One Year Ago Today

My Special Man departed this physical life. Of course, I miss him but feel so blessed that we had five years together to enjoy each other, share many experiences and make beautiful memories.

For the entire time that we were together I felt totally loved even when his behavior did not always support that thinking! I knew that he was always available for me and he tried very hard to be part of a healthy relationship. He helped me in so many ways, but most definitely with his never wavering love.

This past year has been unlike any other year in my life. I have worked very hard and taken the time to mourn, heal, accept and learn many things about myself that have been very pleasing. And, I am very grateful for all the wonderful people that have been a part of my journey this past year.

Wishing much love and joy.

Mary

The Weather Is Frightful

Well, Not Quite. I am in California! However, this morning the thermometer on the outside of the dining room window was in the mid 20's! I know - - - but that is cold for this location and that is the coldest I remember seeing the temperature at my little cozy abode here in the foothills.

I have to say that when it is this chilly, I just do not have very much motivation to do much. But, perhaps it is just "the end of year slows".  Is there such a thing?

The ski resorts up the hill approximately 25 miles north-east from here are certainly providing a lot of fun and excitement for the skiers and all the other snow lovers that have been waiting literally years for some of that good "white stuff".

This photo of Bear Valley was taken a few weeks ago which means that there is a lot more snow at this time.

I must mention how sad I feel for the people across the world that are experiencing treacherous weather conditions. According to what I see on TV it looks horrific with terrible floods and excessive snow. Prayers for safety and comfort.

Hope you are staying Warm.

Mary 

Really Nice Day

It was such a nice sunny day on Sunday and I walked across the street to church in the morning. The church was decorated with lots of poinsettia plants and other Christmas decorations which I had not seen because I did not go to Christmas Eve services because it was starting to snow. It was so wonderful to be welcomed by so many people. I have certainly been surprised at the beautiful attention I have been receiving after not attending for almost a year. It is almost overwhelming.

For some reason I just felt like I wanted to go out to eat at a restaurant after services.  I went home to check on Lily and then decided to go to Murphys Historic Hotel at the end of my street on Main Street. I asked for a table for one and while I was waiting a church friend saw me and said there was a group from church in the side room and I should go in there. There were about ten church friends sitting at a long table in the banquet room. It was so nice to be welcomed by all. And, I really enjoyed the nice surprise of joining wonderful people for Sunday Brunch. And, when I asked for my bill the waitress said that it had already been paid. It was one of my church friends. How Wonderful and oh, so kind!

The remainder of the day I was at home enjoying a restful afternoon and feeling thankful for my many blessings.

I hope you are enjoying your Holidays,

Mary

White Christmas - Almost

 It started to snow about 8 PM last night on Christmas Eve. However, it was very little. This morning it is bright and sunny but with a stiff chill in the air. Beautiful.

What ever you are doing today I wish you all the love that this Holiday Season is meant to bring into our lives and if you are feeling challenged by life's struggles, I pray that God will bring hope, good health, warmth, smiles, strength, optimism, good and close friends, faith, shelter, nourishment for mind and body and whatever will bring bright light into your life.

And, a big Thank You to all  who serve in our military and their families who give so much, even their lives to protect us and provide the freedoms that many do not have. Dear God keep them safe!

Love One Another.

Mary

Eve Of Christmas - - - Hope You Have Been Good

Wishing All A Very Enjoyable Christmas Eve.

Mary

*California Weather. Surprisingly, this afternoon about 3 PM we had two tornado warnings in nearby counties. Significant damage was noted on TV. Also, the snow level is getting lower. Chain control is in effect less than a mile from my home! It just may be a White Christmas. Lily and I are nice and snug!

The Table Is Set

And, I had a lot of fun! I did not spend a lot of time unpacking boxes but chose to keep it simple with items that I was able to locate easily. I did not even have to go to the store for anything. The red chargers are from the Dollar Store, white plates I have had for many years and the salad plates are Royal Stafford - Christmas Home - from Ebay.

The sterling silver flatware is the "Damask Rose" pattern that I chose at the time of getting married in 1959. It is Heirloom Oneida Sterling Silver 1946.  I only have a couple place settings but it is nice to see it on my table.

This little nativity is Lenox Divine Light Holy Family which I purchased after Christmas last year. There are little battery lights in the bottoms. I like the simplicity as well as the fine detail of the porcelain. And, it fits nicely on my small table as a centerpiece.

The napkins are from years past, the bow ties which I made into napkin rings are from the dollar store. I placed them in thrift store Pier 1 imports small bowls, Poppies.

Now, I am using votive candles for the first time that I bought in England in 1999. I was taken to Prices Candle Company in London. I was told that Prices supplies all the candles for the Royal Family. I had never seen so many candles in one place in life. Beautiful! These candles are scented spice cinnamon. I thought it is about time that I use them!!! So nice.

The red glasses are a thrift store find. Below, do you see the black bauble hanging from the red wine glass? It is a knitting marker that I made years ago and gave as gifts.  I think it ties in nicely with the black on the plates and napkin rings.

The lovely heirloom fine crystal which you can see on the far right are from My Special Man.

I hope you had an enjoyable time joining me in this little creative activity that brought joy to me. It looks like I am ready for my Christmas Day dinner.

Blessings To All.

Mary

When You Live Alone

Some times it is necessary to hire some "outside help". At this busy time of year you may have to settle for less than your first choice. However, I have found that on occasion, the training of the alternative help can be quite impressive! Now, don't ask me what I am smokin' or drinkin'. I would just like a cup of coffee please, preferably Caramel Machiato!

Just thought this was kinda cute, especially on this chilly morning that we are having. I sure hope the "outside help" remembers the cream! And, I would like mine in the holiday mug!

It is always nice to have a cup of coffee ready when a new magazine comes in the mail. This is the only magazine subscription that I have. And, it is special because My Special Man would always make sure that he was current on my subscription. It looks like there is one more issue yet to come on the subscription.

Frequently, we would watch together Americas Test Kitchen show on Saturdays PBS TV. It seemed like I always learned something that was new to me.

This coming year I hope to do more cooking and try some new recipes. I have always enjoyed cooking (for the most part) but it was a lot of fun to cook for someone else. It is just different. Especially, since I never felt like I had to cook unless I wanted to. Such a gift!

I imagine there is a lot of cooking going on about now in preparation for The Big Day. I am doing something different this year that I have not done in the past. Our local community club serves a free Christmas dinner every year at the Native Son's Hall. And, they will also deliver! In the past on one occasion I have gone to the dinner and it was extremely good and enjoyable with lots of people. I went alone (short walk from my house) and sat with people that I knew. However, everyone is very friendly. They have Santa Claus, Christmas Caroling and "the whole works".

Well, this year it is very cold here by California standards and the forecast is predicting snow fall at my elevation of 2000 feet. So, I have ordered a dinner to be delivered to me here at home where I will be nice and warm and cozy. I do not feel the least bit deprived and I am sure it will be a nice little treat with all the yummy flavors - - - and no kitchen mess to attend to. Lily and I may just find that a little nap may be in order afterwards.

I am feeling tremendous Gratitude for Feeling So Good.

Blessings.

Mary

I Walked Across The Street

On Sunday morning and went to Church.

It has been close to a year since I have attended Sunday church services. But, it felt very good and I received a very nice welcome from so many church friends. There were a lot of new members and the church was almost filled. This was the last Sunday in Advent as well as the children's and youth's holiday pageant. The story of the Christ Child was presented in a very nice lighthearted performance with appropriate moments of laughter. I guess I would call it a "modern day" version of the pageant I remember and was in as a child.

As I wrote yesterday, I am going to start living a life again with more interaction with my community. It would be so nice to develop a friendship with another woman that I could do fun things with. So very many of the people that I have known, have passed on, especially during the last few years. During church today an announcement of a another members passing was made. And, on December 30, it will be one year since My Special Friend passed. And, I miss him so much.

Let the one's you love, know of your love NOW.

Lily update - Continues to be about the same. Happy and Loving!

Mary

Went To See A Storyteller

Have you ever gone to a program that was presented by Professional Storytellers? Oh, you must, if you ever have the opportunity.

It was a few years ago that I first attended such a program. There were several renowned presenters from far and near. Prior to that experience, I did not realize there were Professional Storytellers. Was I ever surprised with the talent of those individuals!

Even though I live in a small mountain community, we are blessed to have a lot of Creative Arts activities that take place all year long. "There's a lot of talent in them thar hills." There is always  something to do whether it be theater, art galleries, featured artist showing, pottery exhibits where pottery is being made, musicals, poetry telling/readings, dance and many more. I think you get the idea.

Well, this past week I decided that it is time for me to get more involved with the life around me. So, yesterday I jumped in my car and went to hear the storyteller. This was a one person show and the presenter is well known in this community. She also attends the same church where I am a member. She is extremely talented and I have heard her numerous times. It fascinates me how the tone of voice, animations and facial expressions can make a simple story become mesmerizing. What a talent.

I saw several people that I know and it was great to get out and do something I enjoy. It was such a busy day. First, I went to the post office, then dropped off my checks at the water district office and sanitary district office. Then down the road a spell, I went to Starbucks because I had run out of coffee at home. They were out of my favorite Caramel Macchiato latte, so I had a Pumpkin Spice latte along with a little piece of coffee cake. Yum-yum! Let me tell you, it is a rare event these days for me to go to Starbucks. But, it was so nice to sit at the window and read my newspaper among a little hustle-bustle. Next on the to-do-list was the pet and farm store to get Lily's food. Since she was diagnosed with her heart condition, she has been on a special food (very healthy and nutritious) that is not sold at my grocery store. On my way back I stopped to grocery shop. I kid you not, every time I buy groceries I am sure the prices are higher than the last time.

I had enough time to take my groceries home and then I was off to see (not the wizard) but the Storyteller. It was a Very Good Day.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Mary

It Puts A Big Smile On My Face

A few posts ago I told you about my best friend who passed away a little over a year ago and how we always had so much fun together. Well, she knew there were some things that I did not want Lily doing. It was like talking to a blank wall. She adored Lily and would take care of her if I was away for a few days or weeks. In her eyes, Lily could do not harm.

Well, she lived close by and during the winter  months it was not unusual for my friend to come over in the afternoon for a Hot Apple Pie - just a little hot beverage with a little Tuaca Liqueur.

As you can see my friend paid no regards to "mama's rules"! Of course, my Lily was always delighted to see my friend. Because she knew it was always going to be a happy time - and even maybe, Happy Hour!

Good to the last little lick! It looks like she could almost get her nose stuck in the glass. But, it was oh, so good. What little she could get.

Let me tell you how to make a Hot Apple Pie. Heat some apple cider with a few whole cloves until it is a little hotter than you like hot tea. Pour into a glass and add about an ounce or more of Tuaca Liqueur. Stir and then top with whipped cream and a shake of cinnamon. That's it, so easy.

I really do have some wonderful memories of things that were so simple but sharing with a friend made it so special.

I think I have some Tuaca - - - maybe that would taste good this evening after some Polish Sausage Stew.

Stay warm, maybe with a little "hot beverage"?

Mary

I Did It Again And A Little Floral Beauty

Yep, the crockpot is filled with my good standby Polish Sausage Stew which is so easy, fast, yummy and good for me with all that sauerkraut. 

And, I always try to remember to add some caraway seeds and a few slices of an apple. The original recipe doesn't call for it but I like the added flavor.

If you toast the caraway seed carefully for a few seconds it gives the Stew additional flavor.

This is a Honey Crisp apple that is a good eating apple, so I will put it in the crockpot near the end of cooking so that it doesn't get to soft. Just a little crunch is nice. And, of course Granny Smith is always a great choice for cooking apples. At the end of the crockpot cooking Monterey Jack cheese will be mixed in and some more can be added as a garnish at the table.

This is just before I put the lid on to start cooking. It is 10 AM and it will bring a nice aroma of home cooking to the house.

AND NOW, YOU KNOW HOW I RECEIVE GREAT JOY FROM MY FLOWERS!

All three of my Christmas Cactus plants are blooming nicely. This cactus is more apricot than red. LOVELY! It has been only a few years that I have had Christmas Cactus in my home and now I can't imagine not having them.

Additionally, I am awaiting the open blooms of an Amaryllis plant. Photos will be coming, of course.

Take time to Smell The Flowers, especially Roses and Paperwhite Narcissus.

Mary

Christmas Tree 2011

Joyfully, I find myself living in the moment with good memories of past holidays. For some beautiful reason I am experiencing the memories with a brain that is filtering out the past unpleasantries. What a blessing is is and a first for me. Why clutter my mind with such unnecessary distractions when all the riches (not possessions) surround me just where and as I am. May your steps through the holidays be filled with peace and love.

Rejoicing in Wonderful Memories.

Mary

Have You Seen My "Get Up And Go"

If you do, please send it back home where it belongs! My mood is good. But, I think it is tired.

I never know when Lily is going to have a challenging day. In fact, Thursday was so bad that I thought it was to be her last and I would have to make THAT painful decision. Then yesterday she was alert and happy and did not demonstrate ANY respiratory distress. She was running around like a teenager, even throwing her toys in the air. Oh, it was a lovely day! She slept good last night and today, so far so good.

The weather is bright but the frost is nipping in the garden. Another rainstorm is expected tonight and the snow level is getting lower with each storm. But, I doubt that it will reach this level at 2000 foot elevation for quite a while if at all this year. But, it could happen.

One of the reasons I chose to live in this little town here in the Sierra Foothills is that seldom does it snow in my backyard and I never have picked up a snow shovel.  On the rare occasions that is does snow it is like living in a fairy tale with lots of pixie dust floating here and there. Only one time has the berm of snow prevented me from getting my car out of the driveway and that was most likely in 2012 or 2013.

Alright now, with each passing day it becomes more unlikely that I am going to be going into the cold garage and wrestle with boxes of Christmas decorations and a tree. I am enjoying what little decorations I have put out and I am just so thankful for the many blessing that I have received. This is the time of year that My Special Friend was so very ill with cancer and subsequently passed on December 30 last year. Maybe, Lily is waiting to join him on that day??? They adored each other! Sleepy Heads!

A couple months before My Special Man passed I also lost My Closest Dear Girlfriend (of more than 10 years) who was battling  breast cancer and I miss her so very much. 

My Dear Friend with her daughter.

If you are interested in my one and only experience of getting stuck in the snow and a little about my dear friend, check out my post at Walking Beside Me and the next post. It has two parts.

When I speak of blessings received, one of the greatest occurred during this past week when I met with a couple (husband-retired pastor and wife) to discuss some unfinished business that was troubling me about some unsavory events and accusations that took place around the death and final activities of My Special Man. God was with us!!! Many of my concerns and emotional pain was talked about and I gained some wisdom that I was seeking. AND, all of the "garbage" that was swirling and swirling around in my head that wouldn't stop - has now vanished! I feel so very refreshed!

Have you found that sometimes when you start writing a post to blog, it takes you to places you could never imagined for that day. Thank you for joining me in this journey of the recent life events that fill another chapter of my life.

Love One Another.

Mary 

Christmas Clock - And Lily's Clock - And Glockenspiel

The days are ticking off the calendar as we approach Christmas Day and the minutes are ticking away quickly. My activities of Christmas decoration and all activity are now based on Lily's clock as she gets ever so close to leaving me. As expected, Lily has good days and bad days. The bad days when she has difficulty getting her breath/oxygen are very horrible. It is so sad because everything about her is healthy other than her enlarged heart and excessive fluid retention around her heart and lungs. She still has her beautiful disposition except on the very bad days and on those days she still is very sweet but subdued. 

Speaking of clocks, for some reason, The Glockenspiel in Munich, Germany came to my mind. A glockenspiel is a musical percussion instrument having a set of tuned metal pieces mounted in a frame and struck with small hammers. When I was on a trip to Germany in 2010 we visited Marienplatz square in Munich. It is the site of the famous Glockenspiel Clock and performance as well as the very large marketplace. The plaza is huge.

Every day the city's central Marienplatz Square is crowded with onlookers with their heads tilted skywards. And, we were some of the onlookers. See the black cross at the bottom of the photo. We were standing there watching one of the city’s most loved oddities, the Munich Glockenspiel, or carillon (a musical instrument that is typically housed in the bell tower (belfry) of a church or municipal building.

This chiming clock was added to the tower of the (New Town Hall) the year the building was completed in 1907.

At 11AM, midday and 5PM (between March and October) the Munich Glockenspiel performance recounts a royal wedding, jousting tournament and ritualistic dance - all events which have etched a mark on Munich’s popular folklore.The show lasts about 15 minutes and different tunes are played on the clock's 43 bells. It was very entertaining and festive. And, I had some of the very best jelato on the plaltz.

As a little girl I remember hearing about the Glockenspiel. But, I did not remember what I heard! My mother was German. Maybe, it came up during a discussion about a Cuckoo clock.

Thank you for joining me on a little bit of memory lane.

I hope your day went well.

Mary

Winter Heating

As a home owner there always are tasks that need to be done in order to maintain good function and more importantly safety. It is recommended that Gas Fireplaces be serviced on a yearly basis by a gas service technician. Not every home owner can do that. So, I have had to reacquaint myself with the fireplace. I have been having difficulty with my thermostat which is probably because I have not remembered about some minor activity.





As long as I had to read the owners manual, I decided to do a little maintenance as well as a little cosmetic adjustment. When the fireplace was installed and any time I have had it serviced by a technician I observe what is being done and ask questions if need be, without being annoying!.

I removed the glass front which is heavy and gave it a good cleaning. Then I did some vacuuming of dust and soot.

Do you see the star on the next photo. Look at this nifty vacuum attachment that makes it easy to get into tiny spaces. It was free when I recently had to purchase a new vacuum. It is a Rocket Shark and the attachment is the home and car detail kit. By the way, I think the vacuum is great with tremendous suction!

The fireplace log display came with a product that creates a much more realistic flame flicker. It looks like a fluffy ball of dryer lint and it is called rock wool or mineral wool. It is a type of insulation. The small pieces of wool are  placed over the gas burner around the burner ports. When the fire passes through the rock wool, it becomes red hot and glows without melting or burning. This creates a look of  glowing embers. Anyway, the last technician apparently did not know what to do with the rock wool.

Do you see where the star is on the photo. That is rock wool that was resting in the slot that houses the glass front. I then placed it on the artificial log near the few pieces of rock wool that were in the proper place. It  is surprising to me how much more realistic it makes the fire look like a real wood burning fireplace.

I was successful in getting the thermostat working properly. It was just a matter of adjusting some switches. It is great that I now have it programmed for my schedule. And, now it is warm and cozy when I get up in the morning!

I guess it is a good thing I have patience or this post would not be here. This is the second time I have written it. Yep, like many of you know it is a dreadful feeling when your post goes willy-nilly, swoosh and into never never land. At least I now know many ways to retrieve lost data, unfortunately, none of them worked for me.

I hope you had a good weekend.

Mary