zoe, missing you, let the sun shine in

1 Zoe is learning to be on her own a bit more. But she really doesn't like it. Every time I come home she's right under my feet, mewing and purring and trying to trip me. I'm so lucky to be loved so  much.
2 The grandkidlets have been  under the weather for ages now. I'm missing getting my hugs and seeing their big smiles.
3 Finally, after days and days of snow and rain there is respite. Today, there is blue skies and warmer weather. Yes, I know it's December but warm and sunny is always welcome.
3a I'm sad to read the last blog post from the woman who inspired me to start my own blog. I wish her well in her new journey. However, it makes me realize how easy it is to get sidetracked and to lose sight of the things I need to stay grounded.

going, going, gone, kisses for grama, and reach for the sky

1 After a long wet day the sun finally made an appearance just in time for sundown. It shone down on the far side of the lake and gradually moved behind the mountain and it was cool once more.
2 The grandkidlets snuggled in with me for a bit when I stopped in for a visit this afternoon. They are in the perfect place for me to kiss the tops of their heads, repeatedly.
3 Tulips are such majestic yet simple flowers. I love how proud and tall they stand withstanding the winds and rain and how they seem to stretch even higher when the sun is out.

the week in review

1 Gaile and family are here for the evening and she's spending two extra days with me. We talk, laugh, eat, drink and shop, watch movies and give and get best friend hugs. Perfect!
2 Our early dinner was amazing, delicious and just the right amount for each of us. The restaurant decor is a combination of soft comfy seats, concrete and huge, and I mean HUGE light fixtures. I'll be sure to post a photo next time we eat there.
3 It's cold and windy but we quickly find our spots near the fireplace.
4 A heated blanket for keeping warm. It's been on a chair for many years but now moves about the house, warming me.
5 The sun shines so brightly that we have to close the blinds to see each other while we chat about just about everything.
6 Morning comes early and with it a sliver of sunshine through the foggy clouds.
7 The grandkidlets and I make chocolate cake with tons of icing and star sprinkles for their daddy and mommy.
8 Kesler slowly and deliberately spreads the icing on the cake and then all of a sudden his fingers are covered in icing and he plunges them into his mouth to lick every last bit.
9 Two grandkidlets with chocolate icing on their cheeks, noses and lips.
10 Another friend comes for a visit and we enjoy Thai food and green tea until we float out of the restaurant and head home to talk into the night. So good to catch up.
11 It's so cold you can see your breath.
12 I think I'm falling in love. Yes, you heard me right, I love toasted blueberry bagels smothered in cream cheese.
13 Voted.
14 The lady at the polling station looks at my ID and says yes, you're fine. And I smile and reply, "Yes I am fine" and we laugh at how that sounds.
15 The skies are a pinkish hue now but each time I look out the window the shade is different until it's just blackness.

dry, Chris, and night

1 I had a walk at the lakefront before the clouds shrouded the sun and sent buckets of rain down.
2 Chris visited for a bit today. He's lost weight and is looking great. So nice to just see his face and give him a hug or two or more!
3 It's cold and damp out now but the fireplace is on and I've got a glass of red wine, my feet are up and the day is done.

one day, one moment at a time

It's been a while and I haven't been posting or reading anyone else's posts. Things are a little hectic here and I was finding it impossible to focus on the blog. I took a bit of a break. Thanks for sticking with me.

1 The sun shines delicately through the sheer curtains and lands exactly on my eye.
2 I hear their laughter and wonder at the inner workings of the brain of a little child.
3 There are chalk drawings and hop scotch patterns all over the concrete driveway.
4 The wind rhythmically blows the tree top back and forth in perfect timing.
5 The hug is tight and consuming and I pray that there is compassion felt from it.
6 In the cycle of life, we often are challenged with change. It's not an easy thing for some especially when it's unexpected, unwanted and out of our control.
7 The stroller holds two. But wow, those two are getting big and they feel even heavier coming uphill than going downhill.
8 One night he goes to sleep easily and then the other she finds it difficult. One just wants to wiggle around until sleep, the other wants a back rub and some tenderness.
9 I long for normal, natural and real.