"Happy New Year"

Today is December 27th, 2007. We had a wonderful Christmas and now, this special Day is behind us. We are home and reflecting on the past and the present, and what 2008 has in store for us. ( I, Me and You and our Family).

Today is very stormy. The temperatures plunging into the single digits and the wind is blowing around 25 miles per-hour. We have a blizzard condition with an ice stormy walk way. I cannot even walk to the barn without falling on my A--. (If you know what I mean!) I recommended to Hubby, that we keep the horses in their stall for the day. He agreed. (and the horses agreed!)

Sitting in our comfortable, Lazy Boy Chairs. Our wood stove, soooo! nice and warm. We got a call from our Daughter. She said that her oldest Daughter (KRJ) had gotten into an auto accident, and was taken to a local hospital. Not knowing what the outcome was, Hubby and I immediately got into our 4 wheel truck and headed out.

She is fine. A 19 year, old that refuses to believe that she may have been driving a little too fast for the weather conditions, and she may just have learned a driving lesson or two.

This just made me really think about special things and how really grateful I am for my life and the family I have..


Whatever we believe in. Whatever rituals and holidays we practice and celebrate. Whatever we call our own personal creator, we all share a common dream. And that is....... PEACE ON EARTH! Happy New Year! May your year be very special.

"The Old Mill"

Oh My! I just love this place! I have been going to this special place for sooooo many years. I had lunch with a very special friend today at the "Old Mill". He and I had a very special lunch and it was very special. Talking over so many very special times we had in our working days together over the past 38 years. Happy Holidays to my very special Friend. Thank you for being My Friend. I love you!. JO


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"Wetting Down the Tree"

I received a great package in the mail yesterday. It was from my Mom. She mailed me her annual Christmas cookies that arrived in pieces, as they do every year, but soooo yummy. (she is known as the "Cookie Grandma".) One of my favorite things to do when I go home to California to visit Mom, is to listen to all of her great LP records. Barber shop, Paint Your Wagon, Perry Como, Andy Williams. I could go on and on. Well, Mom sent me some of the oldies and I got out the old phonograph last night and listened to the great tunes of the past while decorating the tree. It was really great going down memory lane. (Hubby went into the other room as he was not impressed with Perry.) My Dad sang in a Barber Shop Quartet and He and Mom would travel to all of the events. I am the only child that really loves the music and it was so special for Mom to send me some of her record collection.

As the weather here in New England has been less than perfect for picking out Christmas trees, I decided to purchase a fake tree. I took it out of the box and was not at all impressed. I always have a real tree. It is soooo.. ugly! Placing my special decorations did spruce it up a bit. My Christmas decorations mean a lot to me. Everything on my tree is either hand made, purchased in special places I have traveled, or given to me by special people in my life. Traditions are special like the one called "Wetting Down the Tree". After the tree is up and decorated, you then must Toast the Christmas Tree with your favorite cheer(merlot is my drink of choice) for good luck. So I poured my favorite cheer and sat down in my rocker and began the tradition of, Wetting Down the Tree, while listening to my music.

Oh the holidays are upon us. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"

There is no doubt about it. We will be having a white Christmas for sure this year. Two major snow storms within two days and it is not even officially winter. I sure hope this is not an indication of what lies ahead. We do live in New England and snow is all a part of the total package.

My car poolers had a very long ride home. What is usually an hour and a half commute home from work, took them 6 hours. I sure was thinking of them, but glad I was home sitting next to the wood stove and not in the car with them.

Florida is looking mighty nice right about now.

"Three strikes and your out"

Well, good old Stormy just can't seem to understand that this type of behavior is unacceptable. Where is the dog whisperer when we need him? I am very afraid Stormy, you may be looking for living quarters elsewhere very soon. You know the saying, "three strikes and your out"

"Miss Estelle" Shuuush! We all have secrets"

Several years ago. I stopped at a yard sale in town. I just felt a calling, (so to speak). I walked through the things that were for sale. And I just saw this book. I can't even remember what the name of the book was, but I guess it was a special title , so I bought it for, 50 cents.Years later............I am retired, feeling very energetic, to clean.

Well! guess what! I remember!!!!!And found the book and a very special letter.


This is a very special letter that was written from the heart. He was in love. There was no hidden agenda.Just love. They met in 1933 , and had some very special times together.

I did do some research about the author and Ms Estelle they wanted their affair to be silenced forever. And I will respect their wishes. God Bless them!

Shuuush!I guess we all have secrets!

"Days like these"

Days like these I am so glad I am retired. I woke up this morning and said to myself, "what a relief not to have to go outside, start my car, scrape off the windshield and drive an hour and a half to work". We had an ice storm last night and it is so dangerous to drive. I really feel sorry for my old car poolers that had to attempt the drive in to work this morning. But, on the other hand, I have been making that trip to work, enduring the cold New England weather for over 37 years, so I can feel good about not doing that drive anymore.

This is a day where you just sit back and enjoy being home. With all of my Christmas wrapping still ahead of me, I think that is what I will be doing today. Wrapping presents, listening to Christmas music staying warm by the wood stove and catching up on my soaps. (Yes, I have to confess, I am hooked on All my Children, One Life To Live, and General Hospital.. I never thought I would be a soap fan, but I am. These shows just get you hooked. I was always one to say that I would never watch them, but when I am home alone,(hubby can't stand me to watch them)I do admit I am hooked on the soaps. (Hey!! I am retired. I can do what I want, right?)

I am also going to start making plans for our trip to Florida in February. Hubby and I have not gotten away without the 4 legged critters in years. We are driving and going to take our time getting down there. If we see a place that we like, we may just stay for a few days. It will be so much fun not to be on a schedule. Who knows, we may just stay.

"The Secret"

Well, so far, today is a great day. (Very cold, but a great day.) I got up and fixed a wonderful breakfast for Hubby consisting of blueberry pancakes, O J and the best coffee ever,(Dunk'n Donuts). Rachael Rae has now endorsed this coffee and is far superior to Starbucks!

Then I took my daily walk with Toby,( my new friend) in the brisk New England cold weather,(10 degrees was the last read this am) and on the way back from our walk, I picked up our mail. A very pleasant and unexpected surprise in the mail. A check in a very nice amount that was totally unexpected.

A letter in the mail from an Attorney that I worked with,(pre-retirement) nominating me to sit on a reference hearing for one of his cases going to trial. I must admit, getting back to doing what I know best, is tempting.

Receiving a call from an old friend from the past inviting me for a Christmas dinner in Boston. So, thus far, it is turning out to be a great day.

I intend to have many great days moving forward, because I have just been liberated from all negative feelings and people in my life. I did this by reading a book that was given to me by my best friend. The book is called "The Secret". One of the most profound books I have ever read. It has changed me and the way I feel about life. Positive thinking brings positive results.

The Amish have a saying that they have in their homes. It goes like this:


"The Way to Happiness"

Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply. Expect little. Give much. Fill your life with love. Scatter sunshine. Forgive self. Think of others. Do as you would be done by. Trust God. Thank God for all your blessings. Do all you can for people without thought of personal gain. Spread Happiness.

Try this for a week and you will be surprised!

"Family Matters"

Sometimes life leads you astray from things that matter, and you need to find your way back home. Wow! What a very busy and emotional year for me and my family this has been.

My Son, Darrell coming back into my life, has been such a joy for me and my family. I have a Son, and Daughter-In-Law and 5 Grand Children to buy Christmas gifts for, along with my extended family here in New England. So special for me. It is so strange and nice to be finally called "Mom "and Gram.

A retirement package, I did not expect, nor was prepared for, came knocking at my door, three years too soon. But with a pension and full medical, who could resist? Oh! I just received my retirement gift. A rocker! It is beautiful, but a rocker????
I am feeling old already!

Anyway, I plan on embracing retirement and having a good and healthy life moving forward. Going to Florida with Hubby for three weeks in 2008 will be so special. (A jump start on 30 pounds weight loss has to make a good difference on what to wear.)

I have no regrets! Life has been good to me!