12/31/2024

"Baby it's cold outside!"

13° and holding . . .

Actually, 13 is such a

magickal number . . . 

 . . . and yes, there are 

those who will understand 

that additional "k"!

Methinks, I got all mixed

up as I tended to think that

autumn was winter and we

were about to enter spring.

Poor winter, I was dissing

it completely.

Going to think about all the

good things winter brings . . .

-snow, much needed moisture

-a time of rest for the land

-a stay at home time for us

-sitting in front of the fire

-hot drinks, no alcohol needed

-visits from those crazies who

  need to get out

Here's wishing you a cozy

day. So hope you don't need

to go out.

 - - -

Baby it's cold outside!

Written by Frank Loesser

in 1944 and popularized 

in the 1949 film Neptune's

Daughter.

12/30/2024

What are friends for?

Obviously, for both the

good times and the bad

times! And the true friend

will remind you when you

are getting off the mark.

I received a note from my

friend this morning, telling

me to get off my suicide 

kick. She's been there, done

that and doesn't want to hear

about it anymore.

I sooooo needed to hear this.

As I suffer from SAD, seems

I go on and on about suicide

all winter. I can't even imagine

just how old that must get.

She's absolutely right. Time

to man up and live right. Tis 

the season to be jolly after all.

   I'm alive!

   I'm healthy!!

   I'm content!!!

Sooooo, get off it already . . .

I don't think Mr. SAD is going

away, but since it's a yearly do,

I need to get over myself and

enjoy the good things.

My thanks to my friend, for 

the courage to reprimand. I

needed that.

12/29/2024

"I've got a lot of life left in

me, but I am moving closer

and closer to the, Best used

by this Date, designation.

Zen to Zany

I'm 175 . . . okay, 75 . . .

 . . . and I guess, doing still

quite well for all of that.

I stand tall, walk straight, 

have a lengthy stride . . .

and all of that makes me 

feel good about this whole

aging process.

On the other side of all this 

entire debacle, I can't recall

what my good friend told 

me yesterday!

Have I taken my vitamins? 

Did I wash today's dishes?

Sooooo need to sweep the

kitchen, but it's too cold,

below freezing, to shake 

the rugs!

I like to think that it's not 

that I am forgetful, but that 

my brain is full and only

pays attention to the most

important!

As the new year approaches,

I'm trying to figure out how

to get rid of some of the 

mundane so more things will

fit in my brain.

Anybody have any ideas? 

Guess not! So, I may as well

open that New Year's Eve

bottle of champagne as surely

today is the 31st. 

Right?!

12/28/2024

We approach 2025, hopeful!

Yet, we find ourselves still

overwhelmed with grief for

the loss of loved ones; fam

and friends.

Other losses matter as well;

jobs to keep our families in 

food and a roof over, as well

as the actual loss of hearth

and home.

How can we possible remain

positive, look forward to the

new year, when so many are

not even coping?

Truly I have no answers. The

questions; too vast, too many.

One thing that occurs to me

is concentric circles. They're

everywhere. The surround us.

If every person in the entire

universe, would tend to those

within their concentric circle,

the world would be a happy

place.

Obviously, not going to be.

So many love to hate, like

their wars, and need to feel 

superior.

Methinks 'tis time to lose

the guilt, define our own

concentric circle and serve

as each best can.

For some, it will be sharing

a bit of food. Others will

write letters. Still, there are

those who will find coats

and blankets to share.

We need to stop worrying

about that which we cannot

change and do what we can

around us.

Trust me, it will indeed make

a difference!

12/27/2024

Had a teacher dream this 

early morn. Anyone who is 

a teacher will know exactly

what I'm talking about!

It was the last class of the

day and the last class before

vacation. Final exam time!

The kids walked in halfway

on vacation already and got 

the rest going once in front

of the test.

I couldn't remember their

names . . . sooooo not moi!

They scooted their chairs

around, huddled in groups

and played music rather 

than taking the final.

I picked up radios, phones,

until my arms were full.

Couldn't find my key to 

open the my locked cabinet.

How could all of this be?

How could it have happened?

All of my students have ever

liked me, respected me and

I've always loved them.

Having given up on the entire

mess, I took a good look 'round.

No wonder I didn't know their

names. They weren't my kids!

My own adorable students were

Mexican kids learning English.

I had no idea who these little

monsters were.

Praise whatever woke me up,

but I had a good laugh rather

than a good cry.

Sooooo love, like, adore, all 

my students from 40 years of

teaching in two countries! I

much enjoy following them

and their stories on FB. A few

have even come to visit.

Many wondrous memories

and a dream is only a dream

after all . . .

12/26/2024, Ode to Joyce

I got a call last night at 9:30

informing me that we had 

lost Joyce.

The comments and accolades

she received on her post would

have much pleased her.

Joyce and I taught together at

Adams City 23 years. We had

morn coffee, FACd, and shared

student concerns and stories.

We were friends out of school

as well and had good times. In

common, we both had purple

in our hair, adored our students

and loved to party. Methinks

'twould be well if I didn't tell

on us; we might need a good

spanking!

Joyce liked to come over to the

cabin for crafting and a good

catch up. Naught was ever dull

when Joyce was around.

She was also part of my spiritual

circle and for that I am thankful.

I can't believe she's gone. I want

someone to tell me it's all been

a mistake. I still have her x-mas

card up on the mantle . . .

Well loved! Well remembered!!

Well enjoyed!!! No finer epitaph

for an amazing woman, teacher,

friend . . .

Here's hoping the heavens throw

you a party at your arrival!!!

Missing you already . . .

12/25/2024 - Christmas Day

'Tis o' dark thirty and I 

am left wondering what 

this x-mas will bring to 

one and all.

And, even though I'm of 

the Yule ilk, rather than 

the Christmas, I have so 

many friends and family

who celebrate Christmas. 

I just know I love all of

us no matter which days

we choose to celebrate.

Today holds a bit of mystery

as we have nothing planned.

We do know one of the kids

is coming over for a while.

I'm looking forward to it!

'Twill be most interesting

to see what happens through-

out the day. I'm sooooo open

for surprises!

Merriest of all Christmas

moments for those of you 

who celebrate this wondrous

time.

Do enjoy every minute!

12/24/2024 - Christmas Eve

I have such fond memories

of x-mas eve w/my parents.

Somewhat impoverished,

our eves were small, but

most wondrous.

The usual unders, a new

book to read and a doll

for me. I've shared before

that I was expected to share

my old doll the following

day. And, if it wasn't as 

nice as the new one, then

I was to give the new doll.

Trust me, I took good care

of my dolls.

I so enjoyed reading my

new book! I was actually

given license to read thru

the night. Fab memory.

We'll begin readying the

cabin for the New Year

today. I find, I'm well

pleased that I'm looking

forward rather than back.

Have a delightful x-mas eve

and here's hoping you get

more than unders!

12/23/2024

Part 1

Sooooo strange . . .

Woke up this early morn at 

quarter to two. The sense of

foreboding was incredible.

Quite frightening actually!

Not sure where all this came

from. It might just be SAD

in action.

I ask myself yet again, how

to cope? I tend to forget all

remedies when in the midst

of a SAD attack. So, I keep

a list . . . and check it twice.

Ha!

Methinks, 'tis off to bed I go

again and see if I feel better

in the morning . . .

 - - -

Part 2

Awoke again around 9:00

this morning and indeed I

feel much better.

I may owe it to a brisk walk

out to the mail box with my

thank you notes. It's 33.3°

so when I say brisk, 'tis

exactly what I mean.

Think I'll spend a few hours

putting away Yule and setting 

up my annual altar for dear

Saint Brighid.

'Tis off to work I go . . .

 - - -

Saint Brighid of Ireland is the

patroness saint of Ireland. She

was the abbess who founded

the abbey of Kildare, as well 

as several other monasteries.

Died Feb 1 525 AD, Kildare.

Wikipedia

12/22/2024

'Tis morning of the day after,

alas!

This particular Yule Eve and

Yule were both phenomenal.

We were lucky enough to 

spend them with friends and

family. And, these are my two 

favest days of December!

Sooooo, where to go from

here?! How will I cope with

these upcoming days of dark

December?!

Perhaps first of all, I simply 

must remember that today, 

the light begins to return, 

just a tiny bit each day.

I so love postcards. Might be

fun for me to send as many

as I can during the upcoming

days . . . might even get an

answer to one or two.

I need to make an effort to

sit by the fire as it feeds my

soul and comforts me.

If outdoors is just too cold to

deal with, the porch for a few

moments each day should do.

I should make more of an

effort to cook. Especially 

in winter, I tend to open the 

fridge to see what falls out

rather than preparing a meal.

Bottom line, I'll be doing all 

of these and any other I can

come up with.

 Here's to growing light . . .

12/21/2024 - Yule

Yule has finally arrived . . . 

Methinks that little kid within

my soul has been waiting for

ages, but truly, we're only 

three weeks into December.

Yes, today is known as Yule,

but it is also called the Winter

Solstice, and 'tis the first day

of Winter.

We're gathering with family

today. So excited to see every

one. Our co-in-laws have

traveled far to be here with 

us as they do every year.

Seasonal celebrations ahoy . . . 

Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah!

Enjoy yours!!!

- - -

Yule is one of the oldest Winter

Solstice festivals in the world,

with origins among the ancient

Norse. It was later incorporated

into the Christian holiday of

Christmas. Today, Yule is

celebrated by many Pagans.

~Al Overview

12/20/2024 - Yule Eve

For moi, the Winter Solstice

is the most wondrous part of

winter . . . kicking it off to a

good start!

And, although I have personal

issues with winter, I simply

adore this holiday, thus starting

the celebrations on the eve.

If you're not familiar with Yule,

and/or Yule Eve, 'tis the first

day of winter. It is celebrated

similarly to Christmas Eve,

which celebrates the birth of

the Christ child.

Meeting with family, friends,

preparing special foods and

gifts, holiday decor all 'round.

This is Yule Eve.

My guy and I intend to sit

before the fire in our lessers,

and simply enjoy each other

and the eve.

Happy Yule Eve to one and

all . . . may light join us as

the days shorten . . .

 - - -

Yule Eve is the night before

the Winter Solstice, Pagan 

holiday celebrating the rebirth

of the sun and the return of the

light and warmth. The Winter

Solstice is the shortest day and

longest night of the year.

~Al Overview

12/19/2024

I imagine this is the time of

year that brings on pondering.

Seems my mind can barely

keep up with all the things 

I find myself thinking about.

The increase in traffic outside

my window makes me think

of hard working families. The

school bus stops for a young

lass every morning just outside

the cabin.

So, why is this so important?

'Tis the darkest time and the 

coldest of days . . . and it isn't

even winter yet.

I think about the holiday 

shoppers; their hurry, their

spending and their exhaustion.

I find myself thinking about

the people I would love to see.

Then, I look outside . . . piles

of snow and sleet everywhere. 

Ever so glad to be retired.

None of this is negative; it

simply is. I am determined to

get through these cold dark

months of SAD with the best

attitude I can conjure. Still

glad for my happy pills though.

12/18/2024

"If you are always trying 

to be normal, you will never

know how amazing you can 

be." ~Maya Angelou

I tend to associate normal

with cookie cutter . . . 

sooooo not who I want to be 

when I grow up!!!

Methinks my entire life I've

been attracted to the different,

the unusual. Same song, second

verse simply doesn't work for

me.

My father, most fab eccentric

of all times, used to call us,

the odd man out. He was the

one who showed me how

wondrous it was to be one's

own self.

My own eccentricities tend

to crop up in me only wearing

black, nigh onto 20 tats, reading

a book a day (or should I say

night?), painting deep blue in

my white hair, but wearing no

makeup, not shaving (that one

hurts!) I could go on and on.

I would encourage each of us

to think . . . think about what

we do that signifies the diff in

each of us. Might even be a

bit of fun.

I avidly await your comments . . .

12/17/2024

"We need beauty because it

makes us ache to be worthy

of it." ~Mary Oliver

Sooooo love Mary Oliver

and her eternal wisdom!

Looking out my window at

the beauty Mother Nature

has gifted often leaves me

breathless.

There's this place on the

highway where going under

the overpass, you're assailed

with an almost 360° of pure

mountain beauty. All seasons,

different views. I've seen it

hundreds of times and every

single one of them takes my

breath away.

The pines up the mountain

beside my cabin can compete

with any beauty one has to

offer. I feel so lucky to live

here. I just ignore the road

noise on the other side! Sigh!

Then there is the beauty in

our children, their kids and

their babies. Naught like it

in the entire universe. Add

in friendship and I'm full up

with beauty.

My heart overflows with

gratitude . . .

12/16/2024

As the year closes down . . .

I get that each of us have our

own doings, rituals, for saying

goodbye. And, many a good 

thing has happened worth

remembering. Alas, 'tis time

to bid adieu. 

I find myself rereading a fave

book or two. I go through the

snail-mail letters I've kept and

reread those as well.

As the day ends and rest is nigh,

I mentally visit scenarios of the

happenings throughout the year

that I wish to remember. I find

there are many.

Something that always amazes 

me, one thing, one tiny little thing

can happen in a 24 hour period

and that's what we remember.

Not the 23 hours and 45 minutes,

but that one little 15 minute thing.

So, indeed I am insistent on

remembering the good moments;

visits from fam and fave peeps.

A good show whilst holding 

hands with my lover, an amazing

meal with my girlfriends, FACs

with our dear friends, neighbors.

In less than a couple of weeks,

this year will simply be a walk

down memory lane.

Let us remember . . .

12/15/2024

Half of December . . . gone!

Seems the days pass ever so

fast. And yes, I do know there

are 24 hours in a day!

I am ever and always amazed

by how fast the days go by,

but in this case, I wish they

would hurry faster!

So looking forward to the

Winter Solstice, Dec 21st.

You may think of the day as

first day of Winter, the first

day the sun starts to return.

As I honor eight specific

holidays throughout the 

year, I tend to call the day

Yule. And 'tis the day I

celebrate in December.

For those of us who are a

tad archaic, we may call it

the Hibernal Solstice.

I guess since I am Linda-Dale,

ld, jennings, mom, teacher,

maestra . . . the first day of

Winter can have several names

as well.

Prepare to greet the day. There

is something about it that is

pure magick! And, you only

have five days to prepare!

Do something special!

12/14/2024

"We must be willing to let go 

of the life we planned so as 

to have the life that is waiting 

for us." ~Joseph Campbell

Methinks Joseph Campbell

must have been the wisest

man on earth! Every time I

read his words, I find myself

inspired.

My mother used to say about

me that I had my life planned

from the cradle to the grave.

Alas, not far from the truth!

Planned to stay home; left at

15. Planned to live in the US;

lived in Mexico 20 years.

Planned to have two; now I

have eight kids. Planned to

live in my beautiful home; I

live in a tiny, tiny 145 year old

cabin.

I could go on and on . . .

Still, I have had an amazing 

life, regret none of it and have 

memories that fill up many a

mental scrapbook.

Ever so grateful for my life . . .

 - - -

Joseph John Campbell was an

American professor of literature

at Sarah Lawrence College who

worked in comparative mythology

and religion. His work covers many

aspects of the human experience.

1904 - 1987 Wikipedia

12/13/2024

"There is hope in people, 

not in society, not in systems, 

but in you and me."

~Jiddu Krishnamurti

Just what I needed for right 

now. And, no need to go over 

those things that are troubling 

me within the system.

I needed to be reminded that

all I need to be thinking about

are my people . . . our children,

friends, those who teach us.

The children, albeit born of my

body, or born to me through

marriage . . . every single one of

them are absolutely phenomenal

people. We are sooooo blest!

And friends . . . I could tell tales

out of school. Fab peeps; make

no mistake. I am so blest within

these circles of friendship.

Methinks, I'll be concentrating 

on these gifts to moi and not

concerning myself with what

I consider as odious politics

within the system.

Bless our children! Praise god

for friends . . . and yes, I will

continue to learn from those

who teach me . . .

12/12/2024

Not only do we live in a 145

year old cabin, but yesterday

we went through some 145

year old experiences.

We had seen men installing

telephone poles, so losing

our electric was no surprise.

That came throughout the

afternoon and evening as

the outage lasted eight and

a half hours.

Funny how you do so many

things by rote. I put in a load

of wash, no electric! Went to

get a beer out of the fridge,

no electric! In the jane, tried

to flush, no electric!

On the fun side of these dark

hours, a fire in the fireplace

and candles glowing every-

where. So beautiful. Even

better, our friends came over

to see how we were faring

and we enjoyed the p.m.

together.

Funny . . . we were sound

asleep when the lights came

on. Go figure!

Sooooo, today we have electric

but I have to go to the dentist.

Methinks I'd rather have lights 

out!

12/11/2024

December . . . simply 

brimming with holidays 

begging to be celebrated! 

Rather promises to be a ton 

of naughty fun!

-13th, Friday the Thirteenth

-20th, Yule Eve

-21st, Yule

-24th, Christmas Even

-25th, Christmas

-31st, New Year's Eve

I'll be celebrating a great deal 

of joy in these upcoming 

December days. But, I fully 

intend to behave myself and 

mind my manners. Right?!

Still, I must be careful as I 

have no intention of drinking 

the lush. Mother is watching

after all! And, I better watch 

how much I eat as I always 

gain weight in December. 

Sooooo looking forward to 

visits from family and friends,

phenomenal foods, surprise 

packages and sweet drinks!

January is diet time; make no

mistake . . . and no drinks for 

30 days! Love me my dry

Januarys!

And, methinks 'tis a phenom 

idea to honor the promises I 

make to myself.

Cross my heart and hope to

die . . .

12/10/2024

~!@#$%^&*()_+/?

7° and 6" snow . . . and we

are still 11 days 'til winter.

I'd protest, but it's too cold

to march.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I'll shut up now . . .

12/09/2024

"What you think, you create.

What you feel, you attract.

What you imagine, you become."

~Buddha

 

I am overwhelmed . . .

Everywhere you turn, wisdom

abounds. Albeit ancient, old or

new, it's there for the taking.

Alas methinks, we've come to

the point where we're so busy

we don't notice said wisdom

that surrounds us.

We live in a world of Hurry!

Hurry! Hurry! Do! Do! Do!

We struggle to survive, to

make ends meet, to live yet

another day. Not much time

for wisdom.

I thought that retirement and

old age would at last bring

these to my door.  And yes, I

have the time, the inclination,

but perhaps not used to paying

attention.

I see one has to be consciously

at the ready to receive this gift.

Even, consciously searching.

I approach these latter years

of my life. Having said that,

I know I must find wisdom.

I need to learn to act within

the parameters of the wise.

I so pray I find the answers 

before 'tis my time to go . . .

Blessed be!

12/08/2024

"I am made of water,

of course I am emotional."

~Rupi Kaur

I much enjoy the the five

directions and elements. 

Part of my belief system

and ever so important to 

me.

I know this will not be

understood by one and 

all. Still, I find this has so

helped me to understand 

myself, and has served 

many of my friends as 

well.

See what you think . . .

North, Earth – wondrous,

glorious place where we live.

East, Air – that which allows 

us to breathe and represents

our intellect.

South, Fire – our love and

passion for life.

West, Water – gift of life

and blessing of emotion.

Center, Spirit – the greatest 

gift of all, that which allows

us to live with ourselves in

peace.

I so identify w/Rupi Kaur, 

in the above quote as I am 

water and ever so emotional.

Perhaps 'twill serve you as 

well.

12/07/2024

One of the things I dearly

love about winter is when

I can deal with it properly.

You know, like a normal

person; cold okay, mud

okay, snow okay!

Can't claim to do so every

day. Days when I get the

shakes, or the downs, even

tears. But today was fine!

Oh that's right, I had guests

in the morning and others

in the afternoon. And yes, 

I do know by now that this

truly helps. Makes a diff!

Really, the only thing that

scares me is I keep thinking

it's winter and that it's almost

over. And damn, winter does

not even start for two more

weeks.

Methinks an inheritance is

needed! Going to buy a little

cabin in New Mexico or AZ.

I'll leave Linda here and send

Dale there!

Ha! A split personality awaits!

12/06/2024

Sooooo loving me my friends!

In the afternoon, our neighbors

and besties came by. 'Twas

most lovely; I hadn't expected

them 'til the morrow.

Then came my dear, dear friend

from up north and today we'll

be joined by our third.

One might ask why this is so

important. Surely, we see our

friends all the time.

Living out in the boondocks, 

by choice, I might add, we do

not see many people. So bless

our neighbors who check in on

us weekly, sharing laughter, 

drinks and friendship.

I do love living here, especially

now that we're three quarters 

of a century. We have quiet on

the forest side and noise from

traffic on the other. I tune that

out completely. Alas, my guy

doesn't seem to be able.

So, what are all these musings

really about?! Just thinking

out loud?! Or, is there a reason?

Indeed, these ramblings are all

about gratitude. The people in

our lives make a difference in

the quality of our actual living.

This is Thanksgiving spilling

over into December. Bottom

line, my cup runneth over, as

the good book says!

12/05/2024

"Your time on Earth is limited.

Don't try to age with grace,

age with mischief, audacity,

and a good story to tell.

The Death Deck @case.kenny

Sooooo just what I needed 

to hear this early morn!

Still hear my mother telling 

me to be a good girl, my dad

suggesting I live a little . . .

Mom - Comb your hair and

put on a clean dress. Dad -

Put on some jeans and climb

a tree or two. Is it any wonder

I'm Linda to my mother and

Dale to my dad. Go figure!

This is good as well. I owe 

college to my mom and my 20

years in Mexico to my dad. In

fact, 'twas my dad who aided me

in leaving home at 15 whereas

mom wanted me to stay at least

another year.

So, 'tis my mother within that

washes the dishes and my dad

who whispers in my ear, "Just

let them drip dry!"

I want to be just like him when

I grow up . . .

12/04/2024

"Friendship is born at that 

moment when one person

says to another, 'What! You

too? I thought I was the only

one!" ~C.S. Lewis

No can do wait 'til February

to think of friendship! 

As I struggle with Seasonal

Affective Disorder, SAD . . .

I thrill in the reception of the

odd card, an occasional visit,

an unexpected gift, friends

checking in to see how I'm

faring.

There are friends who have

been there, done that. Others

haven't, but on some level get

that winter is a devastating

time for those who suffer SAD.

As I sit under my special light

each day, I think of the friends

who pay special mind during

these dark months.

It has also been recommended

to spend some time outdoors

each day. Here's hoping going

to and from the mailbox counts!

And bright blessings to each of

you who help me through . . .

12/03/2024

Can't help but wonder what

surprises the month of Dec

holds for us . . .

Will our children visit? Here's

hoping, but I know 'tis a busy

month for all.

What friends will we be able

to see, weather notwithstanding.

I would confess, visitors are a

fun happening; make no mistake!

Will we be trying new foods?

We have a close friend who is

a phenomenal chef. He lets us

try things on for size now and

again. Think I feel the calories

before he ever reaches the door.

What about Yule gifts & x-mas

presents?! I find myself in this

time and place of nigh onto a

hundred years old. Makes me

want to share my treasures

rather than rush out to Wally

World and buy just any old thing.

Sometimes, it's hard to let go of

one's treasures. But, ever so nice

to place them in the hands of a

loved one and know they'll be

cherished.

Just have to wait and see what

happens. Buy? Share? Guests?

Special foods? 

Still, I have this sneaking feeling

that December is going to be a

lot of fun . . . yes, I am working

on my winter attitude!!!

12/02/2024

Did our Dec shop this early

morn; most likely we'll not

be stepping out any more 

this month.

Hit the bank for available

shekels and off we went.

Did it all in three stores

and mailed my packages.

Upon arrival at the cabin,

checked my list twice in

honor of Mr. Clause him-

self. 

Realized we'd done three

bottles of wine for Yule

as well as groceries . . .

but where are the gifts?

Damn! Rather makes me

think we'll have to go to

town again. Don't like to

shop per se, but December

is a huge no, no.

Alas, methinks lack of

planning . . .

Come on over and we'll

share a beer!

12/01/2024

December falls under the

category of admonishment

for moi . . .

I have enough DON'TS I

could write another set of

Ten Commandments!

1) Don't spend shekels you

don't have.

2) Don't eat too much holiday

food.

3) Don't drink every day and

don't drink too much.

4) Don't use paper plates; 

wash the dishes already.

5) Don't go out unless in dire

need. 

6) Don't wrap presents; place

in bags as they are reusable.

7) Don't forget to send Yule

cards.

8) Don't drive on usual party

times.

9) Don't burn the house down;

watch that fire.

10) Don't let the mice in; it's

cold outside and they're waiting

in line to come in.

I know I complained about Nov,

but maybe we could go back to

it for just a few more days! 

Or . . .

We could just skip winter entirely!