Big Kids . . .

Enjoying the down time . . .

Middle child needed some help this evening because they had to go to a wake so our British sojourner and I are spending a few hours with Kiddo. It is so cool to hear them in his room as she seems to be directing him on an X-box game. I'm sitting on the couch in the living room enjoying them enjoying each other. That's pretty neat.

We've had a busy, happy, fulfilling week with visits from the oldest and youngest  Big Kids.  The middle Big Kid came with Kiddo and Dad for lunch Sunday. I figure it has been at least nine years since we've all been together in our old house. That doesn't seem possible but time is fleeting. I'm so happy we've had them home for a while. We're fortunate that the middle Big Kid doesn't live far away. We haven't done anything extraordinary this week - just enjoying the good company.

Our son has returned to Louisiana and our youngest daughter will return to England Friday. We miss the physical presence of our three Roses but know they are happy in their lives. We can't want more than that.

Much too cold . . .

Opened this morning. Perfumes the air.

Evening update

Can't believe how incredibly cold today has been.  Perhaps my body has finally concluded that Spring should be here; I can't seem to warm up.  Went to rehab today; only 6 more to go.  Got permission to work out harder at home which means I have added some jumping jacks and shuffles to my work out and I can go over 140 heart beats as I work out.  Yay.  Getting to like this and it does warm me up even on these ridiculously cold and windy days.  I think it's the wind that gets to me and this old house.  Even P&D's Pop is cold and he played horseshoes today.  I couldn't believe that he was outside playing.  It is not nice out, "Believe you me," as Ma used to say.

Will be going to visit younger sister tomorrow and I think I'd like to go eat a big, fat, frosted, chocolate cup cake at the Harvest but we'll see what tomorrow brings.  I'd also go for a super pizza but I'm not sure I could handle both, although, if it's still cold and windy perhaps all of that superior food will help keep me warm. Missed seeing R. last week because she had appointments. Starting around the second week of April I should be able to go back to our Wednesday visits and by then the Ice Cream Farm should be open for the season.  All good things come to those who wait even if impatiently!

Looking forward to watching the UCONNS play in the NCAA Tournaments.  I hope the men can make it to the elite eight and the women go all the way.  It would be rather cool if someone beats Notre Dame before the women get to them but I doubt that will happen.  I never trust the Irish, especially on St. Paddy's Day. They are a cocky bunch with Muffy but I still give her credit for getting under Geno's skin.  I hope they will continue to play each other during the regular season because UCONN needs good competition.  The All  American Conference is a joke.  Both the UCONN men and women's teams need to seek out better games for themselves if they want to remain strong. Not sure this conference will ever be able to equal the Big East. Oh well, time will tell.  I guess I'm just proving that I'm getting older and don't like change too much. Hoping to pick up my cross stitch from the framers tomorrow.  I'd like to put it up before the three kids get here so they can see what took me over  6 years to complete. Expect the framing to improve its appearance.

Quote:  Love gives itself; it is not bought. _____Longfellow

Sweet walk . . .

Thank you note from a Romanian artist.  I've bought some of her hand made cards on Etsy.

After bringing Kiddo home and stopping for coffee and muffins at the Roadside we came home to bright sunshine, and some muddy lawn as the January thaw has come to this old house. P&D's Pop got to washing the Elantra and I decided to go for a walk up the street.  It was just a beautiful day in the neighborhood.  I walked into the wind but it pushed be back home so all in all I felt great being out side.  Haven't walked out of doors since November when I first felt the effects of the crazy first stent not working properly.  Now I'm back in better shape than ever. That is just so nice.  Somehow I feel like I've reached 39 years and holding.  It's a good feeling.

Kiddo was able to go sledding on the hill yesterday, late afternoon but the snow is now receding at a faster pace.  The horseshoe pits are almost bare and the big rock is showing through.  It feels good.  Can't believe that I like seeing the muddy, ugly lawn.  I've just put extra towels by the door so we can wipe our shoes clean before tracking the slop in the house.  It works.  After the sliding our Kooky Kiddo decided we should play badminton - badminton in 35 degree, windy conditions!  And so we did.  I froze for about a half hour before I gave up and we came in for our weekly concert.  He did a great job and as usual I was smiling when he ended the concert.  As I told him, "Imagine what you could do if you practiced."  All he said was, "You're funny, Memere."  I did say to him as some point, "I know I'm a pain in the butt sometimes."  And he said, "Yep, you're worse than Grampa."  He makes me laugh.  Grampa gets a kick out of him too.  Kiddo doesn't even get upset when he gets beaten on the Wii games anymore!  Must be growing up.

Oneco friends stopped by this week and brought us a tripod they no longer needed and a beautiful handmade pottery cookie jar from Mexico.  It looks perfect on the pink marble top. I'll be able to use the tripod when oldest Kiddo lets me borrow his camera with the telephoto lenses.  Should be fun.

Quote:  Leave but a kiss in the cup, and I'll not look for wine.   ____Ben Jonson
 (I don't think I've ever seen or heard this quote properly.  Neat thought.)

Been neglecting the blog . . .

Humming bird metal sculpture feeder

I think I wrote one of my entries while I was sleeping!  For the life of me I was sure I had written something during the past week.  I guess that's what can happen when you're not paying attention to what's going on.

Had a good visit with younger sister last week and even found a new place for cupcakes!  We both agreed that our original spot at the Harvest in Simsbury is still the the best.  Can't wait for the good weather and the opening of the Ice Cream Farm in Massachusetts.  Looking forward to sun, green fields, new growth, flowers, open windows, sleek animals in the pastures and rich, creamy ice cream. This is a long winter.

Played Cribbage today and got beat 2 out of 3. Cousine's Samoyed is such a good boy.  He's a bit flaky when I get there but settles down so nicely.  It's really enjoyable to play cards with puppy lying next to us. He's a pleasure for both of us. Oneco friends stopped in Sunday and brought me two neat, old Limoges ashtrays portraying  Sacre Coeur and the Arc de Triomphe with gold leaf flowered designs surrounding all. They are very pretty and I was told I must use them for bonbons dishes!  So I shall comply as they also gave me some chocolate bonbons!

Yesterday we received a package from second oldest grandchild - a beautiful metal and glass sculpture humming bird feeder.  It is stunning.  She bought it at the Strawberry Festival in Tampa, Florida. We were really surprised and very happy that she thought of us.  Now I can't wait to see if we can entice the humming birds if Spring ever shows up this year!

While I was playing cards P&D's Pop was waiting for the new clothes dryer to get here. The old one started to give off an electrical smell and we didn't want to take any chances.  We had a problem when our old washing machine went up in smoke. So we now have  new appliances that should last for at least another 10 years.

Also visited with younger brother yesterday.  Sister-in-law was at her art class so I didn't have a chance to tell her how beautiful her last oil is.  As I entered the front door a beautiful canvas with peach toned flowers greeted me and made me "Wow!"  It is simply gorgeous, bright, alive, textured and enthralling.  Good on her. That is so neat - to be able to create such a unique design on a plain old canvas.

Quote:  If one only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished; but we wish to be happier than other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are.   ___Montesquieu

Yep . . . P&D's Pop is smiling . . .

Kiddo's new quilt.  His Mom started her job as a Senior Analyst this morning.  Yay!

The PHS engineering class gave a demonstration at the Moosup Elementary School this morning for the First, Second and Third Graders. P&D's Pop had a great time taking photos, speaking with the teachers and students and flying the light weight Vapor in the gym. It was a well planned event and I do believe Grampa was impressed with the preparations. He has just dropped off the Vapor and is on his way to have pizza with the class at PHS.

I managed to have an appointment at Backus in Plainfield for my routine mammogram and a dexascan at 9:30am. I was asked to be there 15 minutes early which I was. Can you believe that I was walking out the door at 9:51? That's just incredible. I also found some hominy for my Taco Soup and brought my little cross stitch to be matted and framed at the Sunshine Shop in Danielson. While there I decided to take a short ride into Rogers, the village formerly know as Goodyear when I was a child and my Uncle was the pastor of the RC church in the middle of town. It is such a neat old village and right past the aged, little, rickety looking church is Rogers Corporation. . . Plus ça change plus c'est la même chose.

We lucked out today as the snowstorm which was predicted didn't materialize for us. That's a good, good thing. Don't need any more snow or cold. So far we have a high of 23 today. Hoping Spring shows up soon so when the Big Kids come for a visit at the end of the month we have some buds and flowers on the trees. March can be a pretty homely month.

Quote:  Opposition always inflames the enthusiast, never converts him.    ____Schiller

Je l'ai fini . . . pour toi mon amie . . .

Tu me manque . . .

Will bring it to the Sunshine Shop to have it blocked and framed.