12/31/2022 - New Year's Eve

I know . . . I know . . .

There are various and

sundry ways of welcoming

in the new year! But for me,

first I must bid adieu to the

olde.

Started about 3:00 a.m. 

w/coffee ice cream in bed!

Now, does my guy know 

me or what?!

Then, to just add in a tad

of naughty, 6:00 a.m. margs

in bed. I so love living over 

existing! And ever so grateful 

that the opportunity to do so

has been gifted me . . .

'Tis my intention to turn a 

new leaf and behave myself 

in the new year . . . Having 

said that, I can't even imagine 

going from naughty to nice in 

one fell swoop!

Speaking of intention and/or

intentions, I must return to 

good eating habits. I like the 

two squares a day thing . . . 

although I find, retirement 

isn't conducive to hard and 

fast rules.

I already like the way I drink, 

a couple of times a week and 

abstain entirely January, May, 

and September.

And, as I only like to address 

three issues at any given time, 

seems to me I have the, "Eat, 

drink" part down and bet I'll 

have no probs with the "and 

be merry" part! Think I'll skip

that whole, "for tomorrow we 

shall die!"

*Rather tickles me that this

cryptic note can be found in

both the Bible and the Book

of Mormon . . .

Do enjoy today as tomorrow

will be expecting us all to 

shape up . . . bet that lasts 

about three days!

12/30/2022

"If you feel something

calling you to dance or

write or paint or sing,

please refuse to worry

about whether you're

good enough. Just do it."

~Glennon Doyle

Methinks this is where

aging comes full circle.

When we were kids, we

didn't dally around about

whether we were good

enough, we just did it.

And now once again, a

hundred years later, we

seem to give ourselves

permission to dance!

I find myself wondering

at times, about this whole

aging sandwich?! The 

child within, the oldster 

coming to fruition . . . 

care-free perfection!

Still, those in between 

years of self-doubt, worry,

concern about how we

look, how we perform,

if and how we're accepted,

total waste!

Truly, I have come to a 

place of realization . . . 

our elder years are a gift

to ourselves!

Come dance with me . . .

lets get up and dance

sing me a song old lady

walk on the wild side

12/29/2022

Did you ever stop to

think that snow is a

four-letter word?

My neighbor and friend

reminds me that we need

it; the moisture is priceless!

And, even as we speak, we

are hard hit with humungous

flakes coming down as hard

and as fast as they can.

'Twill be interesting to see

how much of this four-letter

word we get tonight. 'Tis my

intention to embrace my gal's

wisdom in regards to this

s-word.

But know this . . . I will NOT

be using words like sh-- or

f--- any more . . . It's going

to be snow this and snow that

from now on!

I sooooo loathe, hate, despise,

dislike, WINTER . . . but it

insists on coming every year.

Go figure!

I recognize I need an attitude

adjustment. My friend has her

work cut out for her!

On the other hand, follow me

and we'll lose this entire season!

Okay! Okay! I'll work on my

attitude . . . maybe, perhaps,

tal vez, quisás . . .

12/28/2022

I think about intensity . . .

There is something rather

wondrous about actually

living under the umbrella

of intensity. Living! Really

living!

Might be something like

living on a full time diet of

Thanksgiving dinner! And,

then I give that some thought.

Aren't we always about half 

sick when getting up from 

that amazing meal? This meal

that took endless shopping and 

about three days to prepare?

And that night . . . all we can

actually stomach might be a

piece of pie and the thought

that we might never eat again!

And never mind the dishes . . .

The weekend follows with

leftovers, soon to be tired of.

And, somewhere 'twixt cold

cereal for supper and those

flagging leavings, we want

something fresh and new.

I feel a bit of a metaphor 

coming on . . . Life simply 

can not be lived ever and 

always in the orgasmic

moment! We meet, attraction

may follow. A romance begins

and somewhere along the line,

making love brings its gift of

eight second glory.

So yes, let's live, really live.

Doesn't mean that the dishes

don't have to be washed or

the house cleaned. Doesn't

mean there isn't some existing

mixed in with the living.

Balance is a term that springs

to mind. Bottom line . . . yes,

I want to really live, but I get

that the mundane is ever with

us . . .

12/27/2022

It's so easy to be overwhelmed

with sorrow . . . albeit with the

winter weather, too much party

and not enough sleep or some

other reason!

Still, paying attention to business,

there is much joy just waiting to

be witnessed!

That phrase, paying attention to

business, I believe it's where we'll

find those precious moments to

keep us going . . .

A tiny blossom peeking out of a

snow bank, a young guy offering

a hand to an old dame in this

ghastly weather, a child's smile

for no reason at all.

Only today, I was offered a bite

of cotton candy. Hadn't had any

since I was a kid. Then, I saw 

my granddaughter fondly ruffle 

her little bro's hair . . . that one

precious moment of off hand

affection.

An inspiring flick, a precious

chapter from a fave book, an 

unexpected card from an old

friend . . .

My guy pouring me a glass 

of water just because, a warm 

bed on a cold night and a bit 

of a cuddle . . .

I so don't want to miss out 

because I'm busy wallowing 

rather than watching!

12/26/2022

'Tis the morning of the day 

after . . . Didn't think I would 

survive, but here I am with 

bells on!

Yesterday was most wondrous!

I'll never forget the joy on the

children's faces and those

endearing screams of delight

as their dreams came true.

Unfortunately for me, I coffeed

myself nigh onto death! And, as 

I only allow myself the luxury 

of the unholy bean once a month,

overdid per usual. I mean really!

'Twas x-mas day after all, so I

made it extra strong and drank

the whole pot! I swear, I would

have been better off drinking

and nursing a hangover!

I really only have one basic sin 

in my life . . . overindulgence!

"Eat, drink and be merry for

tomorrow we may die."

Ecclesiastes 8:15 . . . Seems

to be my goal in life!

Just think, we only have one

more holiday in which to over

indulge before our New Year's

Resolutions come out to ruin

things, ha!

I'm thinking! I'm thinking! I

only choose three each year

and I like to give it plenty of

thought. At this point, 'tis

coffee I'm most willing to

give up, but oh how I love 

a good cup of coffee . . . I

mean pot . . .

So, what are you giving

up in the new year? I don't

drink the month of January

so I usually indulge in a

lot of café . . . I'm thinking,

and I mean only thinking,

of giving up coffee as well!

Go figure! Nahhhhh . . . 

surely not!

12/25/2022 - Christmas Day

'Tis once again an OMG

moment . . . x-mas day

ahoy . . .

I'd be the first to admit,

seeing the grans opening

their pressies is one of the

most fun things ever! Add

into that, choosing them 

'twas just as fun as well!

Dear, dear granddaughter

whispered in my ear that

she wanted art bits and

pieces. Loved getting the

paints, brushes, pages for

her etc.

Heaven forbid she'd have 

to share with her little bro,

so had to get him a few as

well. 

Matters not at all that I'm 

about a hundred years old,

just love me some x-mas

moments. The opening of

presents, the joy shared, 

to say nothing of those 

sneaked adult drinks 

all 'round!

I find I'm not particularly

interested in the receiving

of gifts as much as giving 

them . . . is this what we

strive for in our old age?

Bottom line . . . might just

be the time for asking me

for whatever you'd like to

acquiesce from me . . . not

that I'm passing onto the

better life any time soon!

Sooooo, merry merry . . .

and don't do anything I

wouldn't do! Or . . . let's

join in the being naughty!

12/24/2022, x-mas eve

'Tis a hot day here on

x-mas eve; 20 degrees!

Obviously, compared

to 13 degrees below 0

yesterday . . .

I've heard a rumor that

we're supposed to have

a few warmer days next

week . . . I may make it

after all.

So, here's me thinking,

what fun and games can

we get up to in this cold

weather? I would love a

ride in winter wonderland.

Our friends did so ayer

and saw 13 accidents. 

Thirteen! Wow! Just wow!

Makes me want to stay in

rather than go out.

Well, once we've seen the

kids, you may not see me

again 'til Ground Hog Day!

Have a wonderful x-mas

eve tonight. Open presents

and save tomorrow for a 

good read tucked up in bed!

Happy! Happy!! Whatever

winter holiday celebration

you honor . . .

12/23/2022

Burrrrr . . .

Whoever said that 13 

degrees below zero was 

cold, knew exactly what 

they were talking about!!!

'Tis a glorious thing that 

heat rises, hence it's warm 

in our sleep loft. Oh, but as 

one begins down the steps . . .

First step or two, warmth.

Still, little by little, cold

envelops. Then, the last

steps below, 46 degrees

hits hard. Makes the idea 

of staying up rather than 

down a fab idea.

And, no way in hell does

the idea of going out to

the mail box appeal. My

heart so goes out to the

mailman and the others

making their living out

and about.

Still, heard a sweet rumor

that next week will be

warmer! Pray I never have

to sell my soul for a tad of

warmth . . .

12/22/2023

I sooooo love and enjoy

the Winter Solstice! Still,

I must admit, the day after,

the day in which the days

begin to elongate, are a

promise that brings hope

to my soul!

"The days get longer by 

an average of 2 minutes

and 7 seconds every day

after December 21."

The Scotsman

Not quite certain how 

all of this was arranged, 

but to combine coldest.

darkest days of winter

with the promise of 

returning light . . . 

quite genius.

It has been suggested

that winter is a good to

hunker down, have a

good look-see into the

soul and think about

all things important.

I like that! Rather gives

some personal meaning

to these cold, dark days.

I tend to think of this as 

a kind of spiritual hiber-

nation, as it were.

Maybe this winter, instead 

of all the usual moans and 

groans, I'll make an effort 

to do some serious thinking

and learn a thing or two.

I actually rather like the

idea of sussing things out

and determining to up my

standards rather than

drowning in the mire of

below freezing weather!

Today, with my additional

two minutes, I'm going to

snuggle in and think happy

thoughts! Wonder if a hot

something or other would

help?! 

12/21/2022 - Winter Solstice

'Tis Yule at long last . . .

The shortest day of the

year, yet midst the cold

days of winter, the days

begin to elongate.

I tend to think of Yule 

as a winter salad of days.

Visits with family and

friends, special foods 

and drinks, exchanging

gifts and well wishes,

sharings by the fireside.

Yule, December 21st. 

is the last sabbat in the 

fiscal year and celebrates 

the first day of winter. 

Like dates, March 21st,

the first day of spring,

June 21st, the first day of

summer and September

21st, the first day of fall.

One of the things I love

about these four days is,

all of us, no matter our

beliefs, are united in the

acknowledgment and

celebration . . . changing

of the seasons.

Pray, may you have a

most wondrous Winter

Solstice 'midst this

evening's snow and

freezing weather. Have

a sit by your fires, share

memories, hopes and

dreams. 

The morrow begins the

sun's long journey back

to warmth and joy . . .

12/20/2022

'Mongst the doldrums 

of winter, moments of 

joy are to be found . . .

My heart was touched 

by the sun today and I 

was able to enjoy a bit 

of time outdoors. 

One of the gifts we have 

here is bad weather does 

not seem to last too long. 

Feeling down, thinking 

the sun will never shine 

again and only moments 

later that daily blessing 

of rays envelops the soul.

I ask myself, "Why can't

I remember this miracle

when my heart is shroud

in sorrow?"

A dear friend wrote me

today. She brought a

message of hope and

care for the morrow.

I am reminded that no

matter how gloomy the

days of winter, there are

those who bring the light

of friendship to my path.

An effort supreme, but

I am remembering the

light . . .

Gratitude fills my soul.

12/19/2022

"Though my soul may 

set in darkness, it will 

rise in perfect light; I've 

loved the stars too fondly 

to be fearful of the night."

~Sarah Williams

Alas, the darkness is almost

beyond anything I can cope

with . . . Here in my corner

of the woods, it seems even

darker than other places.

There are days I despair

beyond all hope; heaven

help me! Still, hope indeed

is coming. Three more days

and little by little they will

grow longer.

Sitting by the fire helps. I

even love looking out the

window. Running to the

mailbox is good as it's light,

but 7 degrees?! I'd almost

rather be inside. Go figure!

Methinks we need a Light

is Returning party! Thoughts?

Let me know. I just love

impromptu!

12/18/2022

'Tis o' dark thirty, 7 degrees

and it isn't even winter yet . . .

to say nothing of the two 

days that are forecast to be

minus 5 and minus 9  . . . 

And . . . I'm going to make 

a supreme effort NOT to go 

off on a tirade!

One of the things I do love

about December is the effort

we all make to decorate, send 

letters and cards, visit family

and friends, and prep special

foods and meals!

This week, prior to the Winter

Solstice and Christmas Eve, 

seems I'm going to be especially 

blest with visitors. Old friends

today, class on the morrow and

then my godson. Added to these

delights, we get to spend a few

days up north with our fam!

You might ask, why share this?

For me, it has to do with getting

through the dark days, the cold,

simply making it . . . 

I sooooo pray I do make it this

winter and SAD be damned!

Now, ask me how I really feel!

12/17/2022

Oh, glorious days of

nothingness . . .

Just every once in a great

while, a day is born with

naught to do or accomplish!

Praise God from whom all

blessings flow!!!

It really is quite interesting,

the attitudes awakened and

displayed upon such days!

Breakfast in bed? A movie?

A fun lunch? A fire? A bottle

of wine?

Those amazing possibilities,

all just waiting there to be

chosen and enjoyed! And/or

even exploited . . .

These days occur so rarely

that I'm of a mind to create

the odd one from time to 

time. 

Obviously being retired, 

times like these are more

often available. Harking 

back to the good old days 

of hard work and long days, 

I wish now that I had made 

some of these happen!

Thinking here, am I really 

old enough to be handing 

out advice? My inner ego 

says, "Go for it!" 

So from me to you,"Create 

the odd magical days for 

you and yours! You won't 

be sorry . . . "

12/16/2022

There is a woman . . .

She is rather beyond

amazing . . . where 

to begin?

She takes gracious to

a whole new level . . .

but, beyond that, she

has an innate kindness

that simply shines out

of her soul.

When she has a family

gathering, she invites

all of us . . . those past,

present and future. She

is gracious to a fault!

I remember this one time,

I was annoyed with an ex.

The words were barely out

of my mouth and she said,

"But, she looks amazing!"

It was like she was moved

to say something kind, no

matter what.

I look at her . . . this woman,

she has a regal quality about

her. Royalty reigns in her

stride, in her manner. Each

of us is received with what

I tend to think of as, the

genuine! It's in her greeting,

her quiet joy at seeing you.

She looks at you when you're

speaking, really looks. She

takes time with each of us.

There's this magical ability

she has of making us all feel

special.

This woman . . . I want to be

just like her when I grow up!

Her name is Mary . . .

12/15/2022

Superlatives ahoy . . .

I have been described as

a passionate woman ere

this.

Reasons being . . . I tend

to feel all things in a big

way. I don't do middle of

the road in any way, shape

or form.

I adore my children. I love

my friends. I love red and

hate pink, colors and wine!

Loathe, abhor, despise, hate,

dislike all things false!

I wonder at the glories of life

and despair at its insanities

and inanities. Sometimes I

even prefer the questions to

the answers.

No can do mid, like, little,

sometimes, every now and

then! Give me love, huge,

always and ever!

Maybe this sense of self at

its exaggerated best, comes

from having faced death

head on a couple of times.

However this has come to

pass, I thrill in life in the

superlative. Sooooo pray

this will be so until my very

end!

So mote it be . . .

12/14/2022

"Every so often I lift the

corners of my darkened 

sky, to coax out the silent

stars that wish to shine 

sound from my soul."

~Janine Tamis

Even after all these years,

I find myself questioning

the hows, whys, and

wherefores of a SAD

attack.

I seem to get so involved

in my daily routines that

I forget to check for light.

Even in winter, there are

sources . . .

A drive, the odd run to the

mailbox, sitting by the fire,

remembering to peek out

the windows . . . All count

for moments of capturing

bits of light.

I've come to the conclusion

that reading and movies in

winter should be of a some-

what lighter nature. Not a

good time for dark murder

mysteries!

Also important is to pay

more attention to food. Eat

well, make the meals more

interesting, eat by candle

light, take time at the table.

Seasonal Affective Disorder 

is quite demanding in its own 

way . . . Bottom line, pay 

attention to business . . . 

12/13/2022

"Spirituality is recognizing 

and celebrating that we are 

all inextricably connected to

each other by a power greater 

than all of us, and that our 

connection to that power and 

to one another is grounded in 

love and compassion. Practicing

spirituality brings a sense of

perspective, meaning and 

purpose to our lives."

~Brené Brown

We had such a marvelous

discussion last night. My

daughter-in-law made an

interesting comment; hope

I get this right . . .

She said something along

the lines of . . . the gift of

religion is that it leads us 

to spirituality . . . lovely 

idea.

Seems to me that the term

spirituality means something

somewhat different to each 

of us. For me, it is found in

acts of kindness, compassion

and forgiveness . . .

. . . handing a child a flower, 

helping an elderly woman

with her groceries, lending

a hand to someone in a

wheel chair . . .

 . . . reading aloud to a person

with poor eyesight, sending

flowers to the lonely, the odd

phone call or note . . .

Religion is a choice that works

for many, methinks having very

little to do with spirituality. This

'don', this gift lives within us all. 

'Tis a matter of paying attention

to business and embracing it

with all our hearts . . .

12/12/2022

"Hell is empty and

all the devils are here."

~William Shakespeare

Had a fab discussion 

w/a long-time friend 

this afternoon. 

We were pondering the

imagined reality of both

heaven, hell. Obviously,

every faith known to

mankind has their own

beliefs regarding these.

On the other hand, no

matter one's belief in the

hereafter, we all live our

own heavens and hells

right here on earth. Some

say, we create them our-

selves. Others say we're

given them as a kind of

lesson. The only way to

learn, right?!

I swear, sometimes I

simply think it's all part

of life and nobody is

assigning anything to

anyone. 

Yes, there are lessons

learned and yes, some-

times I even pay attention

to business and make an

effort to change. Others,

I'm clueless or just not

interested in the outcome.

Maybe, just maybe, it's

different for each and

every! We are all on diff

paths, after all. 

Still, I tend to think that 

all paths lead to Rome!

'Tis a quandary . . .

12/11/2022

Just watched an old show 

that left me pondering . . .

In said show, the protagonist 

arranged a shooting scene in

order to portray his innocence. 

Set me to wondering . . .

How many times have I re-

arranged my own scenes to

make me out the innocent 

rather than the guilty.

I know that when I f--- up,

I tend to keep revisiting the

same scene in my mind, over 

and over. And, if I'm honest

with myself, little by little

that bit of a story just keeps

changing enough to make 

me out to be the innocent.

Here I am, about a hundred

years old . . . when the hell

am I going to grow up and

take responsibility for my

own actions.

Love how life stretches out

an allotted time so one can 

learn. High time I grow up

and take responsibility!

Going to do so if it kills me!

Here's hoping . . .

12/10/2022

"There are only two days in the

year that nothing can be done. 

One is called yesterday and the

other is called tomorrow. So

today is the right day to love,

believe, do and mostly live."

~Dalai Lama

For my sins, seems I ever and

always make the effort to live

in those two impossible days!

I cry over the spilt milk of

yesterdays and stress out about

the morrows. Go figure . . .

Methinks we all get this, those

simple words of the Dalai Lama.

Yet, there is a great distance

between getting them and doing

them.

There's naught wrong with a

look back and planning forward.

But, It's so important to live in

our todays! 

Not quite sure how to get there.

Maybe, it's all about bringing

our minds into the play of the

moment. Easier said than done,

but well worth the while.

I swear, I'm going to make that

effort to live and enjoy today.

Harder said than done, I bet . . .

12/09/2022

"The only real mistake is the one

from which we learn nothing."

~Henry Ford

Saw this phenomenal quote on

our infamous FB this morning.

Methinks, I need this tattooed 

on my very soul!

It's that side of horrific how we

berate ourselves over and over

for the mistakes we've made. 

In some cases, years!

Why is it that we can't accept

our mistakes, learn from them

and move on? We play the

scenarios over and over in our

minds. As the producers of our

own mental movies, we edit,

look at alternative endings, and

waste our time wishing things

had been different.

As I'm about a hundred years 

old, I have no idea how much 

time I have left on earth. I'd

like to think I could learn this

lesson whilst I still have time.

Bottom line, so need to lose the 

guilt over my mistakes already.

Learn and grow?!

12/08/2022

Methinks I've been having

prophetic dreams again.

Pray, allow me to share.

It all began yesterday . . .

We ran to Safeway so I

could buy some crossword

puzzles. Getting home, my

guy put on an old murder

mystery called, Diagnosis

Murder starring Dick Van

Dyke. A tad later, I read

a few chapters of a Harry

Potter book I've been

re-reading.

Beginning to get drowsy,

I fell asleep, along with my

book landing on the floor.

The hours in slumber ever

seem to pass quickly. Upon

awaking, I pondered my

vast prophetic dream.

I was at Hogwarts, Harry

Potter's school, sitting in a

comfy chair in the lounge

by the fire. There I was

working on a crossword

puzzle, when Dick Van D

came in and interrupted

me.

So much for my dreams 

going prophetic, right?!

Sorry I can't write any

more, my own hysterics

are about to throw me to

the wolves . . . 

Oh my God, I must be 

back at Hogwarts . . .

Leave me be Dick, I'm

trying to read here!!!

12/07/2022

"Selling all my physical books

today before I make a big move

and switching to a Kindle."

~Bittersweet

I saw this on FB yesterday . . .

Obviously, it gave me pause.

I'm currently reading an 870

page book and its heft has

made me think it would be

easier to read it on my Nook.

Alas, I haven't fired up my

Nook in a dozen years . . .

not even sure if it works 

anymore. 

Still, there is something

rather phenomenal in a

proper book. Pure magic!

Aside from the afore

mentioned heft, there is

the actual beauty of the

book itself. I like the feel

of the pages and enjoy

turning them as I read.

I do like the practicality

of the electronic book.

Methinks my guy would

appreciate NOT having

the light on while he's

trying to sleep. Maybe 

I should give my Nook

a whirl, or maybe I

should just buy one of

those small lights that

fit on your head?

Wonder where they're

sold, if at all?!

12/06/2022

"I am pieces of all the places

I have been, and the people I

have loved. I've been stitched

together by song lyrics, book

quotes, adventure, late night

conversations, moonlight, 

and the smell of coffee."

~Brooke Hampton

So appreciate this quote . . . 

rather makes one think of a 

life well lived in different 

terms. Too often we judge

success by money made, trips

taken, tasks accomplished.

Taking a page out of the above

quote makes me want to take

a peek at my own values . . .

That which I ever and always

love first and foremost would

be my children. Funnily enough,

I've always wanted them to

experience life through their

own family and friends. Add in

the joy that travel and adventure

bring and bounty awaits!

For me, that salt and pepper 

of a good life, or should I say, 

some serious chili seasoning . . . 

looks like a sweet fire, excellent 

background music, a good book 

and a cuppa anything delish on 

the side table.

Another side of me, not to forget

that I'm a Libra, loves moonlight

conversations with my sisters, 

drum circles and meditations. 

Hey, where's that red? I need a 

little top me up . . .

12/05/2022

Of course you all know my

aversion to winter and snow

as I've bitched about it enough.

Methinks the answer lies in 

the old adage, "Eat, drink and 

be merry . . . " and no, I'm not

adding the last part!!!

Yesterday was one of those . . .

A small group of us made Yule

logs. We all brought small logs

we'd collected. My guy did the

trimming and drilling and we

were on . . .

The table was filled with all

kinds of candles, ribbons,

greenery . . . add in the glue

guns, scissors, snips. And not

to forget the absolute glee!!!

Obviously, we each had our

own plans in mind, but midst

the fun and laughter, sharing 

our bounty, our ideas simply

exploded into pure beauty!

Once we were in final stages,

bottles were opened, snacks

seemed to magically appear.

And a few sips later, we were

off (NOT on) . . .

Taking pics, sharing jest, the

guys must have gotten quite

a kick out of us. Not long

before they joined in, bringing

their noxious ways with them.

'Twas hard to bring festivities

to a close, but dark, home and

dinners ever await. For me, the

end of this perfect day meant

I had to decorate my table and

crown it with my Yule log.

Such momentous memories, 

an ongoing kaleidoscope in

my mind . . . bless ye merry

gentlewomen . . .

12/04/2022

"I'm sassy and passionate.

Chaotic. Sarcastic. Occasionally

offensive, a bit awkward, and

never easy to control. I spent

most of my life thinking those

were bad things only to wake

up one day and realize they

were my best qualities."

~Brooke Hampton

I have a somewhat love/hate

relationship with this author;

mostly love with a little hate

thrown in. I was reading her

self-descript yesterday and

thought to myself, "Self, we

would all do well to follow

her example."

Might be the self-acceptance

that comes with aging. We 

do tend to lose quite a bit 

of nonsense along the way as 

we blow out those additional

b-day candles. 

My first cousin wrote me

yesterday, talking about self-

acceptance. He seemed to

think I had accomplished it,

but I imagine it's rather an

on-going process.

It occurs to me that we'd all

do well to make an intro type

statement about ourselves.

Thinking here . . . seems to 

me, maybe we forget that

essence of being whilst just

trying to get through life the

best we can.

What say you we do this . . . 

a thought or two dedicated to 

our own personal growth. 'Tis

a thought . . .

Were I just meeting myself for

the first time, I would indeed

note the eccentricity. That, I

celebrate. I love well; I friend

well. I celebrate my path and

intentionally walk it every day

of my life.

If I could only . . . awwwww,

maybe I shouldn't even go there!

Tell me, who are you? How are

you becoming?

12/03/2022

Can't help but wonder if 

anyone gets the same kick

out of what I tend to think

of as alternative shopping.

One of my greatest loves

would be proper antique

stores. Alas, pocketbook

doesn't seem to extend to

that kind of shopping . . .

but, I still enjoy the 

occasional look-see.

I do get quite a kick out of

Goodwill stores. Most of

them are organized, clean

and above all, interesting.

I tend to only look at the

pretties, as my mother 

used to call them. I make

an effort to only pick up

older items that would fit

in a 135 year old cabin.

Once in a while, I find a

specialty shop, fund-raiser

type, that I just fall for . . .

and fall for is exactly the

right term; make no mistake.

We slipped away this morn

and visited a couple of places.

I found a few of such fun

things. Thank God I only go

once every month or two.

Otherwise I would be broke.

Love me a good garage sale.

I have a sister who truly rises

to the occasion. She gets up

early at the weekend, makes

a list from the adverts and off

she goes. She has some finds

that must wow the gods! I'm

tempted to theft every time I

visit her. Good thing she has

a great sense of humor.

Sooooo love me some x-mas 

alternative shopping!!!

12/02/2022

I feel like such a shit!

My dearest and bestest just

gave me a very special coffee

warmer for x-mas. Alas, the

mug that comes with has to

be used for it to work.

My problem is that I have an

ongoing love affair with my

absolute favest coffee mugs.

I tried to hide disappointment, 

but she knows me way too 

well. She offered to exchange

it for the more simple plug-in

one I've been intending to get

for myself.

Can't help but wonder though,

Is one born a total shit or does

it come with age?! I'm quite

upset with myself . . . damn!

I'll probably just chastise my-

self, beat myself up, for a few

days and then go on to being

naughty once again.

On a brighter note . . . she did

say she was happy to exchange

it. You know, a friend like this

gal is beyond priceless!!!

Just love her muchly . . .

12/01/2022

Sooooo . . . today marks the

beginning of the end for 2022!

December is such a fun month!

All those different end of year

celebrations for each and every

creed, birthdays and all coming

to an end on New Year's Eve. 

Wow!

My fave part of this month is

rounding up all the presents I've

been buying throughout the year.

I have some pretty odd ways of

wrapping and I get a kick out of

that too. The hard part is getting

them to the post office. I have to

chuckle . . . nowadays, posting 

is more expensive than the gifts. 

Go figure!

I like to begin decorating on the

first every year. Takes me several

days to get it all up . . .  and then

again to take it all down. I usually

find the odd piece that I've over-

looked around Valentine's Day.

This would be my day to remind

myself not to let December turn

me into a proper drinker. Good 

to be both sane and careful though 

my guy has already brought home 

the eggnog and rum.

Then there's that whole thinking

which New Year's Resolutions 

to adopt. You know, the ones we

follow for about three days and

then forget all about them?!

I pray you all have the most

glorious of Decembers . . . the

planning, gifs, celebrations and

family time . . . Just do it all!

love me end of year

celebrations all day long

serve me up some cheer

11/30/2022

"Aging doesn't bother me . . .

I am just grateful I am here

to experience it . . . " z2z

This darn word, aging, creeps

into my vocabulary more often

than I would like! It appears 'tis

something I think about rather

regularly . . . or should I say,

rather too often?!

Bottom line, I'm damn happy

to age . . . especially since the

alternative isn't very attractive!

I also like the freedom that

comes with it. I can do things,

get away with things, that I

never could have in days of

yesteryear.

So, what would it be that I'd

like to get away with! Alas,

dressing down, rather than

dressing up, is a positive!

Living on those well-earned

fringes at about half the price,

if not particularly fun, it is

absolutely interesting!

At this point I'm in swearing

mode ... sooooo NOT going to

give up my upstairs bedroom.

Nor am I adopting a cane any

time soon . . . although I have

three Pagan staves . . . do those

count?

This whole aging thing is fun;

no, I misspeak . . . can be fun!

I prefer it that way . . . will keep

you informed; feel free to join

me anytime . . . sooooo NOT

kidding!

lets have a birthday

aging is better than death

sooooo lookin' forward

11/29/2022

"This busy, materialistic

nonsense is not for me. I

belong in a witchy cottage

in the forest somewhere 

with my books, wild berries

and a pet fox." ~B. Hampton

This would be moi, although

you'd have to add in witch's

brew, otherwise known as

a good dry red! I'm ever so

lucky. I've owned it for just

over a decade.

My tiny, tiny cabin backs

into a several hundred acre

forest. Alas, I no longer hike

up there. The black smith who 

built it in 1887, finally opened

up the attic in 1930 and put in 

two tiny, tiny bedrooms. Finally,

in 1950, a tiny, tiny bathroom.

And just so you know . . .

tiny, tiny translates into really, 

really tiny!

There has constantly been so

much work to do.  A 136 year

old cabin requires an incredible

amount. Still, somewhere 'twixt

this and that red I was talking

about, it truly helps stave off my

depression. Not to worry . . . I

only allow myself some of that

red twice a week . . . even mark

it on the calendar so as not to

overdo.

As as to pets, these are a regular

occurrence around here. Feel 

free to be envious . . .

-bears      -bees, wasps,                  yellow jackets      -birds: bluejay,        chickadee, crane,              finch, junco, hawk,         magpie, morning        dove, nut hatch,          pigeon, robin,                        wood pecker,      -cats, tame       -cats, wild: bobcats,         mountain lion       -chipmunks

-deer: mule,          whitetail     -dogs, domestic      -elk      -foxes, red      -moles,       -rabbits      -raccoons      -snakes, garter      -spiders     -squirrels: fox tail,                 grey       -turkeys, wild      -voles

11/28/2022

Methinks 'tis confession 

time again . . .

Not quite sure what's gotten

into me, but I've a hankering

for Harry Potter. I read the

books, lo these many years

ago. Of course, I saw the

movies . . . but I needed a

re-run, as it were.

I'm on book three, even as

we speak. A bit awkward 

as I've always been known

as something of an erudite.

Although, I suppose that just

might be wishful thinking!

Then I remembered, OUCH,

we oldsters tend to regress

and embarrass our families 

and friends.

One of the things I like about

being a hundred plus years old 

is this fabled regression can be

quite fun . . . and, I'm having 

a ball!

Once I've finished with this

whole HP endeavor, I'm going

to have a look-see into what

other nonsense I can get myself 

into!

Feel free to recommend other

ideas . . . or you might just be

brave and join me!!!

Say, maybe we need a little kid

b-day party to make all this snow

more palatable!!!

11/27/2022

Warning: memory assault . . .

As a kid growing up in the

50's, my family had sit down

meals for breakfast and dinner.

And, you didn't leave the table

until you had finished your

plate!

Must have rubbed off as I

followed in the same vein of

things. And, oh the stories my

kids could tell . . . and do, alas!

Life, jobs, the teenage years . . .

all have to do with things

changing, rules relaxing and

doing things differently. Now,

sit down meals are reserved for

holidays, family get togethers,

special occasions.

Still, methinks I may be getting

a tad out of hand. Yesterday, I

had ice cream for breakfast at

o' dark thirty. It's 4:00 a.m. right

now and I'm having eggnog. And,

don't think for a minute that I'm

going to confess to any more

than that!

I assuage my conscience with

inner rhetoric such as, "I so

deserve this. I'm a hundred years

old, may as well enjoy the time

I have left. Time to think outside

the box." and other such nonsense.

Boy oh boy, if only my kids could

see me now! But at least I eat with

my mouth closed and I say please

and thank you . . . That should

count for something, right?!

11/26/2022

Absolutely fab Thanksgiving!

Our meal, made entirely by my

daughter, was so phenomenal

I probably gained ten pounds. 

We got to visit with family and

friends, share some pies and

coffee . . . then somehow, it 

was time to go home.

What is it about coming home

that is sooooo soothing to the

soul? The closer we came, the 

greater the elation . . . we turned 

in and my heart simply rested. 

Can't say I quite liked the whole 

toting in and putting away our 

treasures . . . I just wanted to

crawl into bed and snuggle. Still,

one must always pay the piper.

What I didn't see coming was

the old bod acting up, probably

due to too much partying. Nah,

that's just dressing up the dead 

pig.

In reality, I should confess to

not only eating too much, but

enjoying chili sooooo hot I 

may never be the same again. 

But, ay Dios mío, yummmmm!

Well, as they say, tomorrow is

another day. I'll still be fat, but

I'm counting on sassy!!!

Oh my God, it just occurred to

me, we're going to doing this

all over again at Christmas . . .

damn!

11/25/2022

A most wondrous Thanksgiving

with family and friends . . . yet,

hardly without drawing breath,

end of year holidays await!

Our Jewish peoples will be

honoring Hanukkah for just 

over a week, the 10th - 18th.

My own Mexican family will

enjoy Las Posadas the 16th -

the 24th.

You probably remember that

the first day of Winter, also

known as the Winter Solstice,

begins the 21st. My cup of tea!

The Hopi nation, will celebrate

Soyal the 22nd. I look forward

to learning more about this

holiday.

Our Christians, as ever, will

celebrate Christmas, the 25th;

I can hardly wait to see the

entirety of our neighborhoods 

lit up to the nines! Well I 

remember my father taking us 

on evening drives to see the 

different neighborhood decors . . .

Kwanzaa follows the day after;

our beautiful black families and

friends from the US, Canada and 

the Caribbean will celebrate right

up to and including the new year. 

I so need to learn more about this!

Now, just add in New Year's 

and its previous eve and we're

talking decor, parties, family

gatherings, special foods and,

you've got it . . . we're all

going to go up a size or two

and then start dieting the day

after.

That ole up and down Libra

scales in me just has to laugh

at our eat and be happy antics

followed by diet and be sad!!!

Sooooo dears, let's all eat,

drink and be merry for the

next three weeks and then

we can share different diet

strategies!!!

Happy holidays, and I mean

H O L I D A Y S !!!

11/24/2022 - Thanksgiving

In my 40 plus years of

teaching, I made it a point

of giving a dozen or so

compliments every class.

A hundred a day being

my goal.

Compliments can make

people, kids especially,

feel uncomfortable, so I

would simply say some

thing like, "Cute outfit,"

or "New cut looks good

on you," and walk away.

My scholastic community

was very impoverished

and compliments of any

sort were few and far

between.

Now retired, I don't often

have the right scenario

in which to say something

positive, but every once

in a while . . .

At Safeway yesterday,

gathering the last of our

TG necessities, I saw

a young woman off to

the side. She was quite

striking and dressed in

a manner to obviously

express her personality

I didn't plan it; I didn't

intend it . . . the words

were out of my mouth

before I could help my-

self. "Oh my God, you

are gorgeous, top to

bottom. Wow! Just WOW!"

She turned around and

stared for a moment and

said, "Oh, I just love you.

I've had such a terrible

day and I've been so down.

I'm going to be okay now."

We walked away, each

smiling . . . We had one

more quick stop. There I

saw this old dame, and I

mean old. Her face was

a map of wrinkles, a life

long lived. Her entire

manner of dress was

phenomenal. My first

thought was, "I want to

be her when I grow up!"

I walked over and said,

You look like such an

interesting woman. Just

love the way you put

yourself together. Fab!"

She turned to me, " Thank

God, there are still some

of us around. But know,

I was having a terrible day,

and you've just made mine."

So, I'm not in the classroom

any more and my kids don't

don't need me to brighten

their day. But, there are a lot

of people around us that

need to hear a genuine remark.

I'm going to make a point to

be Ms. Jennings again when-

ever I'm out and about!

Now, there's a thought . . .

11/23/2022

I am ever both intrigued by

and enamored of havens . . .

Creating those (I feel some 

esses coming on!) small,

secret, sacred spaces . . . 

is a joy in its purest form.

One of my favorite havens

is a reading space . . . 

adequate lighting, a comfy

chair, a delicious throw, a 

couple sweet scented candles.

(More of those pesky esses!) 

I can just envision a basket 

or two of books just waiting

to join me.

I have a haven that means a

great deal to me. I sit in a low

rocker in front of my fire; I 

like candles and incense as 

well. I simply quiet my soul 

so I can listen to the universe.

I've a space in my back yard

as well. It's a bit closed in

by a large bush and several

stumps of different sizes. I

have a long table dressed in

stones I've collected over the

years. Candles can be lit in

their hanging holders. This 

is where I love to meditate 

in warmer months.

So love me my havens . . . 

Can't help but wonder if our

comfort in them stems from

those nine months in a cozy

womb?!!

11/22/2022

I am overwhelmed by

the horrific violence

going on in our country.

Wasn't it just Sunday

night that man walked in

to a gay bar in Colorado

Springs and shot up the

place?! Five dead and 17

injured.

We hear so often about

schools being shot up,

it tends to feel common

place.

I've taught high school

and college for 40 plus

years; I remember open

doors and windows, the

freedom to walk the halls

unaccompanied.

And then . . . first a cop

on each outside door.

Little by little, deputies

added to the halls. The

order to lock doors

during class, leave the

windows closed. Not to

forget that fire drills have

been replaced by intruder

drills.

I abhor the way gay kids

are treated. I hate the way

our gays have to pretend,

hide . . . and if they don't,

horrific consequences 

await.

What's to be done?! Do

we turn a blind eye? Sigh

as we read about it in the

papers? Tut, tut when the

subject is broached in

conversation?

We have all the right

questions and no doable,

suitable answers. Having

said that . . . 

At least we can begin by

educating our children 

from a very young age to 

accept other's differences 

and that violence isn't an 

answer.

But truly, where the hell

are we going with all this

escalating violence?

I despair . . .

11/21/2022

Woke up to an all time 

low of 11 degrees. Well, 

day before yesterday, 8 

degrees, but still . . .

So, "I gird up my loins, 

sally forth to conquer,"

(Proverbs 31:17)

determined to take a 

shower even if it killed

me.

Alas, shower water . . .

f r o z e n !!! Living in

a 135 year old cabin

has its issues, make no

mistake. 

One of said issues is the

ever and always winter

time water freezes. I

despair because it's Fall;

we've had three snows

and daily low temps and 

it's not even Winter yet.

Well, my dear old gran

taught me all about spit

baths. Good thing too

as I chose to live in the

1887the year of the

Common Era . . .

Alas, I digress . . . better

put the kettle on. No, not

for tea, but for a good old

fashioned spit bath. 

Thanks a lot gran!!!

11/20/2022

I've been working on my

tax prep every available

hour for the last three days.

Uggggg!!!

All of a sudden, it occurred

to me that this could be a

new test to see if one is

anal, to employ the teenage

term.

And speaking of thoughts

occurring . . . -Just have to

wash the dishes as soon as

they're dirty. -Need to sweep

every time we build a fire.

-Urgent for me to pay the 

bills on the day they arrive.

-Must make the bed upon

rising. 

Still, tax prep mid November

seems a bit rich even to me!

Methinks a total makeover

is in order . . . and here we

are just in time to write

New Year Resolutions. 

There I go again, doing 

things too early . . . to say

naught of sending out my

x-mas cards in October!

I'm reforming; reforming!

Welcome to the new and

improved nonchalant me . . .

Right?!

11/19/2022

Going to take me a snow 

day today, aren't I?!

I wasn't able to take snow

days when I was teaching,

so I have much to make up

for!

So, what do you do with the

gift of a day when it comes.

I suppose half the fun is just

thinking up odd ideas of how

to spend it.

Starting with breakfast in bed

always seems like a good idea.

Mimosas also come to mind;

alas, no OJ in the fridge. Damn,

just leaves the champagne on

its own, right?!

A good movie, preferably a

murder mystery, is a given

as far as I'm concerned. Or,

one of the phenom books in

my queue. But then, my own

philosophy comes to mind . . . 

When in doubt, do both!!!

I just hate it, but the old bod

demands a nap; a waste of

time if you as me. 

Upon awaking, fun foods to

be made and calories to be

wracked up. If its made with

butter, I'll probably love it.

Most likely I'll write a few 

post cards. I've always been

enamored with mail. Too 

bad I don't get much; e-mail

has seen to that.

Still, a fab day awaits and 

I'm all gung-ho . . .

11/18/2022

Yesterday, it snowed all day.

We sat in front of a sweet

fire and simply watched.

Winter is so hard for me due

to SAD. Seems my lover is

always trying to think of fun

ideas to help. So, he came 

up with a wine tasting for us.

What a man; I give thanks!

We had exactly three bottles

of Merlot, a fave of ours. He

poured a small amount of

each in the three glasses he

allotted each of us. We 

proceeded . . .

We looked at the scent first.

They were all similar, and

the scent was quite mild, 

but the Douglass Hill was 

milder than the other two.

Next, we looked at body.

All three were full body,

clung to the wine glasses

to the point they never

even turned into legs. 

Amazing!

Taste, last but not least . . .

finally! This is where the

true difference began. The

Crane Lake was dryer, my

go to!

The Douglass Hill was

sweeter to the palate. Alas,

I'm sooooo not into sweet

wines!

Strangely enough, the

Pine Croft was both fruity

and dry, a combination I

would not have expected.

Then my guy corked up

a couple and put them

back on the wine rack. I

was afraid I wasn't going

to get any, ha! He served

us each a glass of Crane 

Lake and toasted . . . 

not moi, but the Merlots.

If I'm not mistaken, this 

guy is a keeper! 'Tis a 

good thing too, as we've 

been together just shy of 

23 years!

Salud!

11/17/2022

Yesterday, November 16, is

known as The Night of Hekate.

Let's take a look-see . . .

According to Hesiod's Theogony

Hekate was the first goddess to 

appear in literature in the 8th 

century BCE.

This Greek Goddess, known as

a three-way goddess, is thought

to rule the realms of earth, sky

and sea. Add in other threes

and you have past, present and

future as well.

Her time is the Dark Moon and

I can just envision her standing

at my three-way crossroads,

searching the sky for glimpses

of her favored dark moon.

Her symbol is the key, so of

course I've had a great deal

of pleasure seeking out and

collecting old keys that can

be found all over my cabin

and property.

And, as my cabin stands

on a three-way crossroad,

I felt absolutely compelled

to name it after her.

11/16/2022

"One God, many faces.

One family, many races.

One truth, many paths.

One heart, many complexions.

One light, many reflections.

One world, many imperfections.

One.

We are all one,

But many."

~Suzy Kassem

One of the things I absolutely 

adored about my family, was 

the freedom we were all given

to believe and worship as 

appealed to us.

Going back to kingdom come, 

my mother was a Christian, 

my father a Panentheist, and

I'm a Pantheist . . .  my lover 

as well. 

In our children's world . . .

we have Christians, Atheists

Agnostics, Pagans, even one

of Asian beliefs.

So, where do I go from here?

What is my duty, responsibility

towards others who believe

differently from me?!

I truly believe in each person's

right to choose their own path.

I believe it is my duty to accept

and support this. 

I do hope though, that each of

us follow the creed we have

chosen, quite seriously!

Pray, may our paths converge

one day in great unity, love

supporting us all . . .

11/15/2022

"I choose to live by choice, not chance;

To be motivated, not manipulated;

To be useful, not used;

To make changes, not excuses;

To excel, not compete.

I choose self-esteem, not self-pity.

I choose to listen to my inner voice,

not to the random opinion of others."

~Miranda Marrott

When I first read Miranda Marrott's

creed statement, I was beyond wowed!

She reiterates, for me, the person I long

to be when I grow up.

Most of probably don't have a personal

creed. Or, there are words of others

that move us, but they are not our own.

Miranda Marrott inspires me to do some

pretty serious pondering and maybe even

put pen to paper.

Perhaps, the way to go about it might be

to make a couple of lists . . . one would

be what we stand for and the other a list

of nots and nos. I imagine there would

be plenty of pondering and crossing outs.

But in the end, our own personal creed,

in writing, to be a reminder of what we

stand for.

It might take a while, but I'm going to

do this. I invite you to do the same, if

you are so inclined. You might even

post it . . . keep the inspiration going!

11/14/2022

"I'm making a list and checking

it twice . . . " Why for and what 

gives? you may ask. You may

even wonder why in November

rather than in December.

Sometimes I wonder if this whole

list business isn't an age thing! I've

always used them for efficiency 

purposes. But now, I actually

depend on them entirely.

I have grocery lists, errand lists,

gift lists, travel lists . . . and the

list of lists goes on and on.

I only grocery shop 'bout once

a month, eat out once or twice

and Amazon provides the rest.

I find myself perusing my lists,

crossing them off and rewriting

them.

The thing I quite like about this

list business is the feeling of a

pleasant future they bring. I do

recognize this as being more 

of a psychological malady than

anything else, but whatever 

works, right?!

So, if you happen to find your 

name on one of my lists, you'll

either be receiving a present 

from me, a job or running me

an errand.

I'll cross your name off when

you've done the job; count on it!

p.s. Want to know something

crazy?! I just accidentally erased

my entire November lists. I'm

so angry, I could spit!

11/13/2022

What is it about dining out

that is sooooo enjoyable?

I know people who work

long hours at very demanding

jobs must find restaurants a

saving grace.

Caregivers have not only 

earned, but deserve meals out.

Families, grabbing the joy of

reunions, often meet at such

places. Business lunches also

require eateries, don't they?!

Young people in the dating

game must live their evenings 

in all sorts of these different 

places.

But for moi . . . or should I say 

we elder retirees; eating out, 

choosing different places and 

types of food actually provide 

most wondrous experiences. 

Not all of us travel much and 

eating, surprisingly enough,

is a kind of culinary travel.

Give me Mexican food to

enjoy the Mexico I no longer

travel to. Greek cuisine

delights the palate as I can't

fly in. I've ever and always

loved Italy so I must partake

when I can. 

And my seven visits to Japan

and Korea are well remembered

especially when I'm dining Asian.

I await your recommendations!

Yummmmmm

11/12/2022

Mother, forgive me for I have 

sinned . . .

I find I'm enjoying myself way

too much in this retirement era

of mine!!! Seems me and mine

are all about breaking the rules;

make no mistake!

At o' dark 30 this a.m. I made a

fire, lit the candles, called down

my lover and made margs. I'm

not sure who drinks margs at

6:00 a.m. or so, but that just may

be moi!

Methinks 'tis all about living

outside the box! Something that

is sooooo NOT allowed when

one is still working as a proper

adult!!!

Still, this living outside the box 

is pretty fantabulous, as it were!

Wish I had done more of it when

I was younger, especially with

my children.

Maybe I could advise them . . .

and/or there's always precept

and example, isn't there?!

11/11/2022 - Veterans Day

"Veterans Day celebrates the

service of all US military veterans,

while Memorial Day honors those

who have died while in military

service." Wikipedia

Today, I wish to honor my family

members who have served and are

currently serving in the military. I

thank them for their service . . .

FAMILY MILITARY SERVICE

   FINO: Nicholas (Army),

      Bishop (Marines)

   HOSKINS: Michael (Army)

   JENNINGS: (Army) Samuel,

      Chester, Mervin, Stanley, Gene

   KAUFHOLTZ: Gerald (Air Force),

      Melvin (Army), Russel (Marines),

      ZAK (Navy)

   KUKKONEN: Tony (Navy)

   LEECH: Jesse (Marines)

   MACLEOD: Jacob (Army)

   MCGUINNESS: Ryan (Air Force)

   SEYMOUR: Michael (Navy)

   VEATCH: Delton (Army), Homer

      (Navy), Morris (National Guard),

      Ray (Air Force), Shaun (Navy)

11/10/1775 - 11/10/2022, 247 years anniversary for our Marines

I find myself thinking of my

family as today is the 247th

anniversary of the Marines

and tomorrow is Veteran's 

Day.

And yes, my family was and

is a military family; I am ever

grateful for their service. As

today we're celebrating 247

years for the Marines, I honor

three of my family who served.

My lover of 22 years, served

in the Marines and my nephew

Jesse served and my grandson

is currently serving. We will

be celebrating and surely the

powers at be will be doing so

as well. 

Hats off to those who served

and are still serving. Salute 

yourselves, raise your glasses, 

and enjoy . . .

11/09/2022

Methinks I've found my 

soulmate . . .

He investigates murder; 

I so enjoy murder mysteries. 

He reads constantly; my fave 

activity.  He works crossword

puzzles; my hobby of choice. 

Say nothing of his white hair,

chess playing and he drinks 

cold lagers . . . man of my 

dreams. 

I could get along without the 

womanizing, of course. Wonder 

if his being English makes up 

for it a bit?! 

Alas, he died 20 years ago . . . 

what's up with that?! Worse,

he died at sixty. Who the hell 

dies at sixty. Go figure!

At least, when I'm missing him,

I get to view his shows every

once in a while. Inspector Morse

simply R O C K S . . . no other

way to describe him!

I'm having a current look-see; 

I'll be sad when the series ends.

11/08/2022

Coming home is an interesting

concept! I've talked about this 

before, but perhaps it bears 

repeating!

We all look forward to our mini

vacays, if not proper vacations!

I would say, especially once one

is retired, mini vacays suit both

the temperament as well as the

somewhat diminished pocket

book!

Lucky for me, I see visiting our

kids as mini vacays! Having said

that, I want to look into some

proper little get out of town!

Sooooo NOT advertising here, 

but methinks Colorado may just 

be the be the perfect place for 

mini vacyas!

I have friends in Ouray that much

need visiting, to say nothing of

Delta and Montrose. And, love 

me some New Castle, fave cousins

ahoy! I'd bet dollars to doughnuts 

that there are people who've never 

even heard of these places.

So, here's the plan . . . as I only 

have half a retirement here is U.S.

I'm going to win the lotto (pray I

buy a ticket any time soon) and

I'm going to dedicate the whole

bit to minis!!! 

Wanna come along? Just let me

know! Soooo pray YOU don't

have to win the lotto too as I'm

counting on you to treat the bar

bill!!!

11/07/2022

"she loves wine, but can't start

her day without a cup of coffee. 

she likes breakfast for dinner

and pizza in bed. some of her

favorite days are spent entirely

in pajamas and others are

surrounded by those she loves.

she has learned to live life, her

best life on her own clock and

by her own rules." ~j. iron word

One of my fave authors, he ever

and always depicts exactly who

I want to be when I grow up! 

And then I take another look-see

and realize 'tis absolutely who I

am already. Wow! Just WOW!!!

I've really never had issue with

who I am. In fact, I've always

quite liked me. But having said

that, there's always been bit of a

wonder about who I was going

to be when I grew up.

Methinks, what with being about

a 120 and all, that maybe I should

consider the fact that I am already

grown up . . . go figure!

Maybe my next phase, thoughts

and words, are going to be . . .

"Now, when I get to heaven, I'm

going to be . . . "

11/06/2022

"But all I want

is to touch your soul

in simple ways

in ways you'll never forget."

~indra

Find myself musing about

this constant battle 'twixt

truly living and simply

existing.

I imagine it takes some of

the second to make the first

doable. One has to earn in

order to spend, after all!

There is a part of me that is

quite happy to pay the price

in order to reap the rewards.

But, methinks the problem

just might lie in how we're

taught to work until a given

age and then it's time to play.

Sooooo NOT true! There are

still meals to prep, dishes to

wash, floors to sweep and bills 

to pay.

Praise the gods for our partners 

in crime . . . My biggest plea to 

the powers at be . . . Pray, let us

spend these last years together

in a relative crutches and wheel

chair free existence . . .

11/05/2022

The plains of Colorado have

a completely different kind of

beauty. Wow! Just WOW!!!

This state has it all . . . 

mountains, foothills, forests,

lakes, streams, paths . . . and 

yes, plains! Well, has it all 

except maybe oceans. Sooooo

if you're  an oceans and seas 

lover, you're maybe just SOL!

And now that I find myself

in the elder age bracket, I'm 

hoping I get to lay eyes on 

d) all of the above, before 

passing onto the better life!

Notice I said lay eyes and

said naught about walking,

hiking, swimming, skiing . . .

I get that I actually have peers

who do all of these ing words,

alas, I'm not one of them. 

Otherwise, why would God

have invented PBS and David

Attenborough?

So, if you want to go sight

seeing with me, come on

over; we'll sack out on

the couch and hike Pikes

Peek or Mount Evans!

Oh right . . . I forgot!!

Everything's covered in

snow right now! Damn!

11/04/2022

I sit here at the dining room 

table, looking out at miles

of untouched snow . . .

It's amazing to me how such

beauty can be responsible

for the cold that we feel. It 

may even enhance those 

winter sniffles we sometimes

nurse.

But, in all fairness, snow

also brings much needed

moisture, a gift to Mother

Earth. And of course, it's 

interesting how we all have 

our fave seasons, each of us 

different for our own reasons. 

I'm coming to suspect that 

the answer lies not only in 

acceptance, but in a serious 

search for the beauty and 

the benefits in each season.

Obviously, I'm preaching 

to the choir here . . .  I

actually want to listen to 

my own words this time. 

I need, nay want, to have 

a proper in depth look at

each season and recognize

the benefits of each.

And, not to overlook the

humor . . . such a kick to

watch the kittens sniffing,

touching and sussing out

the snow for the first time.

Toooo sweet . . .

11/03/2022

And, on the third day . . .

November finally began!

I thinks it's because we

celebrate October 31st,

November 1 and 2, that

it doesn't feel like Nov

even starts until the 3rd.

Go figure!

I'm curious to see just

what November has in

store for us. I think of it 

as the gratitude month.

As I enjoy celebrating

the months thematically,

I will dedicate this one

for all that I am thankful.

We can all immediately

list the things we love and

for which we are grateful.

Family and friends, hearth

and home, health and

happiness, the means to

making a living, etc.

And I reiterate, for these

treasures of life, I am most

grateful. Still, this year, I

want to challenge myself

to think outside the box.

I want to have a good look

around my life and find

other things for which to 

be grateful. Bet there are

some much neglected

blessings I haven't even

acknowledged!

Going back to the 'one a

day' formula, let me have

a think . . . What am I

especially grateful for

today outside of those

precious pieces of my 

life mentioned earlier?!

My tiny, little travel trailer 

comes to mind. It houses

dreams of things to come

as well as fun memories

to recall. Every time I 

glance over at it, my mind

is flooded with those places

visited and others to see.

I am grateful that life has

gifted me the means for

this glorious bit of joy in

my life!

11/02/2022 - Día de los muertos adultos . . .

El día de hoy recordamos

a los adultos que hemos

perdido en nuestra estancia

aquí. Es difícil, claro, pero 

algo menos que las triste

memorias de ayer.

Ha sido doloroso perder a

mis padres, tíos, abuelos, 

y ciertos amigos. Pero, 

cuando menos, han vivido. 

Dejando la tristeza de ayer

a un lado, he de confesar . . . 

cómo extraño a mi padre.

Cuando se me fue, se me 

hizo como si yo hubiese 

perdido la razón de vivir.

Sentimientos encontrados,

sin lugar a duda. A diario

pienso en él, lo recuerdo

con tanto cariño. Pero, 

esto de celebrar este día 

cada año, despierta el 

dolor de nuevo.

Mañana apagaré las velas,

quitaré el altar, guardaré 

los recuerdos . . . las

lágrimas cayendo a mares.

Espero que pasen algunos

días rápidamente para dejar

el dolor por otro rato . . .