The 6 p.m. bell is ringing.  Got up this morning quite early, wrote a lengthy blog, and when it was finished, I deleted it.  Some days I go overboard with my transparency.  The topic was integrity and the lack thereof.  

After that, I searched the web for a picture of a Chinese tea field and a photo of the Bedouin way of pouring tea for the display case.  Their way of pouring tea is holding the pot way above the cup as this photo shows.  By doing this they air the tea and that creates a foam.  This is repeated two or three times before serving that glass of tea for each guest to enjoy.  You can see the foam in this photo.

The Chinese tea field that we're using for the display is this one which shows people picking the tea leaves in the tea fields. 

Tea Fields

Don't know what it is about the eastern cultures that fascinates me.  Maybe because their customs are so different from ours, it only makes sense to educate oneself.  In many ways we pale in comparison.  Oh, I know there are laws that we don't agree with, but the people have to abide by them.  That's when I appreciate the freedoms that I've known my whole life.  

The boyfriend made us a batch of chili for supper, and I gave him a haircut.  He has a Venny council meeting in the morning at 10, and after that we'll maybe go out for lunch.  The weather is forecast to be unseasonably warm.  A couple sat out on one of the lawn benches for quite a while this afternoon.  

Got an invitation to Buffy's house on Friday at 5.  I'm SO happy that we'll be getting the little four pounds of sugar again in February.  

Am off to the circus for a bowl of piping hot chili topped with grated cheddar cheese and hot pepper flakes.  Sometimes I put on more toppings, but that's all for tonight, along with a Diet Coke.  We've been having an after-supper snack of an apple dipped in peanut butter.  

Nite-nite.  

Gotta be down in the Fireside Room at 10 this morning, so setting the siren was a necessity.  Once in a while it's good to set the siren, cuz it reminds us just how darned wonderful it is to be able to sleep in as late as we want.  That is one of the best perks of rising to the top of life's ladder.  At this stage of life, we have gained the wisdom to realize what really makes life easier.  We've crossed the retirement finish line, and it's time to harvest the perks.

The Tea Project is finished.  I'll get out my gramma's teapot and the tiny tea set, give 'em a wash, and carry them down at 10 this morning.  Before that, gotta shower and get presentable.  Another retirement perk is allowing oneself to look like a first class frump.  Gone are the days of panty hose and heels, dresses and skirts.  My closet contains neither.  Most of the time, I wear shoes without socks or preferably go barefoot.  When a person thinks about it, we begin to cherish sleep and comfort....which are precursors to "the big sleep."  Think I'm gonna welcome the transition.

We're having yet another day of gloom.  The sky is a gun metal gray.  Wonder how the poor little groundhog is going to perform his annual test.  We already can tell the days are a bit longer.  That's another of life's mysteries....how the world turns and the seasons change according to an invisible mechanism.  Even a gloomy day gives one cause for pause.  The sun is shining up there, but we just can't see it.  The Mighty Mechanism hides the light from us just like a mystery book.  All things of Nature are wonderments, like the superlative structure of a snowflake, the drops of rain, the rainbow, the thunder, lightning, and all of the other weather-related transitions that go on around the world.  How can humans be so frail, yet so arrogant?

I find a giggle when I listen to the experts on one thing or another.  For sure, there are those who know more about one subject than the rest of us.  But, each of us knows a lot about something.  Some humans shine like the sun and are known around the world.  The majority of us are like cloudy days, when the sun's hidden behind the clouds.  We have those who tell us how many steps we have to take every day, I think 10,000 is recommended.  If we fall short of that, we entertain godawful guilt.  It's the same thing when others tell us what we should eat.  But, in the end, no one has the answer to anything.  Remember Jack Lalane, the physical guru?  OMG, I think he ate grass and had muscles in his ears.  BUT, he, too, succumbed to final rest despite his efforts and wisdom.  This is the way I rationalize with myself about doing what I feel like doing while I can.  This business of putting standards out there for everyone is as silly as putting olives on ice cream.

Did anyone watch the Alex Murdaugh evidentiary hearing that was held yesterday?  I watched the Judge interview each of the jurors and the questioning of Becky Hill, the Clerk of Court, who wrote the book that caused such a stir.  In the end, the Judge denied Mr. Murdaugh's request for a new trial.  The Judge did say that Becky Hill's testimony was not entirely credible.  The defense lawyers were aggravating.  I'm sure the case will now go to the appellate court.  The big boys just can't deal with losing.  

Well, best get cracking here.  The boyfriend handed me a slice of buttered toast, and that's our breakfast.  My morning sustenance is a cuppa coffee, black and strong.  No fairy pee for me.

Let's all stay in our own lane and be safe.  Ta-ta till the morrow.

Today's frustration stemmed from my Chromebook Google Account that was out of storage.  I fiddled around until I found how to permanently delete photos, videos, and saved documents from way back when.  My heart broke when looking at pictures of Emma, Cuddy, and of happy family times.  I figured if they make my heart hurt, why not get rid of 'em.  That's exactly what I did.  Pictures are wonderful, but they can also make a person downright sad.  Regardless, I recouped storage space and was able to continue downloading stuff.  

Like with photos, we get so wrapped up in the times gone by, that we fail to give our very best to the present.  That's human nature.  Our minds can be our worst enemy sometimes.  Wouldn't it be a spectacular perk if the brain had an on-and-off switch?  OMG, that would be a game changer alright! 

The computer storage alert cost me precious time that I should've been giving to the teapot project.  After figuring out what to do and how to do it, my brain feels like a fried egg.  This is where I practice what I preach and give it a rest.  Gonna head over to YT and watch some mind-relaxing videos.  Last evening I found a couple who live in mountainous South Korea.  It's raining with light snow there now.  They warm their small home with wood and prepare simple earthy foods like mushrooms, walnuts, persimmons, and eggs made with green onions and carrots.  Then I jetted off to Japan, where I watched a couple who run their own restaurant.  Just love watching the wok chefs create their dishes that make me drool in the distance.  

On the Korea video they made snow ducks after it snowed.  They use a gadget called a duck tong.  They fill the duck-shaped part with snow, close it with the tong handles, and when they open it they have a little snow duck.  Talk about cute.  

The sun is shining, and I see little Olive out for a walk.  She's a cute little puggy who lives at Venny.  The neighborhood has quite a few fur babies that take their daily outings within our view.  All's quiet and that's the way we like it.

Down in the Fireside Room is a charming display case that features the latest of revolving exhibits.  The boyfriend's chip-carvings have been displayed, as well as nativity sets from around the world, and other collections belonging to our Venny family.  They're in the process now of changing the display to teapots.  The gals in charge of organizing the case asked if I would research and type up a hand-out telling about the history of tea.  

This sounds like my cup of tea.  And, will give me the opportunity to display my paternal grandmother's teapot....the only possession of hers that I ever owned.  Back in my blogs somewhere I've written about this teapot and how I acquired it.  Regardless, it is a black teapot made in England.  Very plain.  

While talking about this, we gals chatted about hosting a tea party in conjunction with the teapot display.  Right away I offered my services in making fancy tea sandwiches.  I watch Nicolas Fairford videos on You Tube.  He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has featured the making of fancy cucumber sandwiches and more.  He'll some weeks take his viewers to tea in historically elegant restaurants.    

So, today I'm going to be googling all things related to tea, it's history, consumption statistics, and hopefully some fascinating tid-bits about tea.  I'm thinking of making a separate handout about proper tea etiquette. Of course, the other gals are in charge, so I'll simply toss out suggestions and let them decide.  

Among my treasures is a tiny tea set that I've had for years, as well as four fancy tea cups and matching saucers.  I've offered the cups for the tea party.  I figure why have 'em if we can't use 'em.  There's no one following in my family footsteps who will be waiting to inherit them.  So, if one gets broken, no tears will be shed.  Maybe it would give me the opportunity to replace it with another set that needs a caring owner.  No sense in crying over spilled tea!

Last evening's chowder turned out better than expected.  I made a large kettle, so no worries about tonight's supper.  Soup is better the second time around.  Another lazy day of sports and research.  It's gloomy outside.  Perfect for snuggling with one's favorite napping blanket. 

Ta-ta.

Where has January gone?  Wasn't it just Christmas?  The next mushy holiday is Valentine's Day.....the hearts, the flowers, the boxes of chocolates, the jewelry, the cards (probably e-cards).  It pains me to think that for some these special gestures are annual and not daily events.

There won't be any exchange of sweets or posies at our home.  Nah, we're into the silliness of teasing each other with some smart-a__ remarks, and maybe making a special supper.  In our younger days, we went out for dinner to celebrate days like Valentine's, but not anymore.  Our home is where it's at, and our priorities and comfort levels have changed with the years.  Yes, I'm old-fashioned and mighty proud to be.  I wave the baby boomer flag high, shouting my praises for the generation who worked hard to get where we are.  We might be inching closer to the end of our life ruler, but we've been warriors through our individual battles.  None of us ever felt entitled, that's for sure.  

The boyfriend went grocery shopping yesterday afternoon.  Sports scheduled on the telly for today propelled him to save the weekend for kicking back at our home stadium.  For the life of me, I can't understand spending thousands of dollars to attend a game, when watching it at home is far more on point.  Guess I'm not a sports fan, so best not judge others.  I do enjoy baseball and have gone to big league games in earlier years.  My memories are of the hot dogs.  Go figure.

My cleaning house efforts are still on point.  Each day one more thing gets put in the 365-toss box.  To be honest, I don't know if there will be enough stuff to keep going for one full year.  Gotta remember, tho, that there's our storage unit on the lower level that has stuff, too.  My next job is to go through the cookbooks that came to Venny with us.  Am thinking of getting rid of half of them.  The question is whether I count each cookbook as one toss or lump 'em together as a count of one.  Maybe each one will be a day's toss.  That makes sense.

When I need a recipe, the first place I head for is Pinterest.  Just love that place for finding lots of things.  I have recipe books from Mom and Gramma, and there are a few of my own that I'll hang onto.  Cooking and baking just aren't in my special interest categories anymore.  Am not sure if it ever was.  My favorite time to cook has always been for guests.  

Our sliding door is open, with fresh cool air feeling like being hooked up to oxygen. Feels wonderful.  All the snow has melted from our deck.  The other day we were talking about growing Amish Chocolate Tomatoes on our deck again like we did for one year.  We planted two in one planter and were eating tomatoes like jelly beans at Easter.  Am also going to get a hanging plant to pamper.  Our small deck is a little slice of happiness for me.  

This afternoon I'm making a kettle of chowder for our supper.  One task that I love doing is cutting up vegetables for soups.  Don't know what it is.  I sit by the counter and chop away.  The boyfriend bought a bread bowl that we'll dip into the chowder rather than eat out of the bread bowl.  

Overcast outside, dreary and drab.  We still have our Christmas evergreen on the door to our unit, and it's looking kinda out of place.  But, it'll stay up until the first of February.  Then we'll change to hearts and flowers.  I used to save flowers from year to year, but don't do that anymore.  With Dollar Tree close by, I'd rather buy new ones and make my own arrangements. 

By the way, today, January 27th, is National Fruit Cake Toss Day.  This is the day to throw the leftover Christmas fruitcake as far as you can.  The birds will love you for it!
 

Well, well, well, life just continues to be one flippin' surprise after another.  Think I'm going to start wearing a seat belt in my recliner!

Went to the doctor yesterday to hopefully get good numbers from our lab work.  Well, we aced that, both of us.  Our duo appointment went very well.  BUT, before the appointment was over, he reviewed our records to see if we were current on our vaccinations and our preventative health tests.  My heart was tickled pink that I no longer need to go in for the boob squeeze, BUT I didn't think about the roto-rooter test where they test for colon cancer.  You see, my daddy died at 71 from colon cancer, so that's a big red flag in my health records.  

We had a nice discussion, I, of course, did not want to have one.  BUT, after he explained that last time there were pre-cancerous polyps that were removed, he got my senses aligned and I surrendered.  I'm simply too young to fold now.  It's that business of taking care of oneself.  Maybe if daddy had gone to the doctor, his cancer could have been avoided, too.

Long story short, in three months I'm scheduled.  Yup, that's how far out their scheduling is.  Am not going to fret, but will rather face this like a soldier and fight for my life.  I did ask for a male doctor and for an alternative to drinking the water tank of dreadful liquid.  It makes me throw up.  So, he will order an alternative prescription.

My boyfriend suggested that I not be transparent about this, but, hey, if the King of England can tell the world about his health issues, then so can I.  It's that business of we're all in the same boat, except few share their experiences.  It's okay to be private and in many ways I am very private.  BUT, at this stage of the game it's kinda silly to pretend that life is anything but what it is.  

We went out for lunch after our appointment, to the tune of $30+, for a meal that left us wondering what happened since we ate at the restaurant last.  Both of us needed the treat, yet we came home praising our home-prepared food.  Usually I stay up until the wee hours of the morning, BUT last night I zonked out at 10 o'clock and slept until 8 this a.m.  

There's a lot to be thankful for, and I'm here to shout out praises for the young doctors that keep us boomers on track.  I thought it was kinda cute that he referred to the two of us as 'salt and pepper.'  Every single night I pray for the doctors and nurses in our world who work hard to better the human condition.  I myself cannot even watch the lab technician take blood from my arm.  I look to the side.  So, that means that my part in the human game is to pay homage to those dedicated souls who are in the front lines every day caring for the health issues that plague every one of us.  

It's another dreary day here.  Yesterday the temps were in the high 30s.  A good share of the snow has melted off of the deck.   

So goes our days.  Before I close, I'd like to thank someone special for the snail mail and photos of Frank, a beloved Dachshund, who lives on the west coast.  Like I've said a zillion times before, there's no love like the love from the Canine Kingdom.

Ta-ta. 

Just never know how a day will unfold.

Initially, it was I who had the routine doctor's appointment today.  The boyfriend's routine appointment was scheduled for Monday past but was canceled by the clinic.  The caring person that I am (clearing throat), I offered up today's appointment to the boyfriend...thus, getting myself off the hook.  Well, yesterday the clinic called to remind both of us of our appointments for today.  Hmmmm......that odd, cuz I thought I had canceled mine.  Turns out, the doctor is seeing both of us today.  We could opt for a duo appointment, or he would see each of us separately.  That was a no brainer.  We're having the lab done first and then we'll see the doctor together.  Easy-peasy.  Hope the numbers game plays out in our favor.  The state of one's health is all about numbers.  

I'm such a dweeb when it comes to going to the doctor.  It matters not that I have probably the kindest and sweetest doctor in the world.  The anxiety prevails no matter how hard I try to defeat it.  It's like I'm a child, instead of someone in their seventh decade.  

So it is that I confess to another of my human frailties.  Just don't like the spotlight on myself.  Going along to someone else's medical appointments is a breeze.  Not a twinge of anxiety.  But, when I'm the patient, it drives me nuts.  Maybe I need a shrink.

After our appointments we're going out for lunch.  Am going to let the boyfriend pick the restaurant.  Fasting lab work means our appetites will be antsy by noon.  

"A good physician treats the disease.

A great physician treats the patient who has the disease."

~William Osler 

Glory be to the Father.......I've started a massive spring clean at our home.  In addition to my 365-Toss-Challenge, I am reorganizing to improve accessibility.  After a while, the invisible elves put things in places they don't belong. Hence, the frustration.  

Yesterday I did a thorough clean of the space where our new Air Fryer sits.  This included cleaning the back splash and under the cupboard that hangs above it.  Have concluded that little else cleans as well as Dawn.  

Also cleaned and refilled the olive oil decanter.  The first item to leave our unit was an oil decanter.  The four canisters are on the firing line until I figure out where to put them, if I put them anywhere at all.  This sort of cleaning is not something that I do in one fell swoop.  Rather, in small increments so I can think things through before knowing exactly the best plan.  I make this sound like rocket science, but in some ways it is.  Everything must have its own place.

Spices are another problem.  There's no way I can simply put them in the cupboard.  Trying to find some certain spice would be a nightmare and would require me taking everything out.  So, the spices are all in one plastic tote that can easily be taken from the cupboard and looked through.  Half of the spices we never use, but just maybe a recipe will require something odd like coriander.  Come to find out that coriander is cilantro.   Am simply going to make an effort to use up what's taking up space.

With that said, I'm feeling quite self-satisfied that finally the busy bug bit me.  This means that my cold/flu stint must be over.  January is the perfect time to buckle down and get stuff done, cuz when spring arrives, who wants to have their nose in the cupboards?  Not me.  

One thing we must do is use what we have and not keep buying stuff we already have stashed away.  For instance, I don't know how many packets of taco seasoning, jello and pudding I sorted through.  The first thing I did was make a big box of strawberry jello for tonight's dessert.  We usually buy sugar-free, but somehow a box of regular jello snuck in. Both of us like jello.  We're out of fresh fruit and canned fruit, so we'll eat it plain.  

Tis another overcast day here.  A big black crow just flew past.  We don't have any winter birds to watch.  When they put in new decks, they did away with the area where my precious little sparrows lived.  It was such a safe place for them.

Good news to report about my olive tree.  New shoots have sprouted, and that makes me happy.....considering the lack of attention it's received lately.  

Nothing newsy.  Last night I stayed up until 3:30 a.m. watching a Perry Mason marathon.  Finally told myself to shut the laptop down and go to bed.  

 Today I'm starting out by posting a ditty that I read on FB a few minutes ago......

Here is the ultimate way to make life simpler and clean the house at the same time.....with very little effort.  You see, I've done this before.....but never managed to keep it up for one entire year.  

My approach was to find a cardboard box.  Every day I put one thing in that box until it was full and ready to be donated to a thrift store or dumpster.  Down-sizing is an endeavor that has no end.  We humans never stop "adding to the pile," so to say.  For a while, every time I bought something, I tossed another.  That kept a balance.  Like always, I've become lax, but now it's time to arouse my enthusiasm and get back on task.

Did you ever wonder why it has to be so difficult to do two things?  To lose weight and keep the house clean.  Any time we allow ourselves to enjoy comfort foods or indulge in the comfort of lounging around, well, things go sideways.  Pretty soon our clothes get tight and the house is a mess.  Every single thing in life requires our motivation, our energy, our determination, our discipline and strength.  Our generation was raised to push ourselves, sometimes beyond what made sense at the time.  Yet, we pushed, we worked, we did everything we were told to do.

Where am I going with all of this?  Well, after living about 28,000 days, I'm getting weary of following the rules.  I'm not as energetic and motivated as I used to be.  My need to be on top of my game is fluttering in the wind.  I no longer need a lot of the stuff that once made me feel good about myself.  When we downsized to move to Venny, I saw just how much stuff a person accumulates, and to what end?  Only to be buried under our accumulations and the guilt we feel when our accumulations overtake our lives.  Stuff everywhere.  Drawers and closets get messy.  Things aren't where they ought to be.  To be perfectly honest, a lot of stuff now makes me feel like a hamster running in that round cage.

I'm gonna challenge myself to the 365-Toss starting today.  I'm truly serious about this and will keep my readers up to speed on my efforts.  I'd be pleased if any of my followers would care to join me.  This is the easiest way I can imagine to clear out the excess.  I love to challenge myself, so I'm committing to this in front of the world.  One year from now our home will have 365 less things in it, and that will make me and the boyfriend very happy.  Do I have any takers out there? Misery thrives on company.

Sunny 13° Sunday where we live.  The sun shining in our sliding patio doors is so bright, we pulled the blinds.  A girls' basketball game is on the telly for the boyfriend, and I'm catching up on the daily videos on YT.  

Last evening my brain got tangled up in episodes of Perry Mason.  Back in 1957, when the first Perry Mason shows aired, I was already hooked like a flopping fish on the world of Della Street, Perry's devoted assistant.  At age 17, I found myself hired by a local top law firm, as a devoted assistant to a criminal trial lawyer.  His brother, also an attorney in Arizona, in later years hired me to type a book he wrote.  After 14 years, my boss died of a heart attack, and that was when I transitioned over to juvenile court, where I stayed for the next 27 years.  I'm still addicted to watching trials, law enforcement interrogations, and detective dramas.  I'm so into this that I sometimes find myself wiping off my fingerprints from the remote control!  (just kidding)

Today I'd like to share something that I found on Facebook.  It's a piece entitled YOU by Donna Ashworth.  In my opinion, it's a piercing point that each of us should think about.  Never does the human mind fail to astound me.  Of all the reading I've done in my life, this is probably the most powerful confidence booster.  Our normal reaction to life is to feel unnoticed, but this tunes us in to a channel that can't help but nourish our own personal heart and soul.....

Enjoy your day.......and imagine the glitteringly beautiful network that you have inspired during your earthly journey.

Yesterday's trolley to pick up our friend from the hospital couldn't have gone more smoothly.   I texted him as we drove through towns so he'd know when to expect us.  His release papers were signed, and he was at the main entrance when we drove up.  Then we headed for Star Ocean Buffet, where we sated our appetites.  The coconut shrimp were as yummy as anticipated, as were the egg rolls, fried rice, and other usual buffet choices.  This was the first time they offered tiny custard tarts, and they were a nice treat for those of us who remember our mother's homemade custard pies with nutmeg sprinkled on top.

The weather was good on the way up, but the winds picked up and blew snow across the highway on the way home.  It was nothing that caused us problems, we just drove a bit slower.  Snow that blows across the highway can cause the surface to be slippery.  We arrived back at Venny in fine shape.  The minute we drove in the underground parking, our patient was being welcomed back home by others living at Venny.  Friends make sincere family, sometimes better than the biological kind.

Sun's shining, but it's 3 below zero now.  We're pleased to be snuggled in for the weekend.  Am thinking about crocheting some potholders to put in my give-away drawer.  Think I've given away the last pair.  I crocheted yesterday on the way up and back from the hospital.  Managed to get 3 cross halves completed.  

Did manage to take a couple of photos on our way home.  My intention always is to have something to share on my blog.  Pictures add a little fizz to the words, I think. The photos show the blowing snow and an Amish buggy that was hobbling its way where the snow wasn't blowing.  

We never grow tired of seeing Amish buggies pulled by horses.  My heart can't help but ache for the poor horses.  We were driving a brand new vehicle with only 200 miles on it as we passed this Amish traveler.  Much like two worlds side by side.  We were comfortable with the heater on, and the buggy was probably equipped with a woolen blanket.  Oh, one can easily join in a critique session about WHY THEY do what they do and WHY WE do what we do.  It's that business of praising the fact that we all have the freedom to do what we want.  To my way of thinking, I really don't know for truth what Amish life is like.  I'm sure it's like our English way of life....each family has its own internal behind-closed-doors Commandments, let's say.  There's an old adage that tells us to simply LIVE AND LET LIVE.

Our friend was released from the hospital and sent home with a new medication that will hopefully take care of his problem.  Modern medicine is nothing short of amazing.  How blessed we are to live a 1-1/2 hour drive from one of the best medical facilities in the world.  And, we're doubly blessed that our local primary health care provider is part of that Mayo system.  We're reminded every day just how wealthy we are when we have good health.  

In a couple of hours, we're heading northward to pick up our Venny friend from the hospital.  Tests were taken yesterday, with results known last evening.  Hopefully, the problem can be controlled with medications.  The boyfriend will be driving their brand new vehicle, and I'm tagging along.  Much to be thankful for, and we'll be celebrating at the Star Ocean Buffet, a Chinese restaurant.  

My favorite entree on the menu is their coconut shrimp.  Oh, my plate will be heaped with other delights, but the shrimp kick the ball over the net for me.  The four of us are known to enjoy our day trips with food being the main event of the day.  Life requires special celebrations.  

The weather is rather iffy, but we're thinking the roads should cooperate with our venture.  Lots of nutso drivers on the roadways these days.  Defensive driving is a must for us seasoned drivers.  Whenever we go somewhere, both of us watch what's going on around us.  Four eyes are better than two.

It's a hazy day, almost like a light fog.  Sky is colorless, like a blank sheet of paper.  I'll be taking along my crochet hook and yarn, a perfect opportunity to work on comfort crosses.  Would like to donate a few more around Valentine's Day.  Deadlines are of my own doing, and then I push myself to meet them.  Am not entirely sure why I do that, but it keeps me disciplined.  

Today would be my daddy's birthday.  He'd be well over 100 years old.  I'm now six years older than he was when he passed away.  I was 34 years old at the time.  Interesting how certain dates are forever seared in our memory.  I read last evening that grief is having love for someone with nowhere to put it. 

The clock is ticking, and I'd best get in the shower and spiff up.  Lazy days at home make my need for comfort even stronger.  Ahh, yes, the years that I went to work and needed to be dressed up.  The thought alone makes me shiver.  Now, I'm a leggings and sweatshirt kind of girl.  Everything must stretch if it gets to hang in my closet. 

Slept late this morning.  Both of us are still babysitting with the remnants of our recent respiratory woes.  We've indulged in barely zero over-the-counter meds, except for the trusty tube inhaler and honey-lemon cough drops.  Drinking water and fruit juices and getting plenty of rest is ideal for those of us who have the time to pamper ourselves.  In these hectic times, getting good rest is a pamper.

Received more photos from Hawaii last evening.  It's beyond my understanding how I can sit here in my little corner of the globe and text back and forth with someone who is visiting the islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  This is the same little girl who used the crank telephone box that hung on the kitchen wall!  Goodness, the changes we've been fortunate to experience on our journey.

So many luxuries, so little appreciation.  There are things that I'd like to thank my parents for, and teaching me to appreciate the little things is one.  My Daddy never asked for more, except second helpings of Momma's cooking.  Nope, he made do with what he had.  If what he had broke, he fixed it.  Maybe that's the source of my creative spirit for making beauty out of the broken or discarded.

Our Venny friend was transferred to Rochester and is having tests today to determine if there's been damage to his heart since his last hospitalization.  Makes for a sad time for us, cuz we're good buddies.  He's having an angiogram around noon today.  Thank goodness once again for the modern marvel of phone texting.  In lots of ways the cell phone has disconnected human one-on-one connection, yet it also connects us beyond anything possible before.   

As my readers know, I'm a computer techy.  I live and breathe with the assistance of my Chromebook.  Yet, there's another part of me that still enjoys writing with a pen on paper in my notebook.  Interestingly, my handwriting has changed over to printing from cursive, mainly because age some days doesn't allow the steadiness of my youth.  Printing affords more control, for me anyway.  We do what we do with what is most comfortable.  It's that business of taking life in its stages and accepting what is.  Wish the younger generations realized the struggles of the senior population.  There's no way they can, because our struggles are silent and unseen.  Endurance is a war fought by our warrior within.

Supper last evening was a WM pepperoni pizza, and I always give them a high rating.  We added onions, and actually I made mine into a taco pizza by crushing Doritos on top and adding taco sauce.  The boyfriend isn't as crazy about pizza as I am, so my supper will be pizza again tonight.  His supper will be homemade vegetable soup.  It's a win-win.

Have been thinking how each one of us 8 billion beings is a walking miracle.  Each of us is different by design.  Not one of us is above the rest.  Life gives and then it takes away.  Imagine 8 billion people, each struggling in one way or another.  One random act of kindness can make one person's struggle a bit easier.  Being kind is probably the easiest thing in the world to do.  Sometimes all that's required is a smile or a wave or even a wink.  It's an intriguing experiment to watch for acts of kindness when we're out and about.  Give it a try and see how many you can witness in one outing.  Acts of kindness come in all sizes, and each size fits all.    

Another day.  Another problem.

A couple hours ago I learned that our Venny friend is in the ER waiting to be transferred to another hospital, waiting on an open bed.  Boy, a person just doesn't know from one minute to the next what's gonna pop out of the ground in front of us.

This is the one who texts with me back and forth daily like a game of volleyball.  We've both got a crazy sense of humor, and one feeds off the other.  Now that this has been put on his plate, I'm sitting here waiting for an update.  I changed the sound for when a new text comes in so I'm sure to notice.  The sound I chose is the choo-choo.  Heaven knows one can't not hear that.

Our cupboards are once again stocked, thanks to the boyfriend's venture yesterday.  I enjoyed my time at the salon down the hall.  Asked for a pixie cut....a short one, and that's what I got.  Love the feel of a new do.  The hairdresser swept up the clippings so took a photo to share. Don't ask me why the hair on the floor is dark when it's gray when it was on my head.  Go figure.

Have been following the Alex Murdaugh struggle for a new trial, after being convicted of killing his wife and his son.  The defense attorneys are claiming that the Clerk of Court, Becky Hill, made improper conversation with jurors.  Becky Hill is the one who wrote the book, Behind the Doors of Justice.  The whole affair is a tangled mess of accusations, and yesterday the court held a pre-evidentiary hearing.  The Judge is a woman who was on the South Carolina Supreme Court, and she takes no crap from anyone.  On the 29th of this month the evidentiary hearing will be held, at which time the judge will ask jurors questions, as well as the Clerk of Court.  So far, the defense attorneys are getting their ears clipped by the judge, and that's music to my ears.  The Murdaugh family is a legal dynasty in South Carolina, and finally the skeletons are coming out of the closet.  People in powerful places think they're above everyone else.  

Nothing else newsworthy from my seat in the stadium.   

Like a stuck record.....the temperature is -2° and feels like -21°.  I haven't been out of the unit now for over two weeks.  The only walks I've taken in the snow have been down Memory Lane.  The sky is clear and light blue.  

Only one thing on today's agenda, and that is me going down to the salon for a hair cut.  The gal knows I enjoy a head massage, so she does that when she washes my hair.  It's an understatement that I need a lift in appearance.  

Oodles of household tasks await my total return to my normal.  I'm good at sitting in my recliner and making to-do lists.  I'm also good at recording things that I do.  Beside me is a 3-ring binder labeled DAILY LOG.  In there, are pages filled with typewritten daily updates of what I do and when.  That way, I can refer back and answer any questions I may have.  This is a carry-over from my office days when I kept a CYA file.  You'd be surprised at the number of times that file saved my A.  

The jury returned a verdict on the pine  cone seeds that I planted.  The seeds did not grow, but I do have another trick to try.  I read so many things online, and one suggestion is to put the pine cone partially in potting soil and let sprouts grow out of the cone.  Will give it a try.  If anyone out there has successfully grown a new tree from a pine cone, please share your expertise.  

While I was under the weather, I managed to put together my article for the January Newsletter.  I wrote about sniglets....those words that should be in the dictionary, but aren't.  Actually, the article had been written awhile back and was waiting for a time when a topic was beyond my reach.  Worked perfectly.  Oh, how I remember the sniglets.  For us word lovers, they were manna from heaven.  My favorite of all time is the 'merferator'.....the cardboard roll in t.p.  I have a task ahead of me the approaching weeks, because I closed my article by saying in the next edition I will hopefully share my attempt at "merferator art."  

My greatest joy comes from making something out of something discarded.  Making beauty out of the broken.  I secretly wish to order another box of broken discarded jewelry, untangle it, and take each piece apart.  BUT, I have enough beads now to circle the globe.  It's an addiction.  A frickin' bead addiction of all things.  One of these days I've got to buckle down and make jewelry and beaded sun catchers.  Also want to get back into crocheting and back into reading and back into all the creative ideas that fly through my head at very high speeds.  There is one thing that I do not suffer from....never have....and, that is 'boredom.'  I could occupy myself in cardboard box out in the middle of the desert if I had enough broken things to work with.

I'd best get in the shower and ready to get all dollied up.  Thank heaven I don't need to leave Venny, just walk down the hall to the salon.  It's pixie time for this little old lady.  Ta-ta till the morrow.

It's late afternoon, the temperature is -2°, it feels like -20°.  A football game is on the telly, and I'm immersed in the 2nd series of BBC's HUSTLE, where a group of con artists fleece the greedy out of money.  There are six series for sure, so that'll take up the next few days of marathon conning.  

Have been keeping tabs on Iceland's volcano by the town of Grindavik, which had been evacuated last night.  The lava flowed into the town, catching homes on fire.  Another one of Mother Nature's tantrums.  

Today is National Strawberry Ice Cream Day.  It's also National Hat Day.  No ice cream in the freezer with which to celebrate the holiday, and wearing a hat indoors is a silly notion.  

Checked the news online for something that would spur an idea to write about, but nada.  It's a caucus day in Iowa, and I honestly can't think of anything that would interest me less.  Politics have divided and destroyed friendships and families, so I place no part of myself in the political pathway.  Enuf.

A kettle of chili will taste good for supper.  Soup is perfect in sub-zero weather.  Stay warm and safe.

Cell phones are wonderful, but the best part of them is the camera feature.  Those of us who remember the square box cameras can attest to the miraculous wonder of these modern inventions.   I've got tons of photos on my phone, quite a few of which ought to be deleted.  For some reason, there are multiples of some and I don't know how they got there.  Maybe one day I'll devote to photo deletions.

Speaking of photos, here's a sweet one that shows the G-fur family snoozing in total peace and comfort.  I get such a kick out of the canines cuddling with the felines.  I'm personally a small canine lover, and it seems we humans do have a significant preference for one or the other.   

Wilson, the St. Bernard, gets his own love seat, while Millie, Maggie and the cats share the couch.   

It's very quiet here today.  More than likely, everyone is hunkered down in the bitter cold temps.  At the moment it's -2° and it feels like -21°.   Our humidifier is making the air breathable.  

We're both a couple of inches closer to feeling better.  I can feel myself getting sassier, and that's usually a good indicator that all the knobs are tuned in as they should be.  

This Tuesday I've got an appointment to get my hair cut.  Gonna get another short pixie.  I'm trying to find the proper adjective to describe how I look at the moment, and can't decide between frumpy and pitiful.  Maybe I need to go to some expensive spa and have a total do-over.   Or, maybe I should buzz off to a Zen Monastery somewhere in the mountains where no one can see me. 

Ta-ta till the morrow. 

Boy, was yesterday a doozy!  Can't fathom what the blizzard conditions must've been out in the open spaces.  From our secluded niche, we watched the light pole in the parking lot sway with the high winds.  Most of the day was a white-out.   We simply snuggled in, and each immersed ourselves in the fine art of napping and virtually traveling the world.  

Good news is that we're both inching our way back to good health.  It occurs to me that the only way a person can appreciate feeling good is by getting sick.  In that vein, I shall see the positive in feeling under the weather.....whatever 'under the weather' means.

My spirits were lifted when I got a text with photos from Cuddy's parents from Hawaii.  My heart is warmed by their friendship, which continues on since precious little Cuddy left us.  Here is one photo they took of last night's sunset.  Just maybe I, too, can pass forward a bit of natural beauty to inspire and comfort.  

We sure do live in an exquisitely beautiful world.  It's that business of needing a nudge to appreciate the depths of Nature's gifts that she bestows at no cost.  Sunsets, like this one, are free for the taking.  Just imagine how many people didn't take the time to see this sunset?  

There's nothing on today's agenda, except continue feeling better.  Usually I have an elephant-sized appetite, but food interests neither of us.  With any luck, I might lose a little of my 'fluffiness.'  That would be a perk to this past week+.  I remember going out for long walks after a snowstorm.  Now, if I did that, chances are I'd fall and break some major joints and need an ambulance to transport me to the hospital.  My cautious nature rather looks out the window and watches those who are decades younger.  Guess we all do what we do in our given time.  Then we move on to new arenas and acclimate ourselves to new approaches to life.  I find fun in re-living things we did when we were younger.  

As I've shared in last year's posts, there have been some major changes in my world.  My new year's resolution is to file them away and let them turn into mulch.  It's kinda like the business of the professor who gave his students a surprise test.  Each student received a blank piece of paper with one black dot in the center of the page.  The assignment was to write about what they saw.  All students wrote about the black dot, and none wrote about the blank space which took up most of the paper.  That's how we humans are.  We focus on one bit of negative drama and not notice the blank space which is the good and the beautiful.  I'm guilty of this, and it takes personal discipline to train the mind to be rid of those who shower us with sadness and betrayal.  It's gonna be a better year.....if I work hard.

The snow removal guys are out and about clearing the parking lots and driveways.  There's a palpable calm after the storm.  Good day to cuddle in and savor our individual pockets of peace on earth.  

Ta-ta.

Here I sit, wearing my snuggly socks that I got from Debbie for Christmas.  I'm finally feeling okay enough to type a post.  Yup, it's been a rather uncomfortable week+ now.  That will teach me not to cancel my September doctor appointment, when I'd have gotten my annual flu shot.  We haven't had a cold or flu since we moved here in seven years.  The minute we don't get our flu shots....whammo!  Karma is real.

Think of any symptom that accompanies the flu, and I had it.  The same with the cold.  I'm one who suffers from post-nasal drip, and that was a total bummer.  Anyway, my new doctor's appointment is at the end of this month, and I'm gonna ask for every vaccination they will give me.  Getting sick sucks.  We both have coughs yet, and the energy levels are extremely low.  No appetites.  Enuf of that.

Our corner of the world is snowy-blowy.  Both of us talked about how fortunate we are to live where we do.  Despite our being sick, we were able to cuddle in our little nest and not worry about a thing.  Venny friends called and texted to see if we're okay and if there's anything we need.  Outdoor chores are no more.  There's something to be grateful for every day and in every situation.

A bunch of deer have left tracks in the snow under our balcony.  Dale saw 12 the other evening.  One day, from my recliner, I watched strings of geese flying northward in v-formations.  

There's a potluck downstairs tonight, but as a courtesy we're not going.  Neither of us feels like it, plus it's best to keep apart from others when on the tail-end of being sick.  I ordered online a new filter for our humidifier.  When it arrived at our door, Dale tended to that and filled it with water.  That's made a big difference.  

Our new air fryer also arrived.  We unpacked it, but haven't situated it on the cupboard as yet.  Gonna rearrange things and clean our kitchen cupboards, so will wait until we're both back to feeling ourselves.  There's a box of Chinese egg rolls in the freezer that we want to try in the air fryer.   

Not a whole lot newsworthy.  Wanted to get back to my loyal followers and let you know we're on the mend.  Thank you for the notes of concern, appreciate them so much.  Stay well and enjoy our world of white.  Ta-ta. 

The flu and cold bugs bit both of us.  I'll be back in a couple of days when I feel better.   

In my writings, I often talk about the G-clan.  Well, yesterday my sis-in-law sent us the final family photo of the G's as we gathered together for Christmas this year.  Thanks to Debbie, we wore look-alike flannel shirts, the two smaller girls wore black tops.  This is MY family, as well.  May I present the G-CLAN............

I love them with all my heart!

The first posting of a new year is always special.  We humans have invented ways to start anew, and this is one.  Reminds me of the magic slate back in the 1950s.  

The boyfriend and I welcomed the new year in and stayed up until 3 a.m.  Then we slept in this morning until we felt like getting up.  January 1st is football day and the Rose Parade in Pasadena.  

The weather where we live is sunless.  All is calm and quiet, with the dedicated walkers exercising their bodies and their dogs.  

I've made new resolutions that will hopefully promote well-being.  The first is to cut out sugar on the days that's possible.  One cannot cold-turkey, anyway I can't.  There are times when we're with friends and food is the centerpiece.  Am not about to say no to a dessert that's prepared and offered with love.  That ain't gonna happen.  Rather, I'll simply eliminate the refined sugar when we're at home.  Both of us watch our A1C numbers, and sugar is a rather harmful sweetness.  That's an oxymoron for you!

Another resolution is no second helpings.  Bless me Father, for I have sinned by enjoying another scoop of yumminess.  The boyfriend made us chili for supper last night, and it nearly killed me not to have a second serving.  Figured if I'm serious, I'd start on New Year's Eve and see if I could actually do it.  From now on, I am taking one day at a time.  If I can actually do those two things, maybe by next Christmas I'd feel better about myself.  It's a challenge.

Last night after watching a couple holiday rom-coms, I watched three mystery movies on YT.  The who-dun-its are fun for the brain to ponder.  

My heart goes out to the people in Japan in the aftermath of the 7.6 earthquake and 60 tremors that followed.  One cannot fathom the horror of being trapped beneath the rubble.  What a way to start a new year.   

Whatever your hopes and wishes are for 2024, my heart hopes and wishes they all come true.  Let's pray for good health and peace among us.  Ta-ta.