Time marches on . . .

Still getting caught up on my reading but I think I've got too many books and magazines going at the same time! I'm back to walking in the house which means I'm back to listening to recorded books while I walk for about an hour. I'm on Chapter 10 of Bleak House by Dickens. It's interesting having it read to you. I can picture the scenes so well. I don't think anyone writes today who can paint the pictures as Dickens' books do. The readers do a marvelous job accents and all. Sometimes, when I've finished my walking I just sit and listen to the story with my eyes closed and it's like a good movie. I'm also reading some of the old books that came with the house! Right now I'm in the middle of Daphne du Maurier's Hungry Hill. It takes place in Ireland in the nineteenth century and was printed in 1943. Inside of the jacket cover I found this notice: "This book is complete and unabridged; manufactured under wartime conditions in conformity with all government regulations controlling the use of paper and other materials." It was my cousin Rita Veer's book. She was a WAC during WWII. I like reading these books. Kind of brings me back and helps me to remember some things I'd forgotten when I was just a kid myself. I remember that this house was always getting visitors because my Pepere and Memere were here with Ma Tante Rose and Mon Oncle Joe. It was a treat to come here and Pa brought us often. I drank my first whiskey when I was not much more than 10 years old as a toast to the New Year! Not a full shot glass, mind you, but a nice swig in my very own shot glass!

Going to Richoni's for lunch and then taking grandson home to Moosup. He's been having a ball this week "helping out" at the restaurant. They also set him up at a special table so he can play and watch cartoons when he's not "working!" Loves to help out!

Quote: Lost yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered, for they are gone forever! ----Mrs. Sigourney

The day after . . .

Up so early this morning I saw the very large golden-orange moon going to rest in the arms of the West. A beautiful sight for sure at 5:30am, 10 degrees outside, toasty 70 in the kitchen. Only if you live in a very old New England cottage can you appreciate the beauty of ice crystals on the window pane as the sun comes up, all sparkly perfection in each and every one.

Should be taking down the Christmas decorations today but it's so calm, peaceful and cheerful in the house that I'll probably not get to them until next week. I'll go out shopping this morning for a few odds and ends at the Stop & Shop in Dayville as I can't get Lloyd's Ribs at Biy Y and then on to complete my reading assignments; still three magazines to go! And . . . I still have to get my 2010 calendar set up and all the 2009 papers put away until tax time. Nasty word, tax. Now I'm blue and I started out so cheerful.

Quote: Genius does what it must, and talent what it can. ----Owen Meredith

67 . . . Whoa, Nelly!

Got an early morning call just as I was going to make my breakfast and found out that I don't have to go to Groton until Thursday morning when I'll pick up grandson and bring him home to Moosup! So off we went to my free birthday breakfast at Lizzy B's. They even greeted me with "Happy Birthday!" How cool is that? Grampa and I will go to the movies this morning to see Sherlock Holmes and we'll get a Sausage and Pepper Casserole, Shells on the side for dinner. It'll be such a nice relaxing day. We get to stay inside and listen to the gale force wind blowing like a banshee and it's only 18 degrees. The furnace will work overtime today, that's for sure. It feels and looks nice and cozy at the cottage on Plainfield Rd.

Quote: He who seldom speaks, and with one calm well-timed word can strike dumb the loquacious, is a genius or a hero. ------Lavater

54 degrees with some sun and " blue skies shining on me . . ."

Can you believe it? We just got back from the Dog Track where Puppy's Pop had some trouble with the fuel line (I think) on his plane but still got in 3 flights and I was able to do my over 2 mile walk. It was so warm that I had to take off my jacket; no need for gloves or earmuffs. It was a wow afternoon. Besides that we met B. Sweet who had bought his 10 year old son a remote control truck and they were running around also. Puppy's Pop had a chance to talk to him about his drag car but I have no clue what they really discussed because I didn't understand what they were talking about! But his 55Chevy sounds pretty fast. He mainly races at Epping, NH because he's disgusted with Lebanon Valley, NY. It seems it's been taken over by city folk and no one else gets to run!

The singing at Mass today was a real treat. The group that prepared the Christmas Vigil Mass, not the Children's Mass, sang today and did the same songs as for the Vigil. It was so nice. Lots of harmony and some a cappella. Great.

Quote: Music is well said to be the speech of angels. --Carlyle

The twenty-sixth of December . . .

Here it is the day after Christmas and the house is still redolent of roast beast and all the fixings. I'm in the process of making beef barley soup so the stock is simmering away as I write. The table is back to normal size and it looks forlorn but we have some beautiful flowers so it's OK! I've played so many different games in the last 24 hours that I've actually learned the names of the alien forms of Ben 10: 4 arms, sticky fly, gray matter,fire blast, rip jaw,gray ghost, diamond head and I could probably go on and on. I also know a whole lot about Bakugon: Aquos, Pyrus, Haos,Sub Terra and Transformers of which my favorite is Bumblebee! I can also turn Hot Wheels cars different colors if I put them in hot water or icy water. What a blast. To top it off we had to bring all the toys back to Groton today. Almost didn't have room in the Saturn!

Not much going on today which is a good thing. I was beat last night and slept like a baby. Grampa is working on the Harley and I do know that he had it started a little while ago. He's working in the cellar!

Quote: When a friend asks there is no tomorrow. ----Herbert

Excellent Christmas Eve Day . . .

You just never can tell. What a lot of fun we've had today. Slept in this morning, 7:30 instead of 7:00 because I was out late looking after my best little kids, yeah the older kid is very cool too! Finally got Grampa to take me to Lizzy B's and what a blast we had listening to R tell his court story. He looks like an old hippie, outdoors man; long gray hair pulled back in a low pony tail, headband, long gray beard, jeans, boots, denim jacket, a real honest to goodness character. (He lives on the Moosup River next to the trailer with the added on roof covering!) I told Grampa he had to write about R's story on his blog. So if you get a chance, check out Perry's Toys at the top of my Qu'que chose page. We were so long at breakfast that when we got home Puppy's Pop's older brother was waiting for us. We forgot he was coming to give us the checks for Gram's well and the settlement of the estate! Figure that one out. He came in and had some coffee and my very special Thomas' Toast'r Cakes with butter while we waited for younger brother and his wife to show up for their settlement check. Oh my goodness, what a good time we had with those three brothers telling stories. I wish I had thought to record it in someway, but that would have put a damper on it, I'm sure.

Went to pick up the Roast Beast at noon and I've been preparing the house and the food ever since. I really love to get ready for Christmas Dinner. It is such a pleasure no matter what I forget or mess up no one ever complains. It's cool. I've already got the turnips cooked,mashed, buttered and seasoned. They really taste better the next day. (My helpmeet prepared them for me!) I've got cheese cake crust in the freezer until after I get back from the 4pm Children's Mass and I'll make the filling and then bake it. It will then stay in the oven overnight. The stuffing for the celery is made and even a small fruit salad is mellowing in the fridge. Grampa has cleaned the bathroom, gotten out an extra table for the dessert and dishes along with two extra chairs. We'll only be 8 this year so I'm sure we'll have leftovers which is just fine with us. I made a raspberry sauce from the last batch of berries Grampa picked this summer and of course we'll also have the cherry topping for Gram's cheesecake. The middle child never lets me get away with Kool whip so I'll make up the whipped cream just before everyone shows up. The bread maker is out too (I've been keeping it in a closet because I rarely make bread anymore as we eat too much of it.) I'll put that in tomorrow about 8:30. I have no clue what time I'll start the Roast Beast. That is always a really bugbear for me! It's so hard not to start it early as everyone knows! I'll probably stay awake all night just trying to figure out what time I should put it in and then second guess, third guess myself etc!

Will be off soon for Mass so I'd best get picked up a bit around the kitchen!

Quote: There is a devil in every berry of the grape. ----Koran
Unquote: So drink up the wine! It's the Christian thing to do! (moi)

And another good day . . .

All kinds of good news! Younger brother and wife stopped in while their dog was being groomed in Plainfield. We had a good visit and I was able to empty some of the upstairs closet besides! I still have some of the pictures and photos from Ma and Pa's that haven't gotten to their rightful owners. Now I have less in the big box. That's cool. I had also bought the pictorial book of Plainfield from the late 1800's to the 1950's and I thought younger brother wouldn't remember a lot of the places in the book. Wrong! He enjoyed it and will be getting his own copy. I'll have to share mine with the other siblings. It really is fun to see what Moosup used to look like when Ma and Pa were growing up and when Grampa and I were growing up!

Grampa won $8 yesterday playing horseshoes! He pitched a couple of 30% games. That was fantastique since he hasn't been pitching well in a while. So of course we splurged on breakfast this morning! Went to buy grandson some snow boots yesterday and Target didn't have one pair left for boys, only girly stuff so off we went to Sears. We lucked out. They had about 5 pairs left. I bought him a size 13. Hopefully they'll last 2 years? Of course we had to hit McD's since they are giving out the Avatar toys. He eats the 3 piece Chicken Selects and I get the Happy Meal so he can have the toy! We've got it all figured out. I'll be in Groton today and late into the evening because Richoni's has a party going on for about 60 people so Grampa will come and take us out for supper. Never too much McD's!

Youngest daughter has gotten the full time job with the National Health Service in Newcastle, England. That is so exciting. She starts today, full time and then is getting paid for the holidays. That's terrific. We'll be off to see her this coming summer. I'm already all pepped up. Can't wait. I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas. And . . . Gram's house has been sold; the closing was yesterday. Grampa's older brother has done a great job handling the estate. So glad he was able to get it all done before the New Year.

Quote: Wealth, after all, is a relative thing, since he that has little, and wants less, is richer than he that has much, and wants more. ------Colton

Cold and windy . . .

Had a really nice phone call yesterday from our cousin in Minnesota and her husband. They sound very well and were just trying to keep up with us Nutmeggers! They were on the way to the Mayo clinic for her check up but no major medical problems which is nice. Were pleased to hear about how much my family love their pistachios, so much so that I'm in regular contact with their daughter who has pretty much taken over the pistachio business.

Also had a visit from friends who brought a fantastic bottle of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur! Can't wait for the next snow storm so I'll have an excuse for hot chocolate laced with Godiva. Sounds yummy! Grampa is off playing horseshoes in East Hartford today and I'll be off soon to get grandson from school. He has a half day and if we get a chance I hope to go sliding in their back yard. It may be too cold and windy, though so we may have to play games in the house. Oh, well, it'll be fun. He makes up all sorts of things for us to do!

We got over 12" of snow the other day. Southbridge only got about 9" and Norwich got a whopping 20". I have no clue what I'll find when I get to Groton but I doubt that we'll be doing any walking home from school!

Quote: Wine is a noble, generous liquor, and we should be humbly thankful for it; but, as I remember, water was made before it. -----John Eliot

Beautiful day . . .

Had a pleasant morning starting with Lizzy B's and a ride in the Dodge Ram. Then climbed into the Saturn (lowered myself into it would be a better term!) and off to Big Y to pick up all the "stuff" for Christmas Dinner except the Prime Rib which we'll get Thursday at noon. Met a friend at Big Y who was all decked out in LLBean Christmas jacket and reindeer hat. It was amusing that I also had to go to the Danielson Stop and Shop (formerly Glass Container) to get the Dole salads we like, which Big Y doesn't carry, and I met Maryann at the check out again! Maybe it just proves that I'm turning into a big time shopper.

On the way home I went to Maple Street to get my flowers and then back down Route 12 to the Coffee House for a large Mocha Latte. While there I got 24 of those little coffee cups they use in the Kurig machines. At this store I get to mix and match what I want to buy instead of getting one 24 cup box of one thing. That's always fun. I bring them to Groton to the fancy coffee machine! While I was waiting for my Latte I saw a neat book for sale. It had a picture of the Journal Office on the cover. It's a pictorial view of the town of Plainfield from late 1800's to the early 1950's. Since Ma worked at the Journal Office while we were growing up I just had to have the book. It's neat.

I'll fore go my walk today because the roads may be good but not wide enough to be safe for walking.

Quote: Too low they build who build beneath the stars. -----Young

Nor'easter . . .for sure . . .

Certainly over a foot of snow out there with drifts up to 18 inches or more! Grampa was out early with the Torrington snow blower. I finally got up and found all his proper winter gear which was not in its usual place :( Then I did go out and make some passes with a shovel at the porch and paths but didn't make too much of a dent in the mounds of snow. It's a true Nor'easter! The porch was loaded! It's still snowing at 10:15am. I'll not make it out to Mass today even though Grampa took us out to Lizzy B's for breakfast in the Saturn. The roads are passable but there's not a speck of visible blacktop; all just clean and white! Slow going, not many people on the road except trucks plowing snow into the roads from private driveways :( Good day for hot chocolate, puzzles and newspapers. Grampa is working on building a new plane from scratch but at least he's in the middle room upstairs with the heat on! We'll have to go out again when this stuff actually stops and finish cleaning up.

Quote: No entertainment is so cheap as reading, not any pleasure so lasting. -----Lady M. W. Montague

The Boy's photos . . .

Our young one took these without any coaxing or instruction. Pretty nice job.

From what I understand the Grand Opening Party at Richoni's went extremely well. There were wall to wall people, a great band and super food. I'm so glad. They never finished up until 3:30am. What a ball!

I'm taking time out today to just sit with a nice glass of dessert wine. I'll be watching for the snow. It's predicted that at least 12 inches of the cold, freezy, pretty flakes will fall. Then we can work our tails off shoveling! (Actually Puppy's Pop really does all of the work. I don't even supervise any more!)

Quote: I have never been hurt by anything I didn't say. ---Calvin Coolidge

Rather cool . . .

9 degrees at 7am and as I'm preparing to leave for lunch duty it is a whopping 13 degrees and breezy! But, happy day, the Saturn is back on the road. Only cost $625 but I did get a deal. It could have been a lot worse. That includes the $239 tow to Groton. But I'm somewhat ticked at Met because I'm trying to get a whole $50 towards the tow and their automated system kicked me off twice and when I finally got a person she wanted me to fax the info! So it's in the snail mail. $50 won't even pay for the Roast Beast but I'll gladly take it if they see fit to send it!

Quote: If common sense has not the brilliancy of the sun, it has the fixity of the stars. ----Caballero

Great Concert . . .(if you're a Memere!)

The Christmas Concert held at Sacred Heart Church last night was so much fun. It really does put you in a good mood. Even the preschool children sang well. Their music teacher must be quite a lady. All of the kids sing, no microphones just piano accompaniment. Grandson looked and sounded angelic! No, I'm not a bit prejudiced, a lot prejudiced! He had on dress pants, white shirt, with a red patterned vest and black tie. He sang his heart out along with the rest of his kindergarten class. At the end of the evening the school's principal sang "Mary, did you know that your baby boy . . ." She brought the house (church) down; I believe that she has had voice training because she did a more than wonderful job. There were scripture readings by the eighth graders and carol singing by all present in the church while each class was getting ready to perform. Well organized; no down time.

Still no Saturn. It has to be brought to a dealership because the computer is now messed up! I guess it thinks that someone tried to steal it and it's playing dead, not playing really, it is dead! Hopefully I'll be able to get it today but whatever happens I still have the Dodge Ram. No problems driving to Groton yesterday. Practiced before I left stopping it on a hill just in case I were to get stuck at an up hill stop light. I did fine. Really do like the view but it's hard to keep it under 70mph. It likes to move on out. The price for this fix keeps going up but it's worth it. I like my 32-34 miles per gallon.

Quote: Ignorance is less remote from the truth than prejudice. ----Diderot

Un-serendipidous, un-perfect day . . .

I guess we all need one of "those" days once in a while just to remind us of how pleasant life is on most days. Left to go get my fortnightly wines and the Christmas wines at about 11:20am yesterday figuring I'd be back before Grampa had to leave for his trip to the VA in Providence. Arrived at Friendly Spirits just up Route 12, almost into Danielson, went in, bought my case of Cabernet Sauvignon (5 plus one bottle of Chardonnay) and for Christmas, a bottle of Ballet of Angels and an expensive Pinot Noir. The gentleman carried the case out for me and off I went. Well . . . not exactly. I couldn't turn the key in the ignition. I tried everything but no luck. The steering wheel was not locked so I called Grampa on the ubiquitous cell phone and managed to get him as he was going out the door, of course, not before two other people tried to "fix" things. He brought me another set of keys because I've had periodic problems with the keys and we thought this would do the trick. It didn't. So I sent Grampa on his way and got the number of Town Line Auto from the slightly disgruntled man working the cash register in the liquor store. After Town Line told me it was going to be a long wait, they had two tows before me, I wheedled my way up to a half hour wait. The guy showed up, couldn't start the Saturn and so had to block the driveway into the place while he loaded up the car. It hurt to watch the front tires dragging on the asphalt. Torture! I was going to have him bring me home but thought better of it and called son-in-law who said it was OK to bring it to his Service Center in Groton. I had asked the tow truck driver about how much it was going to cost and he said he wouldn't know until he got there. Well, we got there and he had trouble unloading my poor car. He was trying to bounce it off. He actually came in and asked son-in-law for help! Son-in-law grabbed a can of something (Lock Free ??), hopped into my car, sprayed the ignition, played with it, started it up and drove it off of the flatbed. I had $137 in cash on me and I didn't even have close to enough money to pay the bill! I was going to put it on my charge card but the poor guy's cell phone wasn't working properly so he could check the card number with his work. He asked to use son-in-law's phone. OK as he's dialing son-in-law has had about enough and just cuts him a check from his business for $239.29. I almost cried, but I'm a big girl now. The tow truck left, I went to pick up grandson and I'm hoping to get my car back today but I can't call to find out until 1pm! The ignition is all apart but we don't know when the new ignition will arrive. Actually, not a new ignition, that was too expensive. I may have to take the Dodge truck to go pick up grandson this afternoon. I plan to stay for his Christmas Concert this evening. That should put me in a good mood!

Grampa had to get home from Providence as he had no clue what I had done with the car since we only have one, therefore not so ubiquitous, cell phone. After getting my 3, yes 3 messages he came to pick me up in Groton. He had had an almost worst day at the VA. There was a long line at the reception desk and even though he was 15 minutes early he decided to bypass reception and went directly to the doctor's office so he wouldn't be late. Well about an hour later when he hadn't been called he asked how come. Answer: " We didn't know you were here!" Lesson: Don't bypass reception even if they make you late for your appointment. The good news is that his blood counts are good again after the changes in medicines.

Quote: Trouble is the next best thing to enjoyment; there is no fate in the world so horrible as to have no share in either its joys or sorrows. ----Longfellow

A stop at Munson's . . .

I've tried to get a good photo of the tree but it's impossible. So this is the best I can do. I just can't get the proper lighting, ambiance, Canadian carols and fresh outdoor perfume!

Odd day today; grey, overcast, misty yet warmish (50's); who knows what's coming weather wise. Perhaps we'll be able to get in my walk and some flights at the dog track?

Had a wonderful lunch date with my younger sister yesterday. They still have lots of snow left from the 8 inches they received last week. It was beautiful in East Granby. We went out for lunch and shared a grinder this time. It looks as if I'll be able to take her out each time I go for a visit. I love it! I'm going to try really hard to get up there more often. They both look great and he's coming along, but slowly, after his hip surgery. I think that he likes it when we leave him and go off by ourselves. That's a good thing.

On the way home I stopped at Munson's. I just can't go by without thinking of MaTante and her ginger. So I stopped and bought some dark chocolates: 4 chocolate covered ginger, 4 raspberry creams, 2 tiramisu (they didn't have coffee creams, isn't that strange?), 4 chocolate covered blueberries and 2 turtles. On the way home I decided to check out the candy and I was so disappointed. The girl had not given me the dark chocolate turtles but just the milk chocolate turtles! I fixed that up really quickly. I ate both of them so they wouldn't contaminate my dark chocolate. Pretty delicious fix but still not perfect. Love that dark chocolate! Of course I get to eat all the candy by myself because Puppy's Pop rarely eats candy, at least not the delightful chocolates I savor.

Finished putting up the aromatic blue spruce last evening. I've tried to get a good picture of it but just can't seem to get it so it shows how beautiful it is. Grampa always manages to get us the best tree. Grandson will love it.

Quote: Friendship is the shadow of the evening, which strengthens with the setting sun of life. ----La Fontaine

Off and running . . .

Looks like I'll have good driving weather for my little trip to East Granby. The roads were slippery in some places earlier today but at 10am it's 38 degrees and climbing. The rain yesterday afternoon and evening washed away most of our snow but we still have some vestiges and it looks a bit bedraggled out there. The sun looks as if it will grace us with its beauty and light so it should be a good day. Perhaps I can convince Puppy's Pop to go get the Christmas tree while I'm off and running.

Went out for lunch yesterday to Sweet Evalina's in Woodstock. Grampa had a very good fish and chips and I settled for a wrap. I was surprised by how good the wrap was because, for me, it had an odd set of ingredients: turkey, cheese, coleslaw, onions, hot peppers, black olives and cranberry sauce. It was extremely tasty. I've been working very slowly on my berries puzzles and so of course it's coming together very slowly. But it is pretty!

Speaking of puzzles, our local nephew, niece and children gave me two puzzles for Christmas. A gorgeous 1500 piece with Santa "filling the stockings with care" and a 1000 piece panoramic photo of a beautiful farm scene replete with all sorts of hidden animals! I think they hate me! Oh, yes they gave Puppy's Pop a Big East Girly Calendar with one of the photos signed especially for him by one of the UCONN coeds. The money for the sale of the calendars goes to save the ta-tas." How crazy is that?

Can you believe it? Puppy's Pop just got back from his coffee break and walked in and asked if I thought it was a good idea if he went and got the Christmas tree! Yikes, it's getting scary when we actually begin to think alike.

Quote: Song ----- Little dew-drops of celestial melody. ----Carlyle

Untitled

13 degrees and bright sun this morning! The furnace is having trouble keeping the house at 70 so Puppy's Pop had to turn the heat up on the water heater or some such thing. He had turned it down for the summer but now it's a mite chilly out side!

Yummy breakfast; superior coffee, cinnamon swirl ginger french toast with a side of crispy bacon. Wolfed it down in no time flat. Will be off soon to bring the Christmas present I bought for the church's special Christmas Tree for those in need in the parish. I like it when the charity actually stays in town. I guess I'm an old fuddy-duddy.

Managed to get most of the Christmas decorations placed around the house yesterday while Grampa was making Chili for supper. It looks really nice (the house.) The Chili was good too! I bought a wreath from LLBean this year because they last forever. We've hung it on the outside door and it looks very nice. We'll go get the tree on Wednesday, perhaps, if the weather is amenable.

Quote: Charity is never lost: it may meet with ingratitude, or be of no service to those on whom it was bestowed, yet it ever does a work of beauty and grace upon the heart of the giver. ----Middleton (So I guess it's rather selfish?)

So much fun . . .

And we shall continue with the festive foods!

Back to Moosup after a very short sojourn in Groton. No snow in Groton but we still have snow on the hill here at home. Grandson and I had a blast this morning. It's so cold that the two inches of remaining snow is hard, crusty and slippery as all get out. We were going so fast over the bumps we had to hold on for dear life, with both of us screaming. I had to use my feet to slow us down before we got to the wall. He was all excited. I couldn't let him go down by himself because it was much too fast and you really can't steer these plastic sleds. I've warned him that if he ever goes down alone he has to fall off the sled if it goes near a tree or the wall. If we have heavy, thick snow it goes pretty slowly but not right now. It's some of the best sliding I've ever enjoyed. It was only 16 degrees this morning when we got up. It was probably about 20 while we were sledding around 8:40am. Had to bring him home early today which was too bad since we could have done a lot more playing outside! Oh well, I'm sure that there'll be other neat, cold, snowy days.

Managed to get off all of our Christmas cards and only have one more package of Penuche to deliver. I'll try to get to younger sister's apartment Monday. I hope we'll be able to go out for lunch again as we did last time. I enjoyed that so much.

The little house where Peter, Davey and Amanda lived has been taken over by a bank for $1.00. It's too bad. It has a new well and a new furnace, of course, no land to speak of. It probably won't cost too much for someone to buy it; but it's probably still not worth much. It would be nice if one of the many cousins could buy it, tear it down and make a lawn. That's sounds like a good idea!

Quote: They who have light in themselves, will not revolve as satellites.

Starting . . . Dessert Extravaganza . . .

We're on our way to Glacier Bay and whiling away the time at The Dessert Extravaganza.

Getting ready to leave for the whole day. Will spend the night in Groton as the Lounge has two parties booked and no one really knows what time anyone will make it back home! I'm bringing a few more games with me, not that there are no games or toys in Groton just that mine aren't used as much so it'll be a little different.

Hoping the snow on the hill lasts until grandson and I get back to Moosup tomorrow. The neighborhood kids have already been sliding. I can see the tracks this morning and they lead to the dogwood tree. Just like cars that head for the nearest tree, so do sleds! It's supposed to be cold all day and windy so perhaps we'll be all set.

Quote: There is often as much independence in not being led, as in not being driven. ----Tryon Edwards

Moosup weather mix . . .

View from the ship as we leave Skagway.

So much for nice crispy bacon, cheesy eggs and crunchy raisin toast for breakfast :( Started to make my own breakfast at home but since Grampa was going out for coffee I decided to tag along. Bad idea. The snow, a few inches that Grampa had already cleaned up on the driveway, was turning into rain. The ride to Lizzy B's was terrible; the state trucks hadn't done much of anything and it was treacherous. Got to Lizzy B's, had hot coffee, gave my order and Bam, the power went off. A man near the window eating with his young son said the power lines were shaking like mad. There was an accident on Gibson Hill Road and that was the end of breakfast as usual. The state trooper parked at the end of Gibson Hill so no one could interfere as the two rescue trucks arrived but . . . a state plow truck came to a dead stop in front of the restaurant and a car with three people in it ran right into the state truck. Then they spun around came into the restaurant parking lot got out and there was quite a scene as they went to talk to the trooper and the truck driver. I believe that their windshield was smashed in by something that was sticking out of the back of the truck. I guess they were lucky because it didn't hit anyone in the car. They were still wrangling about "whose fault" when we left and decided not to do all the errands we had originally planned to do. I hope no one got hurt in the first accident.

So we're home now and I've put on a couple of eggs to boil as we just had coffee and cold pumpkin muffins. Younger brother and his wife are supposed to be leaving for North Carolina this morning but perhaps they'll wait until the snow gets washed away by the rain since Connecticut isn't doing anything on the highways :( Turkeys!

Lucked out for the past couple of days. On my visit to Southbridge I brought home some apples that had just been hand picked at a local orchard. So we'll be having homemade applesauce to go with the pork chops. Never too much pork and applesauce! Then younger brother and his wife gave me some beef stew, garlic bread and tapenade with crackers because they weren't going to be home to eat for a bit. Wow, no cooking for a day or two. I like that. Well, back to reading the paper and finishing my breakfast.

Quote: Malice scorned, puts out itself; but argued, gives a kind of credit to a false accusation. ---Massinger

Superior clear crispy day . . .

Starting back down the mountain soon. Not going into Canada this trip.

OK. Got a chance to visit with big brother yesterday; today I'll visit with younger brother and his wife before they head South for a couple of weeks! (Have to deliver that Penuche!) I started out at Sears Essentials in Putnam and managed to buy what I needed even a battery for my old Timex. That store is just about my size and has pretty much everything one would need. Then it was off to Southbridge, only one exit up off of 395 going through Grovsvenordale. It's really a nice ride on Route 31. They didn't have as much snow as the heights in Killingly but it was still pretty nice.

Sister-in-law was just driving out as I came in. She had a doctor's appointment but brother and I had a nice chat and some of his wife's great "cretons." What a treat. I don't make them anymore because I'm the only one who would eat them and since I love them I'd put on way too much weight. I'm having a bit of a battle as it is because I'm not walking as much as usual. Bought myself a new pair of sneakers so I can go back to my indoor walking and listening to recorded books. I got about a quarter of the way through Bleak House by Dickens when I quit walking indoors last Winter. It amazes me but I still remember the story!

I'm in the middle of writing out Christmas cards and listening to Canadian folk music. It's peaceful and so nice to just look out the window at the bright sunshine, 25 degrees and snow as I work inside this old warm house, "cette vieille maison."

Quote: In the man whose childhood has known caresses and kindness, there is always a fibre of memory that can be touched to gentle issues. ---George Eliot

After the first snow day . . .

Had a wonderful day yesterday. The ride up to Mrs. G's was so beautiful on Snake Meadow Road. All the trees were covered in thick snow and the sun was shining brightly. A true Wonderland. The Christmas Concert by Jose Vachon, vocals, guitar and feet and the fiddle and vocals by Donna Hebert was just so much fun. We were in a large hall at the Foyer in Pawtucket, RI. There must have been about 100 people or so and most spoke French. The music literally brought tears to my eyes because I remember Mama singing these Canadian songs when we were kids. Sue and I will try to get in some more Canadian cultural events.

Have to cut this short because my breakfast is waiting and I have to go to Sears in Putnam and on for a short stop in Southbridge, MA. Hoping older brother will be back from his dentist appointment. Man, that kinda stinks! Dentist appointment and I'm bringing him Penuche! C'est la vie!

Grampa is already off to the VA for a blood test. Checking up on his medicines to make sure everything is working together OK. He really doesn't mind going to the VA in Providence and that's a good thing.

Quote: Brevity is a great charm of eloquence. -----Cicero

Clean is good . . . (at least occasionally)

Miners trail.

Well the house is finally clean. Haven't had a chance to do much here at home this week so I hit it all today. Had a delicious pork chop dinner with mashed potatoes, corn kernels, salad and home made applesauce. Fantastique! Of course a nice white wine was "de rigueur."

It rained all day and this evening it has turned into a wet snow. Must admit it looks rather pretty but I could have done without it. I'm sure the tree farmers are wishing that it hadn't rained today. Will probably be a lot of families out tomorrow looking for their Christmas trees. We'll probably wait a couple more weeks. I still like to get the tree about a week before Christmas. Dinner will be here in Moosup as usual with middle child and family and Uncle Roy and Terry. Looking forward to seeing how I'll manage the roast "beast" this year! It's already ordered and we'll pick it up on the 24th.

Going to "A Canadian Christmas" with Mme G tomorrow at Le Foyer in Pawtucket. The roads should be cleared by our departure time: 12:30pm. It should be very relaxing and I'm looking forward to some soothing French carols. I'll have to pick up a tag from the Christmas Tree at Mass tomorrow and get to Sears to help some one in the parish have at least one present for the Holidays. I really do like to do that. I haven't always taken part in this type of gift giving but some of the people in our parish can certainly use the help. I look for a tag that seems to be for an older adult who needs clothes. I get a kick out of wrapping it up and putting it under the tree at All Hallows.

Quote: Children are excellent physiognomists, and soon discover their real friends. ---Luttrell calls them all lunatics, and so in fact they are. ----What is childhood but a series of happy delusions? ----Sydney Smith

Balmy New England . . .

Fun going over the bridges.

Life is moving way too fast right now! Phew . . . got to take time to make a puzzle or three.

Grampa finished a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle of an old train in the mountains while I was in Groton. I had just started it last week. He's too good at this. So, I started another one, this one is only strawberries and blueberries but even though I've gotten all the pieces in their respective piles he didn't even put the border in today. Guess he'll wait for me to do the hard parts and then chip in. Come to think of it, perhaps he's just trying to get the kitchen table cleared of puzzle pieces . . . mmmmm . . . that could be! This was a free puzzle from Springbok because I helped to name their 2010 puzzles!

I've been informed that the deer are eating my garden . . .the Winter Rye. How an I supposed to be Green if the deer eat my greens? It must be the end of the World. It was so windy last night and this morning that the Tamarack closest to the garage lost 2 humongous branches and I left home at 10am and it was sunny and 64 degrees. It's December 03 for crying out loud. Life is so grand! I love it. I'm getting pretty good at accepting the unexpected.

Quote: The day is done, and darkness falls from the wings of night. ---Longfellow

Getting better . . .

That tickle in my throat is almost gone! Yea! Hard to sleep when you have to cough.

It's been a bit more than hectic lately but very interesting and tiring! Puppy's Pop and I thoroughly enjoyed Rain Sunday. They play the Beatles and do a tremendous job. We enjoyed the entire show. Surprised by how much stuff we remembered and never realized it was the Beatles! We like their old stuff the best. The later stuff was "off the walls" but the musicians were superior.

Monday, Richoni's opened for business, not as usual. Middle child and husband have a huge job getting the place back into shape but they are working like maniacs. I'm just doing what they need help with, mainly the kids. I'm sure the first few months are going to be killers. I did help with cleaning and perhaps I'll be able to go and give a hand on Thursdays and Fridays after lunch duty at Sacred Heart. I'm sure daughter will let me know!

Got a nice non-Christmas present from my friend in Vermont; some note paper with my first initial on the front and a book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, A Memoir by Bill Bryson. It looks like a fun read as it's about the 1950's. It sounds like Wally Lamb's latest book of his days in Catholic School.

Gotta go. Grandson is on half days this week because of parent- teacher conferences. I think we'll be off to visit Mom at Richoni's before we hit McD's :) We've been keeping a list of books we read with him so he can prove how much reading he's doing at home. Last night he asked me if he could write down the names of the two we had just read. Wow, I was impressed at how well he is printing. He did a great job copying the titles.

Quote: Time, with all its celerity, moves slowly on to him whose whole employment is to watch its flight. --Johnson