Easter

HAPPY EASTER

A little Easter Flashback - - -

It is so nice to have some memories to reflect on as time seems to be passing me by as I travel this journey of life .

It was just recently that I saw this photo on facebook that someone from the church that I previously attended had taken .  What a nice surprise !  For the few years (2010-2014) that I had a companion to enjoy life with, it was not unusual for us to Go To Brunch following church services .  Easter Brunch was a given .  And, our favorite place was about 25 minutes drive of beautiful winding country road .  He always enjoyed driving and I always had ideas of places we could go to explore what was over the hill and around the next curve in the road .

And, My Special Man sang in the church choir for about 20 years.

Happy Easter to everyone.

Mary

This Is What It Looks Like

When you don't finish planting your Daffodil bulbs in the Fall .

I think they are special wherever they decide to show their bright faces.

Is there anything more lovely than Daffodils as a harbinger of Spring in the garden ?

The garden is in serious need of lots of TLC .  But I am not sure if I am the one who is going to be able to do it .  I have been out a little bit but I do not seem to be able to get much accomplished .  With the wonderful rains of late the gardens are filled with weeds .  No matter where I look it is green and that green is a carpet of weeds, pathways and all .

We have had great sunshine for a few days which has helped me to get some clean-up done on the patio .  It has been a real mess with all the fallen tree branches and nature's debris from the trees .

I think I am dealing with some fear of expecting too much from my body/back as I try to garden . My low back continues with the annoying tolerable pain and my leg pain in non-existent . Hallelujah !  And, I certainly do NOT want it to return .

I am certainly going to look for someone to help me but it will not be easy .  Have you heard of "Mow and Blow" .  They are grass cutters, not Gardeners and they are easy to find !  Furthermore, I do not have a lawn to mow and blow !  I'll just have to see what I might be able to find in help.  In time past, high school kids were eager to earn a few bucks, but it seems those days are long gone !

I hope this Easter week has been everything you might have been looking forward to and that your Easter plans are fulfilling.  My life is very quiet and that is just fine with me.  I am so thankful for all the many blessings I have been receiving !  Peace of Mind and Comfort are Priceless !

Ivy is progressing but not at a very fast pace .  Nonetheless, I am enjoying her.

'Til next time .

Mary

Very Difficult Task

Yes, photographing a shy cat is not easy to do .

 These photos were taken from across the room !

Ivy has been with me for two weeks and I think we are making progress .  No, I know we are making progress !  I look forward to taking her to the Vet .  I plan to wait another two weeks with hopes that she will be less fearful and I will be able to trim her toenails before we go .  I have started to pick her up and just quietly talk to her while I hold her .  I don't think she wants to hurt me because she doesn't  always show her claws .  Mostly, she just bats at me .  Every day when I clean her eyes  there is no resistance from her .  She has a history of some eye drainage which may be caused by stress .  And, I can pet her and brush her with no problem when she is in the comfort of her chair .

She strolls around the house freely .   And, I have found evidence that she is up and down and about during the night.  There is an Aloe plant that she has "paid special attention to"  that perhaps I should move to a more challenging location.  It would be nice if I knew what is going on in her head and what her life was like the six years before going into the cat rescue !

My life has been filled with challenges but I never thought I would be going out to find one . Maybe, Ivy has met her match not realizing my history of tenaciousness .  Just kidding .  Every time I pick up my "cat books" to read I learn more about how to help Ivy.  I really hope I can give Ivy a home that she will be happy in and not a recluse .  That sure would make me very happy .

Happy Sunday .

Mary

What Is On Your Kitchen Counter Today

Did you get a look at my vintage salt and pepper shakers on the left side that I have used since the 1950's!  They have a nice wide opening that helps when refilling with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.  Some things just kind of stick around!!!

 How about Guinness Beer Chuck Roast    This recipe is similar.

Look at all those interesting flavors that will be blended together for a braising sauce. 

 A nice sprinkling of salt and pepper and a good cover of flour makes a good coating for browning.

Oh, what a terrible time I am having with trying to get some decent photos with the poor lighting on this overcast day.

And then into the oven for braising until it is tender and yummy .    I think I will have it with some wide egg noodles .  The braising liquid should make a great gravy ! The kitchen smells so good on this rainy day.  Yes, the rain just started again for what is predicted to be the beginning of another storm front.

Wishing All of You a Very Good Weekend.

Mary

Corned Beef

I was  able to make my Corned Beef and it was very good. And, a couple Reuben Sandwiches were made today.

I did not take photos, I guess because I was feeling lazy.  However, I am posting some photos of when I made them in the past for My Special Man in about 2013.  They were outstanding then and also today!

 Got to have Thousand Island Dressing.

 And Cheese

A Panini Maker/Grill sure makes a pretty sandwich.

It was so nice when I had him to cook for.  I sure miss him and the motivation it gave me to be "in the kitchen".

A Couple Updates -

My High School friend in New York is improving following her foot removal surgery.  She has been in a Rehab Hospital for a couple weeks receiving Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy and will be there for at least another month. I try to talk with her by phone most evenings. And, she is very grateful because it breaks the monotony.

My heart and prayers goes out to all who are living through the Forth Nor,Easter. Be safe and stay in and warm.

Ivy is showing adjustment progress each and every day.  I have received a couple books that are very helpful.  Additionally, her Kitty Condo Tree arrived yesterday and she has spent some time checking it out and slept in it for a little time.  It is 52 inches tall and she hasn't traveled to the top as of yet. Rewarding her with kitty treats is a big help in training and allaying any fear or anxiety .  Photos will be coming soon.

I am so ready for Spring Weather.

Take Care.
Mary

Good Morning Sunshine And St. Patrick"s Day

Oh, how I love thee!

We are having a beautiful morning following another night of rain.  Our little town has been blessed with nature giving us a sunny day yesterday as this little Historic Gold Rush town celebrated Saint Patrick's Day with the annual celebratory event of a Parade, Craft Fair, lots of Food Vendors and fine Music.  In spite of the chill in the air that started the day in the low 40's, people bundled up and attended the activities.  Since I live very close to main street where the activities took place, I saw many people passing by in their bulky coats, gloves and scarves.  This event is generally a highly attended event and I think that can be said of this years event.  The visitor's cars were lining the nearby streets as well as mine.

 Considering that we had heavy rain and some light snow on Friday the day prior to our St. Patrick's Day Celebration, the Sunshine was certainly a Blessing.

Very large Shamrocks are painted on the street at about 3 intersections.  And, if you were to turn right at this corner - you could visit me!

Through the years, I have attended the celebration and always had a grand time.  The Corned Beef Sandwiches were great and the beer was too.

I may be a day late, but today I am going to cook my Corned Beef.  I love making Reuben Sandwiches with some of the leftovers.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

Note - Sweet Ivy is doing well and does a lot of exploring of the house along with all the window sills.  I have ordered a few things to make her life more enjoyable.  I look forward to when her  52 inch cat tree with scratching post arrives.  It will work well in front of the living room window.

Have a Great Day.

Mary

Getting Ready To Smoke - But Not Soon

This is a follow up on a necessary project that I started back in 2015.  If you do not have a good sense of humor about the inevitable, perhaps you should not read any further.  But if you read my  April 2015 blog, you will get a little background.

Last year I was able to have the gravesite foundation completed and since that time even though I had no means of moving forward with the appropriate headstone I have payed attention to various options by searching the internet. Much to my delightful pleasure I have been able to find an idea that sounds appropriate for this somewhat unusual situation involving two people in a "Sunset Love" of a widowed (57 years married) man who has now passed on and a woman (Me) who was referred to as the "love of his life".

For quite some time I have had an idea of what I think would be nice to have inscribed on the headstone.  And, that is - - -The Greatest Gift is Love or Love is the Greatest Gift.  That applies to humans as well as four legged loves.   And this is a photo from google of a couple headstone ideas.

This is very beautiful, especially the stone work but I think this one is a little over the top for me.  But the heart at the top is what got my attention.

And, then I saw this one and I really like the design idea of the open heart.  My phrase (I mentioned above) could easily be at the upper left top and the other side could be the spray of flowers partially framing the heart.  I like the simplicity and I would want it to be tall (because of the location in the cemetery) but a simpler base and not as tall as this photo appears.  Just enough room for inscription of names.

After diligently rearranging my household finances and feeling blessed with good fortune I should be able to contact my cemetery contractor and get started and see what we can come up with that is not inappropriately outrageously expensive but still classy and pretty.

I look forward to providing a proper resting place for the cremains of My-Special-Man, Pixie (my Yorkshire Terrier), Puff (my Tabby cat), Lily (my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) and someday Me as well as any additional four legged loves.  If you have any suggestions they are most certainly welcome.

The Split Pea Soup with Ham turned out great and it is so easy.  And, it makes the house smell so good.

And, don't forget to add a little splash of sherry.  I learned about adding sherry many years ago when I had lunch at the first built Andersen's Split Pea Soup Restaurant which opened in 1924 in Buellton, Southern California.  They now have a second restaurant in Santa Nella, Northern California.  They were known as Traveler's Restaurants since they are located on main Freeways.  They are full serve restaurants and are nice tourist stops with gift shop, bakery and more.

I vividly remember in the 50's seeing this photo that was used on advertising postcards.        OH, THE NOSTALGIA!

She's got an Eye On You!

And, her eyes are a beautiful blue.

I am so pleased with Ivy.  She is making wonderful progress every day.  Today she started wondering around the house freely. She even ran around in a circle through the living room and kitchen and then settled down in a living room chair.  This is only the fourth day she has been here? I know she feels loved.  Her facial expression changes for the better each day.  It makes my heart happy.

She is beginning to be a Real SweetHeart. 

I know this is a long blog post today.  It will probably be a few days before I am back.

Take Special Care.

Mary

It's Tuesday Evening

And, it has been raining most of the day.  It is fine with me.  I feel rested from my trip and Ivy has slept most of the day like she usually does.

As recommended by the Cat Rescue I will be scheduling an appointment with the Vet within the first 30 days.  I was provided with lots of documentation about Ivy's care and behavior since taken into Marin Humane Society and Foster Care. She has been examined by their Vet and cleared for adoption.  She has been microchipped and received up to date vaccinations. They only do basic medical examination which means that no blood work has been completed and I think that would be a good thing to do.  Additionally, the Vet notes suggest that a Cat Behaviorist may be a big help.  And, I think Ivy is demonstrating severe depression. Ivy would not let the Vet completely exam her and she was not taken out of her crate because of her hissing and combative behavior.

I did a lot of reading about cat care on the internet today and feel like I learned a lot.  Since Ivy was hiding this morning and did not come out until noon I decided to close all doors to the other rooms so she would have to be near where I am.  She has let me brush her and  I was able to clean her eyes with a wet washcloth.  She cleans herself and walks about and then she sleeps some more.  Oh, she also likes to play chasing a laser light and that was the first time I saw her running about.  She has been sleeping on a living room chair and I like having her nearby.  I think it is a lot better for her and letting her isolate is not beneficial.

This is definitely a special needs cat and that is all right.  I do not think she has ever had much care or attention in her short life.  I am optimistic that with the needed medical diagnostics/care and working with her behavior issues that she will be a much happier cat.  I am thankful that I can help and love this precious little cat so she can have a better life.

I am thinking that tomorrow is a good day for me to make some Split Pea Soup.  I bought some ham shanks at the grocery store that should provide excellent flavor.  And, it is going to rain some more tomorrow.  A good soup day, don't ya think?

Mary

I Am So, So, So Tired

From driving ALL DAY yesterday to pick up Ivy, my new roommate.  It was such a LONG road trip!

I am so glad that I traveled on Sunday.  I left at 8 AM and after I drove down the mountain road, about an hour, to the valley there was moderate to heavy fog for about an hour, but after that the weather was bright, beautiful and lovely.  When I got to the Wine Country throughout Napa area the grape vineyards were beautiful with the green hills and sunshine cascading through the hillside.

As you can see on the map it was a long distance to north-west of San Francisco!.  Without going into detail I had a little trouble finding my way in a couple areas on the way going.  Coming home was fine but by then I was already very tired.  Fortunately, my car is very comfortable and the drivers seat has great support for my back.  My car is 6 cylinder and drives beautifully.  So, no problems, thankfully!  It is so fabulous that I did not have any leg pain and have not had any for weeks!  My low back is about the same - tolerable.

The long trip home with Ivy was difficult for her but eventually she slept some.  She is very very shy and distant.  It will take some time to adjust and that is what I expected.  She is eating, drinking water and using her litter box.  She likes to hide in the other room but will come out and jump up to the window sill and sit and look out the window.  I think in time she will be an excellent roommate!

It will take me a couple days to recover and you can be sure I will post a lot more about Ivy in the near future.  I left at 8 AM and returned home at 5:30 PM and most of that was driving. My only stop was to buy gasoline.  I guess - I am still a tenacious gal!  It was SO GOOD to be home.

Until next time.

Mary

Do Not Forget

Mary

Fun

A good thought.

Mary

I Have A Story To Tell

I have been very reticent to share a recent experience .  But, here goes .  After the Orthopedic Consultation a month ago I laid out my treatment plan as I talked about in my post Tidbits on February 16.  It was about the second or third day of taking tiny amounts of narcotic medication when I was walking down the hallway of my house and started feeling different than I ever have in the past.  I did not pass out.  I did not fall down.  But, I do remember taking some deep breaths to stimulate oxygenation.  This strange and different feeling did not last long and I think I returned to whatever activity I was engaged in.  It took about a day for me to realize that I no longer had leg pain that had been constant since October 2017 . The pain was always strong in my left hip and traveled all the way down my leg to my ankle .  I would describe the pain as burning, strong and continual day and night.  The heating pad had been of no benefit during the many times I would lie on the sofa in an effort to minimize the severe pain.  The lumbar pain remains the same and is tolerable and very rarely do I take pain medication .

Since the incident in the hallway,  I have been 100% free of pain in my left leg and no longer take pain medication for leg pain.  I have no knowledge of what may have occurred to free me of all left leg pain .  It is the type of incident that some may say "IT IS A MIRACLE".  I can't say "yay or nay".  But, I will say that I am tremendously grateful and continually feel that I am in a state of astonishment .

To me, it feels like my Book of Life has a new chapter title page.  Not sure what it is titled but it is one that encompasses unexpected events that bring joy and freedom to my day-to-day human existence.  Since the beginning of this year, 2018, I have experienced  at least four dynamics that have profound possibility of changing the quality and stress level of my life.  I am walking gently through this labyrinth of straight paths and secret chambers.  I, already feel the rough edges and curling pages of this new chapter of my life.  The roughness is not from feeling tattered and torn but rather from revisiting the pages of beautiful unexpected joy.

After many years of gently paying attention to positive affirmations and the interconnection of Mind, Body and Spirit, I am finding this new chapter very comforting.  It was in the 70's when I first started looking at life through many lenses - - -  reading books, listening to speakers, attending conferences, Thought Exploring in small groups and opening up myself to a myriad of new ways to experience and live a healthy life and never forget how to enjoy and live in the moment to the fullest.  Living in the moment really takes constant effort on my part.  It is so easy to do otherwise.

"Mind, Body, Spirit means that our well-being comes from not just physical health, but from mental health and spiritual health as well.  To be "healthy" we must pay attention to all three aspects of our nature - - - Mind, Body and Spirit."         IT IS A JOURNEY!

NOTE - I changed the date of my road trip to this coming Sunday.

Wishing Everything That Is Good to come Your Way.

Mary

Fifteen Miles To The Doctor's Office

And, this is what the terrain looked like - - - But, no snow at my house at 2000 foot elevation .

 Beautiful Unblemished White Snow.

On my way,  I passed by this very old hotel from the Gold Rush Days.  Through the years it has taken on different persona.  Sometimes closed for extended lengths of time and waiting for the next entrepreneur occupant.

 And, my doctor's office is next door to the market.  The appointment was uneventful and we discussed my Orthopedic Consultation from a month ago.  When the roads are less likely to have snow I will start a Physical Therapy program at the nearby facility . 

I enjoyed my drive "up the hill" to 4000 foot elevation.  The sun was shining brightly and the air was so fresh.

The weather is clear for another day or so and I plan to take a long drive tomorrow towards San Francisco to pick up my new "roommate" .   By tomorrow night it probably will be raining again .

Time to get ready to run some errands.  Must remember to buy some "kitty litter" !

Mary

Butterflies And Birds

Looking forward to warmer days and Nature's Little Creatures coming to visit.

Mary

I've Been Thinking About Getting A Roommate

FIRST AN UPDATE ON MY FRIEND.  SHE TELEPHONED FROM THE HOSPITAL AND IS DOING WELL AND HER PSYCHE IS GOOD.  WILL BE MOVED TO REHAB HOSPITAL TODAY.  HOPEFULLY, HER GENERAL HEALTH WILL BE IMPROVED NOW THAT THE POISONOUS SUBSTANCE IS REMOVED.

You know too much thinking can get a gal in trouble !        Hopefully, not too much trouble !  Well, anyway, In a few days it will be two years since my loving Lily ventured to the Rainbow Bridge.

I have missed her so very much.

Dogs and Cats come into our lives leave paw prints and our lives are forever changed.

Some of my fur babies waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for me!

Lily and Puff.

For many months I have thought about the possibility of having another heart beat (not a two legged one, but four legged) in my home again to share my life.  A dog would be great but I don't think I can regularly take her for walks because of my chronic pain. So I started looking for cats.  Like any google search, you can and I usually do, spend many hours "researching".  The more I read the more I learn about what criteria would be best for my situation.  I have started down this avenue with an open mind and I have come up with thoughts for a direction that I never expected. Throughout the years I have had many Tabby Domestic  Cats, sometimes, Rescue.  And, they have been wonderful.  My last precious cat was Puff - in the photo above.

With all the research I have been doing abouts cats,  I have become interested in Siamese cats.  And, that has surprised me. 

I never have been much interested in Siamese cats, never been around them very much and they always seemed quite distant and their meow was rather annoying.  But, as I said, I am learning a lot.  I did not know that there are so many different characteristics to choose from in Siamese Cats. 

And, then I came upon  Blue Ivy.           She is a 6 1/2 year old Lynx Point Siamese and currently living in a foster home and is from Purebred Plus Rescue .

Let me quote some of her bio from the website.  She has stunning blue eyes and soft grey suede ears.  Her paws have black soled white boots. She has a plush tail that is white on the back and black racoon ringed on the front. Her fur coat ranges in color from smokey cream to milky tea and faint lilac.

Blue Ivy is looking for a home where she will be an only pet.  She likes a quiet environment and does not want to be left alone for excessive amounts of time. She has a sweet little chirp - not a annoying yowl and loves to be brushed. Very playful and loves cat nip!

In my search, I found other cats that I liked but it is a challenge matching their characteristics, health and personality to the type of home available.  It seems there were only a few that wanted to be a single pet in a home.  And poor Blue Ivy had her early years in a very chaotic home and when her parents brought home two human baby twins, Blue Ivy said "I have had enough - let me out of here! Give me peace and quiet!"

One of my other favorites was Muffy.  She is called a Snowshoe Siamese which I really like.  Her human mama had passed away.  And, she was in a foster home not far from where I live.  Sadly for me, she was adopted very quickly by someone else.

And, there was a while that I thought about a Main Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, Himalayan or Turkish Angora.   But, oh my , way to much fur and hours of brushing required.

I spent many hours looking at Rescue sites and local Human Societies but so many animals had very little background information or special needs and at this stage of my life journey, I did not feel that would be a good match.  The facility that Blue Ivy comes from houses all their rescue cats in foster homes.  They have a very thorough application process along with reference checking.

I have been approved to become the mama for Blue Ivy.  But, it will be a little while before I can pick her up because the distance is about three hours drive from my home and the weather has not been very conducive for me to travel that far.  Another storm with snow is in the imminent future. 

Blue Ivy, I'll be coming soon!

I am so happy to be able to have Blue Ivy and I am grateful that some small changes in my financial situation will permit me to have and properly care for her.

JUST A LITTLE ANNOYANCE!  I had to rewrite most of this post because of  (yes that annoying SAVE button).  For me, it is never easy to redo a post.  It just doesn't seem to be as satisfying as the original. 

I hope your week is going well and your weather is tolerable.  

Mary