"Life"

A close friend just sent me this email. I thought I would share it with all of you.

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it. "

"A Thermostat works very nicely for me"

Because of the high prices of heating oil this past year, Hubby and I decided to heat our home totally with wood this year. I had our oil company deliver us a full tank of oil in September to lock in on a price per gallon, just in case. We had our 5cords of wood delivered last fall and we stacked them on our deck in preparation of the upcoming winter season.

This winter season here in New England, has been exceptionally challenging! But, Hubby and I were determined to press forward and be the hearty Yanks that we are and haul in the wood in the early morning , mid day, evening and late in the middle of the night.(the rule in our house is, whoever gets up first for "pee call", has to tend the wood stove)! Oh! how much fun is this? Are we out of our minds? I am about to turn 60 years old and Hubby, well he is over the hill turning 69 years and we are hauling pounds and pounds of wood into our house, with all sorts of aches and pains. Hubby is scheduled for knee surgery late Jan, and can't even walk. I am doing most of the barn chores, and am just about exhausted at the end of the day. What is wrong with this picture? We are both supposed to be retired and enjoying the good life?

Well, as stubborn as we both are, we will continue this ritual and do what is necessary not to have our pipes freeze. But next year, As God is my judge, believe you me, we will be heating our home the old fashion way. Get up, hang a left down the hall, and turn on the heat the old fashion way. A thermostat works very nicely for me.

"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"