Snow Birds

Today we were graced with our third snowfall of the year.  Being retired, snow doesn't bother us too much.  One big advantage is the accumulation of our bird population on the deck, as you can see from the photos.

Day 10...and Holding !

I am now into ten days of trying to keep my New Year's resolutions, and guess what, I'm hangin' in there!  Ten days of no smoking, losing a pound and a half, exercising daily, and putting a nicer me (or at least I'm trying to!) out there in the neighborhood. I'm a "work in progress" as they say.  Be patient 'cause Rome wasn't built in a day! Keep posted.  We'll see how far I get in 2011...

Starting Over

A new beginning, a second chance, a do-over...that's what January 1 signals to me.  Taking a look back, we can embrace the good and ditch the bad.  Most of us make New Year's resolutions, hoping to God we keep 'em.  Going smokeless, loosing weight, exercising more are always at the top of my list. That shows you how well I do with my resolutions!  But, I'm not naive; I realize it's hard and I start out strong.  In the end, I loose ground and prepare to renew my resolutions in the next New Year.  One can only hope, can't we?  Everyone deserves second chances.  'Tis better to try than not.  This year, though, I'm trying more meaningful resolutions in the hopes they will be more attainable and enriching to those in my life.  At least once, give a stranger a smile.  Hand out one sincere compliment a day.  Use the "Pay Forward" mentality to those I meet along the way.  Be a kinder, gentler person to my family.  If I could succeed in at least one of these endeavors I would be happy.  Wish me luck.  We'll see how long I last!

Christmas Highlights

In a blink of an eye, it's done, finit, caput, over.  I'm referring to the wondrous "Two-Day Bang"--Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.   We look forward to it, prepare for it, and wrap our lives around it, and then it's done.  But with its demise are the memories made, memories to cherish and hold dear.  We send our best wishes to all for a Merry and Bright Season!

An-Ti-Ci-Pa-Tion...

Yeah, Guys, we're all anticipating the arrival of the Holidays.  This is my "Happy Time".  Sometimes I wish for the days of believing in The Big Man and all that it entails.  The hardest part now, for me personally, is that we have no young kids in our home, the Believers who make the Magic of Christmas so special.  But, still gettin' ready for the Season is fun anyway.  I've been busy baking Christmas cookies, even though we're all watching our sugar intake.  Making trips to the Mall, too, is exciting--scouting out those "perfect" gifts for those near and dear.  Rarer than ever, the shoppers and salesclerks were nice and accomodating this year.  Trimming the tree, usually quite a hassle, went up with nary a problem.  (Of course, that could be because we decided on a artificial tree instead of chopping down a real pine!)  Larry hung the outdoor lights without too much fuss yesterday;  they even worked!  Atta boy, hubby!  To top off the Season, the weathermen are predicting snow on Saturday that could possibly stick around until Christmas!  Wow, the dream of have a White Christmas might be realized!
The writer, Charles Dickens, sums up Christmas Time the best:  "I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come around, as a good time; forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely."

The best Christmas of all is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another!

Greetings!

To everyone--family and friends-- Larry and I wish  a very Happy Thanksgiving!  May your day be filled with much laughter and warm "fuzzies"!

Ritual or Routine?

According to Webster's, a ritual is a prescribed religious rite. Within the context of religion it is designed to give one's self comfort and serenity.  For me small things in life we do without our religion or faith involved, such as reaching for morning's first cup of coffee, fit that definition totally.  Or is that just a meaningless routine in our day-to-day existence?  What about my seasonal Cookie-Baking Day in December?  It's a ritual: my measuring, mixing, baking, and smelling the delicious aromas of the fresh-out-of-the-oven delicacies!  How about settling in for an evening together with hubby watching our favorite TV program?  How about sending Christmas cards to family and friends?  Is that a routine or do we perform these seemingly inconsequential, mundane tasks with such a religious fervor and love that it fits Webster's definition to a "T" .   Walking the dog....reading a good book on a rainy, wintry afternoon...snuggling in bed with freshly laundered sheets...watching the Key West sunsets in early spring...  The list is endless.  Maybe it would be a great idea if we managed to turn our daily routine tasks into a ritual.  What better way to make our lives more enjoyable and meaningful!