The Garden Lady

The Garden Lady - Old Thoughts 2010 Image of Bleeding Hearts

December 27, 2010 The Octave of Christmas

Seems like I lost a few days in here!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, we did. We went to my sisters on Christmas Eve day, and that was the "family Christmas". We missed my one newphew, his wife and Carley because Carley had a temperature and a bad cough. But the 7 of us that were there had a nice afternoon, a nice dinner and when it came time for gifts, my sister surpriseed us with a coffee-table book "Saratoga in Bloom" and in addition to the photos of places like the grand mansions, Yaddo, Congress Park, HER home and garden were in it! It's a wonderful book! After dinner and a little more visiting we came back home to go to Mass at 9PM.

Christmas day itself was quiet, I made a Christmas dinner for the 2 of us, and we spent a nice day at home, finishing the evening by watching "The Lion in Winter" on TV. With Katherine Hepburn, one of my favorites!

Then, the day after we also braced for a winter storm, which has ended here. The wind is howling, and we ended up with only about 5-6 inches of snow but many places around us got hammered. Staying IN today, and a nice dinner of leftover turkey with fresh potatoes and vegs. is on the menu for tonight. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Next comes New Years....

December 21, 2010 Tis the Season!

And all of the photo pages are now up!

Click here for pictures from Experience and Creative Design.

Click here for pictures from Aunt Katie's Attic "Holly Days".

Click here for pictures from DRCC Carol Night.

Needless to say it has been a busy night. Sit back and enjoy the events!

December 20, 2010 It's getting closer!.

Wow, the end of this week is Christmas!

Thankfully, I did get over to Experience and Creative Design this afternoon to get some pictures of their fabulous displays and ornaments. The people who work there are SO nice...I had called ahead to make sure it was OK to take pictures and also to make sure it wasn't too busy. Business was brisk and by the end of the week I am sure it will be crazy. I haven't done a page on the shop in a few years and I thought a new page would be fun. It will be up soon.

I also have to get pages together for Carol Night at DRCC and "Holly Days" at Aunt Katie's Attic. It's been a busy few days.

The nice thing is, I finally got all of my gift shopping/making done, just need to finish wrapping. For now, it's back to work, and catch you later in the week!

December 12, 2010 Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain...

Somehow, that just doesn't have the same 'ring' to it...

After a couple of cold days, it warmed up today and......rained. Not that I am complaining, especially hearing of how the midwest is getting hammered. You don't hvae to shovel rain.

Otherwise, it was a busy weekend as I finished preparations for a short presentation I am giving on Tuesday on St. John of the Cross. The Retreat House runs a program called "Breakfast with the Saints" and this is the last in the series. They also host "Soup with the Saints", and the event includes the meal and a short presentation that takes perhaps 1/2 hour. It will be odd to give a presentation that doesn't involve bringing in a ton of "stuff".

Anyway, Once this finishes I'll finish up Christmas gifts (I make gifts for friends) and then get my presentation ready for January. One of the ones with the ton of stuff. So much to do! So little time! Do I love it? Well, I guess I do.

December 6, 2010 'Tis the Season

New banner is up - page decoration for a Gardenlady Christmas is done. Too bad the house isn't this easy!

Outside, the weather certainly feels like December. Cold, windy, and today we had a few dancing snowflurries. Nothing much, it just dusted the ground. Inside, I am getting cards in their envelopes, working on a presentation for next week and also, the end of next week is Carol Night at DRCC! One more Power Point class to go on Wednesday night and quiet (sort of) until classes start again in January.

My desk looks like a bomb went off on it. But you don't see it so...that's OK.

December 4, 2010 Elf Yourself

OK, maybe I had too much turkey at Thanksgiving. But, it's that time of year again.

Christmas prep - and a small part of that is having fun with Office Maxs' "Elf Yourself". The past 2 years, Mirage has been the star when I send these silly greetings out. This year, Mirage takes on a Disco theme and dances her way through the Jib Jab powered e greeting.

On a more subdued note, it has been busy around the house. I am getting cards ready to send out, and at Thanksgiving we celebrated a new grand-niece due to arrive at the end of April. I bought an outdoor outlet for the Christmas lights I put out on the deck railing. The lights have a sensor so they come on automatically at dusk (in 2 cases last week some dark rainy days meant at 2:30 PM) and they stay on anywhere from 1 to 9 hours. You set it and forget it. Cool.

Christmas is coming in with the speed of a new flexible flyer on a snowy slope!

November 24, 2010 Thanksgiving

The pies are cooling, the turkey is thawing, and everything is waiting to be assembled tonight and in the morning. The family is coming here, and the sunroom is also ready. My favorite holiday is upon us!

Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours!

November 18, 2010 Close call

The other day, I got a link from a friend about a woman who is having all kinds of trouble with a deer that learned to ring her doorbell. And it just doesn't stop. While reading the article, my Security Essentials popped up a warning that it had stopped a trojan from infecting my files. It had cleaned the system, and I duly removed the offender. About an hour later, here comes another pop up. So, I removed it, ran Malwarebytes and removed it BUT, in a foggy state of mind because I've been down with a bronchial infection, I forgot to turn off System Restore.

So, all goes well until Monday when I was working on a document and here comes the pop up again, but THIS time, it has a "Clean Now" button. Which is the sure sign of this particular malware. Before I got a chance to even think, everything goes black. And I cant boot into Windows. Not even with the disk.

Fortunately, my very good friend Dave (I also work for his wife Eileen and him) took the machine and my disk, did a reinstall and SAVED my documents. One other thing, I had not done a backup in about a month, so I had a lot of my fall pictures and my retreat work. Some was on the laptop but not all, and anything earlier was backed up to my external hard drive. Long story short, after a couple of days of reinstalling my programs and starting to orgabnize my files from the saved folders I am up and running on the desktop. What a blessing to get it ALL back!

Otherwise I am slowly getting better and passed my germs along to hubby. Anyone for a game of virus tennis?

I did manage to get most all of my Thanksgiving dinner supplies in. Only some of the fresh vegetables remain to be bought. Turkey will start its slow thaw on Monday, I'll bake the pie Wednesday (my sister brings other desserts) and try to get most ready before having to teach Wednesday night. Time is flying.

November 11, 2010 Thank You, Veterans and Troops

From the proud daughter and wife of veterans...heartfelt thanks.

November 3, 2010 Random thoughts

Well, we are in November, the next-to-last month of the year. Do you believe how fast time is passing?

On this end, the retreat went very well and now it is time to prepare for a short presentation in December and another day of retreat in January. Add to that our Parish Ziti dinner this weekend and the Retreat House fund raiser "More Than Just Desserts" on the 14th. On November 12th, there will be a celebration of Jan's life and it looks to be quite an event. As was described in the obit, a memorial "butt kicking ceremony". She could be a pistol - she kept me smiling - and this just seems fitting.

The photo above, by the way, is one of the geysers at Saratoga Spa State Park. Pat and I popped over one sunny day and took pictures of the foliage that is rapidly disappearing. Class has started and it seems as always I have a million things to do. But what else is new? You are all hopping too, I would suspect!

October 28, 2010 In Memory

The retreat is finally ready to go - and just in time as it is occurring on Saturday.

But, it has been a somewhat difficult week. Some of you know I work one day a week at the National Bottle Museum - with a brief hiatus when I was laid off because of lack of funds I went back a few months ago and picked up right where I left off. I work on Tuesdays.

This past Tuesday started off like any other - I left the house for the half hour drive and when I arrived, the curator was the only one in. Usually there would be him, Jan, the Director, and myself (unless a group came in). But that morning, Gary told me Jan died early that morning. Two and a half days later, I can't wrap my mind around this - she is the second person I knew who died suddenly in the past two weeks.

Jan was a 4 foot 11 ball of fire. Nothing ever seemed to hold her back from her work of promoting the museum and attending various bottle shows in different states on the weekends. Her life was very active, she gave of herself generously. She did all of this work without pay, many times dipping into her personal funds to get what was necessary to run the place.

She was quite the cook - making her specialties for receptions and was a storehouse of knowledge in the history of mouth blown bottles. She was just an amazing woman, and I already miss her dearly.

Obituary at Legacy

Article in The Saratogian

Article in The Ballston Journal

Rest in Peace, Jan. You were one in a million!

October 23, 2010 Gearing up - again

I can't believe a week went by since my last entry.

Well, maybe I can. It has been so busy with work that even trips for pictures this week just didn't happen. Class starts this upcoming week for Power Point and right now, people have so many different versions that it can be a challenge if some are using any version less than 2007, and those using 2007 or 2010, which look completely different. Also, the push is on to finish everything for my Autumn Day of Reflection at the retreat house, and toss in the usual things that need to be done. Yikes.

I had a little fun trying to see if some colorful leaves would go through the laminator and they did - once I snipped the larger ends off of the stems. Then I trimmed around the outline of the leaves and ended up with some interesting additions to the retreat. I guess I never stop playing...

The yard is filling up with fallen leaves, and there is a lot to be done in the garden to get ready for winter. Will it get done? Well...........

October 16, 2010 A Beautiful Day

After a couple of days of rainy weather, I went to Still Point today just to take a few fall pictures.

I was not disappointed - the colors were beautiful, and I made a page this evening incorperating them into the Still Point main page - redone. I have been meaning to do this for a long time, and my photos on this page will have the latest pictures, plus links to past trips. Enjoy...

Still Point Pictures are here.

October 13, 2010 Peak

We have had a lovely week so far - the photo above was taken in Milton Nature Preserve on Tuesday. After work, I stopped there for a quick walk to enjoy some of the fall colors. There are still quite a few green trees yet but the ones that are changing are brilliant.

I also had the pleasure of meeting someone today that I have only known online for a few years. He was up visiting family and he, his daughter and I had a snack together at Friendly's. It was a LOT of fun.

Rain is predicted once again so perhaps just a few more shots tomorrow. You would think I have more than enough pictures but the magic of the changing seasons is always new. I'll use some of them in the Fall day of retreat in a couple of weeks.

October 11, 2010 Humor break

Someone sent me an email with a video attachment of a cat on a Roomba. Sure got Mirage's attention!

The weather has been beautiful the past couple of days. Waiting to see if we get any more color change, maybe Thursday after I finish a job I'll head out for a couple of pictures. Pat is busy this week so I may have to make a solo flight!

I have a bit of work ahead, a class starting at the end of the month and I have to get the handouts updated, then a retreat day on the 30th. For that, I just need to firm up my outline and pull together a couple of slide shows. Around the house, things are getting put away for winter and any time now, all those leaves will turn and fall.

October 3, 2010 Photo Ops!

The Bobbsey Twins are at it again. Above are pictures of Pat and I at the Canajoharie pothole yesterday, and I did manage to get picture pages up of two of our previous escapades. Check them out!

Click here for pictures of Indian Ladder Farms.

Click here for pictures from Natural Stone Bridge and Caves.

It's been pretty rainy here, over 6.5 inches of rain Thursday into Friday, and the colors remain spotty. Hopefully I can get more photos of color before the leaves fall off!

September 30, 2010 Just in Time

In a week of rain...we picked the best day to go north. When we got to Pyramid, there were quite a few people around, and the color was spotty so Pat and I decided to go and visit the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in Pottersville, NY. The place is magnificent, and the weather was cool enough for hiking the trails and we had some breaks of filtered sun.

We had never been there, and it was closer than going further north to the High Peaks area. It turned out to be an excellent choice. After lunch at Pitkins in Schroon Lake, it was a short (less than 1/2 hour) drive to Pottersville. I got quite a few pictures, explored some great trails and a small cave, and soaked in the beauty. The color was spotty there as well, but who knows what will happen after the rain we are having, and are to have today into the night.

The remnents of Nicole are affecting our weather and right now it alternates between downpours and light sprinkles. The wind and very heavy rain are due later on. A good day to get work done inside. So, maybe I may get some pages done today!

September 28, 2010 Day Trip/Photo Op

We have had rain here the past couple of days, and tomorrow looks like there will be a break in the rain for a day. So, you know what THAT means...

Pat and I are heading up to Pyramid Lake to see how much color there is. With the rain and wind, I dont think waiting would be wise...so we will head up for pictures, probably stop in Schroon Lake for a meal at Pitkins, and make a day of it. Pictures soon! Well, those and our photos from last week.

September 24, 2010 GREAT concert!

We went to a concert tonight at Our Lady of Grace in Ballston Lake featuring David Haas and Lori True. David Haas has written many of the songs we hear at our liturgies, and Lori is already an accomplished singer/composer as well. The music was fabulous and the show was about 2 hours long with solid music and some talk. I have long loved the work of David Haas, and to hear him live and meet him was an honor. The two of them are so talented, entertaining and down to earth. Non-flash photography was permitted, so I took a few pictures. One of the best nights ever, and of course we all sang along...

September 23, 2010 Pictures are up!

The pictures from my stay at Still Point are up, along with a couple of pictures from Ann's place. I also have another page to do...Pat and I went back to Mabee Farm, to Indian Ladder Farms and Helderledge.

Those pictures should be up soon but for the meantime, enjoy...

Click here for Still Point pictures.

September 20, 2010 A beautiful night

A good night to get out with the cameras, but it is getting darker earlier so our trips are much shorter

Pat and I went to the Mabee Farm tonight, took a few pictures in the fading light. We stopped and enjoyed the company of a sheep and a goat, such beautiful (and clean) animals. They were so friendly, we petted them through the fence around their pen. After, we stopped for a sundae at Friendly's. Tough night...

I still have to get pictures up from Still Point and the lake, the weekend zipped by before I knew it. I hope to get them done soon! The weather has been lovely, so much cooler and so comfortable for sleeping. Windows open, fresh air, it is like heaven! We are also planning a trip to Pyramid and the Canajoharie Pothole for fall color. A couple of weeks off yet.

September 16, 2010 Back from Still Point

It had been 4 months since I was last there, and I just got back this afternoon from a short stay (Sunday-Wednesday) at Still Point.

I love the tiny cabins in the woods - all you need in one room. I stayed once again in Cabin 4, about 14x14 by my estimates, with a corner walled off to enclose the toilet and a stand up shower. I didn't do much this time around...a few pictures but a lot of reading. I re-read Anne LaBastille's "Beyond Black Bear Lake", a sequel to "Woodswoman" (both excellent books) and Henri Nouwen's "The Genesee Diary", a story of his almost 8 month retreat at the Abbey of the Genesee in Rochester, NY. Another good book I started is "Christian Zen" by William Johnston. Interesting works, all.

Now, I am back home and all is back in order. I do miss the woods outside my window, and the sound of the chipmunks as they squeaked and rustled through the leaf litter. It is quiet but not totally quiet, and it's delightful. The time is always time well spent and even though I came back still draggy I am happy I went. I just think I waited a tad too long to recharge. No matter.

Another great thing about the trip was meeting an online friend. Ann and I have talked through email and online, but never met - until yesterday. She is a lovely person, with a beautiful place looking out on Saratoga Lake. I felt like I've known her forever! Thanks, Ann, for the hospitality.

Pictures will be up soon.

September 10, 2010 Remembering

It's time for this one particular graphic to be posted once again. I know we all remember that day like it was yesterday instead of 9 years ago.

I will be putting a candle out front tomorrow night, it is hopefully a Nationwide event. And let us remember that the suffering and violence was at the hands of radical extremists...and they can be found unfortunately in every tradition.

On another note, I will be off for a couple of days to Still Point to recharge MY batteries. None too soon.

September 1, 2010 Come on along...

How about that for a rock? This is one of the boulders left in the woods at Pyramid Lake, a result (so they say) of the glaciers' actions on the Adirondack Mountains in the Ice Age. It is reported that the Adirondacks may have been higher than the Himalayan Mountains, and were sheared off by the ice, and the boulders dropped like pebbles in the oddest places.

It's been kind of hot out, so I've been working inside and was able to get the pictures from the Nature Retreat and Heaven and Nature Retreat online! For those who attended, you will be getting the email from me letting you know these pages are up, and I can send out the larger size group pictures via email - just drop me a note if you are interested. For now, enjoy...

Click here for Retreat week pictures.

August 31, 2010 Back home again

Got home yesterday after 8 days and 2 retreats at Pyramid Lake. So this morning, I was a little disappointed to look out the window and not see Bear, Pharoah, or Ragged Mountain, nor the lake. Such is life...

SO, after settling back in yesterday, unpacking, laundry it is time to sort through the many pictures. Each one brings a smile and a memory of the people and places.I saw many old friends and made new ones as well, and will be setting up an email list here at home.

I decided to take the long way home, opting NOT to take the white-knuckle ride down I-87 after such beauty and tranquility. The usual 90 minute trip took me well over 3 hours. Worth every minute, I had additional photo ops as I came through Schroon Lake, down past Loon Lake, over Rt. 8 to 30, and down home. Was that really only yesterday?

I will hopefully have a couple of pages up soon...

August 20, 2010 Counting down

I thought you would enjoy a picture of some of the little sparrows at my backyard rock waterfall...I get a LOT of birds that love to take their drinks, baths, you name it, out in the yard. I sat in the sun room and took picture after picture - when I get back from PLC I'll have to get a page up, they are so darned cute. They DO get into scuffles now and then and it can get quite noisy. The sparrows, chickadees, and goldfinches especially love the splashing sounds.

We also have a resident chipmunk who lives inder the deck - I got a couple of shots of him (or her) as well. Quite entertaining.

Anyway, I am just about ready for my trip north - the presentations are finished, handouts and all the little extra goodies are also ready. The shopping has been done and the laundry will be up to date so all will run smoothly on the home front. It will be good to see my friends again, we have this yearly time together and it's always SO good to see them and hear how things are going. I don't know if I will get another entry before I leave - but you can believe when I get back there will be plenty more pictures of my beloved Pyramid Lake. I supposed I COULD get online, as they have a Hughes dish but that's not why I go there. It's nice to just take a week away from technology. Except what I use for my presentations.

Take care, and see you all again soon!

August 17, 2010 Amazing

Last night, Pat and I stopped in Ballston Lake to get a couple of photos and on the way back dusk had descended. Looking up at the sky we noticed what we first thought was a plane but it didn't move. So I drove up into the hills and as the last remnants of light glowed on the horizon lo and behold, to the right of the half-moon was Venus. Shining bright, it was the perfect time to get a picture and it came out well considering I didn't have my tripod.

For now, it's off to work. Catch you later!

August 14, 2010 Little by little...

Saturday night, 11:15 PM...

I have my assortment of thoughts, poems, quotes, photos together in one folder, now it's getting everything into a presentation format for the retreats. One week from tomorrow I head north to GIVE those presentations. So for now, that familiar bleary-eyed push is on.

I also like to have all in order on the home front, making sure hubby has all he needs while I'm away. Laundry caught up to the day (and which will be overflowing upon my arrival back home) and plenty of food stocked in. On my side, making sure the fresh battery is in the lamp flashlight, that I have a supply of lightsticks in case power goes out, clothing to cover both hot AND cold weather and of course, all the assorted things I use in the presentations.

Right now though, the sound of the cricket chorus outside my open window threatens to lull me to sleep here at the keyboard!

It is hard to believe that when I return, August will be just about over. It has been a busy summer and is shaping up to continue right into fall. Upon return, it will be time to start work on a day presentation at the end of October, another quick 1/2 hour presentation in December, and then the next day retreat in January or February. I do love what I am doing however. And that makes all the difference.

August 12, 2010 Oh my.....

We are just about halfway through August!

And there's the garden, taken about a week ago at that point of most color. Since then I have cut back the bee balm, and the coneflowers are looking tired. But the black-eyed susans are in their time now. I get a little work done out there but work has been busy, a good month for clients and in my free time I am working on the retreat. I have about 10 days to go, and this is the point where I feel like I will never be ready but I know it always comes together all of a sudden. All of the thoughts are THERE, I just have to get them organized.

I'm pretty happy also about finally getting one of my programs, Photo Story 3, to work on my Windows 7 machine. I tried a while back and it wouldn't install but something must have changed...an update to the operating system or something. I tried the version for Vista (which I never had as an operating system) and a few months ago it didn't work but now it does. That's all that matters.

For now, off to work, we are due for rain the next few days - at least last I looked. Good weather to finish up the presentations. I can't wait to get back to the lake.

August 3, 2010 A good kind of pothole.

A little while back, I had heard about a place called Wintergreen Park in Canajoharie NY, and then heard about "the pothole". The pothole measures about 20 feet across, said to be 8-10 feet deep at its deepest point and is just about perfectly round with sides smoothed by the swirling water of the Canajoharie Creek. No swimming allowed, but the area is absolutely fascinating and I have a link to pictures just below. My friend Pat took this picture and it gives you an idea of the size. There are also several smaller ones as well.

Check it out... Pictures are here

This being August, I am am enjoying seeing the riot of wildflowers in the fields on my travels. Purple Loosestrife, Queen Annes Lace, Clover, Black Eyed Susan, Chicory, Goldenrod, Jewelweed, Cattails, the list is almost endless. How beautiful in the fields and roadsides where they have been allowed to grow. And in the markets and on the farms, the vegetables and fruits are plentiful. What a great time of year!

July 29, 2010 Where is the time going?

Does anyone else feel like time is flying by? No, that's not intended as a pun with this photo of sparrows in Stockbridge last month *grin* How about that little rebel on the right?

It is just about August and even though we have had a long time of hot weather I am wondering where the summer is going. Of course, I've been working on those slides which, by the way, are FINISHED (hooray!). There were almost 900 scans done - some done more than once because I was not pleased with my first scans. What an amazing project! Now, it is on to preparing for the two retreats. Worked picked up as well this past month and out in the garden the weeds are beginning to have a field day once again. I need more hands, mour hours in a day but then again, who doesn't?

I have been out here and there with the camera for a few shots. Also in the garden the black-eyed susans are open. This is the point where there is the most color out there. Plus, I have to finish spray painting the louver doors we bought at Habitat ReStore to use as a decoration out on the side the garden where the grapevine was cut. An idea that I came up with after seeing one of the Garden Tour gardens using painted shutters to hide their compost pile. I am happy to report that the one remaining vine is still alive and put out a couple of tentative shoots.

For now, it's off to start a new day!

July 18, 2010 A Little Relief...

After some more hot and muggy weather, we had a couple of BIG storms last night. The first one came in fast...I was outside watering the hanging baskets and saw the clouds come in. I took a picture, noticed the lightning and put the hose away. That storm lasted about 15-20 minutes.

The second storm came in about an hour and a half later, with a LOT of lightning and some thunder. And today, it was much more bearable.Low 80's and less humid. It was just a little after 8 PM when I took the photo, you can see how dark it got.

We also had a busy weekend with receptions after each Mass for our retired Deacon Bob who is moving to a retirement community with his wife on Tuesday. He lived here in the village for a little over 50 years.

Otherwise, I am STILL scanning slides and work is picking up. Retirement can be VERY busy...

July 11, 2010 And The Heat Goes On...

We had one day of [sort of] relief on Saturday when some rain came in but it is back to hot and humid. Granted...it was not in the 90's today but this is a summer just like all the old-fashioned summers I remember. The funny thing, apparently the Old Farmer's Almanac called for a cooler than normal summer. Hmmmmmm.....

I have been spending a lot of time indoors and still scanning. The count is - over 600 slides scanned thus far and perhaps 300 or 350 to go? I can count the ones in the plastic sleeves but there is a recipe type box that holds more. As much work as it is I really don't mind doing this at all. But I WILL be happy when it is all finished.

By the way, the photo was taken at Lock 9 on Thursday night. We have had very hazy sunsets so there is not a lot of bright color as you sometimes see heralding a hot day to come. While we were out, we came back to Lock 8 and I picked up some great river rocks along the shore. They are being used around my fountain and also we stopped at the Habitat ReStore and I picked up 2 sets of louvered doors to spray paint and use as a garden 'fence'.

July 9, 2010 How about THESE?

As I mentioned last week, Pat and I went to the Berkshire Botanical Garden last week where one of their featured Exhibits is "Living Stylishly in Nature: Re-Imagining the Humble Garden Shed."

If you know me, you know I am particularly fond of Tiny/Tumbleweed Homes, and these sheds were as much a highlight as the garden itself. Naturally, I got photos of the five sheds on display...inside and out. I WANT ONE!!! Enjoy, Pictures are here and more to come soon.

In other news, the heat wave continues and our grass is getting brown...I am inside more than out and trying to keep the garden growing without wasting too much water. The house gets pretty hot by evening as we only run the two window air conditioners at night. Tough conditions for people AND plants.

July 2, 2010 Independence Day weekend

Happy Birthday America. And a safe and happy 4th to all!

June 29, 2010 -Field Trip!

Heading off tomorrow with my friend Pat to Berkshire Botanical Garden. I haven't been there in about 5 years, and she has never been there. The weather is supposed to be spectacular (as today is) and I am charging the extra battery as I write.

The weather has turned beautifully cool and breezy, and the windows are open to let in the sweet air. I am enjoying listening to the fountain we bought about a month ago, and am on the lookout for rocks to place around it. My friend Mike (of Train Garden fame) gave me some hens-and-chicks to bring home and they will be planted among the rocks. Once I get them, that is. Hubby said maybe we could find some blocks at Home Depot but I am looking for plain old rocks. Should be nice once I get it figured out and in place.

In the garden, the bee balm and cone flowers are opening. Plus, I bought 2 hanging baskets and 2 large geranium pots on sale at Pedricks so they are adding their color. Whoo Hoo!

June 25, 2010 -GARDEN TOUR PHOTOS ARE UP

Yes, you read right, the 2010 Garden Tour photos are up. Enjoy!

June 23, 2010 -Photos...we have photos!

The first of a few pages I have been meaning to get online.....

Dave and Eileen's 40th Anniversary

2010 Scotia-Glenville Relay for Life

More to come, the next BIG project that I am working on is the Garden Tour pictures. Hopefully up soon!

June 21, 2010 -Thanks a lot...

Thanks to my 'neighbors' who killed my grapevine this past weekend. It would have been nice if you asked who it belonged to before you hacked it down. It would have been nice if you had at least apologized...

June 20, 2010 -Back in the sauna

We are back to hot and humid, after a fairly overcast and rainy week. I did get most of the gardens done, I have one more to do today and the last one tomorrow and that will be complete. Some real beauties as usual, it's a long job but I do love seeing what people have done. There are also other events that need pages so I have my list. You know, the one that never gets shorter?

I did a little work in my own yard again and was horrified to see my relatively new neighbors hacking away at my grapevine. I was too late to save half of it :(. It takes a lot to get me really mad, this succeeded. The vine is on my property, on a support, and not even in anyone's way. I am still puilling out dead vines.

More later, have a busy day ahead.

June 13, 2010 -Results and more

This was the scene during the Luminaria Walk at Relay for Life on Friday night. I stitched 5 photos together in Photo Shop for this image. The 'dark' areas by the bags were the shadows of people walking.

We got up to the high school field around 5, checked in and wandered around until the dinner in the Survivor's Tent, then the opening ceremony at 6:45. From then on, we walked...stopping now and then to use the facilities or sit for 15 minutes and then it was back on the track. Walked until around 11PM, then headed home where I unloaded the photos, went to bed and then it was back at the field around 5:15 AM where we walked a few more laps. Relay ended at 6AM.

There are no words adequate to describe the event. Walking the survivor's lap and realizing how lucky I am, then the stirring Luminaria Cenemony where the list of those who lost the fight were read. Reading the inscriptions on the bags..."In Honor of"..."In Memory of..." There was even a bag in my honor. The walk in silence after the names are read is especially poignant, that is when I find myself tearing up and I am thankful for the cover of darkness to hide the tears. Too many names I know on those bags, people who were close once again that night.

I got a notice that the Scotia-Glenville Relay has raised over $108,000. and still counting.

So now, the event is done, the fight goes on. We walked or ran, helped light the thousands of candles, and stood in support. And now life goes back to normal and I start on the pictures for the Garden Tour this Saturday.

The miracle of the ordinary day. Thank You, God, for our blessings.

June 10, 2010 -READY TO RELAY...for LIFE

Got my Survivor's tee, checking my backpack, I am ready to walk! Relay starts tonight 6:45PM, ends tomorrow 6AM

June 9, 2010 Solid Figures

Tonight was a "Bank Night" for relay so I brought in my donations. Presently, the total collected is $1,263.17 for the fight against cancer. Not too shabby.

I know, I know...get back to work! Still open for donations and yes, I know I have to get picture pages up **grin** One of my followers reminded me, oh dear!

June 8, 2010 OVER THE TOP!

I spent this past weekend with my final push collecting for Relay, which will be held this Friday-Saturday.

I had set my fundraising goal at $500.00, and figured that was a reasonable amount given these tough economic times. But nothing prepared me for the surprise of raising over $1100.00....

I couldn't have done it without the help of my friends.

So, I am back from the bank with a bank check for the cash I collected, plus the persoanl checks that were given. Ready for relay, and still collecting in case anyone is interested. I do have a site online at ACS Relay page and if you are interested you can email me and I will send you the link. But thanks to all of the super people making this possible. Your names and intentions will be in my heart and on a list I will carry at Relay.

In other news, I have been scanning slides - a few hundred of them. I have the privilege of digitalizing the work of Fr. Bob Roos, one of the driving forces of Pyramid Life Center who passed away a few years ago. I never had the pleasure of meeting Fr. Bob but I have the honor of getting to know him through his work. And I realize how the fact that I appeared on the PLC scene a year or so after his passing was more than coincidence. It seems I am doing somewhat the same work he did. I went up with Pat yesterday and while she touched up some of the trail markers she had made I walked around and took pictures and recharged my batteries. Hopefully I have a few pages to put up soon.

June 2, 2010 The Busiest Month

There are some busy times coming up, I did some more yard work here and there this weekend to cross a few things off the list before the busy-ness begins

Starting this coming weekend, Aunt Katie's has her outdoor flea market on Saturday, rain or shine. Will it pour buckets or be hotter than blazes? Stay tuned for THAT.

The second event is Relay for Life the following Friday night into Saturday. I have been collecting funds either through my online page at Relay or hitting up my friends locally. I am not part of a team, but walk from the Survivors lap and for as many laps as I can before the Luminaria ceremony around 10PM.

And of course, it is Garden Tour time, so I will be contacting the gardeners individually to get photos of their gardens - any time except the day of the tour. It is just too difficult to make it to all the gardens and get good shots in the time allotted on tour day. That event is work intensive for me so I may be foregoing the Stockade Secret Garden Tour this year. That would be the 4th weekend and "I aint as young as I used to be..."

I also want to get a page up with a couple of pictures of my friends Eileen and Dave, from their 40th Anniversary. A blessing and Vow renewal at Mass, and coffee and donuts after, it was the same weekend as First Communion. I think I lived at St. Joe's that weekend. But right now, I'm setting my calendar and hope to get up to Pyramid Lake with Pat one day next week. Have to have some more play time, you know!

May 30, 2010 -Memorial Day Weekend

Remembering those who gave all, for the freedom we enjoy every day. God Bless...

May 27, 2010 Anniversary

Speaking of anniversaries, it's our 38th!

Happy Anniversary, Luv!

May 26, 2010 -Is it Summer?

As usual, it has been so busy here...a busy weekend with First Communion celebrations at Church and our friends' 40th Wedding Anniversary. Then work of all kinds as each day gets hotter and hotter. Today it was in the mid 90's, and we may have some thunderstorms late and into the morning.

With the big weekend coming up I hope to get more garden work done. I have a few pots of perennials that were on sale at Lowes that I want to plant, and the annuals are already in containers. We also bought solar lights and they look nice at each entrance to the deck. Oh, and the deck got power washed...I did that a few days ago.

Otherwise, I'm getting more pictures...I got a few shots of a fox family that came out a little fuzzy. It may have been the lighting; the sun's rays were just brightening some of the area and made it tough to get a clear focus from my vantage point some distance away. What a delight to watch them though, the kits were not babies anymore but playful and such big paws! Mama was quite thin, as foxes seem to be. She checked me out and decided I was harmless so she went off hunting leaving the little ones to chase and play. Delightful!

May 19, 2010 -A stroll through Round Lake

Come on along and see some of the sights..Round Lake pictures are here.

May 18, 2010 -Incredible!

Ten days since I posted here? I honestly dont know where the time goes...

OK, maybe I do. Getting work done, trying to reclaim the back and side yards from a couple of years of 'freedom' from the clippers and loppers. Getting out to take pictures when a good (or not so good) opportunity comes along. But the yard is slowly getting back into shape and I am sure the folks who make those brown yard waste bags can afford a nice vacation this year!

I also got to Round Lake with Pat yesterday for a walk through that amazing village, and then a stop at Lakeside Farms for a late lunch and more pictures. One thing I forgot to mention after my trip to Still Point is the guest I brought back. Evidently standing INSIDE those spruce trees for my blue bird shots was not the smartest thing to do. I had everything right except that I had a shirt not tucked into pants and a deer tick thought I would be a good meal ticket. Not to worry, it was removed, I was put on a round of antibiotics (that has been proven to keep Lyme from developing...and this looked like a good candidate) and I will be fine.

Hey - I keep things interesting, no? Pictures from Round Lake should be up sometime soon.

May 8, 2010 -Still Point pictures

I got a couple of pages up on my retreat at Still Point... pictures are here.

I also want to get up a page of a few pictures from the Relay for Life Pancake Breakfast that we attended the morning of my departure. Relay teams are busy raising funds and soon I will be collecting as well for my Survivor's Walk. The money goes for ALL cancers, not just breast cancer. All for a good cause. Stay tuned!

May 6, 2010 -Back from Still Point

Back from a few days at Still Point, I will write a little more later on and put up a page. But for now, have a doctor appointment then a couple of stops to make!

April 29, 2010 -Tiptoe through the tulips

Two entries in one day? Yes, I got a quick page together of the Washington Park tulips. It was VERY windy out there so we had to be quite patient in order to catch our shots. It paid off, though. An exhausting but fruitful day...enjoy the pictures!

April 29, 2010 -Plans for the day

Oh my, April is just about over! It is a sunny morning, and promises to be a nice day after a couple of days of cool (seasonal, really) weather and some needed rain. So you know what that means...Pat and I are going to Albany today and see how many of the tulips are in bloom. The Tulip Festival is next weekend but I like to go before the event and take my time just looking at and photographing the tulips. Maybe I will get some tulip pictures up later.

I'll be heading to Still Point in the very near future for a couple of days; hubby is already planning his steak dinners while I'm away ***grin*** He and the cat do a great job holding down the fort.

April 26, 2010 -Spring in the Capital District

Despite going out today in the clouds and scattered sprinkles, I got a page done tonight of some of the various sights of Spring in the area.

After a winter I would rather forget, it is so good to get out for pictures again, and the trees and blooms are just spectacular. I said I would post a page of some of these sights and now they are ready for you to check out. Pat and I hope to get to Washington Park to see the tulips before next weekends' Tulip Festival...hoping the weather cooperates. But for now, enjoy... Spring pictures are here

In other news, some exciting news... my friend John, another local photographer with a great talent, has launched his own website! Check him out here!

April 25, 2010 -Pictures are up!

I managed to park it this Sunday, and got three pages up of some of the events that I photographed. Links to all are below, and pictures for the Easter Dinner for St. Josephs are linked to my site at Fotki, as there are so many. Enjoy!

Easter Dinner pictures at Fotki

Aunt Katie's Attic 15th Birthday Open House.

Mark Rust Coffee House at DRCC

Knitting into the Hours Retreat at DRCC

I still have to get my spring pictures up...that will hopefully be soon. Things have been so BEAUTIFUL! But tonight, I am buggy-eyed from this work!

April 23, 2010 -So far behind!

Wow...I thought I was behind LAST week...

The retreat went well, we missed a couple of people due to illness but the rest of us had a wonderful day together... the predicted rain held off so people could get outdoors for photos or a walk. There was also a "Knitting through the Hours" retreat going on and I got pictures from that which will be posted especially for the participants. Sunday I took a few photos around the grounds, getting an unexpected photo op of a hawk that had just finished *ahem* breakfast...fortunately I took a miss on the meal itself but got 6 great shots of the hawk. Sunday afternoon was an Associates meeting, Sunday evening was a time to rest. Monday morning, I cleaned up, came home, unloaded the car, did laundry, uploaded the pictures and then it was back out the door to take pictures of Confirmation. Yesterday, I worked at the Museum and today I am getting the Confirmation photos ready for CD to hand over to the Faith Formation office. In a few hours, I have my yearly mammogram (don't forget to get yours, ladies!). Whew...

SO, what that means is that I have a bunch of pages to get together. Life is never boring.

April 15, 2010 -The Checklist

Well, I thought maybe I could get a picture page up, but it has been so busy between things that need to be done and getting ready for Saturday's presentation that here I am...no pages done but my retreat is good to go. Priorities, you know...

Pat and I went out on Monday to get a few pictures in Indian Kill Preserve, I worked on Tuesday, had a client yesterday and then wrapup work on the presentation and now, the final touches. Pat will be picking me up tonight and we will be going to get a sundae for my birthday, since I will be away in the Windmill tomorrow thru the weekend. Hubby holds down the fort here, making sure Mirage stays in line. He took me out for dinner last night :). So, I will see you all Monday!

April 12, 2010 -A Full Weekend

There was plenty to do this weekend...I got over to Aunt Katie's Attic on Saturday to take pictures at her 15th Birthday Open House. The shop celebrated 15 years, not Kate. She's at least 20 *smile*. Then on Sunday, we had the Parish Easter Dinner at noon, and the Mark Rust Coffee House concert at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center at 7 PM. So, as you can imagine, I have a few pages to get up...plus get ready for my retreat on Saturday "Cultivating the Seeds of Creativity". I will be staying at the Windmill (yippee!) because most everything I need to do on the weekend concerns the Retreat House.

In the meantime, lots to be done this week and it is a beautiful sunny, cool day out. I just LOVE Spring!

April 7, 2010 -A trip to the Woods

I took advantage of the beautiful day and went out to the woods. I'll have a page up soon of spring pictures...for now, enjoy!

April 7, 2010 -New Life

The past few days have been quite warm for April - yesterday was rainy but the warmth is back today.

The rain opened even more buds, and over in Central Park the ducks and geese were back when Pat and I went to get some pictures. We also went to Ann Lee Pond, and walked the paths and stood on the rickety bridge over the pond. All around, the world is waking up and is so beautiful...and every year I am amazed and heartened by the miracle of rebirth. From difficult times in our lives...the winters in our lives...spring always blossoms. And every time, its beauty is the unspoken assurance that life keeps its promises.

Today, between rain days, I will get out and get some more pictures to use in my upcoming Retreat Day that will be given on April 17th. How blessed can I be...giving presentations on the things I love the most? Carpe Diem!

April 4, 2010 -Happy Easter!

It is a BEAUTIFUL day once again...temperatures more like mid to late May for one of the greatest Easter days in awhile.

We went to the Easter Vigil Mass last night, then had breakfast with friends this morning. The rest of today will just be lazing around, I may do some work in the garden, may go out to the woods...and later we are going to barbecue for dinner. Life is good! We wish you and yours a Happy, Blessed Easter and to our Jewish friends, a blessed Passover!

March 28, 2010 -Passing the time

It's cold and windy at the end of this weekend. For the beautiful weather we had last weekend, this week got gradually colder until today I just can't seem to warm up! Weather reports show a warming trend coming in and if things go as predicted, our Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday should be warmer than it has been in a long time.

We are coming into the holiest week in our Christian calendar, and it is hard to believe Easter is one week away. My friend Pat and I went to the Flower and Garden show on Friday, and my friend Helen and I went to FoCastle Farms Country Store for lunch last week. I got pictures from both, check them out!

Flower and Garden Show pictures are here.

FoCastle Farms pictures are here.

March 22, 2010 -Welcome to Spring!

The First Day of Spring came in on Saturday with absolutely beautiful weather.

Here on the home front, deep cleaning goes on a little at a time and I even got some of the garden cleaned out. Such slow going but now I concentrate on the 'One Day at a Time' method and don't make advance plans that are as ambitious as they used to be. Things still get done, and I don't fret anymore about the timing of it all.

Spring always means new beginnings, and around this time of year also I can't help but think back...it was 2 years ago, on my birthday in April as a matter of fact, that I found out I had cancer. And once you deal with the beast and beat it (I keep that thought in mind even though I am not halfway to the 5 year mark) every day is a gift. And somehow, you sort out what is important, and what is not.

After long winter, spring ALWAYS comes...not only in nature but in our lives. Spring may not be exactly like we remembered it being, but nontheless...new life and promise are ever before us as long as we draw breath. The journey may have changed a bit but the destination remains the same. We always have the potential to bloom in one way or another, no one is exempt. That being said, time to go and tackle another room!

March 14, 2010 -More signs of spring

I came back home on Saturday after helping one of the Sisters with her computer, and as I got out of the car...the most incredible racket! The trees in back were festooned with red wing blackbirds - each one calling so loudly that you could hear them inside with the windows closed.

I think of red wings the same way as I do robins - a sign of Spring. We had rain all this weekend and the snow is just about gone. Only a few areas in the back yard have little snow piles. I am wondering if we will have a real spring this year. It sure seems that way. The yard needs work done but it is too early yet. Yard waste pickup doesn't begin until April 1. So for now I will get some cleaning done in the house so I will be ready. Also, I'm going to get out and buy my ticket for the Garden and Flower show at Hudson Valley Community College. My friend Pat and I go every year, and my friend John is their "official photographer." His pictures are awesome.

I also will be taking the pictures for the Soroptimist Garden Tour this year...details will be on the sidebar. Stay tuned!

March 12, 2010 -Trip to Magic Wings!

This past week, my friend Pat and I went to Magic Wings to get away and enjoy flowers, butterflies, birds, warmth! We had a great time...got there around 11:30 and left at the closing time of 5. You can see pictures here.

March 8, 2010 -First Sign!

Heading to the garage late yesterday afternoon, I heard the robins calling...looked up into one of my trees and there he was! The official sign of Spring (next to Jumpin' Jack's opening that is). He was a bit of a distance away but the picture came out OK, I cropped a lot of the surrounding branches. This is with the new camera which I love, BTW. I'm also getting ready for a trip to Magic Wings on Wednesday. The weather is supposed to be nice!

March 4, 2010 -The Sun is Out! (and other things)

First off, it's sunny, and a beautiful early March day. Without the March winds, which we had all winter.

The otherwise? Obviously I didn't get a picture page up *grin* But, I will as soon as I can figure which photos to use. I got a new camera delivered yesterday (point and shoot) that is an upgrade to the Panasonic Lumix that I had. I've gone from 8MP to 12MP. The extra MP will be nice for BIG enlargements, although in the retreat house I have a great enlargement of a dragonfly photo - blown up to 20x30 with no loss in clarity. I do have the Oly E500 DSLR but this panasonic camera rocks...I have had one now for several years. Also, I can crop images and still have a good size file left for photos. You won't see much of a change here because the pictures are low res (deliberately) but for my purposes, the change will be great.

With the nice weather also, I have started sorting and tossing STUFF that I dont need anymore. Some goes to Goodwill, some right to the trash. But I haven't been up to this in a couple of years and even thought I dont have a lot of clutter, I still like to clean out. A good idea in many respects :)

Oh, and to some people who sent nice comments yes... my hair HAS gotten longer. After so many things being OUT of my control the past few years, it's my little protest and so far, I really like it. Obviously so did you. Thanks for the positive comments!

March 2, 2010 -The Spring Month

Somehow, March always means that winter is almost over. There will still be snow, many times into April, but to me, March is the turning point, and the month where *I* get antsy for warmer weather.

I got out on Saturday with my friend Pat and we took a few pictures in the snow. Huge flakes were falling and it seemed more like Christmas as we sat in a Dunkin' Donuts in Rexford and had a coffee and donut break. Not having been out this past winter, I forgot to keep checking the lens for droplets of melted snow. Most pictures were OK but quite a few had spots that I really couldm't crop out without losing the balance in the picture. Oh well. We spent about 3 hours out - I drove and we stopped at various places along the way for a photo op or two. Just getting OUT was nice.

Today the morning was sunny and a cardinal was singing his heart out. We are supposed to get snow/rain later on but you can definitely feel a little shift in the air. Or maybe it is my imagination. I will get a page up of photos perhaps later today.

February 25, 2010 -What a MESS!

Well, every bit of the 24 hours of snow we got was wet and heavy. Branches sagged, bushes got flattened and snow blowers balked. But it finally cleared and now we have....rain! Hubby got out and freed some of the yew branches on the side of the house but some things will have to get freed otherwise. I had gone out the night before and worked snow off of the same branches and wore myself out. At least this is rain, and you dont have to shovel rain. I am wondering how the river is doing....

It was a very good day yesterday for beef stew, so it cooked all day in the crock pot. We apparently will miss some of the heavier snow that will hit NYC and Philly, if it's as wet as this last storm I am grateful.

February 24, 2010 -Winter Returns

Perhaps a few shots from the sun room later on but we had quite a bit of wet, heavy snow. The shrubs in the yard are just about flattened under the weight. Still snowing...lighter and looks to be not quite as wet. Very good thing we have a snowblower for the driveway. Pics later...

February 22, 2010 -Last Week of February

As we swing into the last week of February, we have snow in the forecast for the whole week. Nothing big until possibly tomorrow night...but as always, we will see when it gets here. On Saturday, I drove over to Gateway Landing on the Schenectady side of the Mohawk River and took a few shots of the ice chunks from a couple of weeks ago. There was significant damage to the dock area, you can see the small picture above, with a larger picture here.

Today, it is a lovely day, no wind for a change and the sky, which was brilliant blue this morning is beginning to cloud up. I'm ready.

February 17, 2010 -Comic Relief

Not often I post a link to a video - I think I only did it once before with Melissa Etheridges' "I Run for Life" but this link was sent to me and I can't resist passing it on. Enjoy!

Rossini's "Comic Duet For Two Cats"

February 15, 2010 -Pictures are up!

I got the page done tonight from the visit to the Katbird shop, pictures are here. Enjoy...it's been a while since I got a picture page up. About time, wouldn't you say?

February 15, 2010 -Belated Greetings

Meant to get this out in time but I goofed. However, I can still wish you all a belated Happy Valentines Day.

I also got over to the Katbird Shop last Thursday and got some new inside pictures which will soon be a new page. It is always good to see Kathy and the cats Ralph and Ophelia, and to see what's new. My cards have been doing well there which is nice.

It's kind of cloudy today, and the forecast calls for perhaps 2-5 inches of snow. Our yard is mostly brown grass so we shall see. We wil be heading out for our Valentine's dinner tonight - it was far too crowded yesterday at Outback so we will go tonight.

February 7, 2010 -A Happy Day

It was a clear and chilly but happy day today as I made a commitment as a Dominican Associate at the Retreat House. The program is pictured above...I cloned out last names just as a matter of course.

I work closely with the Sisters, as I have mentioned here, and love the work at the Retreat House. So last March I began the discernment process which culminated with today's ceremony where I and one other woman made our first commitment, and the other Associates renewed their own commitments. It is a special and wonderful bond...and I am so grateful that I had recovered enough to be there. You make your commitments for a year, as many times people's circumstances may change and they take that into consideration. You couldn't ask for a more wonderful group of women. They have been such a blessing in my life.

Otherwise, things have been quiet. I get out here and there but I am getting myself well so that when spring comes in, I can be back out in the woods. It is a good winter to have had this happen, as there has not been much snow, ergo, not many photo ops. Just as well!

February 1, 2010 -Hermit Days

It's been a kind of blessing to have been "stuck" indoors the last few days as we had some old fashioned cold come in with daytime temperatures in the single digits and nights below zero. It IS better now, and we have small amounts of nuisance snow.

I am still taking a lot of naps but able to get some things done that require staying put long enough to accomplish them... something I am not usually good at. Sifting through old papers...organizing files...little things that just make you feel better when you get them done.

I also get some reading done and spend most of my time in my"office"...almost like a kind of hermit retreat except I am not alone. And friends have been dropping off food, offering help...I am overwhelmed by the generosity. It is one thing when YOU do things but quite another to be on the receiving end. You find out that you have many, many caring friends. That makes times like this easier to take. For now, it's back over for a quick nap, and then dinner later.

January 26, 2010 -Weather Watching

While I may not be out and doing things as usual, I have been interested in following the strange weather happenings around here and also reports from friends far and wide.

The photo above was my front yard (a veritible lake). We had heavy downpours and with the frozen ground there was no place for the water to go right away. It got up to 55 here. In other places, I have an online friend near the White Mts. of Arizona and their ski resort is closed due to 6-8 foot snowfall. In his own yard the snow is past his knees. Today it looks like day in March - some snowbanks - small - and flurries now and then. Odd weather everywhere.

January 23, 2010 -Never Never Land

How time flies. And I've been in one of those places where it passes by almost unnoticed save in terms of 'time to take the tylenol'.

I am still getting over what turned out to be a whopping case of pneumonia - not the flu. So finally I got the antibiotics to help fight the infection that had spread literally unchecked for a few days.I am finally making inroads and figured I better write something before I lost my audience! But what on earth do you write about when all you have been doing is sleeping? Document the cat's favorite positions? Give a critique of various brands of chicken soup or juices? Better to emphasize how blessed I am to have access to the care I need and after many working years have the time to work on getting well. So many don't have that. And for the loving care of hubby and friends - even though I am not yet much up to 'receiving guests' their help made it possible to stay OUT of the hospital.

For now it's back to bed for awhile and hopefully get back into life again. I'm missing the routine!

January 18, 2010 -Down for the count

I really haven't forgotten you all, just that since last Tuesday night I have been flat out sick with what we thought might be the flu. Yes, I did have the flu shot. But after a week of low temps of 100 and high temps of 104...plus a LOT of coughing it might be something else (like pneumonia). I will be seeing the dr. later today...they didnt have me come in if it was the flu because there is nothing you can do but rest and liquids. I would just like to find out why nothing seems to be working. Hubby decided this morning that enough is enough and got thru to them early and set up an appointment.

And the worst part...the weather has been gorgeous the past few days! Grrrr!!!!!

January 12, 2010 -Settling in

I got back yesterday from a weekend at the Windmill, and my day of retreat held on Saturday at the retreat house.

I had a good number of people attending - 19 - and after a snowy Friday where we had squalls but little accumulation the day dawned cold and clear. In my retreats I do SOME of the talking but far from all of it. The retreat is meant for the people to have free time to work on their individual gifts, and also there is time to share these gifts with others. This group was very open to all the day had to offer and it delighted me to walk around during 'free time' and watch them intently at work. Some of the folks have attended my retreats before and some were new but we all had a wonderful time.

Sunday, I spent the day reading a book I picked up "The Hermitage Journals" written by John Howard Griffin, the author of "Black Like Me". These were the journal entries written by Mr. Griffin as he worked on the biography of Thomas Merton...and the hermitage he stayed in was the same one that Merton used at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. In the afternoon I invited my friend Pat to come and see the Windmill, she has only seen the outside. So we shared mugs of coffee and also some ice cream that she brought with her.

Cleanup at the hermitage Monday morning, back home and unload and do laundry at home and it is back into the routine. Much the richer for the weekend. And also - the funeral for my friend Bill was very quiet and low key, much like the family itself. It is strange to look out my window and see their house and know that he is not there. He is somewhere infinitely better.

January 8, 2010 -And away I go

Off on retreat, I have my day of retreat Saturday and it looks like this year we will be spared the snow we had LAST year for my "Snow Day" presentation.

The only downside is a good friend died on Tuesday and the funeral is tomorrow. I will be there, then on my way. He fought the good fight especially the past couple of years. Rest in peace, Bill, you will be missed.. To everyone else, see you next week.

January 3, 2010 -Happy New Year!

I cant believe it is already 2010, it seems like yesterday we were worried about the possible effects of Y2K on our systems. But here we are, at a kind of starting point and a fresh slate ahead of us. A year filled with possibility.

We welcomed the New Year at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Centers' "New Years Eveving of Reflection" as we have done for the past 13-14 years. On Saturday I will be there GIVING my winter day of reflection "Spark of Creativity". I am working on the presentation and getting the laptop loaded with the programs it had...I have since installed Windows 7 and need to reload all my favorites. The weather looks to be better by next weekend and that is good, because it is VERY cold out there the past couple of days and there have been high gusting winds. But it is winter, and seems to be stacking up to be a winter like we have not seen in a few years.

For now, I will finish my blurb here and get back to work...enjoying the warmth of my office and being surrounded by my books, music, my work and of course - my helper, the cat! Stay warm.

Year 2009

Year 2008

Year 2007

Year 2006

Year 2005

Year 2004

Year 2003

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