Ms Graysea

The Little Gray Helper

2012-02-01T06:35:00.001-05:00

We had a very special birthday in our ranks last week. LM turned 75!! Due to crazy schedules we were not able to be together to celebrate until the weekend....Ms G was really in to the clebration as it involved wrapped boxes, tape, crinkly plastic wrappers, AND twist ties. Cat heaven! Taking photos was a challenge as she wanted to be right in the middle of the entire process.

The very surprised birthday boy, delightedly opens his new Bose system. This man loves music, radios and technology, so the perfect gift had been chosen.

Ms G helping......note LM's clothes drying operation on the kitchen chandelier! Lovely, but efficient, as the heat rises from just below.

"I want those plastic wrappers on the remotes....you can have the remotes."

Admiring her portrait on the birthday card......

Ahhhhhhhhhh. A lot of music was enjoyed as we worked through the birthday weekend, and sent healing thoughts to Marty.

Wonderful news this morning that Marty made significant progress yesterday.He is now cognizant of where he is. Today they will attempt to do another MRI to see what caused this episode. He remains in the hospital as he is very weak. WHEW, and thank you all for the kindness of your prayers, thoughts and caring.

Believing

2012-01-31T06:51:00.000-05:00

Last night found some slight improvement in Marty's condition. He had a little 'real" conversation with his youngest son, Sam (14). That beautiful news greeted me this morning when I woke up. Marty is surrounded by love, with many prayers and has had distance reiki through the kindness of my high school friend, Lynne. She has been so supportive and caring, and I am deeply grateful. Thank you all of my dear readers for your caring.
Hopefully, today, Marty will be able to endure an MRI and/or an EEG. Still trying to find out what happened.
More, as I know it.

Monday Morning

2012-01-30T06:36:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much, my friends, for your concern for my family as we continue a hopeful vigil for Marty's health. There is not much more news. Marty was unable to endure the MRI, even with anesthesia. His poor body cannot remain still. Mental confusion continues and hallucination-like activity, as well. He is not in the present, but he seems to know that Karen and the boys are with him, although they are not sure.
Today will bring more news, we hope! We all want to be there!!

We did manage a nice weekend, with a sunny walk on the beach Saturday, and some time purposely seeking out funny movies and succeeding. We found "Wild Target" - a very zany British comedy with Bill Nighy and Emily Blunt, that we loved. It's fun that we share a mutual sense of humor. Of course, last night we indulged in the feast that is Downton Abbey, and are already concerned about what we'll do when it is over for the season. We also had some big laughs with Ms G. She seems to know exactly when comic relief is needed.

Off to start the day.

Mother Hen

2012-01-29T10:20:00.001-05:00

Being the oldest of seven siblings, I have fallen naturally into the role of mother hen, or at least I feel that way. Late yesterday I received an e-mail from my sister-in-law, Karen, written hastily from my brother Marty's bedside in an Illinois hospital. We do not know yet, what has happened but Marty has symptoms of a stroke and we are all very concerned. In the picture above, Marty is first row, first on the left.

My mother hen wings feel terribly short and inadequate this morning, as I await more news. Marty is very confused right now and is going to have an MRI today. Waiting....

This afternoon there is a little dinner party to celebrate LM's 75th birthday and it all feels a little hollow. We will be focusing on sending Marty our thoughts and prayers for recovery. His struggle of many years after a dirt bike accident in 1975, has shown him to have a very strong spirit. May it prevail! He's a beloved brother, father, husband and "baby chick." Illinois is way too far away right now.

Winged Migration

2012-01-24T05:35:00.002-05:00

Nephew, Bob, truly enjoys watching Winged Migration on TV. He will watch for an hour or more! He also claims the best seat in the house for his viewing perch, when he isn't trying to catch the birds on the screen.

At Last

2012-01-21T13:18:00.001-05:00

These solar kitty lights are hovering in the snow outside LM's backdoor today! In the photo above you can catch a glimpse of my new car.....a KIA Sorento. LOVE IT!

It is finally snowing here! We really have not had winter to this point....so pretty outside and even lovelier that it is Saturday and LM, ms G and I are snowed in together!
We are remembering Etta James today, and I must confess that when I listened to At Last this morning, I cried a few tears as I thought of how much my Mum loved Etta and that song.

Happy Saturday.....I'll be cooking swordfish later and tomorrow we will watch the Patriots game and cheer them on to win!

Ms G is so happy to have us all under one roof and she is celebrating by helping LM clean out the refrigerator. Just in case you were wondering about how she is "coping." Poor baby, her life is really tough. Last night she slept on my feet all night. UGH!

The Florida Herd

2012-01-17T16:17:00.001-05:00

I know there's not been much news on my Florida feline relatives so, fresh in from their parents, are some new photos of them all, along with some glimpses of the quilt I made for daughter, Anne for Christmas. As you can see it has the feline stamp of approval. Obviously, Theo loves to cram himself into a tiny space!

Bella and Tig have a nap on the new quilt!

Grazing on the bed.....

The dedication label for Anne's quilt and a bit of the front revealed.


I am busy beyond belief at work and in so many ways, but all is well. LM and I just shared our first weekend together since before Thanksgiving. I had some cherished down time being a cat couch, and loved it.

Blogger is so annoying!! I embrace change in many ways, but the inability to post the way I always have, is a true detriment. Enough said!

Love to all!

Wordless Wednesday -A True Connection - LM and Tiger

2012-01-11T05:52:00.000-05:00

Meggie's Scarf

2012-01-06T06:47:00.004-05:00

My current knitting project....dream yarn - baby alpaca and Rowan Kid Silk Haze - is soft, soft and new needles are so wonderful. Not sure what kind they are.

This will be for LM's daughter, Meg, to go with her new coat.

Ahhhhhh, it is Friday. Started the morning off with snow here but it is warming now and disappearing fast. Tomorrow I will have some time with my dear friend, Sue, and we will work on her quilt project, and tomorrow night LM and I have a date! Sunday will be my last day with the doggies for awhile. They've really been quite good but my own bed is going to look really welcoming to me on Sunday evening, that is, after I watch Downton Abbey with LM. Can't wait.

Happy Birthday, Dear Brother

2012-01-05T10:01:00.002-05:00

Washington DC 2006 Evie and moi!

October 2011

62 years ago today, I was 7 years old and a second grader at a two room school house in Hanover, MA. Once a week, after school I would walk about a mile with a group of friends, to the beautiful North Hanover Baptist church to attend Blue Birds. (It's hard to imagine that we walked that far, unattended, across a very busy state road, at that age). On that January 5th, 1950 day, mid-Blue Bird meeting, my father appeared in the doorway of the parish hall and beckoned me to him. He picked me up and told me the wonderful news that I had a baby brother. I will never forget the sheer joy of that moment. That dear brother is still one of my best friends in the world, chef extraordinaire, and one of the dearest, funniest most interesting people I know. Happy Birthday, Evie!

PS. Even though I dressed you up in a red dress as a toddler and put you on the front lawn holding a lemonade for sale sign, you still turned out to be a fine human being!

Love and Loss

2012-01-03T14:19:00.002-05:00

My dear blog friend, Judy, lost her husband, Fred, on the first day of this new year. She wrote a poignantly beautiful post about their last moments together and the way they shared such a deep and wonderful love right to the end. Their love was similar to that LM and I share and it, like ours, came to them late in life.

Not much else to say, but I hold them close in my heart as they pass through this transition, and I am sure happy that in 2011 they adopted two very lovely kitties whom I am sure will be taking good care of Judy as she goes on.

Bonus Day

2012-01-02T10:13:00.001-05:00

So nice to have this Monday off to make such a long weekend....LM was off visiting John last night ( alas, John saw in the new year behind bars, and we have no idea what is going to happen - hearing coming on LM's 75th birthday, Jan 26....very sad). Anyway, after spending some time together at LM's house yesterday afternoon (that cat purporting to live there, never came out and gave her former Mum some love) and sharing a little mid-afternoon meal, I came back to my house and worked a bit more on my current quilting projects before returning to my post with the dogs. I was delighted to find the New Year's Eve special from Vienna Austria on PBS and spent a very delightful evening watching that followed by a re-run of the last episode of the first season of Downton Abbey while knitting. It was good to re-watch as the new season will start next week. I love every single thing about that series. Anyone else enjoying it, as well??

Today is beautiful, over 50 degrees and sunny, and after I finish up some sewing, I'll spend some time with Sara and Samantha. Back to work tomorrow. It will seem strange.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T09:26:00.001-05:00

May 2012 be a year of peace, love and enlightenment to all my wonderful readers, friends and family.
I am house sitting for my boss until January 8. The peace, sunny windows and my big doggie friends are starting the New Year off on a good note. LM and I hunkered in there last night and enjoyed some movies and the quiet.

I've had some very annoying computer issues and am contemplating a new computer? Tablet? Not sure. Would appreciate any feedback.

Meanwhile, I am enjoying my new car, and savoring the glow from or lovely Christmas. In less than 2 weeks I will have a new co-worker and I think she will be just great.

Quilting continues and I am about to send three to the quilter in 2 weeks so will be working on the backing for them tomorrow. These long weekends have been such a gift. Amidst the quilting I am making a scarf for LM's daughter, Meggie. It is with two yarns...a soft gray baby alpaca and a white very fine mohair. It is coming along beautifully on some new sz 7 needles that knit so easily.

Many people I love have suffered some losses and are dealing with illness/surgery and lots of positive loving energy is being sent their way, as I spend time appreciating all I have and trying to love in a more accepting and quiet manner. Not always easy.

So, as an apple pie surprise is baking and scenting my house delightfully, I will try to go back into the morass of this computer and Blogger, and FINALLY post the pictures of our sweet Christmas, elegantly hosted by Alison, Jason and Teddy.

Happy New Year.

Christmas Day

2011-12-26T09:49:00.000-05:00

House sitting leads to some unexpected and memorable times in our lives!

We had a sweet little celebration alone at my boss's house. When I arrived they had left me a beautiful tree with presents. So sweet and the lights twinkling at night were so lovely! As you can see, when LM arrived on Christmas morning, he got a royal greeting from Sammy, complete with a plea to throw the tennis ball!

LM truly surprised me with the gift of a lovely ring and a beautiful love letter! Inside the love letter were also two funny Christmas morning pictures of MS G in bed with her two donkey friends (thanks Debbie)! LM is my perfect match as we share such a warped sense of humor.
You can see my what-looks-like-a-dead-possum fut coat behind me there. It was cold that day! I've had the coat for years and only need to take it out several times a year.

LM Loved his new mercury glass lamp for the table beside his living room chair.

This picture of Teddy, taken on his birthday in December was accidently downloaded into this post and I cannot remove it, so here he is in all his sweetness on his 3rd birthday.

The mantle at my boss's house (r)
below, a very unusual and pretty poinsetia on the coffee table, and the dining room table centerpiece where we later enjoyed a totally indulgent and delicious Christmas dinner of Alaskan king crab legs and broiled swordfish. It truly was a perfect day for just us!

After we had dinner, and as we were doing the dishes we noticed the sky becoming very dark and the wind picking up, and within minutes we were in a full-fledged snow squall with hail, etc. It lasted for about 20 minutes. We hustled out to the car and drove about 1/2 mile to the beach and caught the storm clouds as they moved out over the Atlantic and Pleasant Bay. You can see the precipitation coming down from the clouds over the water. Very dramatic.

Below is another shot of the tree....we had a perfect day - simple. We are so very fortunate to have each other, our love, our families, and to live in such great beauty.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T10:18:00.001-05:00

Here they are, the stars of our Christmas Eve!

Samantha and Teddy had so much fun and brought us all so much joy. Samantha was so happy to be with her cousin and was a vision all dressed up in a beautiful blue velvet dress.

Alison always makes sets the table so beautifully!

Teddy's "friends" lined up and waiting to greet us as we arived!

LM, complete with bow on his ear, and Kristi, in her Christmas Sweater, enjoying Christmas Eve dinner.

Our dear hostess Alison and LM's daughter, Meggie

Nana with Samantha and Teddy having a great laugh. They were actually trying to cajole me into allowing them to blow out the centerpiece candle. They did wait until after dessert, but it was a challenge

Teddy hamming it up as we unwrapped presents.

Sara and Samantha....such a joy to see them happy and have them with us.

Mr technology and Meggie have fun with pictures on the phone. Meg is doing wonderfully in nursing school and you can see on her lap the study guide we gave her as a gift. Below, Teddy caught in a quiet moment with LM's cell phone....so funny.

Samantha's one Christmas wish was for a light-up magic wand....LM makes it work and was her hero.
Teddy with his handmade alligator....he loved it....When you roll it, the mouth opens and makes quite a noise. I had it made by a man I met at a craft show.

Well, finally I was able to make some sense out of this post. Blogger is still very obstinate.

We loved this Christmas celebration and it was everything we could have asked and more, just having the little ones and loving family close.

Naughty and Nice

2011-12-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

Ms G thought I should show you her annual tree inspection......

I have a big collection of cat ornaments and a favorite glass bluebird (not within reach of the inspector). The two glass cats below were gifts years ago from my brother, Ev.

Our favorite feline, along with her devoted servants, wish everyone a beautiful Christmas Eve....no matter how or if you celebrate, may you feel peace and love all around and within.

Little Known Facts

2011-12-23T21:20:00.001-05:00

I don't think I've ever mentioned that I live on the first floor of a house that has a clock shop in the walkout basement. My neighbor takes in clocks of all kinds for restoration/repair. Being home alot the past few weeks as I fight off the respiratory ailment living in my chest, I've been so aware of the clocks as they chime the hour and the half-hour. It is really a lovely ambience and the sounds are so varied. Once in awhile there will be a cuckoo clock and that will make me laugh, and I love the very deep sounds of the many grandfather clocks. I love the quiet of no TV or other noises in my own space, and find it puts me in an almost meditative state, thus when the chimes sound, it takes me to the very lovely memory of a yoga teacher sounding her bells to end a meditation. So beautiful and brings one right to present consciousness. The sounds really touch my soul.
The main body of the clock shop is right under my bedroom, so at night, there are frequent sounds, although I do think the shop owner silences the noisy ones. Often I pick up on the sounds of the malfunctioning clocks and they will keep striking continuously for ages and at odd times. It never bothers my sleep and I am strangely comforted by the symphony issuing from below in the night on the odd occasion that I am not sleeping. My grandparents had many chiming clocks in their house and I loved staying there and hearing the tick tock and the chiming in the night. It was great fun to go round with my "Di-Di" (grandfather) as he wound the clocks and made sure the time was correct.

Off to get some more sleep in an effort to rout out my malady.
Looking forward to Christmas eve with Teddy and Samantha and others tomorrow evening. The joy of children is like none other.

May happiness, peace, joy, love and acceptance abound for you all.

Fighting the Good Fight

2011-12-22T06:37:00.000-05:00

.....and oh what a fight. On December 2 at the company Christmas party I began to feel a tiny bit of swelling and soreness in my throat, and by the next day I was down for the count. The battle seemed to be going well and after two days at home the following week, I felt much better. Within a few days, though, a serious cough began, and worsened this past weekend and since then I have been at home trying to recover. This morning, I feel strong enough to return to work and am about half-way recovered from laryngitis.

I didn't let the bout get me down, and have just listened to what my body needed. The gifts I'd been gathering throughout the year, are wrapped, a meal is planned for Christmas Eve at Jason and Alison's, and I'll do the cookng Friday night overnight in the slow cooker. Christmas Day will find me mostly by myself with my canine charges - yes, my boss will be away for a few days - and give me more time to rest. LM and I will share a meal sometime that day.

I've missed writing, and I have my laptop touchpad failure to blame for that - mostly. Last night, dear, dear, LM came over and brought and set me up with a wireless mouse. Ahhhhhh.

Also, in the middle of all this, I managed to buy a new car - a KIA Sorento. I'd bought a new car almost 2 years ago but it has been a constant problem to me with failures to start, and expensive issues, so now a new car with fantastic warranty is mine. LM has taken care of all the logistics with the car, including driving to the north shore to find my desired color, and bring it back to Cape Cod KIA. My dark cherry 2012 Sorento LX will be mine later today.

Merry Christmas to all my dear readers, family and friends!! May you all be surrounded by love, peace, joy and light.

PS...Ms G sends happy purrs to all, and says she loves her life with LM, especially her days spent under the down comforter!

Preparing for Winter

2011-12-06T08:34:00.001-05:00

Starting off December with some sort of cold/flu event just so I do not have to deal with being sick for the rest of the winter (ah, that I really could plan that well!). While I am home working through the nasty symptoms, I'm keeping myself upright, when gravity really wishes I would stop fighting and just lay down and sleep this off. So far I have managed to sort and cull my entire book collection. 3/4 of it will be given away and some donated to a local charity shop. I kept my two small collections of cat books (maybe not so small), and my array of Cape Cod books. What a relief! Next up, last night when I could not sleep from this plague, I attacked the storage box containing all my important personal papers. All done, and there were two major trips out to the dumpster - therapeutic - of course, as I took many deep breaths of the cool night air. What a great feeling to have these huge projects off my list, and I was distracted for hours from thinking about how awful I feel.
In the process of purging, I was also able to sort out several collections of things I'd been meaning to give to siblings and grandchildren. They now are ready for mailing. I also came across bits and pieces of former lives that I find I no longer need to hang on to, and they have been let go. Freedom for my soul!
So, as much as I do not like being sick, it's not so bad after all! I'll be already to feel fine through the holidays!

Of course, those doing my job at the office, are probably not feeling so happy, as they are doubly burdened. Alas, I have no voice right now, so I'd not be much help, not to mention, no one needs me spreading this illness.

Today, I hope to do a little sewing after I win the battle with gravity. Right now my head does not feel strong to stay upright. Oh well......this too, shall pass.

Hope everyone out there is happy, and healthier. Love to all!

No Pity

2011-12-01T20:55:00.005-05:00

There are loud complaints heard from the home of a certain cat poacher this evening. Seems she is gazing into his eyes, unnerving the poor thief. There is also talk about how she forces him to remain seated by perching in his lap while purring, and when all else fails she lays on her back with all fours in the air to get attention.

There's an even louder complaint because he's been asked to attend the office Christmas party of the former owner of said feline. Alas, he must pay his pennance for being a stealer of hearts.

We love him just the same, though, and he'll be a perfect party date, no doubt, with nary a complaint to be heard.

If I did this it would not work!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T06:17:00.004-05:00

This is a few days late thanks to Blogger!

Happy Thanksgiving!! It certainly was a perfect period of giving thanks, sharing beautifully delicious food with family, a very long trip, and some dreamy-happy and productive time at home with Ms G (well, she is "at home" with LM, the cat thief, and she being a little traitor).

LM and I did a car buy for the local Ford dealer that took us to Red Lion, PA on Friday. It was great fun even if we were both pretty tired. Left home at 2:30 am Friday and returned at 1 am on Saturday. We had lots of fun and the ride took us through beautiful Amish farms. My brother, Ev came up from Baltimore and met us at the dealer and we had a nice lunch. The trip back was a bit more stressful as I was driving the car and LM drove the new truck. He is wonderful about keeping an eye on me behind him, and our walkie-talkies kept us linked and me alerted to any upcoming turns or lane switches. The last couple of hours I struggled to stay awake but we did it with no problems.

Saturday I awoke feeling refreshed and we did a lot of work around the house. Our November weather has been such that we could open all the windows and enjoy the lovely sunshine. Ms G spent the whole day under the quilt! Crazy girl.

I've been making amazing quilt progress recently and have two more ready to go to the longarm quilter. It is helping to keep my mind off the sadness of John's situation.

The picture below was taken by a friend of my son, Jason. You can see Jason between the two gasoline tankers, I love how the camera captured the truck lighting. Jason has a dangerous job and does it very well and with great care.

The Healer

2011-11-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

Ms G just knows when someone needs love, comfort and warmth (although she did forget my feet).

After a tumultuous week that saw John return to jail for 18 months, LM and I were very anxious to be together, make a cocoon of peace for ourselves and come to our center. There was painful air to be cleared, and after I had my anger-filled say for myself, we are fine, and will hang on to our precious love to help each other survive. My heart is not feeling kindly toward John at this time and I am trying to find the elusive compassion. To see my beloved's heart torn to shreds, pushes me over the edge. It did not help that this all occurred in a week that had my energy and endurance tested to the max.

So....after the air was cleared yesterday morning, and my faith in the love LM and I share renewed, we had a nice day....we cooked together and had a lot of fun. We roasted a pile of turkey wings with vegetables and herbs, and made the Thanksgiving gravy from the drippings, turkey stock evolved from the roasted bones, and a wonderful casserole of turkey tetrazzini http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/ became dinner. I also roasted some blue hubbard squash. A rewarding, healing and delicious day! The rest of the evening we watched PBS, and Ms G loved continuing the healing by pinning me to the couch while we watched "Doc Martin."

Off to hang clothes out to dry and rake some leaves.

Happy Sunday with love from Cape Cod!

PS....This is a day late, thanks to Blogger!

Farmer Teddy

2011-11-18T05:39:00.000-05:00

Teddy went to visit a farm sometime around Halloween. Love this picture so much...He's the image of his wonderful Dad.

So nice that we will be with him on Thanksgiving!

I'm wrestling with the need to change my attitude on many fronts. Some deep sadness abides in my soul right now, and much of it has to do with my judgmental thinking. I strive to be always loving and accepting, and yet, in certain situations, the struggle to keep the focus on what I can do and not on the behavior of others, is just almost more than I can bear.

I know all the right ways - a step back, compassion, meditation, focusing on action and not reaction - but my will to apply them is weak. The poor choices on another's part, are deeply affecting my life and it hurts. I guess I need not say more than the fact that John is back in jail, and LM and I feel the knives of despair tearing at our hearts and our relationship.

Any and all advice on coping with a young adult who repeatedly makes bad choices is most welcome.

Love to all!

For Kristi

2011-11-14T07:27:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, LM cooked one of his semi-annual fish dinners. As always, his dear daughter, Kristi was along to help and she was very happy this year to meet up with a friend, Terri. I've tried for many weeks to post the other photos of the evening but Blogger is not allowing me any more than this one lovely shot. Here's to you, Kristi! We love you and your Charlie Brown shirt.

KIA Kat

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

We all know that I share my life with a cat thief.....LM's reputaion is spread far and wide....he's made repeated attempts to purloin fetching felines in Canada and Florida and is making threats toward a certain Zoey in Colorado....there is just no limit on this man. He's a danger to any and all felines.

Take this beauty.....his next conquest (he thinks).......he/she lives at a KIA dealer in Medford, MA and LM visits there often, ostensibly to swap vehicles for a local dealer, but the fans of Ms G know that he always has ulterior motives....can't you just see that longing look in this sweetie's eyes??? That look is reflecting from covetous LM eyes.

Beware, oh beauty, you would not want to have to share LM with the oh so jealous Ms G. A true cat fight would ensue, and you would lose. Stay right where you are, luring KIA customers.

PS.....I must add that I feel a bit covetous of this lovely, and wish she could come to live with me, too.

Baltimore Sky

2011-11-04T08:07:00.005-04:00

Do you suppose sailors need to take warning?? A beautifully ominous early morning sky in Baltimore this Friday. Sent by my family there....There was a very red sky on Cape Cod this morning, as well, but this lazy blogger did not get out to take a photo! I did hear a lovely sunrise description, though, from LM, who was launching a trip to western NY state this morning, and sweetly chatting with me as he drove.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.....I am looking forward to some rest time, knitting, quilting, walking, and being with my darling, LM. My little Boston Terrier friend returns to her owners tomorrow evening, and I am sure she will be very happy.
I continue to adjust to the fact that my dear friend, Nancy, will have her last day of work with me next Friday. The company is working on a new plan and seeming to be considerate of my feelings in it all. Change is good, change is good, ACCEPTANCE....my new mantra.

One Day at Lunch; A Special Birthday; Everybody Must Get Stoned, Ms G Style

2011-11-03T14:33:00.001-04:00

A mish-mash of catch-up today....
My view at lunch one day last week. Due to a major construction project that blocks the way to my house during each day right now, I drive about 1/4 of a mile from my office to Oyster Pond Beach and soak up some rays, eat my lunch and read, as well as chat with LM. Perfect lunch!
As I leave the beach parking area, this lovely array of mums brightens the way.

and, as I circle back to the office I see this lovely view ahead as I take a turn. The ocean colors are very brilliant in the Fall.

A few weeks ago, we attended a lovely party to celebrate a "new number" birthday for a very dear friend. Nan had already been feted royally in her home town of Saratoga Springs, but her Cape-contingent had yet to celebrate. She was finally able to come down with some great friends and we all had a wonderful time with delicious food and laughter.
L-R, Moi, Kim, our gracious host, Bob, Tom, LM, Deb, and Bev.

LM and Deb

The birthday girl, Nan showing off gifts from LM and Moi

A perfectly wonderful cake from Casual Gourmet.

When Nan visits, she always remembers to bring Ms G a gift. This time it was a cute bag of catnip. We were not home 10 seconds when she sniffed it out, grabbed it and began to play, roll, sniff, etc. It was so funny.

Everyday since, she has been having crazy love sessions with her stash. Thank you, Aunt Nan! You know how to get to this girl's heart!

The day after the party, LM and I felt the need to just be outside near the ocean and enjoy the beautiful day. We drove over to East Sandwich and walked on a beach that I have not savored in many, many years: Sandy Neck. It is an approximately 8 mile long barrier beach. In another life, back in the late 1970's-to late 1980's, I spent many a weekend there camping with my former husband. You must have a "beach buggy," or 4-wheel drive vehicle to access the beach and it is tough driving, but we loved it. I loved the total peace with just the sound of the waves at night, and would walk the beach for hours collecting seaglass. At night we would have campfires and visit with other camping friends. Good memories.

The dunes, sculpted by the wind, are very large at Sandy Neck and ever-changing. The Town of Barnstable oversees this very special place and it is conserved very carefully.

We walked quite a way and enjoyed the brisk air and beautiful sky.

Coming back to the car.

The beauty of our "back yard" never fails to renew my spirits and deep appreciation for my home turf!
PS. There was a little stop at a local quilt shop on the way to this walk!!

I'm feeling better about the changes that are coming fast and furious at work, and I am looking foward to some nice walks and time with LM this weekend. We are way past due.

Love to all.....

My Current Charge

2011-10-28T20:45:00.008-04:00

Pardon me for my absence....I'm thinking of you all, but very distracted by the presence of a certain little Boston terrier named Madeline. She belongs to a good friend from work who has gone to Paris for 10 days with his partner. Madeline does lots of sniffing and snorting and rooting around and has the biggest ears.

Meanwhile, I am in a Friday night tired funk.....my dearest co-worker announced today that she has given her two week notice to take another job. I am heartbroken, yet know it is a good move for her, both personally and career-wise. We have worked together so well for all these years. Changes are going to begin as a result of this and it is very unsettling, as I know my job will become much different. It will be a lesson in acceptance and an exercise in embracing change, rather than having fear. One is never too old to learn new things, and I have a sneaking suspicion I'll be called upon to practice that old saw.

LM has been working non-stop. Instead of being in my arms as usual on Friday night, he is driving back from a trip to PA. He will get home in the early morning hours and leave again around 6 am to drive to NH. The car business is booming right now.

We're expecting a very bad northeast storm tomorrow and I'm afraid it will preclude my plans to go to a Halloween parade with Teddy and his parents. We shall see.

Meanwhile, I ramble here but wanted to touch base with everyone.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Anne's Visit

2011-10-24T19:01:00.002-04:00

Anne and David, above, in front of my house just before we said good-bye as they were leaving to return home to Florida....sob, sob!

The night before we had a delicious and fun dinner where we were joined by brother, Ev. Because LM's son, John, is now working part time at a very fine little restaurant in West Dennis, Norabella we decided to give it a try and it was a wonderful experience. Norabella is chef owned and a tiny place. The food is very fresh and imaginative, using many local ingredients. Our server was very knowledgable, fun and accomodating.

We started off with two appetizers...friend polenta with an olive tapenade served on prosciuto....sublime!

and....lobster ravioli with a perfect light tomato cream sauce...every flavor was so distinct.

Ev chose this swordfish dish with many wonderful fresh vegetables.

LM thoroughly enjoyed this seafood dish served over angel hair...

David and I chose the sauteed schrod served with risotto and asparagus, topped ith lobster. AMAZING flavors.

John made himself a dinner when he had a kitchen break and he came to share it with us. Dad caught chewing!

It was such a fun and delicious evening and we, of course, HAD to try dessert. This is the tiramisu, and I had a beautiful cannoli with a filling of ricotta, orange peel, chocolate and pistachio.

Lovely time....happy, happy!

A Murder in Action - Thursday Lunch at Oyster Pond

2011-10-20T13:22:00.002-04:00

Almost daily, I drive a short distance from my office to eat my lunch at Oyster Pond, a lovely salt water beach. Looking in any direction the views are lovely, and parking is so close to water's edge, that the sound of the waves can lull the effects of the morning from my mind. On a bluff looking to my right, a large hip-roofed colonial, restored by my employers a few years ago, holds forth over a small cove, all lit by brilliant Fall sunshine. It's a lovely day, nearing 70 degrees and windows open in the car, I focus on the sounds around me - an awning whipping in the stiff southwest breeze, the waves, and some distant gulls. Suddenly, a lone crow perches himself/herself on a railing near my car and begins insistently emitting two caws, a pause, 2 caws a pause. Louder and louder he/she becomes while looking directly toward a large stand of evergreens to the left of the hip-roofed house. Suddenly, a large murder, or group, of crows lifts off from the trees and fills the sky over the house, circling, circling, crying, cawing, and squawking, dipping and diving, they continue for about 30 seconds until their mission is complete, and a very large hawk arises from the tall grasses in front of the house. The hawk, duly threatened, leaves quickly, the murder continues to slowly circle, and finally, they all disappear into the trees. One single crow, lands atop the highest tree, emits 2 caws, and is gone.

Wednesday

2011-10-19T07:33:00.002-04:00

I really want to stay home and rest today. Allergies have me low, at least that is where I choose to place the blame for my current malaise.
Dog sitting ended last Sunday for awhile. I will have a new little dog come to stay with me for a week at the end of the month while her parents are in Paris. Good thing Ms G was purloined by LM. She would not be happy to have another woman of the canine type sharing her house.

Since the last company left, after a very fun and full visit, I've been catching up on sewing and preparation for some winter projects. I've been so inspired by the progress that my "students" have made recently.

There are lots of pictures and stories to post but with Blogger issues, I am lucky to get this much typing in before it all disappears, never mind post the pictures. What happened to my wonderful Blogger that made it so easy to write so many posts in the past? I cannot help but wonder if it could not keep up with the changes to Windows...I've gone from Windows 2000 to Windows7...alas, maybe it's me that has not made the change well. Research is beckoning.

Off to work....just wanted to leave a little message to let you all know I am here and basically well.

Love to all.

Crossed Paws

2011-10-14T09:24:00.000-04:00

Lest anyone think that Ms G is not living life to the max. Her faithful servant, LM, is sure to keep this window open for lounging and chipmunking purposes.
If, perchance, the window is NOT opened in a timely manner, a loud reminder is sounded!

Happy Birthday, Dad

2011-10-13T09:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Dad. I miss you more with every passing day, yet you are with me all the time. Ev's been visiting a lot and we speak of you often especially the fact that you would love to see all we've been seeing together. You loved seeing new things, eating at new fine restaurants and enjoying family. We are doing our very best to carry on your favorite traditions.

My heart brims with tearful gratitude this day and everyday.

I love you!

Tuesday TURKEYS

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

This huge flock of wild turkeys was spotted in LM's back yard last week. He happened to be home and catch the action. Unfortunately, a certain gray feline, was asleep under the down comforter and missed it all. Ah, a cats life!

Family Visitors and a Tiger

2011-10-09T13:20:00.000-04:00

We have had a rush of delightful company the past week, and once again, I am reminded how fortunate I am to have such a wonderful family!

First, my brother, Ev arrived from Baltimore with his new best friend, Tiger. I thought this photo illustrated well, the reason he is named Tiger. The stripes are amazing and beautiful.

We all went to a lovely party at Teddy's house on Saturday and he is now in a "loving to pose" phase.

Alison and Anne in the kitchen

The table all ready to host the gala

I did most of the cooking...green bean salad with swiss cheese, bacon and red onion. Tomato pie.

Chicken Marbella from the Silver Palette Cookbook - a wonderful party dish which marinates overnight in garlic, prunes (yes, prunes), white wine and lots of seasonings, then bakes easily before the party.

There was lots of fun action on the deck with Samantha and Teddy.

Tiger enjoyed frequent snacks, while keeping a wary eye at the ready for the wee ones.

My girls, Anne, Kristi, and Sara

Aunt Anne loved spending time with S & T

Brother Ev and his new best friend! Tiger was so tolerant and friendly with the little ones.

As usual "Woo" aka LM, was at the ready with some fun technology to enthrall his fan club. This time it was walkie-talkies. Here they get their lesson and soon it was on to gales of laughter. Samantha loved wearing Teddy's shark bike helmet.

LM had the walkie-talkies linked to his scanner...here Teddy can hear his voice coming out of the scanner. So funny!

A lemon birthday cupcake for Kristi.

Kristi as we all sing happy birthday

Ah, he loves his technology

Tiger gets in on the party and tries to kiss Anne.

Kristi unwrapping her gift of a handmade Snoopy-topped pumpkin....note the cat wrapping paper...

I love this little photo session with S & T

A wonderful time was had by all, and the next day we were joined by Anne and husband, David at my house in Chatham....details when I get a chance. Lots of company and dog sitting are happening.

Happy Kristi

2011-09-27T08:59:00.003-04:00

Kristi and Dad as we prepare to take on the mini-golf course at Arnold's Clam Bar in Eastham

LM teeing off....it was a gray day and quite cool but we had a great time.

This is one of the nicest and most beautifully landscaped courses I've seen.

The flowers are still blooming although somewhat battered from the hurricane

Scattered throughout the course are some beautifully done miniatures of historic outer Cape locations. Kristi loved the Eastham windmill

These grasses were shooting out some really pretty purple blooms

These logs were a challenge!

Roses bloom very late on the Cape....sometimes in to late November.

Kristi doing one of the things she loves best...

Pretty berries, changing to their bright purple Fall coat

Hydrangeas were everywhere.....

We even found a Mayflower replica in the back of a truck! I bet it was used in a recent parade.

Calculating her shot

We really had fun....not a good hair day!

Duffer, a very lovable and fun duffer, though!

After golf we enjoyed a nice late lunch. Kristi got to FINALLY try the Arnold's fried clams. She had been waiting all summer. We all approved, although I was not too crazy about the stuffed quahog I tried. I do not like smoked foods and sometimes Portuguese sausage is used, giving them a smokey taste. Oh well.

Busy week happening here. I am still dog sitting....they have been wonderful and there has been no barking. YAY! Otherwise, we have a little return to summery weather and it feels so nice.

West Dennis Sunset

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

On Sunday evening my darling, LM, took this photo and there it was for me in my morning e-mail on Monday. The way he loves nature endears him deeply to me.
It's already Friday and the beginning of several weeks of more than usual busyness. Tonight we are going to a concert (Zoe Lewis) , and Saturday I will begin 5 days of dogsitting. By the end of next week daughter, Anne will be here for a visit.
Sometime in there we will celebrate Kristi's birthday with a bowling expedition and a homecooked dinner.

As many of you know, I've been dealing for a long time with a lot of pain for various reasons, most recently from a torn rotator cuff that needs surgery, and arthritis in one knee. I've been managing the pain with ibuprofen but really do not like how it makes me feel, physically and emotionally, not to mention how awful I feel when I wake every morning, and the bleeding ulcer I deal with. Eight days ago, I decided that I was just going to stop fighting the pain with a pill. I made up a little plan to use my breath and my mind to cope. Each time the pain enters my consciousness, I embrace it, "say hello," take a long slow breath and exhale, and within seconds I have no further awareness of pain. It has been a week of incredible success and I feel so much better, alert, happy, and empowered. I only have this moment and in it I am pain free. it sounds way too simplistic but it is working! No ibuprofen for eight days is amazing to me. I'm so grateful.

Happy weekend all and wishing you beautiful sunsets!

Blogging Roadblock

2011-09-22T13:35:00.000-04:00

This little series of photos shows just how much interference I have been experiencing while trying to post!!

The interferer comes bounding up and deposits her cute furry self on my lap, pushing the laptop as hard as she can. It nearly slides off my lap, and I hold on for dear life. If I even dare to raise my hands over her to type, she becomes highly incensed. What's a blogger to do?? NOTHING, but turn off the lap top and close it up, except then she jumps down as her heat source is not as intense. I am just not good enough.

Thanks for the photography, LM. I wish you would keep YOUR cat under control.

For My Children - Fun Memories

2011-09-21T14:30:00.000-04:00

Purch perching on a Purch Perch......

Stage Harbor Chatham, at lunch September 2011

I love you all......

Teddy, Fishing Derby Results & Ms G!

2011-09-20T17:53:00.003-04:00

Truly, I have been trying to post these wonderful pictures for almost two weeks, but Blogger has, once again, been most uncooperative.

On a beautiful Saturday, while LM was pursuing 'the big one" for the fishing derby, I visited Teddy and his lovely, Mom, Alison.

Teddy waiting for cookies to bake

Showing off his artistic ability and pseudo smile, Teddy showed Nana the sunflower he'd drawn.

While Alison and I enjoyed catching up on news, Teddy was only too happy to ride his "heavy equipment" on the deck. He's mastered pedaling and using the brakes. I'm impressed!

After lunch, it was time for Nana to head home and get ready for the Cape Cod Salties' fishing derby "after party."
We arrived sans fish, as LM's best effots turned up no takers.
Here he is helping club president set up the event. It was a perfect evening at Sesuit Cafe on the harbor.

The view from our table!

Looking west

LM's lure-making friend, Bob, severed part of his finger with a table saw so he turned his bandage into a lure, complete with eyes and label. What a great mind!

No doubt discussing the one that got away!

Weighing in what turned out to be the winner in striped bass division

The same fisherman (one of LM's former students) won the striped bass and bluefish divisions.

It was a lovely and delicious evening with some nice friends.
Ms G wonders why she was not invited, and watches the dead-by-Irene leaves blowing around.

Many of our trees were stripped bare by the hurricane and what leaves are left have been burned. The evergreens, as evidenced here, were burned on the SW side. So strange. Some are even entirely burned from the saltspray.

All is well and happy here, and I am about to begin nearly a month of off and on house sitting for my boss's dogs, as well as have several groups of company. Nice!!!

Wishing everyone love and beautiful Fall days.

PS. There is lots of quilting going on here...photos when Blogger allows me to load them.

Happy Girl

2011-09-14T18:20:00.000-04:00

Unbeknownst to me, a few weeks ago, LM took these photos of Ms G, and my green toes! This is her royal highness at her very sweetest....she gets all cuddly and blinky-eyed. Helps that I had a fleece blanket on me, too.

She even matched her eye color to my shirt! A little annoyed at the photo taker.

Her favorite place to be - the back of LM's chair. She can see the entire living area from this sentinel position, including what is happening outside the back door....the long "arms" come down and can tap LM if necessary.....once in awhile he does slack off by serving treats too slowly.

Love this happy girl!

The Rooster Crows

2011-09-10T09:22:00.002-04:00

Live from LM's this morning, his neighborhood rooster crowing loudly on the crisp, sunny and beautiful day. Ms G is basking in the sunshine as we bustle about to startt he day. Clothes are already drying on the line! LM is participating in a fishing derby today. He began fishing at midnight, returned about 5 am for a snooze, and is on his way to scour the surf once more. It all ends at 4 pm today and his club, including us, will gather at a waterfront restaurant to celebrate with a dinner and find out who caught the biggest fish. So far it is not the usual suspect. Meanwhile, I will spend part of this day with Teddy and DIL, Alison.

This week went by in a blur.....being a short work week made it extra busy, and my spare time was taken up with a lot of sewing. Coaching some friends with their quilting projects has spurred me on to complete some of my own, and momentum has built once more.

I'm in a period of pain again, and the past two days have been a struggle to keep it at a tolerable level...shooting pains most everywhere it seems, but most bothersome is in my neck, jaw and down one leg. I am assuming it is just arthritis, but will be seeing my physician in the next week. It seemed to intensify with the cooler weather.

We have exciting news from Samantha's front. She will be starting Pre-Kindergarten on Monday...
My boss's wife runs the program so Samantha will most certainly thrive in this new chapter of her sweet life.

Sending out HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to our friend, Nan in NY today....we won't mention the number but just say she wears it well, and wish her a beautiful celebration with dear friends. Sounds like it will be delicious and beautiful. Lots of purrs from Ms G, too.

Happy weekend all!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-09T06:17:00.000-04:00

Labor Day weekend started off with a visit to my feline godson, Jaxson, he of the longest tail ever on a cat, and also of the naughty boy department. I got a lovely welcome, and he jumped up on his "Mom" Sue's pretty table to greet me.
His white fur is so white as to be blinding....such a beautiful boy, and he is the best helper....he quilts, he hooks rugs, he guards the back door, and he patrols the basement, he'd do the gardening but there is a door in the way. meanwhile he contents himself with monitoring the beautiful back yard from inside the slider screen. After much due admiration, his Mom and I worked on her latest quilting project, visited the quilt store and had a long and lovely lunch outside at Cafe Chew in Sandwich. A perfect start to the long weekend.
Cafe Chew
There was time for naps, cooking delicious dinners with LM, and a trip to West Dennis Beach at sunset on Sunday evening. It was right at the beginning of the tide drop - timed of course for a fishing opportunity in the rips of the changing tide.
We quietly watched the sunset first, savoring the last of summer days.

The sun disappeared behind a cloud bank before setting.

And then....out came the fishing rod, in the hands of the master.
Soon a crowd formed behind him....no pictures but take my word for it...everyone comes to watch the master fish. The SW wind was pushing the water back as it began the turn.

In the middle of the above photo you can begin to see the rip form as the tide turns. Even better in the photo below. By that time, too, there were little "schoolies" or snapper bluefish jumping out of the water as they began their long trip back to the ocean with the tide, after feeding in the rich marsh areas.
Turning around to talk to his audience....
Rip growing larger.
Alas, no fish were caught that night...too much distraction. Tough to be so popular. We love these simple evenings by the beach so much....the air was so heavy with the scent of the sea and the sound of the water softly lapping the shore.

Monday, as I mentioned in yesterday's post, we worked on the yard at LM's. I mainly waging my continuing battle against wisteria. As beautiful as it is in bloom, it quickly takes over every tree and bush in the garden if not cut back. I did a major clearing and felt so good to give some trees room to breathe.

The weekend also brought me some lovely time with Ms G sitting in my lap and purring. Sweet!
Love to all!!

Provincetown

2011-09-07T12:34:00.002-04:00

Several weeks ago, on what was probably the hottest day of our summer, we ventured out to Provincetown to celebrate Meaghan's birthday at an unusual outdoor cafe. The owner serves her very interesting and different South African cuisine. LM and Kristi were not very adventurous in their food choices, but Meg and I really enjoyed the different flavors and the vegan offerings.
Walking along the narrow main street, the quaint architecture of tightly spaced buildings is aglow with flowers, thriving in the salt air.
A tiny courtyard at an inn had some lovely hibiscus.

There are art galleries everywhere.......
Of course, we loved this store, seeing that all things FISH are what makes LM's world go round.
Provincetown has a great sense of off-beat humor and is home to many funny little corners....

The entrance to Karoo Kafe
Meg tries to convince her Dad that he will, indeed, find something edible. He was very skeptical.

Dad and daughter...
Our table....I thoroughly enjoyed some curried cole slaw and a sampler of South African appetizers. The heat, on the other hand, just about did me in. Kristi and Dad had a good old American hamburger with some of the best french fries ever!
Looking toward the center of bustling P-Town.

Gov Bradford Restaurant sporting some lovely flower boxes by their outside dining.
At about this point, my energy gave out and I went back to the car to enjoy some sea breezes while the rest of the company went to have a drink....
Below is the beautiful UU meeting house.

We are so fortunate to live so near Provincetown and we visit often....enjoying its eclectic environment and population. I'll be back there in a few weeks for a seaside lunch with a good friend. There is great shopping, and the people watching is the best fun anywhere.

Meanwhile, back to reality, we are still dealing with the aftermath of Irene. Seeing we had a dry hurricane (without rain), there is much damage to our vegetation and many trees have already lost their leaves. The salt on utility wires continues to wreak havoc on power for many people.
We spent a good portion of Labor Day weekend working on LM's yard. So much to clean up. I loved being outside, though, and we made a lot of progress.
Love to everyone.....

Scared Cat

2011-08-31T18:38:00.006-04:00

Last Sunday as hurricane Irene passed over us, Ms G was so frightened that she hardly came out of hiding at all. After the initial pass we were then subject to the back side winds and they were the heaviest and most fierce. As they began to wind down, we began to relax a bit. As I took to the couch to rest, I hoped Ms G would finally come out and snuggle. it took awhile but here is the process. At first she kept looking at me, begging for me to stop the gusts, ears rotating as she remained on full alert.
I was trying to catch her with the ear rotated toward the nearest window where the curtains were billowing from the winds. Still very nervous.
Finally, she began to settle down and snuggle in but you can see that skeptical glance toward the window behind her.
Ahhhhhhhhh.
This has been the most beautiful end of summer week....one of the reasons we love Cape Cod so very much.
We're still concerned for our New England neighbors who are suffering so much from the flooding. The losses are staggering - crops are devastated, as well as all personal belongings. Now we watch to see what will happen in Louisiana today. May they be spared a flood!
I am off to help friend, Sue make a memory quilt from shirts, similar to what I'm doing with Debbie. Such fun. Love to all.

S & S

2011-08-31T18:31:00.000-04:00

Now that the beautiful post-hurricane air has re-energized my mind, I'm wanting to catch up with some recent fun times....
A great evening and dinner was enjoyed with daughter, Sara and granddaughter, Samantha.
Samantha is growing so fast and more beautiful everyday....she's a great conversationalist, as well!

We are looking forward to Labor Day weekend this week. It will include some delicious alone time with my LM, a visit with best friend, Sue to consult on a new quilting project, and at some point, I will share some rare alone time with LM's daughter, Meg. She is having a milestone week with today being the first day of nursing school. You have no idea how hard she has worked, and the odds she has faced, to get to this point at 27 yrs of age! It has been a very hard row for her to hoe and she has made it to the first day. This afternoon I received a very excited phone call from her as she told me about the first day and the excitement of learning. Love it!
More catch-up posts to come!
Love to all.....
PS. Do stop by at Happy Days to see the progress on Debbie and Barney's quilt. She is doing a wonderful job, and Barney's help is felinity (new word) at its best!

Update

2011-08-30T11:28:00.003-04:00

Thanks for all the concerns, everyone. A little note here to say we are fine. Power is coming back on gradually everywhere, although some may be out for as much as a week. There are so many broken trees and branches, and in other areas of our state and New England, the flooding is catastrophic. Really awful, especially Vermont.

Back to work, and I will post very soon with some pictures of Ms. G.

From the Front

2011-08-28T17:21:00.002-04:00

We have had a rather unusual dry hurricane/tropical storm, and it continues to rage with very powerful winds. The howling is about continuous right now. Ms G is so frightened and is cowering or hiding under the bed. She has tried to go to the doorway in a lull to look out but quickly darts back to safety as there are lots of branches and leaves blowing around outside.
We've had a nice day inside and power has been on and off many times.
The western areas of MA are hit very badly with flooding as are VT, NY and other states.
We still have tonight's huge tidal surge to come in 2 hours so the wind will continue to intensify through that time we think.
The police are fire departments are overwhelmed with calls.
That's it from our little corner.

Waiting for Irene

2011-08-27T12:16:00.003-04:00

As we prepared to go to bed last night, we found our little friend, Ms G, on "her" chair in the kitchen, all hunkered down. (the lighted globes in the background are solar lights we brought in from the garden to save them from the coming storm) I love her "go away paparazzi" look.
We were up very early this morning to make the final preparations before the storm. Her royal highness is seen surveying her territory from the kitchen door at 6 am.
We are as ready as we can be for for the hurricane. Even though Irene has lost some punch, she is still a very powerful force of nature and will be arriving here tomorrow morning. Errands are done, final yard work is underway and I am so happy to have a quiet day at home.
My son-in-law David arrived on Eleuthera yesterday and their house has survived Irene with only a few battle scars and a little water. He'll be there for a few days to help others and attend to repairs. We are all so relieved.
This afternoon I will be talking on the phone with Debbie of Happy Days. We are about to embark on an exciting project together. I'm going to help her make a quilt using shirts belonging to her late father. It is a meaningful journey, and one of which I am thrilled to be a part.
Love to all and be safe in the storm if it's coming your way.

Cautions for the Wind

2011-08-26T07:34:00.001-04:00

We are preparing for Irene here. The company is busily getting each site as tight as possible, and LM and I are planning to spend the weekend together, as usual, but we'll work to get his house secure and plan to be without power, just in case, beginning late Sun. I will stay with him through the night Sunday rather than come home to be alone. So far, there is not much variation in Irene's path, and we are forecast to be east of the eye and where the highest winds will be. The wait seems interminable, as the moisture heavy air and heat attempt to stifle us.

All our attention has been on waiting for news from Eleuthera. The storm has passed over the island, and tropical winds and tidal surges have lashed our favorite place of fragile beauty. Communication from the island right now is very limited and only a few photos have come our way showing flooding, and a turned over airplane at the local airport....waiting feels endless. SIL David will go over as soon as he can (UPDATE: He arrived around 2 this afternoon, as far as we know) to be of help to neighbors and friends, and to check on the status of their house.

I will let you all know when I hear any news. This morning early we heard that the winds were very damaging, and that many home are destroyed on the south part of the island and surrounding small islands.

Otherwise, I am ready for the cleaning company to come in this morning to undo the damage I did in the smoothie disaster on Monday. It will be so nice to have all my rugs cleaned. Next I'm having the windows cleaned inside and out. Glad I waited until after the storm as much salt spray will be kicked up this weekend!

Love to all, and for anyone else in the storm path, take care!

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On!

2011-08-23T14:47:00.005-04:00

So yesterday morning, I began my day by making my usual morning smoothie with lots of spinach, protein, blueberries, strawberries, oat bran and yogurt. It nearly fills my blender and really jumpstarts my day. As I made my way into the sitting room with the blender container and a glass, I tripped, the container hit the floor and it splattered EVERYWHERE! Everywhere includes all over my outfit for work, my chair, the carpeting, a quilt, the walls, you name it! After I stifled the tears I just began laughing and cleaning it up. A second shower of the morning was on tap for me, and with a clean outfit on, I was out the door to work....aha, the universe is not done with me yet. I'd left all my car windows open and the car seats were soaked after a lovely night of steady rain....I quickly pull a large bag from the back seat and cover the driver's seat and head to work. As I leave the car, I realize there is red all over the seat of the car AND all over the seat and legs of my beige pants! Into the office bathroom I go, take off the pants and scrub out the red stain, put the wet pants on and sit at my desk that way for 3 hours as they slowly dried out. A truly auspicious start to my day! I've called a disaster clean-up company and they are coming Friday to clean the rug. The rest of the cleaning and some preliminary rug cleaning are up to me.

Today had a better start, the smoothie was consumed and enjoyed without any spilling and I've been at work since 8 without a major event, until 2 pm when the building started moving, my chair was moving, my computer moved, everything shook and rolled as the window blinds moved quite dramatically in their frames. I froze, thinking I was having some stress related reaction to yesterday, then other staff began coming to my desk to ask if I felt building move. As we were all standing there exclaiming that we had, I received an e-mail from my brother in Baltimore to say there had been an earthquake and he struggled to stand up during the event. Sounds like there have been no injuries or damage. Let's hope that remains so!

Whew, I was not losing my mind.....but really what is going on here?? Now we can go back to following the hurricane track. Not sure my son-in-law, and daughter, for that matter, are going to recover from the stress of worrying. Irene really is a ferocious storm! Take care all in its path!!

Good Night Irene

2011-08-23T06:27:00.007-04:00

Irene, it is time to turn off your fury and go to sleep....please leave our beloved Bahamas (Eleuthera) alone and don't imperil any more lives!
Even though the hatches were all battened down when they left last month, my daughter and husband are very worried about their precious haven, their friends there, and the natural beauty that is Eleuthera.

While we watch the weather reports closely, we are happy to feel the beginnings of Fall here. The last week brought us some very high humidity and heat and it nearly did me in on Sunday....still recovering from a trek around Provincetown.

Be back later in the week with some recent photos....meanwhile, off to work and a busy evening to come as LM will be by to help me rid my house of some unwanted/unneeded items....I'm gearing up for a big move within the next two years and want to be ready for the move to take place easily.
Love to all!

All the Senses

2011-08-17T20:51:00.003-04:00

Just a little post here tonight as my senses are keenly aware and sated with the joy of living so near to the ocean on the beautiful elbow of land I call home. The air is heavy with the ocean's brininess. As I sit in my chair the salty breezes keep lifting my spirits even higher. I've just come from a lovely evening with daughter, Sara and her sweet Samantha. We stopped by LM's favorite beach for some kisses and the sunset, to find him pursuing his favorite passion, casting line after line into the creek as the tide recedes, and catching snapper blues in the early evening light, happy as a clam, so to speak.
How fortunate I am to be surrounded by so much love, and now to be able to drift off to sleep on this cool summer evening, as the lovely sea-scented air fills my senses.
Love and soft summer breezes to all!

Friendship in Stitches

2011-08-15T06:54:00.001-04:00

Back on line!!
At last I can share with you some of the wonderful quilts I saw last week at the Bayberry Quilters Guild show in Harwich. Years ago, I belonged to this guild, but downsizing during a divorce and lack of time found me not able to quilt as much, and not having the time. It was so inspiring to see how the guild has grown and that many of the same people are still so active.
Each year there is a challenge project, and this year the theme was a celebration of the 50th birthday of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Living here, appreciating the Seashore as a national treasure, and living daily in gratitude to President John F. Kennedy for saving this outer area of the Cape, made these miniature theme quilts very special.
The first one to draw in my eye, is this depiction of a heron, sitting on the bank of a marsh searching for food, no doubt. It is a sight seen nearly daily here, and the colors were much deeper than my cheap little camera captured.
The three sisters are three beautiful lighthouses keeping navigators safe along our outer Atlantic Coast. "My" Chatham lighthouse is there! The outer beaches of the Cape almost all have very steep cliffs, and I adored the fanciful mermaid sisters here.
The three-dimensional fun of this piece was hard to capture, but many of the tinier sea creatures - clams, crabs and other tiny creatures, were beautifully done.
One of my favorite Cape Cod walks is through the Great Atlantic White Cedar Swamp in Wellfleet....it wends its way through what feels like primeval forest with boardwalks over the swamps. This little quilt has such depth and perfectly captured the color and feel of that walk.
Now, on to the full sized quilts....this quilt was made by a grandmother for her grandchild living in Africe. The animals were so lifelike.
An old-fashioned pattern with beautiful contemporary fabrics set into a black background for effect.
We loved this quilt as it was done entirely with batik fabrics. Stunning!! The quilting was also exquisite and witness my dear friend, Sue, showing the back and the beautiful stitches.
This was one of my very favorites! The story behind the quilt made it all the more special, not to mention that it was done with circles and perfect points. A mother and HS aged son collected the fabrics over a 2 year period, then the mother sewed the quilt for the son to take when he left for college. Truly a masterpiece.
That blue quilt at the end really caught my eye
Sure enough, up close the use of color and shading was perfectly captivating!
A beautifully feminine circle wall hanging ( from a guild workshop)
This tribute to the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park was amazing and such fun. The center contained player autographs, and the baseball themed fabrics were great.
A Christmas quilt made by many, many tiny off-kilter log cabin pieces

This chicken farmer's daughter was completely captivated by this rooster wall hanging. Even the breed type was hand embroidered atop each beautifully designed bird. The feathers were perfect, too, and they each had a unique personality and their own flower.
Jenni - this one is for you....a sweet three-dimensional sheep created from a photograph. Detail was wonderful, including the piece of fine screen mesh to duplicate that in the photo.

This piece reminded me of my current type of quilting......simple with very interesting fabrics.
There were some beautiful Baltimore Album quilts....
A close up from another Album quilt....the flowers were exquisitely done with ribbon.

An old and loved Cape Cod-themed quiltSpeaking of Cape Cod, this magnificent and fun creation is the combined efforts of many guild members and was raffled at the end of the day. It has so many wonderful Cape Cod landmarks and many fun details of life here.
The Chatham area of this elbow in the ocean
The 3 bridges which cross the Cape Cod Canal (one is a railroad bridge) were so meticulously created.

As I stood close to study the work on this quilt, the air was filled with the gasps of so many. It depicts an English cottage garden and each of the flowers are created from silk ribbon. Spectacular!
Seeing the show with two dear friends was such fun and so inspiring. Lunch followed and we all felt so committed, once again, to pursue our individual artistic passions! Thanks Sue and Gini!

A Brief Announcement

2011-08-11T16:40:00.003-04:00

My home computer unceremoniously stopped working on Monday. LM, has advised he believes it is the power cord. I have a new one in hand and am headed home to test his theory!
Hope everyone is having a great week. We have the most glorious cool clean, sunny air here on Cape Cod today....hope it is nice in your world, too.
With lots of faith in my sweet LM, I will be back on-line soon to post some great quilt pictures from last week's show!

Joy

2011-08-08T18:42:00.001-04:00

On July 30th there was a dual birthday celebration for son, Jason (41) and moi (35 - how did that happen?). The day was a picture perfect Cape Cod summer day and Jason and Alison hosted a lovely and simple celebration on their deck.
Dear sister-in-law, Trish admires the cousin love-fest between Samantha and Teddy. Trish is making an incredibly wonderful recovery from recent rotator cuff surgery and inspired me to go forth with my procedure....maybe in Oct.
When we arrived, Teddy came running full-speed to LM's arms, saying, "Woo, Woo" (his interpretation of LM's name, Lou) as he excitedly begged to be hugged. Of course, dear, Woo, is very popular as he always several forms of technology to be played with. This time it was a police scanner that Teddy thought was the highlight of the day. Well, he did love the cake.
Woo, the scanner, Teddy, brother, Sam, Alison and Kristi
Ahhhhh, bliss.
Kristi was so happy to spend time with her dream-man, Sam. They are great pals.
Friend extraordinaire, Sue, joined us for the celebration, and she brought bubble blowing equipment to entertain S & T. Great fun!
Alison cooking up our delicious fare...fancy hamburgers and lots of other goodies.
Soon it was time for the birthday cake....made by a certain 35 yr old...to appear.
Teddy and Samantha rushed in to help blow out the candles. (this really shows how tall Samantha is getting!)Teddy contemplates his first bite of cake, but not for long....it was consumed with gusto, a man after my own heart.
Finishing off their desserts
He's growing so much!
Time for more play with the scanner, as Sam reads one of my presents to Jason - a history of the Town of Bourne compiled in 1974. Jason has a great collection of Bourne memorabilia and this added to it nicely.
A wonderful time was had by all, and you may notice there are no pictures of the 35 year old (and sadly, none of Sara, as she was the photographer of the day). The birthday girl was sitting on a recliner recovering from yet another ridiculous fall. I'd gone to take a garden walk with Trish and Sue and, on the return, when I went to climb over the deck baby gate, I caught my sandal and went down in a big thud, nearly wiping out Teddy and Sue in the process. Of course, it happened in front of everyone there and I can still feel the sting of embarrassment. Nearly two weeks later my left leg from knee to ankle is green and the knee still very swollen. I was very lucky, though and got lots of love, concern and ice packs. Poor LM is still so upset about watching me fall and not being able to move quickly enough to stop me.
Nonetheless, it was a perfect family day and I am forever grateful for my great children and grandchildren.

Summer Scene

2011-08-05T06:19:00.002-04:00

A morning at LM's house would not be complete unless we awoke to the sound of our neighbor's geese and the crowing of another's rooster. We love it. The geese happen to be the guards in a delightfully quirky flower garden, so here is a little peek for you. I love to walk over in the summer to buy flowers at the little wagon.
Customers are invited to "take the vase and bring it back when you have a chance."
Looking in to the garden there are all types of quirky little buildings and an abundance of wonderful flowers.
The geese usually come running to the fence, necks lowered and squawking at us.
Aha, do you see someone standing in that garden???
There he is all decked out in his farmer duds, Mr. Scarecrow. I wonder if he is necessary with all those geese? We love all the little wagons and buildings scattered about. The owner is renowned for his construction of fairy-type buildings in many Cape Cod gardens. It's on my list to check out an enchanted garden he made at a nearby lavender farm. It is near Sara and Samantha's house so will be a fun surprise walk one day soon.
On the morning I visited recently, he was building a new fence along the front of the garden and I was enchanted by his work wagon seen here. Typical of touches throughout the garden.
Later in the same day, LM and I went over to the northside of the Cape to have an al fresco supper by Sesuit Harbor. We love to watch the boats coming in off the water at the end of the day, and the little cafe has delicious food.
These delicious fried clams may or may not have been eaten by a certain writer.
Several weeks ago my first husband, Allan, father to daughters Anne and Sara, was here visiting from FL. We had a nice early dinner Mashpee Commons and then a little walk around. After all these years not much has changed.
Sweet Samantha loved seeing her Grampa.
One night last week, a co-worker and I were invited to have dinner with clients with whom we've both become good friends. Their house sits over Aunt Lydia's Cove which is Chatham Harbor. The view is east to North Beach Island, a barrier beach, and then to the open Atlantic, certainly one of the most beautiful spots I know. Note the gulls following the fishing boat returning home at the end of a day's work, and also the fish chairs from which we could enjoy the view.
It's taken me weeks to make this post, due to Blogger issues. I certainly hope to be back sooner.
We are doing really well right now, just had a fun birthday celebration last weekend, and tomorrow I will be attending a huge quilt show....hope to be back soon with pictures.
Summer is fleeting away, and it has been beautiful here.
Love to all!!

PS: Click on any of the photos to enlarge.

Wonderful and Wacky

2011-07-27T05:32:00.000-04:00

Today is my dear son, Jason's birthday. He is my one and only son, and the object of much love and admiration! He is a loving, hardworking and devoted father to Teddy, husband, son and friend. Wishing him much happiness for the coming year.

Several weeks ago I shared a fun evening with Teddy and his parents.....we had dinner (that's Nana Morse's zucchini casserole), we played ball, Teddy showed me how well he is doing using the "potty" and we read stories and did a lot of laughing.
Nana reading a story as Teddy is about to begin the evening sillies....lot's of running around and performing ensued.

From the wacky department....the evening we came back from our Vermont trip, LM and I went to his favorite fishing spot because a number of his fun fishing buddies "could be taking all the fish." Well we found them all on a little bridge over a salt water creek, trying madly to catch some striped bass as the tide flowed out.
This is his fun friend, Bob, who managed NOT to catch a fish, but did find a young skunk near the edge of the creek....he carried it around by the tail and showing off his belief that a skunk will not spray if held this way.....pretty rowdy time at the old creek! Lot's of laughter, and the skunk was let go to return to his siblings. (notice the miners light so they can see what they are doing when night fishing. You would not believe the gear they carry!)We are doing well here, having survived a pretty nasty heat wave last weekend.
John is working and seems to be on the straight and narrow, and LM and I are really enjoying finding ourselves again.
This weekend there is a party at Teddy's house to celebrate his Daddy's birthday and a certain Nana has a birthday, too. It will be extra special as my brother and his wife will be joining us. Alas, they cannot bring our dear Bob (cat).....he'll be home reclining on his outdoor chaise and doing his best to keep the chipmunk population under control.

Cape Cod is so beautiful and busy right now. The hydrangeas are in all their glory and many visitors are filling our towns.

Love and happiness to everyone! I'll be back with party pictures.

Dog Days

2011-07-21T06:02:00.005-04:00

Tiger is settling in, although, he still does not understand the cats' need for personal space.
Although, we, here on Cape Cod, can feel the heat wave, we have our welcome friend, the southwest wind, blowing through and cooling our days and nights. I have still not needed the AC. We shall see what today and tomorrow bring, as the warnings are dire. Tiger is wise to stay in the AC at his house in Baltimore, as they are deep into a very hot summer.

Nice week here....LM and I had a sweet date last night to see the movie, "Midnight in Paris".....charming and beautiful twist on the 1920's literary and art scene in Paris, and a new member of my all time favorite list. A very fun concept, and timely in that I recently read "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain.
Hope you are all staying cool.....sending you love and cooling breezes from Cape Cod.

Old News - Catch-Up, Vermont Trip

2011-07-18T06:00:00.002-04:00

This week I am on triple duty at work, what with vacations, and a promotion, time is flying by and I am loving the pace.
In bits and pieces of news....LM and I had a great trip to VT with Kristi last Saturday. It was a long day but lovely, and I enjoyed seeing places I'd visited so many years ago. We brought KIA Soul back....fun little car to drive.
Kristi and Dad outside the Wayside restaurant in Montpelier....lovely place with reasonable prices for very local and homemade food.Coming back in to Boston over the Zakim Bridge. Such a pretty sight.
John was released from house arrest on Friday and has not come back to his Dad's to sleep since then. We are not sure where he is staying but he checks in and seems OK. Comes a time when you have to let go....I wish I knew the answer to finding peace with it. He is 22, what else can we do? Anyway, LM and I enjoyed a lovely Saturday evening and Sunday and the quiet was almost deafening.
Ms G appeared to have a leg/foot ailment on the weekend. She kept looking at us while holding her left foot suspended. We were beside ourselves with worry that she had an injury but she seems fine now. Her LM reports that she is now back to jumping and leaping without hesitation. WHEW.

Meanwhile, I am trying to get as much rest as I can and looking forward to a beautiful weekend with LM. There is talk of a special date. We shall see.

Next week I will be helping a dear friend with the preparation for an engagement party she is hosting for her son and fiancee.

Daughter, Anne and husband are at their home in the Bahamas and I am picturing them relaxing on a pristine isolated pink sand beach.
Sara and Samantha joined me for a band concert and little picnic on Tuesday evening.
We each brought our own picnic...Samantha enjoying hers.Midway through the concert, the bandmaster invites the children and anyone else to join in a hat parade around the bandstand. Ms Samantha was a unicorn.

Ahhhhhhhhhh!

2011-07-16T21:21:00.003-04:00

I'm sharing a perfect and quiet weekend with my dear LM. We have the house to ourselves, Ms G is so, so happy. Summer at its peak is giving us clear sunny days with cooling sea breezes at night. The difference in "us" is so nice....the lighthearted fun has returned and we feel free to just be our loving selves again.
John sounds like he is doing well. He has 3 part-time jobs and will be moving in to a shared house next week. He and Vanessa are enjoying their new-found freedom, too.
Tonight we had a delicious supper of steamed clams and shrimp cocktail....and have just returned from a trip to the beach for sunset and some chatting with fisherman friends.
Tomorrow will be spent having leisurely breakfast, then a walk - I plan to photograph a very interesting garden nearby. We have a little garden clean up to do and may go to the movies late afternoon.
Nice.............
Wishing you all the same.
PS....Note at the top of the last post that the flower mystery has been solved. hanks everyone!

Mystery to Solve

2011-07-14T15:52:00.004-04:00

Mystery solved: It is tigridia pavonia.....comes in yellow, too.

This lovely flower is in the garden where our furry friend, Bob lives, and his Mom, Trish, would like to know if anyone knows what it is.....about the size of a siberian iris......any help is welcome.

Deep Breath

2011-07-08T15:48:00.003-04:00

Oh, I'm taking a deep breath of relief and hope.....John was released from home confinement today and the monitoring bracelet has been removed. We move on to another set of worries as our re-habilitated "chick" is let free to fly on his own. We've striven to imbue him with maturity and wisdom to make the right decisions. May our work and a lot of sacrifice not be in vain. This is John's LAST chance. His wonderful father called me with the news a few minutes ago and we feel like we're free for the first time in 6+ months, a VERY long 6 months. We are hoping John will stay put for a few months more while he finds a job and build a little reserve. We shall see how he accepts that plan. More waiting for us to be able to resume our lives but it may be insurance for the future.
Nothing has ever tested my strength and patience like these last months.
I'm still not ready to take the deep breath of relief and the first steps toward the recovery of our life, but I'm at the precipice.

Tomorrow, LM, Krisit and I are headed to Vermont to do a car swap for a local dealer. I have a feeling we will all go forth with lighter hearts.

I'll leave you with a few pictures of Bobalicious, the Sultan of Fur, aka my brother and sister-in-law's cat, Bob!! He really knows how to live and has his owners trained well to purchase him nothing but the finest of outdoor furniture.
Not to forget, this blogs namesake, the divine Ms G.....she caught a mouse last night and carefully delivered it to John. Our hero!
A happy fun summer weekend to you all.

Sheep & Flowers: The Rest of the Balti Trip.

2011-07-07T06:48:00.001-04:00

Due to Blogger and my own issues, I am two months late with the rest of the photos from my trip to Balti in May. I read yesterday that Google is taking over Blogger. Will there be changes?? One would hope so. Anyway, on to the photos and wishes for everyone to have a lovely summer day. Life is still not so happy here but we try on a daily basis to make the best of it.

My "nephew" Mike, enjoying a stolen hank of corriedale fiber....his favorite treat....better than catnip to Mike.
Beautiful begonias at Baltimore City Market
My sister-in-law always has multiple pots with a great variety of flowers, on her front steps.
Coleus
Very unusual petunias
Alium in their garden
Tree peonies and poppies
Mock Orange
Siberian iris
Tree peony
Begonia
Yellow tree peony
Spotted this bird's nest in a utility pole as I was walking in to the Sheep & Wool Festival.
Lovely hooked rugs in the winners circle display

A bleating, not-happy sheep being primped prior to being shown
Several more entrants
He gave me the evil eye but was certainly beautiful
The crowds were amazing, and traffic a true challenge
More cuties.
It really was a lovely time with wonderful sunny days and fun with my brother and family. I have a few more photos of a wild adventure with my nephew, Martin. Stay tuned.
Love to everyone!

Wordless Wednesday Ms G Celebrates July 4th

2011-07-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hello!

2011-07-01T06:01:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone....
Happy Independence Day weekend. May you have rest, fun, yummy foods, fun and fireworks.
We are coasting, coping and living in the moment here. Not sure I like the feeling but there is happiness, calm and acceptance. There have been long talks, honesty and gardening and over the weekend I will try to post photos of the garden John and I created for LM to enjoy as he turns the corner into his street. We are making the best of a bad situation.
My need for rotator cuff surgery is pressing and painful, but I am not in an emotional state to have it done, not to mention that I cannot take the necessary time off from work without the abject fear of being replaced (this concern is most likely only alive in my head, nonetheless, my intuition is crystal clear in most matters). Meanwhile, I manage the pain and get little sleep as it is much worse when I lay down.
LM is coping by spending more and more time fishing the beaches and the canal. He's had a great time this year testing the merits of his newly invented floating plugs to catch striped bass. He's relishing in the success of his design and some great press in the local paper. His classes have been very well-attended this summer, as well. He's found his way to cope. I'm still lost a lot in a vacuum. Not accomplishing much except a deep purge of possessions and a thorough cleaning out of cupboards in my house and recycling items no longer used. I've also been reading more, and have spent considerable time revamping my eating patterns with a focus on whole foods, as well as getting in more protein. That is a struggle for me but the efforts make a difference.
Vanessa has made a nearly complete recovery from her near-fatal accident. Her jaw has healed very well and fairly soon she will be able to drive again. WHEW. I am certain that the thoughts and prayers of many were part of her miracle.
Teddy and Samantha are having a great summer so far with lots of outdoor fun. We will see Teddy next weekend.
As I head off to one more day of work before the 3-day weekend, I just wanted to say hello, and let everyone know you are in my thoughts always and that I wish you a great 4th!
To my dear sister, El.....we are all thinking about you and awaiting good news post surgery today.

New Kid on the Block

2011-06-16T06:08:00.002-04:00

It seems my Baltimore family has gone over to the dark side (cats to dog) and adopted this handsome critter. Named, Tiger, he is about 6 months old and one large whirling dervish....he has 4 cats to chase and terrorize and lots to bark at, but he is very affectionate, and after some mistreatment in his first life, he has come to a very loving home.
Tiger was last seen turning round and round in circles on his mistress's bed, as he barked at a cowering cat, Rusty, in a bedtop corner. I have a feeling Rusty, who comes from a roughscrabble beginning, and is half the size of a normal cat due to early malnutrition, will rise to the occasion and take charge of Tiger soon with one claw swipe across his nose.
The sun is shining in my world this morning.....clean cool air and a sense of joy is creeping in around the edges.
Blogger is still erratic!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T09:13:00.003-04:00

Well, almost wordless.....Basking Baby! She holds the secret to my rejuvenation and I plan to indulge this weekend.

For Kristi!!

2011-06-14T08:26:00.000-04:00

Hi Kristi and Lisa....enjoy...

http://www.slothster.com/2352-Cat-On-Boat-Plays-With-Dolphins.html

For Now

2011-06-11T09:47:00.005-04:00

My loved ones and friends....pardon me while I recover my aplomb!
I'm not sure if it's that life is not treating me so well, or that I am not treating it quite right....I'll be musing, missing you, and promise to return.

List of Excuses

2011-06-03T20:25:00.002-04:00

Just being honest here....

Blogger has been impossible and remains so
Accidents
Healing
Pain - emotional and otherwise
Possession purging
Way too much stress
Way too little use of my usual coping methods
A dearth of patience
Tornadoes
No time with my LM, or at least time that counts
Too little quiet
Missing Ms G
Adult children making bad choices, and some just hurting...a helpless frustrating feeling.

Not enough time to list all the rest.
Just want everyone to know I'm still here even if Blogger only likes to allow me snippets of time to post. It sure seems to have time to delete things and make photos disappear but I do not have time to investigate.
LM's been fishing every night and caught record numbers this year
I'm really OK.....going to spend time with Teddy and Samantha tomorrow....how could life be any better than that? We'll be cavorting in the lovely rhododendron collection at Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich, and also riding the carousel.
There may be pictures!

Balti - Part II - A trip to LaDew Gardens

2011-05-26T14:05:00.000-04:00

The second day of my trip to Baltimore was centered around a long awaited visit to LaDew Gardens in Monckton, MD....north of the city. It was a perfect day and we spent about 3 hours or more on a tour of Harvey LaDew's house and touring the gardens. LaDew is billed as one of the most beautiful topiary gardens in the country and I must agree. There are several lovely buildings on the grounds and this one, I believe, is used for meetings and conferences. There was quite a bustle of activity on the day we toured as the next day they would be host to an annual plant and antique sale. Preparations were in high gear.
As we approached the visitors center and ticket office we saw these lovely succulents.....
...and we loved the window box done with tiny succulents.
Walking toward the main house, a purple martin house, in the distance.
Harvey LaDew's home, filled with his collection of foxhunting art and collectibles. Harvey bought this property and moved here from NYC in the late 1920's where he could foster his love of the hunt and gardening.
An extension off the main house adorned with wisteria.

The wisteria was humming with bee activity and the scent was just lovely.
The gardens have themes and many are positioned as rooms

Topiaries are everywhere, and I am sure we missed many in their abundance.
Can you find the frog?
There was a long hedgerow cut like waves with these beautiful swans "swimming" on the top.
Looking down onto the Oriental iris garden.
Tree peonies just coming in to their own.

Lilacs

Forget-me-nots...

Sweet
The azaleas were so lush and brilliant.
Koi to match the azaleas!

With Ev.....my wonderful brother.
Can you see the Chinese junk topiary with the red sails??
Iris

This area of the garden was called "The Bowl"....the expanse was amazing and from each side were entrances to other garden areas. Looking back to the house.
Approaching a large area of azaleas
Not sure of the name of this section, but these topiaries seemed to be manicured and were so intricate.

Another tree peony
Heading in to the white garden

Exiting to pink

Another cute froggy
This little house was almost hidden by a dense surround of plantings.
Scattered throughout were many meditative areas.....this is also a birdwatching haven.
Lilacs
The entrance of the yellow garden had a lovely apiary

The white garden

Salmon garden

There were just sweet moments of beauty everywhere we looked.....the serenity was to be found everywhere. There were also benches to sit ad enjoy all the views.
This squirrel was of particular interest as our family is slightly squirrel-crazy. Long story!
Catching glimpses of some of the antiques to be offered at the next day's sale.
Of course we were drawn to this squirrel artifact.....the $495. price tag was a fine deterrent, but he sure would have looked cute in my son's garden.
The spirea around this beautiful birdhouse caught our eye.
This topiary of hounds chasing foxes is near the entrance and is a LaDew icon.
There were very beautiful, rare and expensive plant being lined up for the sale.

After our grand garden tour we were off to have lunch in the delightfully quirky Hampden section of Balti. We ate at Cafe Hon and it was so much fun. I only captured one photo but suffice it to say that the artwork was eclectic and much of it an homage to Elvis including a "velvet"...and a life size replica. The food was so good!! Cafe Hon truly captures the essence of my beloved Balti. Check out the site for some true "Bawlmerese."

Sorry it took me so long to take you on this little tour.....banging my head and a few other rude awakenings have gotten in the way, not to mention a very slow home internet connection.

We are readying ourselves for a peaceful and restful Memorial Day weekend. Wishing the same for you!

Update

2011-05-25T15:34:00.002-04:00

Just a minute here to let you all know I'm healing well and feeling better. The sun is shining for the first time in weeks it seems and I am headed off to enjoy a dinner put on by the Cape Cod Salties tonight......my beloved is the fish chef and he is right now up to his neck in preparing baked cod and veggies.

Hope everyone is fine out there. Sending a lot of love and positive thoughts out to the people of the states affected by the terrible tornadoes, especially Joplin, MO. The devastation is beyond words, yet the strength of the human spirit is shining brightly as people come together to help each other cope in the aftermath.
Love from all of us here at Chez Ms G!!!

Balti Part I and Injury Update

2011-05-22T12:36:00.002-04:00

Thank you everyone for your kindness and concern about my fall and resulting injuries...I'm pretty sore, and still cannot see out of my left eye....due to swelling. The cuts are all pulling as the healing progresses. Everything hurts, but I am just taking it one minute at a time. Not sure if I will go to work tomorrow or not....the bruises, etc are pretty shocking to look at. We shall see.
Anyway, here, at last are the first of the photos of my Baltimore trips several weeks ago.

For many years I've been visiting my brother and his family in Baltimore the first weekend in May. We always do some fun touring in delightfully quirky Balti, but I enjoy a warm and beautiful break from the endless winter on Cape Cod. LM and I tearfully parted at the airport, and soon I was floating on a cloud on my way to summer.Within a few minutes the clouds gave way and the scenery was lovely. I had a very clear vie of NYC as we flew south along the west side of the Hudson River, with a very clear view of the city and Central Park.
My SIL, Jenni, greeted me at the airport, and we drove immediately to a great Mexican restaurant to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some delicious food. After a walk, we were finally at their house and I had a great walk around their garden to take pictures in the glowing late afternoon sun.
Front porch pansies.....
A lovely columbine on the front steps.
Root beer iris....
Pansies that return every year.
Poppies lit by the sun
The flowers are so pretty and the foliage is so different and soft.
Alium were everywhere
I settled in and we caught up on news, and it was early to bed as Friday would be a big day with a lovely tour to LaDew Gardens and lunch at Cafe Hon in Hampden were on tap. I love being with my brother and family so much!!

Freaky Friday

2011-05-21T12:08:00.002-04:00

Just after work last night, I stopped at my house to pick up groceries to take to LM's for the weekend. As I made my way out to the car with the first bag, I slipped on the front walk (c0vered with pink petals from two nearby ornamental cherry trees) and went face down HARD onto a cement parking stop in front of my car. I was out cold and when I came to shortly, blood was gushing everywhere...thankfully, my cell phone was in my pocket and I instinctively called LM. All I could say was send the ambulance I've fallen. He called 911 for me and the good Chatham guys were there quickly. I had managed to get back in the house by the time they arrived and now the place looks like a murder scene.
The hospital took care of me immediately and a number of stitches were needed to close up the hairline injury....pretty deep and it hurt. I was already being treated when LM got to the ER. He was shocked to see my face.
Today I am resting at LM's, my eye is swollen shut and my face is getting more purple by the minute. I also injured my knee and the shoulder I've been nursing for months (just found out it is a rotator cuff tear).

These photos don't convey half the carnage, but this is graphic enough........
My faithful nurse early this morning.
There's a message from the universe in all this. I'll be meditating on it!

Finally Friday and Blogger is Back

2011-05-13T13:15:00.005-04:00

While LM and a host of his fishing students will be doing this (the master practices what he preaches, and, well - it's a striped bass)
and this....(last evening on the student's first fishing field trip),
I am going to be resting with my badly infected toe up, iced and comforted as best it can be.
Yesterday found me rushing off to my primary care physician, followed by an emergency visit to a podiatrist. Sure hope they are right and that the high powered anti-biotic I am taking will begin to bring down the screaming pain and swelling in my right little toe and surrounding foot area. No idea on cause.
Meanwhile, also from the "getting old is a challenge" department, I will be having an MRI on my left shoulder next Tuesday to further investigate the injury sustained when I fell out of LM's bed last Feb. Still very painful. Good story, though.

In other news, Vanessa did come home from the rehabilitation center yesterday and is settling in to being at home. There will be a lot of in-home therapy and some out-patient treatment, as well. Recovering from a major brain trauma is a long ordeal. Her Facebook messages sound cheerful and hopeful. Visiting is being kept to a bare minimum as she is very tired and busy. John did see her yesterday.

Also, beginning tonight, LM is doing his annual Women in the Outdoors weekend....yes, he and a number of his fishing club friends will be teaching 20+ women to fish for 2.5 days. There will also be some classroom time. The weather forecast is cold, dark, and grim but they fish anyway! I will be in the comfort of my house cozying up to Netflix and my pillow to give my toe time to heal. I did hear a rumor that Sunday afternoon would be dedicated to a weekend re-cap and some alone time for me with LM. We shall see!
I am working on posts about my trip but having Blogger down for several days put a cramp in my style.....Happy weekend everyone.
Love to all!

PS.....Ms G is doing very well. She has John there for company, and a big box from Amazon.com was delivered the other day so she's been busy ripping all the tape off.....I ordered a baking stone and pizza peel. Breadmaking to commence when I am better.

Whirlwinds and Whirl-a-Gigs

2011-05-09T18:09:00.006-04:00

Spotted this cutie on a recent walk with LM....somehow it struck me as a metaphor for my life....somedays, anyway, and I do love me anything cat. Don't tell Ms G.
Thanks everyone for your concern lately. Coping with a very slow internet connection and a myriad of other things has given me no time to write.
My shoulder/arm injury has continued to give me a lot of sleep disturbing pain, and now a foot issue is impeding my mobility and also bringing it's own nasty level of pain to the party. Seeing my physician this week should shed some light on both issues, and hopefully, some relief which does not involve heavy-duty painkillers.
My whirlwind trip to Baltimore last weekend was perfectly wonderful, delicious, warm and filled with beautiful sights. The Sheep and Wool Festival was amazing and I came back with a few new "treasures." I promise a longer post with pictures soon. My brother and wife were just wonderful, and in a short time, we packed in some great memory making events.

From the wonderful and miraculous news department, John got to visit Vanessa at the rehabilitation hospital last Thursday and I am certain is was a profoundly touching time for both of these great young people. Vanessa has truly made a miraculous recovery and will be coming home this Thursday. She will need months of out-patient therapy, but she is alive, fully cognitive and walking on her own. We cannot wait to see her. There is a very large benefit event planned on May 21 to help Vanessa and family with expenses. We will be there with huge smiles and very grateful hearts. I am most certain that the beautiful positive energy sent forth through this little page, had a profound impact on Vanessa's recovery. THANK YOU!! I will do photos and a post on the benefit concert.
Hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day! Mine was mostly spent in flight, but I knew the love of my wonderful children, LM's children and my mother were all with me, and as I walked from the plane, I was warmly embraced by my darling LM. What more could I want?? Oh, and in case anyone was worried about Ms G, she is so busy birdwatching - goldfinches are her current fave), and holding down the comforter on LM's bed, and playing John and LM, that she hardly noticed I was gone. LM does assure me, though, that she missed me very much, and was purring very loudly when told I would be home soon!!

Be back with more.....love to all.

Friday

2011-04-29T07:20:00.002-04:00

Up very early today to watch the royal wedding...really beautiful!
Wanted to let everyone know that Vanessa came through the surgery very well. She will remain in the ICU through the weekend and move to a recovery center on Monday. Her family says she's not able to talk right now but has been writing notes which make fairly good sense, and that the real Vanessa is in these notes! We are so very hopeful, yet know there is a very long road ahead.

Today LM is on a very long car swap trip for a local dealer. He's driving to southern Maryland and back in the same day. I'll be relieved when he is back tomorrow morning. It does seem like a very stressful trip. He'll be calling me every hour or so.
meanwhile, I am trying to catch my breath and have some relaxing time this weekend.

Love and gratitude to you all!
Have a good weekend, everyone.

Happy Birthday, Lisa

2011-04-28T07:15:00.001-04:00

Smiling pansies seem the perfect way to wish our friend, Lisa, a very happy birthday today. Lisa, is the light of Kristi's day, three days a week, at the Community Connections program. She has made a huge difference in Kristi's life and we are enormously grateful.

Have a day deserving of wonderful you, Lisa, and enjoy the cupcakes. Kristi requested them just for you!!

Oh, Happy Day

2011-04-28T05:23:00.000-04:00

Vanessa walked yesterday.....surgery Thursday morning!!
Thank you, thank you everyone for your thoughtfulness and concern!!

Vanessa - Update

2011-04-27T06:36:00.001-04:00

Our vigil continues, as Vanessa remains in very critical condition. Surgery, scheduled for yesterday, has been postponed until Thursday, as she needs to be a bit more stable.
We just continue to keep our candle lit and our minds as positive, as possible. The wait is stressful but V's mother has remarkable strength and inner peace, and has not left her beloved daughter's side for almost 2 weeks. Recovery from a severe brain injury is a long term ordeal, and it is so early on. We continue to send she and V's father the strength to step back when they can and resume a bit of their lives.
We had a lovely Easter day.....several pictures of LM, Meg and John. It was a lovely and unexpectedly warm day.Jose, Meg, John, his friend, Nicole
That is really all I know right now. I'm tired, stressed and neglectful of my meditation and yoga today, so tomorrow will be just for me to work on centering.

This makes me very happy......Ms G has been so sweet lately with John....not unusual now, for her to be found sitting next to him upstairs on his bed. She knows, who needs what, when they need it!

Happy News

2011-04-23T19:05:00.002-04:00

Over a lovely dinner of seafood pie this evening, John told us that today has brought some encouraging news about Vanessa. She has been out of the coma off and on the last two days and is very aware. The breathing tube has been removed and a temporary tracheotomy was performed yesterday. Because her jaw is so badly shattered, she will have repair done on that at the beginning of next week. She shows great strength and her vital signs are strong. Ah, youth.
There still remains the fact that her right eye is heavily damaged - the socket is fractured and the muscles behind the eye, as well. There is a lot of delicate surgery to come for that repair. Next will be repair to her skull to repair the many breaks. We learned today that there are no visible facial cuts. The large one within her scalp is already healing very well.
We are very relieved with all this news, and are certain the all the prayers and positive thoughts have played a large role in Vanessa's recovery so far. A very humble than you to you all!

We are having a little Easter dinner tomorrow and will hope the sun shines so we can spend some time in our church....nature! We have so much for which to be grateful. May your day bring sun shining on you all!

In the Absence of News

2011-04-22T08:05:00.002-04:00

Good Friday! It always feels a little somber to me, although, my views on religion have changed with age, a deep spiritual feeling resides within, and that place is one of comfort now as we await news on Vanessa. We know it is going to be a very long process, thus, an idea came to mind yesterday that John and I could make some bracelets to give to those who hold vigil with us, especially V's family members who've not left her side since this began. I'm looking for ideas of a material we could braid, would be durable, yet soft, waterproof....any out there would be appreciated. I plan to go to our local jewelry findings store tomorrow. We thought we'd incorporate a purple glass touchstone bead on each to symbolize peace, healing and serenity. That's where we are for now, and all lit candles and prayers of positive thought, are so welcome.

As we head in to this weekend, I'm looking forward to some time with Samantha and Sara, and perhaps the rain will not preclude our planned Easter egg hunt in Chatham tomorrow.

LM, John and I will collaborate on a dinner Sunday, and we'll plan on a walk. We're cultivating times of peace. I was so exhausted last night after work, that I walked in to my house and directly to my bed, and dove under the covers, work clothes and all. I was asleep immediately and never moved for 2 hours. I'd barely made it through the afternoon. Today feels much better!
Hope it does for you all as well.

Reality

2011-04-21T05:55:00.002-04:00

Last night LM opened his home to a small group of Vanessa's core friends so that they could hear Vanessa's status from her cousin, Erica, who has been with Vanessa and her parents since she was medflighted to Boston Medical Center a week ago today after the car accident. Erica drove a long way to meet with us and brought a profoundly serious message, which she shared with a calm and loving presence. There were a lot of tears shed and John was deeply sobered by the news, as we all were. It will be a long time before any of us can see her, and her recovery is a day to day process. There was some relatively good news. It appears right now that there are no life threatening internal injuries. All injuries are to the head and brain. Many surgeries will be required and it will take a long time for her to be stable enough to endure a surgery. Most pressing is mending the jaw.
Needless to say, this has been all consuming and devastating to Vanessa's parents and to this point her mother has not left her side. Erica, a very wise and compassionate young woman, a mother to five, and most certainly an angel to Vanessa's family right now, brought us all a message from Vanessa's parents that we should stay positive, light a candle each day, love each other, and pray, and that she is looking forward to meeting with us all someday. Now I know how Vanessa became the wonderful young woman she is!! This is a strong and inspirational family.
It was heartening to hear that so many people are involved in events to help the family. These young people are truly connected and have already begun plans for silent auctions and other forms of fund raising, and another of Vanessa's friends is organizing a huge concert in May.
Also, there is amazing support at the hospital. I was very happy to know that Vanessa's mother is a devotee of meditation and breath work. She will be sustained.

Dear readers, I shared your kind thoughts, regards and prayers with Erica and she will relay them to Vanessa's parents today. Thank you!

Wordless, Wacky Wednesday

2011-04-20T06:58:00.001-04:00

LM's view
My view!

For Vanessa

2011-04-19T18:17:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was exciting when Vanessa was wakened from the coma for a brief time. As I added to yesterday's post, she was able to nod that she understood where she was and that she was in a lot of pain. She woke on her own later in the day, as well.
We really look forward to more news when the family gathers with many friends and us at LM's tomorrow night. We do know that the doctors plan to begin repair surgeries on Friday. First will be to wire her jaw as it is broken in numerous places.
In the meantime, John is working very hard on plans for a fundraising concert to be held in a few months, and Vanessa's aunt has started a Facebook page where more news will be available. The page is called V's Angels, if anyone is interested. The photo on the page is of Vanessa and really captures her beautiful smile.
We are all very grateful for all your love, caring and prayers. We can feel the energy and support.
Meanwhile Ms G is doing her best to keep us "light" and smiling. She'll be here tomorrow to see you!

Teddy Time

2011-04-19T10:20:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday I shared some hours of pure joy with Teddy and his lovely Mom, Alison. We met for lunch and then went to the Childrens' Museum in Mashpee. It is a great interactive fun place, with the play areas depicting items related to local history and present industry. Teddy was immediately captivated with all the other children and so many things to do...here he had dropped what he was doing to come and ask for a Nana hug, but quickly wanted to be down and off to his next pursuit. Pictures are blurry as there was so much activity.
The music room.....

Ahhhhhh....his favorite thing....the vacuum cleaner.
Notice that the vacuum is parked next to him as he explores the inside of a deep sea diving unit.
He's got the moves in his cute little Red Sox shirt.
He finally made the big climb, around a lot of big girls to get on to the pirate ship.

He's getting really tired here....
Shortly after he came down from the pirate perch, he walked over to a large TV set, glanced around a few times, leaned against the TV and began to slowly slide off to sleep.

It was such a fun time.

Day 4

2011-04-18T13:50:00.000-04:00

Almost 4 days since Vanessa's accident. We spent Saturday fairly close to home so we could be there for John. He's coping minute to minute and living for updates from V's aunt as she waits in Boston Medical Center with V's parents. There was really no news yesterday except that they work around the clock to maintain stability. The injuries are so severe that her entire body is swollen and she remains in a deep coma. The family, V's close friends and John have arranged a meeting at LM's house on Wednesday evening and it looks like V's parents will be there. We will know more then. It will be helpful for everyone involved.

In other weekend news, I spent a nice part of Saturday with Teddy and dear DIL, Alison. We had a nice lunch and then visited the Cape Cod Children's Museum in Mashpee. I will have a few pictures of that for you tomorrow.

Saturday evening LM, John and I collaborated on a delicious shrimp dinner with asparagus and a lovely salad with Boston lettuce, orange slices and strawberries. It was really delicious and we did some good talking around the dinner table. Yesterday, we all collaborated on a brunch, and then did a lot of work in the house before going out to buy and plant some pansies. They look so nice and the smiling faces were dancing in the April winds.

This just in: John received a call from the hospital with an update on Vanessa. She was wakened briefly from the coma today and could acknowledge that she knew where she was, and that the pain was severe. They had to immediately place her back in the coma, but her presence of mind is so full of hope for us all.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all the great help with your prayers and thoughts. We are so grateful to have gotten this far!!

The Wait Continues

2011-04-16T07:31:00.006-04:00

Vanessa remains in very critical condition, her parents and aunt are at the hospital in what we know is a very painful time for them as they wait for any bit of news. She is in a medically induced coma to allow for the massive healing process. One of her eyes is badly damaged, and she has a massive head injury which will require many surgeries to repair. John is filling the long hours using his artistic ability to make a huge card for Vanessa and having friends stop by to sign it. The driver and passenger are home and healing but in a great deal of pain physically and emotionally. John's using creative visualization to picture his love well.

PLEASE, PLEASE fasten your seatbelts!!

Reaching Out

2011-04-15T05:51:00.005-04:00

UPDATE: Vanessa came through surgery but is in very critical condition, will need eye surgery.

Last night just after 5 pm, our John's (LM's son), sweet girlfriend, Vanessa, was critically injured in a head-on car accident in Sandwich. She was a backseat passenger in a small car driven by a good friend. The driver and front seat passenger are also injured but have been treated and released from Cape Cod hospitals. They hit a pick-up truck which had pulled into their lane of travel. Vanessa was thrown in to the front seat and hit the windshield (I suspect she was not wearing a seatbelt). She was medflighted to Boston Medical Center where she remains in critical condition with head, kidney and liver damage. During the night they were doing surgery. We still await results on her condition post-surgery. We feel so sad for John in all this as he cannot leave the house due to house arrest.
All we can do is send her positive and healing energy and support John through this crisis.
Vanessa is a sweet and very strong girl and she has been such a steadying and faithful presence for John through his hard times recently. Our hearts are heavy for her and for her family. Her mother is at the hospital and updating John as she has news.
Thank you to my blog family. I know there is tremendous power in your caring.
With lots of love.....

Barks and Bites

2011-04-13T15:07:00.002-04:00

As of 9 this evening, I will be living, once again, in my cherished bark-free zone! Actually, the week has gone by fairly well with much less than usual bad dog time. They've been subject to the training of "Joe the Dogman"....a Cape Cod legend in successful dog training, and I can see the difference.

I've managed to get back my devotion to daily exercise, as well as continue with yoga and meditation, and the rewards are lightening my spirit. A good feeling.

Sending some hugs and purrs down to my friend, Debbie of Happy Days. She has some health challenges at the moment. We're hoping that her tests will reveal nothing serious.

Also, some big hugs to Samantha, her Mommy and others in their household who have been laid low by a nasty upper-respiratory affliction. They need some sunshine!

Happy Wednesday everyone, from the very grateful and less painful arm department, where we are hiring CSI personnel to investigate who bit LM in the hand early this morning. Damage was obviously done by a fang, but what creature could possibly have gotten under his down comforter while he was sound asleep?? A few gray hairs were found at the scene and they do not belong to me!

Where the Dogs Are...

2011-04-09T08:20:00.002-04:00

Listening to the oldies on womr.org, putting away laundry, weeding out winter clothes, and playing with the dogs this morning. That's right, I am dog sitting for my boss again. They've gone to San Francisco for 5 days, and last night was the first night....so tired I could hardly move, and we had an early night. LM was at home preparing for a huge fishing tackle yard sale he's running today in Hyannis. Dogs were good until barking commenced at 4:15 am....I'd half-expected that despite the fact that I'd been told that behavior was pretty much over. They left me with a water pistol to shoot at them when the barking occurs, but I was wide awake, thus, all I've accomplished this morning.

It is such a beautiful day....as I did yoga this morning, I was watching the tops of the trees lit by the sunrise and felt so inspired to just make this my own lovely, happy day. Never fear, this is not Pollyanna over here, I've just been low, and know I do have the power to smile or not!
Hopefully, there will be time with Sara and Samantha, and the purchase of pansies, as well as visiting a local farm to see baby lambs. Maybe there will even be a donkey to see!

LM and I may go to see the new version of "Jane Eyre" tonight. It's showing at the theater where we had our first date....we love going back in time a bit and will even meet in our own cars as we did that first time. I'll get back with a report on the movie.

My shoulder is hurting me terribly again....I'm doing all the recommended stretches, etc, but it is persistent. It is only 5 weeks and the doctor said yesterday that I can expect it to take as much as a month longer.
That's my weekend so far......hope you will all have a nice one, too.

Walking the Herring River Uplands

2011-04-06T07:00:00.002-04:00

From the very delayed posting department, I can report that today is a much better day. I was even able to sneak in a visit with Ms G last night after my yoga class. She was needing a fresh supply of her favorite treats (notice she dines on her own table in front of the fireplace)
Can't tell whether this look is the incredulous, "why do you spend one minute worrying" gaze or the "what are you doing here on a weeknight, I'm busy with LM" stare. Oh well, I got a brief opportunity to pat her and she was back to LM's lap.
The lovers........(this is an older picture but a favorite of mine and a moment that is repeated numerous times each day)
Anyway, a week ago last Sunday, in another lovely woodland walk, we explored the area around the Harwich River herring run. We didn't see any herring but they are known to be running right now.
This gull is the giveaway....He would not be hanging around if there were no possibilities of food. I loved the red glow of the Fall leaves in the water.
Trees still hanging over the trails after some heavy winter storms.
Fallow bogs. It amazes me how many bogs are hidden throughout this area. It was so peaceful as we walked through this beautiful place, and we imagined all the people who worked these bogs at one time.
The edge of the fallow bog was teeming with little creatures and the warm sun made us want to linger.
We walked up a hill and came upon this unusual green box in the woods. Any idea what it could be???
A close-up of one end of the base.
Here's the answer....it is. Tick control. An effort to control the dangerous deer tick population.
When I got home that night, even after a careful skin and clothing check, LM and I found we had deer ticks crawling on us. While reading in bed that evening, I felt a tick fall from my hair to my shoulder and then on to the pillow. They are so tiny and are like black specks.

Thank you all for you encouragement and wise comments yesterday. This venue is so much a stream of consciousness for me, and truly reflects the ebb and flow of being a woman, a mother, etc. Each day brings me renewal in some form, and I'm grateful for the friendship in this little community giving me a leg up at times. There is such comfort in the sharing.
Onward to a sunny day!

Nitty Gritty

2011-04-05T06:29:00.002-04:00

Amidst all the Ms G fluff here there is a thread in my life that needs clipping. Thread plays an important role when it comes to my quilts, but when it is the invisible binder of thoughts that haunt at 3 am, I am wont to cut it at every link. Believe me, I've used the scissors of meditation, letting go, therapy, denial and so many other ploys to break the anxiety chain, but somehow, it heals itself and comes back to choke me even tighter, rob me of sleep, make me hide, and make me struggle for control; struggle so hard that I do and say things I wish I hadn't. Self-righteousness rules until sanity prevails and I discard that useless cape.
This morning, it is foggy, dark, raining and grim.....I, though, like these days, and they could easily become a time for me to retreat into my cave, a la Ms G, and be spent manufacturing things I "need" to be concerned about. It starts with my children and LM's, then goes to our relationship, then on to my siblings and possible health concerns, oh, and my job....I'm certain I'll be let go soon. My mind is a breeding ground for all the what-ifs, what I could and should be doing, and could and should NOT be doing, next it is on to the basic daily stuff and unfinished projects, friends I should call. I just want to scream, have someone come and take me away and erase my brain! Back to the thread....it's sort of like the tags on pillows and cushions. Do I dare to cut them off??? I always live on the wild side and do remove the tags, why can't I do it with the incessant and mostly unnecessary worry??

Just musing here this morning, after a short night's sleep, from my pretty nice and beautiful world. Right now, I'm off to find my SHARP scissors to cut some threads.

Long Island April 2011

2011-04-04T11:49:00.002-04:00

Friday evening, I arrived at LM's toting dinner and excited about our plans to be on the road all day Saturday.....first I needed to set the table and place the beautiful rose I received at work that day, in a vase on the table. Within 20 seconds after that rose entered the house, a certain gray person appeared out of nowhere. She parked in the center of the table, back turned to the rose, "saying" she was not interested but we could see her almost sniffing sideways at the vase behind her perch. She cannot resist the ferns that come along with roses.
See that turn of the head....I put the camera down to attend to the dinner, and she was chewing away. We must have shooed her 4 or 5 times and when we returned from our trip to Long Island, there was a noticeable lack of fern around the rose. Incorrigible!
The next morning, we were on the road by 5:30 am, picked up a bright red KIA Sportage at the dealer in Hyannis, and onboard the ferry pulling out of New London CT by 9 am. This view is of the New London bridge we crossed over on Rte 95. I've seen the bridge from this perspective many times before, but never noticed that there is a vertical lift railroad bridge directly underneath. This photo was taken through a saltspray- splattered window on the ferry as we pulled out into the Thames River on our way across Long Island Sound.
The morning was crystal clear, and we had no idea that as we exited the river into the Sound that we would be in VERY heavy seas. The waves were crashing over the bow of the boat and there was to be no venturing outside onto the deck to enjoy the sunshine. We were on the largest ferry in the fleet so felt very safe.
As we began our drive west on Long Island, we were once again in the beautiful North Fork wine and farm country. We stopped at this farm, LM's favorite, to buy a pie.
They had the prettiest spring flowers for sale....
I'm still kicking myself for not buying a flat of these beautiful pansies.
The rest of the trip was uneventful. I could not resist playing around with the view in my side-view mirror.

On the way home after a very calm trip back across the sound, we began to see very strange cloud formations around the time of sunset.
Crossing the Braga Bridge in Fall River
There is a massive project involved in painting and maintaining this bridge.
The light was so beautiful from the setting sun and it turned Fall River golden...

Old mill buildings.
Sunset..

We loved this pink cloud...
Home again....what we always say as we cross the Bourne Bridge over the Cape Cod Canal.

We were very tired when we finally got home.....a long 14 hours on the road. Would you believe we got to the dealer on Long Island and they said they did not have the car we came for?? Well, that is what happened, so we'd done that long trip for naught. We went back in the car we came in. What a waste for the dealer we were driving for that day. We had fun anyway.

Sunday was another mystery date. This time I stole LM away to see a play at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. My dear friend, and former co-worker, Nick, is in a lead role and we thoroughly enjoyed the very gritty, "Glengarry GlenRoss" production.

Happy Birthday to my youngest brother, Sam, today. I will not divulge his age but he was born within 3 months of my oldest daughter, Anne! He's also cat father to the infamous Bob. I hear he was royally feted last evening by his wife and sons!. Very well-deserved, dear brother.

On the Road Again

2011-04-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

We're off to Long Island, NY this morning. It is a working trip as we will bring back a car for the local KIA dealer. Fun, fun, though, as we will take the ferry across Long Island Sound and enjoy some sunshine. It will be a lovely time for us to be alone and catch our breath, as well as see some of our favorite haunts.
We have both been dealing with some worry this week - me with family members having major surgery, and still nursing my shoulder, and LM, with John being unable to procure a job due to his record. We are digging deep for help in many direction. There just has to be a way to help these young offenders get a leg up to make a life for themselves.

I do have progress with my shoulder and credit it all to my sterling "Team of Four." I am so fortunate to have 4 women practitioners of alternative healing arts helping me...my chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapist and yoga instructor. They are all wonderfully loving and gifted healers. Long ago I realized that taking a pill is not the cure-all and that was all I would get from my MD, even though, she too is another lovely woman.

So as we welcome a new month, I must also say how much I appreciate all my wonderful readers and friends I have who visit me here on Ms Graysea!! I'll be thinking of you and sending you the wonderful healing energy of the ocean as we sail across to Long Island tomorrow morning.
Alas, Ms G will be home keeping an eye on her castle surrounds and monitoring her avian fleet, We will have snuggle time on Sunday!