A Fresh New Year

The winds of change are blowing.....

Can you feel it?

It's a brand-new year and I have been 

feeling the need for a fresh new start. 

A clearing of the mind, body and soul.

Mother Nature was feeling the same way!

Storm clouds swirled around and around.

In the middle of a moonless night, the 

 wind came roaring through the tree tops.

By morning, all was calm and the sun
was shining through the clouds, 

but Mother Nature left behind quite a mess.
Sixty miles per hour wind scoured the forest. 

The electricity went out. 

A large tree-top fell in the driveway. 

Every surface was covered in debris,

with branches, twigs, moss, and pine-cones everywhere.
It was a true wind-fall!
Nothing was damaged except a few dead trees.
We were lucky.
Many were not.

We had so much to do.  

Ramblin' Man took care of cleaning the debris off the driveway

  and I took care of sweeping the deck and walkways.  

It took us all day, 

but the sunshine was so beautiful. 

We have much more to do, but the
weather has been sunny and mild.

Perfect for working outside.

It's been surprisingly warm for January. 

Although, we did get our first dusting of snow 

the evening after the storm, but it quickly melted.  

We lost our electricity for two days, 

but kept warm with 2 wood-stoves 

and used our emergency water, candles and supplies.
We've been through this many times before. 

Surprisingly, these little pots of pansies stayed firmly 

on the deck rail through it all,
but the metal trash can lids
flew right off! 

I've caught up with the housework and the laundry
and all is back to normal once more.

I've also put away all the Christmas decorations, 

and am sewing new cushions for my daybed right now.

I'm so over the Grinchy green :)

One of my goals for this new year is to
find more time to sew.
 I love spending time in my own little space.
I had to wait 20 years and sacrifice two daughter's to get this room.
xx

This was always the 'kitty' room, too.
The quiet place at the top of the stairs,
tucked away in the corner.
The perfect place for a cat-nap.
Or to sit in the window to watch the birds.

There might be a fairy here, too!

Since we lost our dear old tabby-cat,
Maggie, last spring, (she lived to be 18)
 I can bring Birdy-Boy, the cockatiel, in for a little visit
while I sew. He loves to sit in the window.

I've had my little buddy for 20 years.
He was a lost pet that I found on the roof!
He has his own palatial cage palace in my 2 son's
former bedroom next door. 

I made some winter arrangements with wind-fallen 

twigs and craft-store flowers to freshen things up. 

The pine-cones came in a beautiful flower

arrangement from my daughter on Christmas Eve. 

I wish that I had taken a photo - it was so pretty.

I've been having a love affair with red lately. 

Especially red gingham. 

It cheers up my rustic little kitchen.

I found the vintage hanging lamp in a local antique shop 

over the summer and the Mr. installed it for me.
(Sorry for the dark photo, but I wanted to show you the lamp)
xx

I just found this handy electric tea-pot.
It's great for heating water very fast.
It has an eerie blue glow when it is brewing! 

It matches my red coffee maker and retro style radio. 

The radio is an 'emergency' radio, and can be charged 

with a built in solar panel, D batteries, or kinetic 

energy by turning a crank. It can charge a cell phone, too! 

We listened to the news channel during our outage. 

There were 800,000 people without power,

here in western Washington state. 

My hardworking little kitchen.....

Everything I need is close at hand.

I love to cook, but I'm getting bored

with the same old things. 

One of my goals for the new year is 

to try some healthy new recipes.

I'll share them if they turn out well! 

This is where the magic happens....
Well, most of the time.
xx

A little touch of red makes me so happy 

on these short January days.

I am taking advantage of this unusually warm January weather.
to catch up on some garden clean-up, too.
I know from experience that this weather won't last.

Old Man Winter might be only taking a nap.

I've started collecting some interesting windfall bits for winter potpourri. 

I'll add some essential oils, (cedar and bergamot) some dried 

orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and other whole spices

that are too past their prime for cooking.

I need to find a pretty bowl or basket on my 

next thrifty shopping trip. 

I'll share it all when I'm done.  

Kai keeps watch while I sweep the deck. 

Living among tall trees is messy, but also magical.

Magical during a gentle rain on a still, silvery morning.

Magical as the autumn sun illuminates golden leaves.

Magical when diamonds sparkle on snow covered branches.   

At least I try to remind myself of all this magic

 while I'm sweeping and raking and picking up

dozens and dozens of branches. 

xx

My New Motto: Life's messy - clean it up!  

It forces me outside for some fresh air and exercise.

It does clear the mind, body and soul.

xo

I'm learning when to lean into the wind, 

and when to go with the flow.  

xoxo

My New Year refresh includes 

repeating over and over......

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference. 

-Irish prayer-

Wishing all of you serenity at the start of this new year, Dear Friends. 

xoxo

An Afternoon Tea at The Secret Garden

Hello, Dear Friends, I wanted to share one last 

  Christmas post before the holidays were over.

xoxo 

Recently, my daughter, Heather,

  her mother-in-law, Patty, and I went 

to 'The Secret Garden' for afternoon tea. 

It's one of my favorite places. 

A quick pic of Heather, right before we went inside. 

She is the mother of 3 little boys - a 2 year old, 

and 1 year old twins.
She is a very busy Mom.
Her dear husband took over for the day
so she could get a much-deserved time out.  

Both Patty and I each help out

2 days a week while they work,
 so Heather wanted to treat us. 

xoxo

While we waited for our table, we stood in 

the front foyer, enjoying the ambiance.
The long, narrow hallway by the staircase   

was beautifully decorated for the holidays
with treasures that were all for sale. 

We were escorted to a cozy, back room 

that we had all to ourselves. 

But only briefly......we were just ahead of the lunch crowd.
Each table is uniquely different. 

Our table was tucked next to a window with lace curtains. 

Patty and I with our backs to the wonderful rosy wallpaper. 

Heather, next to one of the many decorated trees. 

xoxo

After we ordered tea (I had a winter chai), 

the first course was a delicious pumpkin-ginger bisque. 

Next, was a raspberry sorbet to cleanse the palate. 

Don't you just love the tiny serving cup?

We were served on
Royal Albert china; Old Country Roses. 

Scones were served next......

We used nearly every bit of that Devonshire cream,
 oh yes, we did! 

Next was a delicious orzo salad with olives and peas. 

Doesn't it look so pretty on the Royal Albert plate? 

Then this wonderful array of delectable's arrived!

So many pretty and dainty delicacies. 

We had such a good time chatting, sipping tea, and popping 

wonderful little morsels into our mouths, that we lost track of time. 

But all good things must come to an end,
so we reluctantly gathered up our very substantial
 'doggy' bags, after whiling away this enjoyable afternoon together. 

Another beautiful tree next to a shelf of interesting things
as we make our way into the gift shop.....

I wanted to take lots of photos, but it was so full
of patrons.....I will just tell you that it was a tea-lover,
Victorian lover, Christmas lover's paradise. 

The treasure that I brought home.

I also found the prettiest pressed glass vase
in the most delicate shade of green.
I am saving that for spring. 

xoxo

It was a  most wonderful day!

And while I have your undivided attention.....
we took a family photo on Christmas Eve.

xo
We had an ugly sweater contest :)

The winners!
Newlyweds, Steve and daughter Jennie (1st and 2nd),
with daughter Heather coming in at 3rd.
I found the award ribbons at Target.
They say, 'Ugly, Uglier, and Ugliest'!

DIL, Jen holds one of our little elves.
He was smiling a moment before,
but is very suspicious of the camera.
As soon as the camera is put away,
he's all smiles once more :)

Son Dustin, hamming it up.
He was in pain from his Achilles tendon injury,
but kept us smiling all day.
He is healing slowly but surely and can finally put
a little bit of weight on his foot, but still needs a crutch.

This is what happens when Grandpa tries to get a photo
with all four of the grands.

*    *
!
0

It was a beautiful, winter day, and not too very cold,
 so we were able to take lots of photos.

Kai with his Christmas toy.
Just try and take it away from him!

He gleefully runs, and he's very fast!



I can't leave any kind of stuffed animal within his reach.

His favorite game is 'keep away'.
He always wins.
xo

I made this pumpkin gingerbread streusel cake at Christmas
for the first time and it was so delicious,
especially with a pouf of whipped cream.

Here's the recipe.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Streusel Cake

2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup cold butter (1 and 1/2 sticks)
2 cups canned pumpkin (lg can)
 2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease and flour a deep 9x9 inch square or round baking pan.

In large mixing bowl, combine first six dry ingredients.
Add the cold butter in small pieces.
Cut in with a pastry blender or fork until mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.

Measure 3/4 cups of mixture and set aside for streusel topping.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin,
eggs, molasses, buttermilk, and baking soda.

Make a well in dry ingredients and add pumpkin mixture,
  mixing with spoon until well blended.

Spread evenly into prepared baking pan.
Sprinkle with streusel topping.

Bake for approx. 1 hour at 350 degrees.
Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

This cake will keep very well,
and improves in flavor each day.

I also made some peppermint bark, and decorated it with sprinkles.

We had an ornament and treat exchange, which was
really fun.

Well, the clock is ticking, Dear Friends.........




Happy New Year!
Thank you for your sweet friendship!

xoxo

Another Year Over and a New One yet to Come.

Hello, Dear Friends and Family, I hope that your 

Christmas was filled with sweet blessings of hope. 

I know that the holidays are not always happy for so 

many of us, and can magnify grief or loss, 

 difficult circumstances, distance from loved ones, 

and failed expectations.

Life has its challenging moments and the holidays 

can bring many emotions and memories to the surface,

some not so merry.  

I think that we can all relate to these things. 

How many of us have spent holidays in ICU wards, 

or hospice, or had a child who was ill......

How many of us have found ourselves far away

from those we love and possibly alone.......

How many of us have had lean years, or 

sorrowful years when we have lost loved ones, or have 

been battling illness or injury ourselves? 

I'm sure every one of us can raise our hands.

And let's all remember the honorable and self-sacrificing
military personnel and their families, which are in
a special category all their own, and deserve our
utmost gratitude and consideration. 

My Dear Mother was always sad during the holidays. 

It brought back memories for her of a difficult 

childhood, growing up in the depression, 

when sometimes they wouldn't even get one gift. 

There were 8 children, and my Grandfather was a 

commercial fisherman. 

At least he had a job.......

But they were fiercely proud, and when, one year

a charity came to the door with a bag full of presents, 

my Grandmother sent them away. 

Christmas would fill my Mother with these sad memories,

and she was frequently melancholy, which affected 

her own family, too. 

Many times she would have to retreat to her room, 

leaving me, as the eldest, to carry on for 

my 4 younger siblings and my Dad. 

My Mother battled depression her whole life. 

Or I should say, our whole family battled my 

Mother's depression all our life. 

Christmas was frequently a sad and somber affair for us all, 

even as adults, because of this. 

Christmas has always been a sad reminder for 

my sweet Ramblin' Man of how far away 

we are from his own family. 

We left them all behind when we moved out west 

as newlyweds, knowing not a soul, 

and too poor to travel back home. 

One Christmas day, soon after we left, 

we found ourselves in a little cafe' feeling sorry for ourselves. 

We had no telephone (it was years before cell phones), 

and we used up our cache' of quarters at the 

phone booth in the parking lot to call 'home', 

getting only 3 minutes per family to send our love. 

As we ate our humble pie in our window booth, 

we looked out to see a little family - a man, a woman, 

and a little child, obviously homeless, walking by with backpacks

and raggedy clothes. 

At that moment we realized how fortunate we were. 

We were healthy, we had shelter and food, 

and we had hope. 

 Later, as a Father of four, 

traveling 'home' for Christmas was financially 

and logistically out of reach. 

Then, right before Christmas just a couple of years ago,

we lost his Dear Mother, which now makes Christmas especially poignant. 

All four of our parents are gone now, and no matter 

how old you get to be, losing your parents can 

make you feel quite like an orphan. 

Even (or maybe especially) if some of those 

relationships were difficult. 

Sometimes there is no closure. 

And sometimes Christmas wasn't a day of joy. 

Also, with each year that goes by, we are acutely aware 

of friends and co-workers that are no longer with us. 

And hardest of all, many have lost

  beloved partners or children. 

Christmas can seem like a terrible joke. 

All that sparkle, glitter, and 'cheer'

can seem cruel when you are grieving and all alone. 

We must translate our emotions into something meaningful

and heartfelt. We must honor those we have lost, reach out 

to those we miss, and share our feelings with those we love. 

We must find our own reason to shine. 

As another year comes to a close, we can 

look back and take stock of all that we have experienced, 

putting it all into a basket labeled, 'live and learn'. 

We can add meaning to our lives by looking at difficult 

moments and losses as gifts. 

Gifts of compassion. 

Not only do we have compassion for others who experience 

these things, but we must have compassion for ourselves, too. 

Compassion, not with self-pity, but with insight into 

how we can become better people by overcoming 

our pasts, our sorrows, and our grief by honoring our loved ones

who have left us behind. 

Honoring the struggles we have faced with courage. 

Honoring the losses we have suffered by 

emulating all those good qualities that were passed along to us, 

honoring our disappointments with gratitude for all 

that we have.  

The word I have chosen for 2019 is 'kindness'. 

Kindness not only for others, but kindness for ourselves. 

Kindness is the brother of 'forgiveness'. 

When we can be kind and forgiving to ourselves, 

we can pass this on to others. 

In a world of diminishing compassion, we must fight 

this trend with kindness and understanding. 

It all begins in our own hearts. 

And because of my Irish roots, I would like to 

offer an Irish New Year Blessing or two......

Always remember to forget

The troubles that pass away. 

But never forget to remember

The Blessings that come each day. 

xoxo

Count your blessings instead of your crosses.

Count your gains instead of your losses. 

Count your joys instead of your woes.

Count your friends instead of your foes. 

Count your smiles instead of your tears. 

Count your courage instead of your fears. 

Count your full times instead of your lean. 

Count your kind deeds instead of your mean. 

Count your health instead of your wealth. 

Love your neighbor instead of your self. 

xoxo

Wishing all of you a New Year filled with hope, courage and faith. 

And plenty of kindness. 

xoxo