Last day 08

We are having ANOTHER snowstorm! It is 17 degrees, blowing like stink and snowing heavily. Supposed to accumulate 7" or more. I was "planning" on going to Glens Falls to have my car serviced and pick up a couple cans of black eyed peas for tomorrow. I don't have any black eyed peas in my pantry and I am just superstitious enough to believe we need a serving or two on New Year's Day for good luck in the coming year. The way I see it, anything we can do to help is appropriate. Needless to say, I am not going anywhere.

Pete and I are invited to his son's home for a Eve supper and then tomorrow to two parties at two other family locations. Pete's family is very active in their group get togethers and are always ready to celebrate en masse. In this area, the community formed by these families is almost a necessity to stay sane in the winter months.

I did make it to the gym yesterday. I planned on rewarding my effort with a dip in the hot tub but it was out of order. I think I will slide into my bath tub this morning instead.

I am making Carmelized Onion Focaccia for our contribution to tomorrow's feast. I received a new Focaccia cookbook for Christmas and have been eager to try it. I'll let you know the results.

Here is a quote for me and for you -
"Never falter, go forward so boldly, so unafraid. I am beside you to help and strengthen you."

May prayerful peace flow outward from here, touching with grace all those whom you love and all the earth as well. Amen

Monday the 29th

I have been re-reading my inspirational and spiritual books. This seems an appropriate time to review our lives, our inner landscape and our philosophy on all aspects of life on Earth. Then we can revise and renew who we have become. Here are a few passages that resonate with me. Perhaps they will do so with you too.

If Man is Divine, as Christ has described us, then let us proceed to express that Divinity and claim our birthright. We have been too much occupied with material and selfish interests. But this has been a needed stage. ...time for us to blend and unify the deeper elements of the world of reality with the outer life. The disintegration in the world at this time is right and good, provided we understand why it is taking place and by what it should be succeeded. Destruction which is carried on with a view to eventual construction is right and proper, but the plans for the coming building must be somewhere understood, and some idea must exist as to subsequent reconstruction.
These words are from Alice Bailey written in 1937. Yes, we had begun the slide down this slippery slope we are on now way back then. Nothing is stagnant and everything has a polar opposite - death and rebirth; destruction and construction; darkness and light etc. There is always hope but we need to participate.

This afternoon I am going to drive to Fair Haven, VT for a basketball tourney. My granddaughter who attends Burr and Burton Academy is playing. I rarely see her play since the games are usually too far away for me to drive in the dark. They are unbeaten thus far.

Yesterday the temp went up in the 50's so I started the MH and the generator too. Started right up without a hesitation. How I wanted to just drive out of the yard and down the road south. South is the operative word in case you didn't pick up on that. It seems like it has been winter forever and yet it is just beginning.

A time of review and a time of resolutions. Good luck to you as you go through your polar opposites - end of the year and beginning of the new. Death of the old, integration of what we have learned this past year, that which serves us and rebirth of all that will support us in the coming days of ascension.

Blessed Be

enjoy the shots of Bashey opening his stocking Christmas morning and grandaughter Grace, her giraffe and me.

Christmas Day 08

Happy Christmas Day to all my blessed readers.

"Love, laugh, make the world happy. Your joy-making shall spread in ever-widening circles, beyond all your knowledge. Centuries after, it still bears precious fruit."

I hope you all are enjoying the comfort and joy that comes with sharing in a family group or a group of friends. I just returned from a wonderfully rowdy afternoon with my family in Florence, Vermont. It snowed off and on all day. This morning on the drive up there which takes about 45 mins., I came around a steep turn and there were three vehicles all over the road and down over the banks on both sides. Black ice shone omniously. There was no way I could stop or even apply the brakes so I drove through it like an obstacle course praying my wheels would stick to the pavement. Whew! The ride most of the way was enlivened with periodic patches of the deadly Black Ice. But coming back tonight, the roads were dry.

One of my grandson's received three Nerf guns for Christmas. We ended up having a shooting match. It was a lot of fun. I had the orange "darts" stuck all over me. I have pictures which I will post. I can't begin to tell you my joy at being embraced by (or shot at) my big boistrous family. The kids are beautiful loving beings. We then enjoyed a scrumtuous brunch together.

Now I am home awaiting my brother and his daughter who will spend the night and the day with me tomorrow. Bashey wore his antlers this morning while he opened his stocking which contained a squeeky toy and a few different kinds of cookies.

Goodnight for now -

the 23rd

Ah! Minus 17 degrees this a.m. folks. Bashey and I are toasty though. What a day I picked for him to go for a clip. I may have to buy or make him a warm coat. Poor guy but he does smell better and looks wonderful. I hope these pictures will post of the snow and of Bash pre haircut.

Winter Solstice 08

Yes, it is the first day of winter and I can prove it. Check out the "hot" off the press photos of - let me see - Blizzard number 4 I think. I am snowed in. Have been for 2 days. How I wish I knitted but I make cookies and I read while listening to lovely music. Bashey doesn't know how to cope with the deep snow over his shoulders. He doesn't leap well anymore so I stomp paths for him. The snow is over my knees up to mid-thigh. We went out awile to go to shovel the barn doors out where the car is stowed. Then we shoveled the cellar doors out on the house and I moved all the baked goodies I had for the party yesterday, which I didn't get to, to the freezer down below. Yesterday was a day of sad reflection but we must move on. I had so looked forward to spending some quality time with all my family. The storm of 12" and then never stopped snowing caused my two ride options to decline going. It is still snowing going on 48 hours. We have a total of more than 20" and it is still coming down. Tonight the wind is to blow 40 and the temp to drop into the minus digits. I am anxious about the severe cold.

As of this writing though, I am drinking a strong cup of coffee laced with brandy. I pray my loved ones who did make the trip to MA travel safely home this morning. This is the day we must bring in the Light since it is the darkest day of the year. It is the fourth sunday of Advent for Christian worshippers everywhere. I will not make it to church this morning but have candles lit all over my house in honor of the Light. Our Pagan ancesters built huge fires outside where they sang and danced hoping to hold onto the diminishing Light that seemed to be failing them. Then, of course, in the next few weeks following Solstice they would begin to notice that their ministrations had worked and the Light was increasing gradually. As God tells me everyday I live, "Trust In Me".

Excerpt from Born Of Fire

Here is the excerpt from my book, Born Of Fire: A Yearlong diary of Transition:

I lie awake early in the predawn darkness contemplating if I should get out of my warm nest to meditate or continue to snuggle in with my thoughts. I sense the raw November cold outside the window overlooking the sweeping lawn and on down to the shore of Lake Bomoseen, Vermont. There is a good chance that I will catch a glimpse of the small deer herd browsing on the downed acorns that were shed by the ancient oaks a few weeks ago. I especially like to watch the deer in the moonlight. But the moon is dark now. My thoughts roll on through my mind like ocean waves rolling in on a sandy shore. Gently they roll in, wash up on the beach of my consciousness, and then wash back out disappearing into the vast sea of thought.
Just yesterday, I walked with my dog, Duffy, a Welsh Terrier, along the lakeshore. There were large holes of open water especially on the north shore. The ducks have gathered here for their last watering hole until they are forced to leave to seek open water elsewhere. They cling to each last oasis of open water in the vast pool of frozen whiteness. They fly to a hole, then swim to the icy edge, which is just slush right now. Then they push their way through the mushy ice to the next hole leaving behind a trail, which will freeze in intricate lacy patterns like follow-the-dot drawings.

I hope you like it. I will post some parts of it from time to time.
Cio

Friday night

Blizzard! Started snowing at mid-day, 2-3" per hour. About 10" so far. It is only 11 degrees and windy. Bash and I are snug as bugs in a rug. My car is tucked into the barn for the night. I had to ram it through the snow to get in the barn since it had not been plowed yet from the last storm. This is wild to say the least. Sunday there is to be another storm. Pete and I are supposed to motor to Mass. tomorrow for an overnight at Kate's for a Christmas celebration. I hope we can go since it has been several years since I have been able to be with my family for Christmas. We are watching the storms closely to see if we will be able to get back towards home before the next storm comes in. I wish I were in Naples. It is 80 degrees there now with all the holiday celebrations. Depressing but I cannot dwell on it.

I hope come January, the winter will be gentler. I didn't work today. Apparently, many people don't take off the last day before a 2 week vacation. Now I am officially on vacation. Something I really don't want right now. But there are things that need doing. Bashey needs a grooming. I need to work out at the gym. I hope to do some cross country skiing. I still have my skiis which are 40 yrs. old. I do need some wax though. Found some at REI but like most things, it is much more expensive than it was 40 yrs. ago.

Not much more to report since being snowed in is rather boring unless you have someone to be romantic with. I will write about our weekend.

Thursday afternoon

I am back home after only working half a day in Fort Edward ES. It was a hectic morning. The classrooms there are terribly overcrowded. I don't know how the teachers do it. I just went from class to class trying to help out. It was only a half day job so I am off to the gym. I haven't been able to get there for over a week and I badly need some exercise. More pics of the storm --

You snowbirds eat your hearts out. I know you wish you were here.

Love, Lame Duck

More Snow

Here are the pics of the recent ice storm. My church is shown as well as my yard and a shot of the Hudson River. It was very beautiful with the sun out but a deadly storm. Many have died from carbon monoxide poisoning from their generators not being vented properly.

Today I turned down a half day job in Glens Falls since we had another 8" of snow on the roads and my driveway was not plowed. My car would go through the snow but I could not get out on shine hill road since the town had plowed me in. Bash and I have been doing some needed bonding while I have been baking Christmas goodies all day. It is 4 p.m. and I just sat down for a break. I am tired - Pumpernickel Bread, Sourdough English cranberry muffins, Snickers cookies, Date/coconut balls, Rum balls and chicken with rice for supper. Whew! Cupcakes will be made Friday after work. I already have a job for tomorrow in Fort Ann Elem. School as a teaching assistant in special ed. Friday, I don't know where I will be. We are supposed to get a larger snow storm then.

Saturday, Pete and I will drive to Wellsley,MA to join my family for a Christmas celebration at Kate's big house. Pete's grandson's are taking care of Bashey. We return on Sunday (another storm due in) I hope we can navigate all these storms. Dodgeing snowflakes!

I met my daughter Theresa and her son Colin for lunch in Saratoga on the weekend. I watched him play hockey with LaSalle Academy. They lost but it was great to see him. He is very tall and thin. Big boned and beautiful at 16 years. He resembles his grandfather Waite's family.

Enlarge the photos to see them fully.

More Snow

Here are the pics of the recent ice storm. It was very beautiful with the sun out but a deadly storm. Many have died from carbon monoxide poisoning from their generators not being vented properly.

Snowed in Friday

What a night! The 3rd picture was taken the other night before the big storm. I wanted to capture the mountains in the background but don't think you can make them out. I worked yesterday at Hudson Falls Elem. School as an aide for 16 kindergarten students. About 9 a.m. we began to watch the early morning rain turn to big fat snow flakes and then the accumulation began. By 1:30, we suited up and went outside to romp in it. Those with appropriate clothing made snow angels. The first few inches were very dry and fluffy and wouldn't allow any snowmen to be built. After 35 mins. we trouped back inside shedding all that wet clothing. We adults kinda figured we would not be coming back Friday. Sure enough, no school today. The main roads are always kept very well up here but the side roads and driveways are terrible. My steps and porch are a sheet of ice. The sun just peaked through for 5 mins. and lit up the icey trees. It is like magic. But very difficult to shovel or walk on since it very crusty. A foot of snow topped by an inch of ice. I am grateful my power has stayed on but many are without. My snow plower came but I called him back to plow out the barn yard. After working on my car for an hour to open the doors and scrap the thick ice off, I decided to put it in the barn. There are few cars on the roads just huge plows and pickups with plows.
I have made split pea and ham soup this morning. I hope to bake some bread or english muffins this afternoon. I would like to go to the gym but don't dare drive. It is now in the 20's so everything is frozen.

We are safe and tucked in for a long weekend. The following is a message that I focus on constantly and I hope you find it helpful as well.

You must trust me wholly. This lesson must be learned. Doubt always delays. Are you trusting all to me or not? From Two Listeners

Snowy Sunday

Bashey and I both sat up straight in bed just before dawn this morning when the snowplow went through. A very loud scraping sound totally unfamiliar to us. I am amazed that the County plows when there is just a dusting of snow on the roads. It seems like a waste of tax-payer money. It wouldn't hurt people to slow down, drive through the little snow on the roads and have the plows wait until there was heavier accumulation. But this area is known for keeping the roads open.

the birds have been eating voraciously for the last two days so I suspected there was a storm coming. I also have a fat red squirrel (hawk food)who runs a zig-zag pattern across the lawn from the evergreen hedgerow. He goes as fast as he can to avoid the hawk. He climbs inside my feeders and eats until he can barely climb out. My feelings will not be hurt when he evolves to be food for hawk. I was pleased to see the large red-bellied woodpecker at the feeder this morning. they were here all summer but I hadn't seen them in a long while.

Yesterday, as I walked Bash in my yard, my ankles kept turning over and it was difficult walking. I realized I was walking on frozen ground for the first time in 22 years. Certainly Virginia and North Carolina have some freezing temps, snow and ice but the ground really never freezes. If it does, it is just a surface freezing. The Earth remains warmer. Not here in the north country. We are frozen tundra.

Sebastian likes the cold temps and the snow. He has very long thick fur right now. I want to have him shampooed and trimmed but haven't been able to do so yet. When I do, I may have to provide him with a jacket. He is right now cuddled on the sofa on his blanket sound asleep. He looks like an oversize whitish mop with a large black nose.

The snow falls and the darkness deepens as we roll on to the winter solstice in a couple of weeks. I wish you Light and warmth, music and dancing.

Wednesday night

Faith Hill is singing Joy To The World at Rockefeller Ctr.in NYC for the lighting of the Christmas Tree. A lovely touch at a time when many are depressed. I love much of this time of year but the pressure of gifts for everyone on my list is daunting and nerve wracking. Once again, I just don't have the money. This year many have joined me on this weary path. I will bake and make kissing balls but I will not put Christmas gifts for the 26 people on my list on my credit card. I enjoy giving gifts to those I love and cherish memories of years past when money was freely there
to buy or sew a gift for everyone in my family. It seems people have given up on the special gifts of Christmas such as sending greeting cards, baking cookies and making candies to purchase large expensive gifts for a few people in their family and for themselves. Christmas has become an excuse to purchase that expensive item. The real reason for the season is no longer clear. I have a hand full of rustic hand painted wooden ornaments for the tree that I was able to salvage from the floods of my home in NC in '98. They remind me of a time many years ago, 1972 actually, when my children and I were alone for our first Christmas. We didn't have any extra money then for decorations. The kids painted the wooden cutout ornaments, strung popcorn, cranberries and made paper chains for our tree that year. I hang these few old ornaments each year to remind me of where we have come from.

I have been working all week long in the Glens Falls schools. The work is steady but not terribly creative or challenging. It just is and I remain grateful to have it. Many of the little children have much pain in their lives. Their bravery and stoicism is impressive. I want to gather them all around me to love and protect them like a mother hen and her chicks. But touching is frowned upon in these times. I am sad for them and frustrated by the society of fear we have created.

Now I listen to David Cook singing Happy Christmas. Beautiful words. Double click on the photos to enlarge.

May you be blessed where you are....

Musings of a modern mystic

Listen, the earth speaks wisdom, tells when and how to move. Sets a cadence for the rhythm of our days, our lives and unleashes the wildness within.

There comes a time in our lives when we are called to believe the unbelievable. If we allow ourselves to believe, we open the door to the infinite possibility of who we might become.

Double click to enlarge and see the hawk.

Frosty Sunday Morn

Good Morning - Let's share a cuppa coffee together shall we?
Here is a quote I hope you will think about today -

This would cure the poor sick world if every day each soul waited before Me. Gradually you will be transformed physically, mentally and spiritually into My likeness
-
Words from Creator

I am listening to Andrea Bocelli's In Canto. My sunday ritual is to avoid the TV news and listen to Andrea sing. Pavarotti once said that if God had a human voice, it must be Andrea Bocelli. I couldn't agree more. Yesterday, on public tv, they replayed the Live Concert at Tuscany recorded in August. What an experience!

As evil and darkness continue to fight for it's survival against the infusion of Light and Love across the planet, take sometime for beauty and joy in your life.

Yesterday, I drove to Rutland to shop (yes, me the non-shopper)at Michaels, I didn't find much there but the trip up there was breathtaking. I had to leave my camera at home to charge the battery. At first I was very frustrated with myself and my camera because it wasn't with me but then I realized this was as it was to be. I could focus on allowing the pure beauty of the snow covered mountains against the deep blue sky to replenish my inner landscape. The camera would have distracted me somewhat. I promise though I will go back and take some shots to share with you.

Near the orchard where I worked is a large pond and marshland. In fact, the autumn photo I had on this blog was taken there earlier. Yesterday, there were thousands of Canadian Geese perched on the ever advancing ice that will soon shut out all floaters. I did take a photo with my phone and will have to find out if I can upload it to this pc. I wrote about a similar experience years earlier in my book, Born Of Fire. I will find that paragraph and post it soon.

Please keep those who travel in mind and prayer. My dear sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Emory, are on their way to Naples, FL in their motorhome.

I am off to church in town. Please be a Beacon Of Light and Love for all, even those who would attempt to snuff out your Light.

Blessed Be,
Donna

saturday

It is with a heavy heart that I report the death of the little finch I wrote about 2 days ago. I found what was left of his small body on the deck yesterday. I am trying to figure out who would have wanted to make a meal of him. The scene has all the markings of a cat but it is hard for me to believe a cat would have climbed up on our deck to hunt a bird. Sebastian and I were here during the attack. I was decorating my house for Christmas. Now I question feeding the birds.

I spent most of the day yesterday carrying my Christmas decorations up from the barn to decorate the house. It was a mild day - maybe the only one for another week so I took advantage. The house looks very festive.

Hartford Tanagers, our HS girls basketball team, played in a tournament here at home yesterday and today. They lost badly to Granville yesterday. I went up to watch. They played hard but Granville really had it together.

Today I am driving to Rutland, VT, about a hour away, to go to Michaels Crafts. The problem with Hartford is there is nothing nearby. I miss Goochland, VA and Naples, FL not just for the warmer weather but for the ease of finding what I need. I am not an avid shopper but I like convenience.

Gloria and Emory are leaving tomorrow a.m. How I wish I were tagging along with the Bearfoot Coach. As the days grow shorter and grayer, it becomes more challenging to stay positive about this move.

Note the snow flurries in the one photo.

First Day of Gratitude

I have a tiny Purple Finch who seems to be living under my eaves over the deck. He comes to the feeder that Pete made to eat. I will try to capture his photo. I picked up a dead Finch in the yard last week. I think it was this little fellow's mate. He seems sad and lonely.

As you can see I changed the title photo to the guardian of this house. Here are some shots I took this morning on our circuit. My front door with one wreath but I have another that I made years ago and have carefully saved. That one will go up soon. There is a shot of the bird feeder Pete made me and a shot of my winter flag. I must be thinking snow. Hmmmm?

I am going out in a little while to join the group but for now it is peaceful and quiet. The sun was shining but is no longer doing so. Another thing to be grateful for. So many.......

Peace and Joy ya'll

Donna and Sebastian

Wednesday

My apologies to my loyal readers. Gloria had some questions about signing on my "family reader log". So I just signed on as some of you would. You do have to have a google account with a password. But after you are on they give you two choices: Sign on visibly or Sign on Anonymously. To Sign On scroll down on the right hand side to "Friends and Family Readers", then click on "Follow This Blog".

Try this link, I insert this as an experiment but if it works, you will enjoy it:


http://www.reflectionsofsouthbreeze.com/Pages/RealTalkingDogs.htm

Frosty this morning at 29. No school today. I am going to the gym and then gonna try to string some lights outside. Brrrrr!

My prayers for all of you and your loved ones.

Tuesday b-4 Thanksgiving

Trust and be not afraid. Life is full of wonder. Open child-trusting eyes to all I am doing for you. Fear not.
--Two Listeners

I worked yesterday in Glens Falls as a teacher aid in one of their elementary schools. It was extremely cold and unpleasant doing recess duty. This morning it was again very cold, rainy and raw. Work called me at 5 a.m. and I turned them down. Bashey and I slept in until 7:30. What a treat. This is the toughest month here in this part of New York. March is tough too but at least the sun is warm if it is visible. There hasn't been any sunshine of late. Day's are short and getting shorter.

I have been slowly decorating my house for Christmas. I love to decorate the house with traditional greens, cones and poinsettas. If it is not raining tomorrow, I hope to string some lights on the plum bush on the corner of the house. My neighbors lit up their spruce tree outside and it looks lovely from my bedroom window.

I drove to Wellsley, MA with my daughter Jill and grandson Will for the weekend. We stayed with my granddaughter Kate. What a hoot. We really just hunkered down since it was extremely cold. Will went to visit Emanuel College. Kate and I went to a craft fair. We ran between heated car, heated home and heated buildings. Walking outside was impossible.

I still don't have any photos for you. I planned to take some shots of the stark mountains against the cold gray ski but for various reasons, I didn't do it.

Don't forget to sign in on this blog. There isn't any obligation, passwords or anything like that connected with it. It lets me know who is reading it.

I am grateful for all of you my friends and family. May you be blessed.

TGIF

I have worked all week long in the glens falls elem. schools. As a typist, then in special ed classes as a teacher's assistant. It hasn't been difficult but I find I am quite tired and very happy to sleep in this morning snuggled with Bash. I plan to take Fridays off if I can to do energy sessions in Pawlet. But today I am preparing to travel to Boston with Jill and Will to check out a college for him in the fall. He is a fabulous student and will do well. He actually wants to be a lawyer and has been clerking after school this semester.

It is terribly cold here (16 degrees this a.m.) The wind makes it extremely cold. It is early for this even here. It seems the climate is reflecting the extremes in our financial future. I am very grateful to have a job. It is time to hunker down for the long haul. I try to find all the ways I can save a bit of money, energy and the planet. Reducing the size of my planetary footprint. There are so many things we take for granted. Those of us who are Lightworkers or mystics, have preached for many years about being mindful. Nows the time folks. Be always mindful of all you do, say and think. Our thoughts are prayers - watch what you pray for.

Many loved ones, human and animal, are sick at this time, some are leaving us behind. There are reasons unknown to us why we must experience the grief and separation along with everything else that we are going through. Try to stay in prayer and trusting love with your God. Don't judge yourself harshly when you give in to the sadness and the fear. It is all around us and as compassionate human beings, we cannot always rise above it. Forgiveness of yourself for your frailty is essential, then allowing God's Loving Light to surround and envelope you in Trust.

I wish I had some photos to publish. I hope to have some after this trip to Boston. As I drive I have met a few motor coaches towing cars headed southward. Getting out of "Dodge" - off to points warm. I find myself longing to do the same thing sometimes but I know my place is here for now. Maybe a road trip in mid-Feb. if the money is there.

Meanwhile, we are tucked in warm and snuggly in our little cottage. Be well and be safe.

Oh, sign the readers who read this blog tab. There is no obligation and it lets me know who is out there. I may add a shortcut tab where you can just click and be taken right to this blog whenever something is published.

Blessings---

Monday thoughts

Words to contemplate for today:

Be calm do not feel the strain of life. I am the master instrument maker. Would I ask of it anything that could destroy or strain? No! strain is only when you are serving two masters the world, fame, good opinion of men or carry two days burden on the one day.

Note the changes to this blog site. There is a place where you can insert your name so I know who is reading my journal; there is also a photo of a Monet painting on the bottom of the page. I am trying to add a weather link without success so far. If you would like to see some additions and or changes, let me know.

33 degrees, windy and gray here this morning. I didn't get called by sub-finder so will be going to the gym, baking bread and working on a giraffe painting/sculture I am doing on a large dried palm tree frond I brought up from FL. I plan to give it to my giraffe loving granddaughter, Grace, for Christmas.

Have a wonderful day -

Sunday evening

The weather has done an about-face and it is winter here now. Brrrr! Here is a piece I wrote the day I spent at the BOCES campus with troubled highschoolers. I decided to share it with you:

I was initiated into the 21st century BOCES school system today as a sub receptionist in the principal's office. The experience has left me feeling shaken to the core. To the end that I am seriously considering not accepting any more jobs from this campus. Many of the students are troubled and disruptive. There was a strong contrast between the warm and welcoming faculty and staff and the students themselves. Fear and anger seem to bounce off the tiled walls. I have deep respect for the dedicated people who continue to serve the extreme needs of these teens. I question how the so-called "normal" students function in this environment. When I was a student, I was in a one room schoolhouse in a small farm town in NYS. The older students took turns keeping the woodstove going, the cloak room cleaned up and the desks/blackboards washed. I stayed in that school for six years. At grade 7, our school closed and we were transported to Knickerbacker Jr. HS in North Troy, NY Some of my class were sent to other city schools. Four of us melted into 1200 students. It was total shock for us rural kids but out of that large student body, the rebellious students were a small minority. It took more than half the school year to become somewhat comfortable in the "city" environment and focus on learning. Most of us had respect for our teachers, the administration and our family. Foul abusive language was not tolerated. How times have changed! Why? Is it due to a lapse in parenting, in teaching, in the lack of religion being the focal point of the community or is it in the bigger picture of society itself?

Happy cloudy, foggy, damp Friday

Yes it is that. But this is November afterall. It is supposed to climb to the 60's today - we'll see about that. The cold, cold weather comes in this weekend and next week. I am staying centered and grateful, living each moment for what it is. I don't want to get into that place of disallusionment with the climate here. It is what it is. What I have found with my "new" attitude about living in NY in the cold weather is that I am able to see the beauty of the deep blue and mauve mountains against the gray sky, the deep cuts and gorges that are revealed with the dropping of the leaves, the houses and farms I wasn't able to see before. I have hungry birds coming to my feeders for sunflower seed and suet. I have been buying butcher suet rather than the readymade suet and seed mix. It lasts longer, is less expensive and they like it just fine.

I have had a week and a half of "time off". It has been a blessing since I have been able to work on my "to do" list and also get to the gym in Granville. I do notice a difference in my energy level although my body is still sore. Part of getting older is as long as I keep moving, I feel ok but the soreness manifests when I am trying to get comfortable in bed. Getting older is not for wimps takes on new meaning for me.

I made sour dough english muffins yesterday. It was my first attempt. They came out quite good. Next time I will make them a bit smaller. They even have the crags and crevices that so nicely hold butter and jam.

Pete has a bittersweet bush growing in his yard. Apparently, it produces the decorative orange and red buds every other year. This is the year and I have cut quite a bit of it to decorate my house, outside and in. I wrapped three long branches around my chandelier/fan over my dining room table. It looks fine as long as no one starts the fan.

I have listed my Lenox china on Craig's List and eBay for sale. I don't use it and my children don't want anything that fancy. I began shedding all my extranious stuff over 5 years ago. I just keep seeing things that need to go, kinda like shaving off another layer. For some reason the largest "thing" in my life, the MH, is still here. The reason will be revealed when the time is right.

The photo of Rosie and Sebastian was taken this past summer but I thought you would enjoy seeing it again. It is one of my favorites. There is another one of the two of them sitting in the car together in Hilton Head, SC a few years ago. If I can find it, I will post it.

Here is a quote from my home page:

Love is the key. The way will open. What cause have you to fear. Be calm. Calm in my power.

We remember those who serve

Veteran's Day is always more poignant when we are at war. May all our vets (active and inactive) be blessed. A thought for today -

Love is the key. The way will open. What cause have you to fear. Be calm. Calm in my power.

Sunday afternoon

A great deal has happened in just the few days since I posted here. We have created an historic event that will forever change who we are as Americans. I am very proud to be an American now. Here is something I found this morning -

Wonderful things are happening. Do not limit Me. Do not plan ahead. The way will unfold.

A message from God.

I went to church this morning for the first time since August when I started working weekends. It was perfect as I sat in a brilliant golden light filtered through the south facing windows of the First Baptist Church here in Hartford. We use two churches, one in the summer and the other in the winter. This was the first time in this church for me. We use the two churches to try to keep all factions of this Yoked church happy. Years ago when I lived in Pawlet, we did the same thing. The churches were next to each other. It was very difficult keeping both old buildings up to par. Then after I had moved away, the ME church burned. Now they utilize just the Congo church. I really like Pastor Mike here. He is my neighbor as well - he and his wife Sharon. She is also a pastor. He always speaks to me in his message. I feel a genuine caring from the man. They raise sheep as well.

It has been mild for the last few days. A cold front is supposed to come through tomorrow. The beauty of this respite in the weather is we are well into November with no major problems. That fact sure cuts down on our winter which can be as long as 7 months. I am grateful. I have a snow plowing man ready to do the job when necessary. I have staked my yard to guide him through the first storm. I had my deep well pump pulled a couple of days ago. We had no idea how deep the well was but we know now. It is over 200 ft. deep. At least that is where the pump is. The water level is only down about 30 ft. Which is a good thing. I have lots of storage. I had the wiring replaced and grounded. The pump is fairly old so I may have to do it again next year or so but a pump is a large investment and as long as this one is working fine----.

I am taking Sebastian to the vet tomorrow for what looks like a small tumor on his lip that began bleeding a couple of days ago. I am concerned since my Welsh terrier, Duffy had a malignancy on his gums. It was supposed to take his life but it never did. He lived 11 years after the cancer surgery without a recurrence.

Tomorrow is also the day for a repeat fingerprinting for me. My prints did not come out. The person who took them blurred them. So I will do that in Hudson Falls in the morning then to Granville for the vet appointment.

I haven't written about my first job at Boces from the sub-finder system. I worked five days in a row at the orchard then accepted a job as a receptionist at the Boces campus in Hudson Falls. It was a cultural shock. The students are the worst of the worst. Terrible language, disrespect, fear, unhappiness and hate. I feared for my life a couple of times since the desk I was at was right in front of the principals door. They have several security guards who are very busy. The police had to be called for a student with a concealed weapon, a knife. I don't know if I will accept another job there. I think I will be ok with the younger kids.

Gotta go make blueberry cobbler for supper. I made a beef stew and used up the last of the veggie's from my garden. My carrots are delicious. I have them stored along with the potatoes in the cellar. My herbs are all dried and hung from the rapters in the other cellar. Pete made me a deck mounted bird feeder for the ground feeders as well as the other birds that winter here. I hung one of my christmas wreaths from the past today. We are ready -- I think

Remember: You can't reach the Kingdom of Heaven if you are always looking back to where you came from. Stay forward and focused.

cold Wednesday

I awoke this morning early expecting to see the earth covered in white but it was not. It seems we had snow all around us but none here in this part of the county. My children in Vermont had snow but not here. I was looking forward to it. I haven't bought a car snow/ice scraper or a snow shovel yet though. I am off today and will be off until Friday. I only worked 2 days last week so I decided to make it up by working 4 days this week. I worked Monday and am really stiff and sore from the cold concrete floors. I hope it warms by Friday.

I went to the gym this week and will go again today and tomorrow. It feels good to sweat and get my heart rate up. I only work out for an hour right now but plan on at least another half hour or so when I am more comfortable.

Well, here it is Friday and I am getting back to this post finally. Sorry about the interruption. It is 20 degrees as I write this. I am working today at the winery. Since I am the only person on today, I need to go in a bit earlier. I am bringing my book with me today since Monday was very quiet and there is just so much dusting I can do. I am waiting to see how many calls I get from the school district begining on Monday. Then I will pull back from the winery.

It is supposed to warm up a bit. My house is warm and cozy anyway. But I get cold at night. I ordered a lovely tartan plaid flannel granny gown from Bean's to help with that. Bought my car snow brush, dry gas and anti frost windshield spray. I tell you between the boots, the jackets, the gloves, scarves, hats, socks, long johns, snow shovels, brushes, tires etc. etc., it is very costly and complicated living up here. I have a friend from work, Bernice, who is willing to drive to FL with Bash and me sometime this winter. I hope it will be mid-Feb. but have to wait awhile to see about finances.

Here is a photo of my granddaughter as a hippy in a Halloween Costume class. Note to Wendy: Bashey loves his Wubba toy - thanks for the thoughtful gifts. Email yet?

Winter says Hi

I went to Pawlet, Vermont this a.m. early for a massage and what do you know?? It was snowing. I met some cars with heavy layers of snow on them. It is cold, rainy and blowy here in Hartford. I met Gloria at the gym for a dip in the pool which turned out to be too cold for me but I did manage to sit in the luscious warmth of the hot tub for a few minutes. Then grocery shopping and home. I had Bash with me since he gave me the big sad eyes this a.m. when I was preparing to leave. He is being velcro dog today. I worked on Monday at the winery but not since then. Friday I will work in Pawlet at the Flower Brook Acupuncture clinic where I will be doing Polarity and Cranial Sacral. Yes!!! My fridays will be spent there from now on. I think the winery and apple barn are too cold for my arthritic body.

A friend and I are speaking of going to Florida together in Feb. It sounds wonderful to me but when I think of the money required to do so and the wages lost while I am away, I get cold feet. I guess I should just go and to hell with the money part of it since I know I will be sorry if I don't. We can stay with Sharon and Brent in Tampa and stop in Richmond at my daughter's for one night on the trip. That leaves just one other night to stay in a motel.

Please pray for the right man to win the election at this crucial time in our Country's history. As women who have fought, died and sacrificed for years for the right to make decisions for our own bodies, we women must vote for Obama/Biden. Otherwise, our daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters will have to begin the fight for their rights all over again. As women of strength and power to stand on our own, we must unite and send a message that we will not be bullied by the old guard. Our bodies, our spirituality, our morals are our own private domain and do not belong in the US gov't. What do you think would happen if the gov't said men had to be castrated because they caused an illegitamate pregnancy?

'Nuff said -

May you be blessed with stars in your eyes, dancing shoes on your feet and love in your hearts,
Donna

A couple of quick quotes for the day

Learn of Me. Kill the self within. Every blow to self is used to shape the real, eternal, imperishable you. Be candid and rigorous with yourselves. Did self prompt that? and if it did, oust it at all costs.

--Two Listeners

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end [is] not by and by. (Luke 21:9)

These two quotes were on my home page this morning and I felt the need to pass them on.

The leaves are dropping rapidly since we have had a killing frost every night for several days. Time to pull your energies in and think about your needs, your hibernation and your creative self. A long period of silence approaches. We may even have some snow flurries tonight.

Have a blessed day -

Rainy Thursday

I am home today with my growling low back. I had two days off as well but I must have overdid yesterday. I had an acupuncture treatment on Tuesday and it really helped. But yesterday I lifted on the kayaks that needed to go back in the barn and bang! there was the pain again. I just forgot. I am not used to favoring my back much. It is cold and rainy so the Orchard is quiet today. Hopefully, I will be ready to work tomorrow and the weekend. I hope to take part of Sunday off since Gloria is having a birthday party.

I made bread yesterday and a wonderful Plum Kuchen. Pete and I ate half of the cake last night. I also made a clean out the garden stew. We will have that for lunches this week.

Sat in the sunshine on the deck yesterday for about an hour. It was a wonderful treat. We are supposed to get some really cold temps in the next few days. I am going to clean my heater registers today to prepare to turn on the furnace for the first time. I have been using my electric radiant heater off and on when I have needed it. The sunshine streams into this house on sunny days and provides cheap heat.

I am completing this on Friday a.m. before going to work. Back is still about the same but need to go in after 3 days off. I post a couple of photos for you. One is of Pete's house with the cornfield beside it; one is on the road to work and one is a long view of the Adirondacks aflame. Also stuck in a shot of my house in the fall.

Play well together my friends and watch S&L.

Autumn Thursday

Cloudy and a light rain today. I am working at the Winery today but expect it will be fairly quiet. Who wants to pick apples in the rain? I am being educated in appleology (my term). I was pretty much a MacIntosh/Gala apple person - Wow, what I had been missing! I tried the Honey Sap, then the Mancoun, then the Northern Spy and the Liberty and today I will try the JoniGold. Hick's Orchard grows about a dozen varieties and I look forward to trying each one as they ripen for picking. We have had at least two white frosts now so the apples will really sweeten up.

Bash is anxious to go out in the yard each day since he discovered we have a cottontail in the hedgewrow. The bunny plays bunny games with Bashey. Bash will be rooting around in the bushes for that pervasive scent when I see the bunny dashing away behind him. At least we have had no more deaths in the yard from the mysterious predator. I think a Fishcher Cat.

I cleaned out the gardens yesterday all but the Carrots and Onions. I dug the potatoes from my old tires. What fun! I couldn't believe the volume of worms in the soil. Very healthy dirt. The potatoes numbered about 2 dozen from 4 holes. I dried them, put them in a bushel basket which is in the basement. I have also been cutting my herbs, tying them up and hanging them in the basement to dry. Then I mowed the grass for what may be the last time 'til spring. I drained the water from the motorhome to prepare for winterization. Pete came Tuesday to fill in my rutts in the driveway. Bless his heart for help. It had gotten really rough coming in. Today we are having a gentle rain which should harden down the crush and run gravel he put in. Two hard frosts have slowed up the growth of the grass and turned the leaves to brillance.

Here is the message on my google home page today which I want to share with you all.
My Spirit supplies the wisdom and the strength for your journey. Know I have prepared the way. Continue to pray on God's Will. Think of ways to barter for what you need and rely on one another.

See you in the orchard---

Moon of New Friends

The Cherokee people celebrate this new sliver of moon as do Jews, Hindus and Greeks. Socializing, meeting new people, opening your heart to Love One Another is the key note.

I am preparing for a busy day at Hick's Orchard today. Tomorrow too. We were quite busy yesterday, Friday, even in the wind and rain. The foliage color is nearly at peak - certainly will be by mid-week. If we get heavy rain and wind, as we usually do, many leaves will be down.

I have a new neighbor. I am grateful for her, a single gal like myself. Younger though. She is a teacher in Fort Ann. I hope we will be friends and look out for one another. The house on the other side of me is now for sale. I think that one is for sale for economic reasons.

My house faces East so I get the early morning rays of Sun. I open my front door since I have a glass storm door. It is like having solar heat. I hope this house will heat easily and cheaply this winter. Time is flying by, September is gone and here we are in October. I am looking for help to assist me in winterizing my motorhome. So many things that need to be done in preparation for winter which will come overnight. Today, October 4th, 1987, there was an incredible snow storm, 18" on the trees that hadn't lost their foliage. Power went out for days,trees fell down, it was a mess. I remember clearly since my oldest grandchild, Patrick, was born about 4:00 today 21 years ago. Luckily, I had gone to the hospital early in the a.m. because I never would have made it later in the day. My daughter, Jill, is having a party for him today in Vermont. Unfortunately, I cannot make it since this is one of our busiest weekends in the short intense season of apple harvest.

Gotta walk Sebastian before work. More later -

See ya

Tuesday - day off

Yes, change is the key word in this era. How appropriate for us to come to grips with our darkest side - Greed - now in the autumn of 2008. This is the autumn of all we once knew. Everything and everyone who represents anything but love, compassion, hope, faith and caring for Mother Earth and her inhabitants will be gone soon. Old thoughtforms, old politics, old beliefs, old energy forms, old monetary policies - gone soon. The teachings of the Christ Consciousness are now coming to the forefront as was predicted thousands of years ago. The Second Coming or Rapture (as it is called in some circles) will be revealed as a time for humankind to open their hearts to the expansive energy of Love revealing the Christ and His teachings in all of us. As you look into the eyes of another from now on, look for the reflection of Christ. I urge you to release any fears you have as we go through these changes. We can no longer hold on to any of our former old beliefs. Please pray, meditate and give to others. Fasten your seat belt which is given to you by your Creator God. The belt is made up of the fabric of all those who give from their hearts to others. The threads are gold and silver strands of love - strong and enduring.

I took yesterday off to relax and rejuvenate. I have had a head cold and didn't feel up to facing the public. Today and tomorrow are my regular days off so I am feeling very good. I have appts. and duties but it is different. I am making sour-dough bread today. My Sis gave me some sourdough mix she bought in San Francisco on their recent trip there. This will be the third time I have used it for whole wheat bread. I share the loaf with Pete. It lasts us a week and is wonderful. Bashey gets a coiff tomorrow. He is in dire need. We have had Rosie with us again - this time for just 4 days.

I have posted some pics of the Slyboro Ciderhouse and Winery entrance as well as a shot of a bee's nest found in the orchard. You can see the apples inside the nest. The potatoes are from my "old tires" (I thought maybe I would dig little tires). Also see the shot of the list of apples we are picking now. May you feel sunshine on your shoulders, love in your heart and joy in your step.

It's Monday, First day of Fall

Greetings everyone! Sebastian has on his winter coat. He needs a bath too. Unfortunately, I have to have some of that coat cut off or he will be a tangled mess. He is a bit more clingy since I am gone a lot during the days I work. I am working today - have to be in b-4 11 a.m. Normally, I would have had the day off but I switched with a co-worker so I could go to BOCES substitute teacher orientation tomorrow. The temps are cooling off now and the colours around us are intensifying. I will take some photos and post them. The balloon fest was a huge success. Once again I didn't get over there but one of our visitors at the winery had taken numerous photos which were spectacular. What grand weather we had for it.

There is alot of work to be done around my house to prepare for winter. I know from the past that winter will come in quickly and I don't want to be taken by surprise. I lost numerous shingles from the barn roof during a recent wind storm. I also have to winterize the coach.

Pete has taken over much of the meal preparation for us since I have been working through the dinner time hour. Bless him for his flexibility. Today we are having Crockpot beef with carrots, squash,brocolli and beans from my garden. Yesterday, I brought home a bottle of Hidden Star wine from our winery to serve with the bar-b-q chicken he brought home from the Fish and Game fund raiser he worked at. Well, poor guy had to eat before I got there since I was late. Then I was so tired, I didn't want to waste a lovely bottle of wine on myself who would fall into bed right after woofing down my food. I will save it for a more relaxed time.

I am researching some type of portable garage for my car this winter. I don't want to shovel snow all the way to the barn especially early in the morning. My arthritic hands will not permit that kind of heavy work. Any one have any ideas about those garages?

My dryer just shut off - gotta go. More later.

Wednesday

Iam writing this blog from my own computer in MY VERY OWN HOUSE! Once again, hopefully this time, I have the right service. I have Wild Blue - the big blue satellite dish, on my roof now. Yuck but if it works, fine. Since I receive DirectTV, this is supposed to work as well. I have missed having my own computer on whenever I wanted to sit down and work. I know a few people who have this service and enjoy it. Now that I am working full time I also feel I can once again afford this service. Today is a day off - YEA!

I am enjoying my job at Hick's Slyboro Ciderhouse Winery. Yes, you read the word, "Enjoy". About time after that horrific experience at Panera Bread. I really was going downhill fast at that job. My body was sore everywhere and I was exhausted. Since I have an auto-immune disease for the last 12 years, maybe more, I have had to learn to pace myself and keep my stress to a minimum. You may ask, "What were you thinking"? Well, I'll tell you. After plastering two counties with resumes and applications for jobs for 3 mos. and getting two interviews only to be turned down for those 2 jobs, I was feeling very frightened and rejected. Desparate is a good word. When Panera called, I jumped at it. I really thought I could do it and obviously they did too or they wouldn't have gone to the trouble of training me. I tried it for 3 weeks and it didn't get better but it surely did get worse. The last day I worked, I fell asleep driving home the 15 miles. I went off the side of the road and was roused just before I hit a pole. I was very shaken. In fact, I haven't been back on that road since. I made the decision then. The following day, Hick's called about the job at the Orchard. An omen for sure. I also applied for a job as a teacher substitute in all the neighboring schools. That looks good too since I am going for orientation next week. My job at the winery is done at Christmas. The teaching jobs will fill in the winter. Winter?? That is another story, another challenge to be met.

No one who reads my blog has made any comments about the picture of the T-storm coming in over the mts. near my house. I think it is a wonderful picture. Those old mts. are always offering a spectacular show. Our trees are turning color now and the temps are cooling off a bit but the weather is wonderful. Sebastian has grown a thick coat. He won't have a problem with the winterweather. He and I were out walking early yesterday morning before I went to work when we came across a large (at least 4') black snake. It was dead but still a bit scary. I have lived with some very poisonous snakes in NC. I don't mind the non-poisonous variety as long as I see them first. This one had eaten recently, I hope the mice that are trying to get into our homes at this time of year. We left it there to see what would happen. Last night in the dark, we went out and it was still there undisturbed. This morning it was gone. I wonder if whoever killed it, came back for it. I did take pictures though just in case it disappeared. I know I have a large Redtailed Hawk here and a Barred Owl, either one could kill a snake of that size but the snake was very heavy to lift or maybe the predator was interrupted, who knows?

I have been gathering colored weeds and putting them in the grapevine wreaths I have on the back and front doors. I love the colours this time of year. I found I had some very tiny pumpkins of the brightest orange color as well as a tiny melon and squash. I have brought them inside and placed them at the feet of my ugly black and purple witch and my large wooden crow. My fall display! I will be dragging pine cones, leaves and branches, cat tails in here until snow flies. I was a hunter/gatherer in another life.

I hope you have been able to watch S&L or the video clip that is going around the internet of the Palin/Clinton ladies debating. It is very funny. The gal that plays Palin is perfect and I find it hard to tell who is who. I am sure we will see more of these two in the next 50 days.

It seems Greed is on the way out even if the greedy don't like it. This is the era of change - the old will be gone and the new will come in. This applies to all things. Change is totally necessary now if we are to survive and learn to love our planet and one another. I remember Christ saying in the Bible that the meek shall inherit the earth - we are getting there. For many years I have been preaching to those who would listen, doing my energetic healing work and practicing living a balanced, loving life. There are many of us who are doing the same and we were told there would be drastic changes from '08 - '12 but as time went on, I wondered if I would live to see it all. Now I think I will. What a ride!

The images here are of my second birthday picnic at Pete's house with his family. He is shown with his son Mark and grandsons, Dylan and Thad. The other is of Pete with his daughters-in-law, Laura and Mary Beth. His other son Danny is not pictured. The snake is no relation and is only shown for my readers benefit. If anyone knows anything about this type of snake, I would appreciate it.

May you feel the Love, the Healing Light from the Universe on your shoulders and in your Hearts -

Donna and Sebastian

Saturday morning

Hot off the press! Wednesday afternoon on my way home from work at Panera Bread in Queensbury, I fell asleep at the wheel, ran off the road and woke up just before hitting a pole. Thanks to my Angels who are always on high alert. I have been so tired even though I get 7 - 8 hrs. of sleep a night. The job totally stressed my mind and my body. It was rush, rush, rush all the time. I was the only older person on my shift so no one talked with me throughout the day. Actually, there was never anytime for small talk. It was all about getting the food out as fast as possible under some really disorganized conditions. I am sure that not all Panera's are the same. Management is too blame. But the next day I got a call from our local orchard U-Pick farm which is very picturesque and one of Rachel Ray's favorite autumn haunts. I interviewed, accepted a job in the winery called Slyboro Ciderhouse Winery and began work two days ago. I love it! I am still on my feet for 7 hours but there is no stress. I get to talk to people, give wine tastings and sell the wine. Apple wine that is. The winery is located in the former apple storage barn which is unique and quaint. I will find out if I can take some pics and post them so you can see. Hick's Orchard is only 6.5 miles from my house.

I have applied as a substitute teacher in the area schools too since the winery job ends around Christmas. Will keep you posted.

We have had a touch of frost and the trees are turning but the weather continues mild. I talk to many who are struggling in this economy. Please pray for those who are in pain and who live in fear.

Blessed be --
Donna

Tuesday evening

Sorry folks - this is going to be short. I have been working long days from the early morning hours at Panera Bread as a cashier. I am very very tired. My body is not used to the standing and my mind is stressed out. I feel like I am fog bound. I am the only oldster in the building, well nearly - we have an older man who is our dishwasher. I don't know if I will be able to continue with this job. Going to give it another week which will make three. I have applied as a substitute teacher in the BOCES system which regulates all the teachers in two counties. I think that will be less stressful and won't be full time.

Meanwhile, tomatoes, we have tomatoes - big ones, little ones and those roma in betweens. They are the most delicious fruits. I am totally spoiled for the store bought ones now. Picking one off the plant, holding it in my hand warm from the sun, rubbing it a bit and popping it into my mouth. Oh my!

I am off to bed now. More on the weekend when I am rested. I am at Pete's now and must head home. Bye

Sunday

My family gave me a great b'day gift yesterday (no, it is not my b'day yet - the 31st is not a convenient day). they held a picnic at my house. The weather was grand. I had mowed the grass so we played wiffle ball, polish horseshoes and a bon fire. The fire was welcome because as soon as the sun went down, it was very cool. We have 85 during the day but the nights are cooling off now.

I am a working woman. I was hired at Panera Bread a week ago. My shift is breakfast and in the bakery part of the store. I go in at 5:30a.m. and am done by 2 p.m. which puts me home by 2:30 p.m. It is full time and will include weekends. But I have the the afternoon and evenings which is great. I find I need to settle in to bed very early since I am up at 4:30 to walk Bash etc. This is a totally new experience for me. I have done many things but only worked food service in '66 for a year as a short order cook. Being a server and cashier is very challenging. My feet and legs don't bother me as long as I keep moving. It is my mind that is slow. I can't retain much. I think it will get easier when I am not as nervous.

Who knows what door this will open. Frankly, I want to get back to my healing work as soon as I can. Bearfoot is still sitting in the yard like a great behemoth or perhaps it is an albatross. It is really breaking me financially. I listed it with a broker the other day. I had to pay the advertising fee though.

I am going to cut this short since the sun is shining and I want to go sit on the porch with my friend.

Soon-

Friday again

Had the Endoscopy test done yesterday. It was a piece of cake actually. Best news is I am fine. No damage to my esophogas. Pete drove me home to Jill and the kids. They came to my house and cooked supper for all of us. It was great seeing them since they just returned from a week in Maine.

I am at Panera Bread now catching up on computer stuff and then having an interview for a job. Busy, busy place. There has been a line at the counter for over 2 hours. It is raining here today. Just drizzle. Cooler temps too. August is usually cooler anyway.

Fair week starts Monday. That is the Washington Co. fair. I have written about it in years past. It is a farmer's fair. When you walk around the grounds you have to keep an eye on where you are putting your feet. It is not unusual to see a young child leading his/her cow around the midway. I hope to go over for the horse shows. I think Emily will be showing her new horse. I am so happy for her. He is a 17 yr. old retired open jumper, a Dutch warmblood, huge, black and loveable. He was a gift and came with all his clothing, equipment and tack.

Gloria and Emory are preparing to go to Alaska. Rosie will come to stay with Bash and me. She and Bash get along well most of the time. She dashed in from the dining room to grab a bone they had been sharing, bit him in the muzzle, grabbed the bone and took off. He lept out of the way of her. She is the boss lady. Bash is feeling better although he is still eating grass and drinking lots of water. He is supposed to take the antibiotic for another week. He had a lyme booster shot and will have another in a couple of weeks. But I talked with the pet shop and they don't advise giving the boosters. I can only hope I have done the right thing.

The Olympic games are robbing me of my beauty sleep. I cannot not watch them and end up staying up until after midnight. Sometimes I doze off and miss the one event I stayed up for.

The garden is producing lots of good veggies. I cannot wait to dig in the old tires to find out what the potatoes look like. But there are plenty of tomatoes, peppers, cabbages, squash, cukes, carrots and onions. I don't need to plant corn since I am surrounded by corn planters. They pick it every day and put it out by the road. Here are some photos that I think you will enjoy. One is a shot of roadside flowers, some are of the farm where Emily rides in Pawlet, VT.

Friday

Still raining here. My brother, Gary, was here for a couple of days this week. It was great seeing him. Gloria, my sister, and I took him over to Lake George yesterday. It rumbled and huge black clouds floated around, we drove through a heavy duty hail storm on the way over. I had never been to the top of Prospect Mt. so we went up there. It was stormy but very beautiful. Cold too. What a difference in temp. up there. I will post a picture. Hopefully, you can see the storms all around us.

We had dinner again last night at Gloria and Em's house and then settled in to go through the remainder of 24 boxes of old slides our father took. We pulled out the ones we need to print in order to preserve them. Some of them are nearly 60 years old. It was both tedius and exciting to go through them. Hopefully, I will post some of them at some point.

I am at the Library now. I love libraries. This one is being redone but it is nice as it is. Pete joined Netflix and we enjoyed our first film - Bucket List. To me, it was 3 plus stars. I enjoyed it. I like movies and don't get to see many anymore so am looking forward to the next film.

Had an interview this week. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed. Have applied for lots of jobs in this area. Still have a few more to go. Maybe when the college kids go back, there will be more out there.

Sebastian is still on the Doxi for the Lyme. Poor guy drinks a lot of water and then has to pee more often. He is eating now though. I hope this is not much longer. He goes to the vet on the 16th. I go to the gastro guy on the 14th for an endoscopy (sp?) Never had one before. Trying to get to the bottom of the heart burn. I think when my finances ease up, I will feel better. My bp is up higher than it has ever been. I always had remarkedly low bp. Anxiety will do it.

Enjoy the shots of the pow wow at Rodgers Island. Stay well, stay connected and stay centered.

Friday

It is hazy, hot and humid here. I came over to Panera after applying for a job in a coffee shop and delivering my resume to two other companies. I have an interview next week. Only the second one out of all these applications. It is discouraging. I thought I might try to upload a couple of photos for you.

Thursday night

Here is the story friends. I sent back my air card from Verizon. You know the one I have been complaining about since I got it. It was a costly thing and half the time I didn't have any internet service. Now I must find the WiFi iin the area. I go up to Gloria's, over to the Crandall Library and up to Panera Bread in Queensbury. I know there are others, I just haven't located them yet. It is kind of a nuisance not to be able to sit down in the early morning with my coffee but it was very frustratiing when it didn't work.

I just took two days off from job hunting to go to the horse show in East Dorset with my daughter and granddaughters. The weather has been hot and beautiful here. The mountains are spectacular with the sharp contrasts brought about by clouds and their shadows. Today it was hazy so the sun didn't really feel as hot as it was. We did have over 10" of rain not quite a week ago. Two of my three cellars were wet. They are finally drying out again. I have a dehumidifier in the one that has the most tendency to gather water. The garden is produciing beans now as well as cukes, peppers, cabbages, brocolli and onions. Carrots too. I am disappointed in my zuchinni and yellow squashes. Usually they produce like crazy but this year not so. Still picking the jap. beetles off the beans a couple times a day. They should be disappearing soon.

Sebastian has lyme in his blood test. Poor guy is taking the antibiotic for it. Upsetting to his stomach. Hopefully, he will be ok. He has lived 12 years in the south, been bitten many times and had to come to NY to pick up the lyme tick.

I am posting this at Pete's on his computer so I cannot upload photos. Stay in touch dear friends. It is important in these times that we link up with one another.