue ranch house in the suburbs of Chicago.  The wind chill was minus 85.  Really. I found it hard to believe until I went outside.  And the metal on the car (G took our son to a indoor soccer match) groaned and creaked.  Any exposed skin--bad!  The little furnace in that house ran, without stopping, for three days.  We were all wrapped in all the clothes and blankets we could find, and still freezing.  That was before I started buying linen sheets and down comforters which do the job of keeping us very warm no matter how cold the house is.  And I also make sure none of the water pipes are on outside walls in any future houses we buy (!!!).

I remember going out the front door of that house and to the top of the driveway to go get the morning paper.  Last thing I remember.  Slipped on ice and knocked myself OUT!  Had to roll onto the lawn and then crawl back into the house when I came to.  G was in Europe.  All I kept thinking was--I could have frozen to death out there and no one would know until my kids came home from school.  Hours and hours later.  I didn't break anything, but I was pretty sore.

We had fresh Italian sausages, potatoes fried with onion and sliced cucumbers in sour cream and dill sauce for dinner last night.  I cooked.  It's been awhile since I could say that.  The last time I made anything was the 23rd of December.  I made three batches of pierogi.  Traditional for us to eat on Christmas Eve (but we didn't--we didn't eat them until much later when G reheated them for dinner when I worked retail).  Oh, and I did make Christmas Burritos on Christmas Day. The ham I bought is still waiting to be baked and served.  Someday.

I have never selected a word for the year.  I saw this word and it seemed to speak to me.  Simplify.
I don't think I even have to say any more than that, do you?

New Year's Eve & Beyond

Here's what happens when you don't take Riley with you when you go out for an early New Year's Eve dinner.  Our daughter stopped in to drop off something on her way home from work and found this.  What WAS a paperback book.  As usual, Riley did an excellent job of it.  Thank goodness the hardback library books were safely tucked into the couch cushions.  We learn from our mistakes.

New Year's Day I was at the retail job (I am hoping this is holiday pay).  Riley and G did get a short walk in after driving me to work and we gave Riley the second "new bone" to chew on during the afternoon.  So he was sufficiently "exercised" and not interested in chewing more books.   It is COLD here in Maine.  Like 2 degrees with wind.  Not dog walking weather.  It was amazing how many people are still shopping.  Still buying.  Makes me tired just remembering it. Mostly from out of state.  NY, MA, NJ, CN, NH.  But there are plenty of Mainers who are shopping as well.  I am wondering if there is anything I actually "need" as my employment and discount come to an end.

Today I found some more letters in the newspaper for the collection of cut out letters growing under my placemat  (keeps them from blowing off the table).  I use them to add captions to the pages of my journal.  All the letters are really large--the smallest are an inch tall.  And I scored some 2.5 inch ones this morning.  And some that were printed in colored inks.

I try and keep myself "engaged" with these little exercises.  I am really easily entertained.  Now, as soon as I find my glue stick (which is missing) I can start adding captions to pages.  Hey! just found a glue stick.  Not the "one" I am missing but another.  Good enough.

I was going through my overstuffed recipe box ( 4 by 6 index cards) and found five or six interesting recipes.  G and I agreed to take one card to the store next time we need food and buy the ingredients and make the recipe on the card.   The recipe I was looking for was Texas Caviar.  For the black-eyed peas.   I think I can make two dishes (or three) with the pound of peas I cooked.  Caviar, peas in bacon and Rotel sauce and pea patties.

I even looked through the new Johnny's Seed catalog (day off! ) and found starts for sweet potatoes and pelleted carrot seeds.  For the garden.  In a few months.  They even had seeds for black eyed peas.  Cowpeas. I wonder if that's because they had black and white cows??  The peas are white with black eyes.

Tonight we are having Italian sausages, fried potatoes and if G goes to the store, cucumbers in sour cream.  I just mentioned it--so he and Riley are going.  I like cucumbers in sour cream.

That's today's post.  Not exciting news, but it will take me a bit to get back up to speed.  I loved getting all your comments on the last post.  Made my day to find emails in my box.  Thanks!!!

Thoughts Regarding The Past 364 Days

It's not quite time for Resolutions but I have been thinking about changes (improvements) I would like to make in the coming year.

Time.   I think I have to find a better way to spend the time I have.  Not fill it with clutter (things that do not make me smile).  Like second jobs.  Set aside time for art.  Set aside time for reading.  Set aside time for cleaning (yes, cleaning makes me smile).  Organizing makes me smile also.  Weird, huh?

Life.   Here I have to start making better choices when it comes to what I eat and how I move through my days.  I need to add the daily 3 mile walk that I had for Riley's early years.  Once G retired, I stopped being "the one who walks the dog" and I gained weight.  Simple.  Now G walks the dog. I need to re-introduce myself to the Pilates machine and my Yoga mat.

Importance.   Prioritizing the things I do.  I did far too many things (this year) that made me unhappy. On Saturday I helped a customer create a terrarium in an old fish tank.  In a touch of whimsy we added a goldfish plant to the other four foliage plants in the tank.  Teaching.  That is where my heart truly is.

Family & Friends.  When you get right down to basics, family and friends is where the rubber meets the road.  Without them--well, life doesn't have many smiles.  I need to be more "available" to both. Set aside the time to do things with them--even a walk-- and take the time to listen and hear what they have to say.  Both of my children are experiencing difficulty right now.  Searching for something that makes them happy and productive.   I haven't made time for friends I used to lunch with.  They have been patient.  Waiting for me.  I need to make sure I open my schedule for them.  They do make me happy.  I have missed them during this "seasonal" over work.

Choices.  Now that I have this one "bucket list" job out of my system (2 working days left)--and I have to say the shine is definitely off that job--- I can now enjoy my winter furlough from my full time job which ended Saturday.  I have two full days off.  Today and tomorrow. Working New Year's Day.  Next week I am FULLY unemployed.

I am going to be far more careful in choosing what I do in 2014.  I want time for my garden.  I want time for my friends.  I want time to finish work in the sewing room (mending clothing, dog toys and finishing an old friend's quilt top).  I don't want to walk around exhausted.  I want to be well rested, smiling and engaged in life.  I don't want to be moving from point A to point B--just waiting for the days to go by.  That's not living.  Too much of that in December.

And, I want to be able to post more often, here, and actually have something entertaining for you to read and look at.  We'll be moving forward on the kitchen.  Perhaps a bathroom or two (why not do them both).  Riley will have his picture taken a time or two.  I have no idea what surprises await in 2014.  I do know I am looking forward to them.

After Christmas Art Class

The first step--pencil drawing (very simple and loose) of the subject.  Use your eraser.  Just get the basic shapes into the paper.   Here it's the terra-cotta pot, center stem and branches.

Here I have started coloring the terra-cotta with a variety of brown, tan and orange pencils.  My paper was more textured than I wanted (or is good) and the soft pencil lines didn't smoosh together as I would like.  Try for a smooth card stock if you try this at home.  I think I bought the pencil set at Staples.  So, this is easy to supply.

Here is the pot filled in.  I over-color in layers of different pencil tones.  You'll notice the little sun drawn up in the top left corner.  I put that there to remind me of where the light (sun) is so all the shadows will be on the opposite side.  There is nothing more annoying (to the viewer of your art) than scattered darks without purpose.  I also added the stem.  A dark line on the right and a lighter pencil color on the left.  A simple way to give the line volume.

Here is a sample of the stem line.  The dark on the right, the lighter brown on the left.  I started adding the needles.

Here is a diagram of needle placement.  Start at bottom and then sort of shoot your pencil upward to make a needle.  Look at your "model"  (a little tree from the greenhouse or a branch from your Christmas Tree) and notice how the needles grow.  Around the branch in a spiral.  So try and replicate that, but simpler (less) and space them out so you can go back and use another color of green (or two) to add depth.  The lighter color adds sparkle.

As you can see in this close up of the needles, I have lighter colored pencil marks closer to the little pencil "sun"  and darker needles where the "sun don't shine" as much.  The stem also needs needles so remember to add them.  At the very bottom you can see one spear shaped leaf.  This is the original "baby" leaf for this little Norfolk pine.  I colored it as I did the stem.  One side (right) darker than the left (light) to give the little leaf some shape and volume.

This is a very forgiving project.  Oh- I filled in the pot with "dirt" of various darker browns.  Leaving little white spaces for the perlite that is in the mix I use.  In other years, I collected mosses to top the soil and that made the picture interesting.  I think I used three different mosses I found in the woods.

In general, a very good artistic tip is to use, one, three or five of anything.  Odd numbers.  So if you only find one kind of moss--fine.  But don't use two.  Try and find a third one.  Odd numbers "read" better to the human EYE.  This is true of bouquets and perennial beds also.  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 etc. ( it may even be true of children and husbands (1, 3, 5))  In the drawing above - only one baby leaf--but generally baby (seed) leaves come in two.

Now, go find some smooth card stock, sharpen any colored pencils you have, get a plain lead pencil, an eraser ( I like the white ones) and then find a "model".  Like I said--a snippet off the Christmas tree.  Roll your shoulders. Relax.  Draw.  Color.  You can do it.  Just like Kindergarten.  If it's awful?  Turn the paper over and start again.  Each time we try--we learn from the previous mistakes.

When I make a series of 10 of these, all the same tree, I can see where I learned from the first ones. Where I goofed.  What worked.  Same with those Doodle Trees.  As the work progressed they got better.  The first one (like babies and husbands) is the most difficult. (smile)

Another Christmas--Another Sweet Memory

Today, in the car, on the way to buy sand to spread on the ice covered driveway of our daughter, G mentioned, in a startled, sad way, that he hadn't gotten me a present.

This is the man who has been driving ME to and from work for weeks because he knows just how terrified I am of night time driving.  That is gift enough.  For a lifetime.

And, while he was buying the sand, I was remembering another December.  1979.  G was a new hire for a major corporation.  Traveling to Europe for two weeks a month.  One of the benefits was an annual trip with your wife along. He didn't want to miss taking me that first year. We left on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and were away for two weeks.  I was 32.  We'd already moved three times.  Sam was 10 and C was 8.

First stop was Stockholm.  About 4 hours of daylight.  Jet lag.  But I remember the cobbled streets, the wonderful food, the brightly lighted shop windows, the little pink pig ornaments .  Instead of "good luck" the Swedes would say "have swine".  A pig was very good luck as you would have food for the winter.  Therefore, the pig ornaments and the little pig candy treats.  I brought home little red candles in wooden cups and a box full of straw ornaments.  Still have them.

Then we traveled to London.  The most wonderful hotel just down the High street from Selfridges and Harrods. I walked.  Window shopped. I drank tea.  Ate wet, cold toast.  I bought lined boots which came in handy at the next stop.  I bought Christmas Crackers.  G and I went to the theater.  Ate artichokes drenched in butter. I brought home a very large Paddington Bear (with red rubber boots) for the 8 year old, but it ended up being mine.  I also brought home a Christmas book about a grumpy Father Christmas.  A book I love looking at (no words) each and every Christmas since.

Next stop was Munich.  Where Christmas lives and breathes.  G arranged a bus tour of the castles for me one day (he worked as usual and I was on my own all day for the two weeks) and I met two lovely women on the bus.  The next day the three of us drove to Strasberg.  I brought home lovely memories and two lovely Hummel dolls.  I have never seen any like them in all the years since--even while living in Germany.  We had wonderful food.  Slept in carved pine beds with huge, soft down comforters.  Oh, I thought I was in heaven.

I still have the things I brought back home with me.  But most of all I have the memories of a delightful "Christmas" trip that I remember with love to this very day.  And, guess what?  I was telling a co worker this story--of that trip--- just as G was driving to pick me up today---while he was realizing that he had no gift to give me tomorrow.   Those lovely memories-- gift enough.  For a lifetime.

And being able to tell my stories to you, dear readers---  Gift enough.  And my thanks. Have a very Happy Christmas.

Christmas Card Workshop- 2013

I move my placemat and napkin to the side and set out my supplies for a session of drawing.  Not that there are any "real" meals being served here.  I am not home to do the grocery list making or prepare any meals.  G is struggling.  Sandwiches.  Take out.  Leftovers thawed out of the freezer.  Pasta.  I'm thinking this morning would be a good chance for me to get a pot of chicken soup going.  For him.  He does have snow to clear off the driveway.

Our daughter had her bathtub drain clog this morning as she was taking an "after shoveling the driveway" shower.  Guy came over pronto (what good news is that!) and found three bottle caps in the drain.  S doesn't use things with bottle caps--so the clog was there for all the years she has lived there.

Here are the Tree Doodles I have managed to finish and the Hallmark card holder with a pencil drawing of the little Norfolk Pine.   I have them numbered as an edition of 5.  So I need to make 2 more.  The Pine drawings look better in the card holder than the doodles do.  So the doodles may go in an envelope all by themselves with a small card saying Merry Christmas.  Or a note.  I guess I could write them at some time?   What do you think of the doodles??

G purchased two pears for me--- I thought for lunch but I think he was reminded of the red pear he bought for me several winters ago (long time) that I painted and used as "models" for a few weeks in the winter.  He did select ones with interesting shapes and tones and stems.  I may try to do a few Pear Portraits.  Edition of three or five.   They would also look good in the Hallmark card holder.

My request at the retail job (belated though it was) has been granted.  No scheduled hours after this week later than 6:30.  This week?  Brutal.  All 11 or later.  Getting home at midnight is not making me a very happy camper.  And, to add to the struggle----- the greenhouse wants me to work past Christmas.  OMG!!! I have NEVER worked past December 24th.

I am moving to the kitchen now to start the pot of soup.  No celery but I think it will still be good.  G just likes the broth, chicken and noodles and I have plenty of that.

Christmas Card Trees - Years Ago

One, from this series, is in a very nice frame in my neighbor's house across the street along with another from a different series.  I, personally, do not have any of the trees I made each year.  This purchased "photo" card holder was one of the nicest I ever purchased.  I think I got the box of them at Goodwill.  Gold embossed holly leaves.  If you ever come across old boxes of good looking Christmas photo cards--I will glad buy them and pay postage.  I think they are a "thing of the past" with email and e-cards.  And Facebook.

We had a big storm last night.  The snow at the end of the driveway was up to G's knees when he went out to snow blow it early this morning.  I was supposed to be at work (greenhouse) by 9am.  I called.  No one answered.  I called again at 10 am.  No one answered.  I called at 11 am-no answer.  By 3 pm I decided to change out of my work clothing.  Have you EVER heard of an employer who would close for the day and NOT notify his employees????  Well, not notify me?  I think he has the cell phone number of one young woman and she knows all the other young people.  I do have keys, so could have been sitting there, lights on, doors unlocked, waiting for the others with an unplowed parking lot.  Wow.

I worked Friday and Saturday until 11 pm at the retail job and tomorrow, as well.  Working two days in a row is better than once a week.  I was a much better employee.  And I was very, very tired.

So, all in all, I enjoyed my "snow day" by setting up  my work area and making Doodle Trees.  As with everything, the first few weren't worth much--but once I got the bugs out I was able to go back and "fix" them.  I also made a colored pencil drawing of a Norfolk Pine which looked really nice in the "not so lovely" Hallmark photo card holder.  Now I have to draw more of those for next Christmas.

I will try and find time (and daylight) to take pictures of the Doodle Trees I have finished.  Six, I think.  So, I need to make 4 more.  Or 6 more if I send out 12.

G had leftovers of the meatballs and sauce I pulled out of the freezer--so I had dinner for the first time in about a week.  Here in my own house.  What a novelty.  I'm going to read a book, now, another novelty.  And go to bed at 10pm.   My retail shift tomorrow is 10:30 to 7.  Pretty nice.  I really, really hate working until 11:30 and climbing into bed after midnight.  Too old for this.

Did I mention that it's really cold?  Like zero.  And very windy.  83 in Florida.

One More Week

The Poinsettias are Buy 2 Get One Free starting today, so the end is very near for my greenhouse job.  I think the 21st will be my last day.  Retail on the 22nd and 23rd.  Then Christmas Eve.  The Party's Over, as G always says.

Speaking of Party.  G and I got dressed up (like adults) and attended the Holiday Party our bank invited us to this afternoon (evening 5 to 8) .  Huge pans of creamed lobster (big chunks), scallops wrapped in bacon and for dessert, cream puffs.  A Maine Event.  Also, very strong drinks.  G's rum and coke was ¾ths rum.  My Gin and Tonic was all gin.  We got there at 6 and left at 7.  No one we knew from our local bank was there. We did see a neighbor from our street who moved long ago.  He was with the newest girlfriend (ahem) and she was tightly wrapped in gold foil wearing stilettos.  When a man leaves the family---- well, it's certainly an interesting change.  He has grown fat and old.  Much younger than G and I but looks older.  Each new girl is younger than the last.

We watched a couple eat three or four heaped plates of lobster and have 4 or 5 of those 75% alcohol drinks.  They were very casually dressed.  G wondered if they even worked for the bank or were just people in off the street.  I bet they were going to drive home.

I styled my hair with "product", applied BB cream to hide everything, and even put on mascara.  Surprised myself with how nice I managed to look.  Of course, none of my holiday clothing fit. So I wore black pants, white shirt and a draped sweater jacket.  I was afraid I would be too casual, but it was good.  Not skin tight gold foil but age appropriate "good".

Got to go wash my face.

Winter Storms, Winter Roads & No Sunshine

It's been that kind of week, so far.  G was kind enough to drive me to work.  Well, first he drove me to the hospital for yet another blood test, then to work, then came back to get me to take me to see the doctor, and then took me back to work and then picked me up at 6 pm.  The roads were terrible.  I am wondering if our Town intends to plow this year or not?

All my tests were great.  My BP has gone down (for no reason at all--I am not doing anything different).  My rash is gone (likewise--for no reason).  My hip still hurts.  (bursitis takes forever to go away).  My triglycerides (spelling) was 69.  Amazing.  I think that's due to not eating much flour and sugar.  We all know I eat a great deal of FAT and Dairy.

I celebrated with two raspberry filled jelly doughnuts from Frosty's.  Yes, I know that was stupid.  But they are SO GOOD and the local grocery has them in the bakery case.  For the first time in my life here in Maine.  Frosty's new owners must be baking during the day.  The old owners only baked (fried) from 2 am to 8 am.  When the doughnuts were gone--no doughnuts.  I had TWO raspberry jelly doughnuts in the 20 years we have lived here.  I managed to get one at a library meeting about 10 years ago and one on my own in that same year.  So, being able to buy one "any old time" is both exciting and terribly depressing.  It was delicious.  THEY were delicious. And now I am over it.

I confided in G that I have one too many jobs.

I am so tired.  I wish the holiday was over--but that just means "returns" and after sales.  The nightmare that is my "seasonal job" is never ending.  And the real joke--I haven't had a moment's time to use the coveted "discount" to do any holiday shopping.

The upside?  Well, I get laid off from my number one job on December 24th.  Then I will only have the retail job.  And the first week (after being laid off)  I will have three days at the retail job.  So, this might be okay eventually.  Still time to shop when everything goes on sale.

I have all the materials set out for my annual (re-started) Christmas card.  I just need to find time to actually DRAW.  And dear, C.  I have all your stuff in a pile.  Next to the box it goes it.  Not in the mail.  Bad Mommy.  So sad.  Perhaps tomorrow???????????????

Simple Christmas Thoughts

The trees at work are not looking very good.  I am thinking this might be a good idea for 2013.  Just a basket and a tiny tree.  Some paperwhites.  A poinsettia.  Little clay pots with a very small Norfolk pine seeding in each which can double as tiny gifts if someone walks in with a present for us.

I found the (remainder) of unused Christmas photo cards I have sent in past years.  Now, I can get past the bad choice of photo card I purchased on Black Friday.  Looked ridiculous with my Doodle Trees.  One of the cards would look wonderful with a pencil drawing of a poinsettia and the other with a pencil drawing of a pine tree.  I bought the cards years and years ago.  It's exciting to find things you have forgotten--when you go looking for things you do remember owning.  Age????

My evening (yesterday) at the retail job was a nightmare (towards the end of the evening).  I ran out of gas.  I was unable to cope.  Very close to tears.  And it wasn't anything.  I was just too exhausted to even think, let alone problem solve.  Today at the greenhouse--I enjoyed watering and making decorated wreaths. Every. Single. One. Has. Sold.  Some, just moments after being hung up in the display area.  I am using the end bits of everything we have left.  Just riffing on my imagination.  Good Times.  No Crying.

Needless to say, I won't be doing the retail job again. I'll just buy everything I want before the end of my seasonal job.

Made a huge pot of kale, tomato, potato, bean soup before work yesterday.  Took a serving to work today but didn't eat it so gave it to a co-worker.  She was thrilled.  Home made soup.  She lives alone and will truly enjoy a good homemade soup.

Snow storm arrives in Maine tomorrow.  G has gas for the snowblower and the generator.  He is READY this winter.  Last December he was working--at the end of his own employment rope-- so we were not ready.  He even vacuumed the whole house.  Nice to come home to a clean house.

Nice to come home.  Looking forward to my furlough from both jobs.

Here's A Sample Of Shaker Cabinets & Assorted Things

I am liking the simple vibe here in this kitchen.  Plain, flat, vanilla.  Well, actually a pale, greenish white.  Not that I am moving any closer to actually making up my mind.

G's Jeep went in for a new muffler and it's been three days.  Catalytic Converter.  $2000 plus.  And we still have no idea what is happening.  Parts are supposedly coming from Boston.  On the bus? On foot?

The Jeep "muffler" and the recent carpentry bill have "put me off" continuing on the remodel for the time being.  Sticker Shock and the balance in my bank account.  The kitchen is usable.  It's not time sensitive.  I can wait.

Still no Christmas Tree.  I ordered a fat bottomed 8 foot "wild" tree.  From my very own employer.  So far---silence.  And, no tree.  I'm taking that as a sign.  No tree. This year. Let's see if I can live with that.

I've been making custom wreaths all week.  Some pretty awesome ones.  Not like anything anyone has ever made.  And they are selling.  I stopped looking at the pictures in the book and just made a "version" of what was in the pictures.  Bigger.  Bolder.  Still an 18 inch wreath but the components  are larger.  It's fun.  I made three of my version of Katahdin and while making number four--was told the other three were already sold.  Then I got asked to make a 24 inch version--only with meter balls and a bow.  Wowza was that gorgeous.  Today's version had meter balls instead of berries.  I'm always ready to add or subtract.  So, work has been fun.  We're running out of the "usual supplies" so I am having to use my imagination.  Switch things up.  What I'm good at.

I took an orange pill at work yesterday (the wreath making table is just a bit too low and my back doesn't like it after 7 hours standing on cement)--no rash on my eyes.  I also have been having Trader Joe's Bran Flakes and soy milk for breakfast.  Wow.  They are so good and crunchy even in a bowl of milk.  Being "regular" is such a lovely thing.  We may have to go back and get more.

The days begin with freezing weather.  End with rain and fog.  Travel is dicey.  Visibility is tricky. Just doesn't seem like a Maine December.

Mother and Daughter

Can you tell she has an Apple product that takes pictures?

She will be ticked that this is the one I used and not the "good" picture of me.  But, I can't find that one.  My hair looks nice.  We're both staring at the computer screen.

Now we are on the steamroller ride into Christmas.  No stops.  I worked greenhouse on Friday all day, then retail until 11pm on Saturday and up at 7 for a full day at the greenhouse.  My back was pinging and I thought it would seize up.  I showered, ate some T'day vegetables and stuffing and sat down on the couch.  Last thing I remember was eating my final slice of pie.  Then G shook me awake at midnight so I could go to bed.  Took me awhile to fall asleep again.  I finally got out of bed at 10 this morning (to let G in the garage door).

He's having the exhaust system on the Jeep repaired.  The carpenter was here with his bill.  Yikes. The kitchen designer wants a meeting.  I need to pick out and order my new cooktop, oven and microwave.  This week I am working Tuesday to Sunday.  Today is my only day off.  I paid all the other bills, made up a deposit ticket and G wants to know if I want to go into Portland to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.  I'm thinking I do.

And Then One Has To Accept The Truth

My kitchen is "cottage".  Not rustic modern or any of the other things I wanted it to be.  While I was thinking those thoughts, I was also choosing four over nothing windows (nothing says cottage like 4 over nothing) and asking J to put up a whole wall of beadboard paneling.

Now I have to redefine my plans.  I may even have to include upper cabinets.  This is unpleasant. But in truth, I already have uppers in the two bookcases attached to the vaulted entrance from the foyer. Any kitchen uppers would be on this very wall, alongside the bookcases.  So, actually, they could be just like the bookcases but with a set of doors near the top, or a microwave or an oven.  See how these things slither in?  A wall of "bookcases" pretending to be kitchen cupboards marching along with the fridge in the mid section.  And room on top for plants.  Or birdcages.

When "cottage" was pointed out to me in very stern words by the carpenter -an intervention of sorts----- I had a handful of Cottage Design books right on the bookshelves to refer to.  And I could see that each and every decision that I had made (with ease) was right there on the pages.  The decisions I am having a hard time making--well, that was because they were wrong.

I now know what sort of cabinet fronts to order.  I know what color they will be (white) or (gray green).  I know what the drawer pulls will be.  And--blessed are the unobservant--I know the only choice for the counter tops is black soapstone.  Did you see that coming?????

I don't have pictures--because those are not the kitchen I collected pictures of.  But I will, now.

I will end with a domestic issue a co-worker experienced on the evening of Thanksgiving.  His wife was in charge of delivering corporate gift pies (from a very nice bakery) to employees of her company.  There were five leftover which she brought home.  My co-worker enjoyed ONE slice of chocolate cream pie the night before. Then after all the hubbub of the holiday was past he wandered in search of another slice of pie.  To find that all departing guests had left with a boxed pie (even the chocolate cream with a slice missing) as a gift from the wife and my co worker couldn't even find a crumb of pie to eat.  He mentioned the brief but not pleasant chat he had with his wife.  I think she went out Friday morning in search of a pie.  I cannot imagine the grief from G if I had given away HIS pumpkin pie. And what would you think to get a gifted pie and find a slice missing???