Merry Merry To You

The gifts are unwrapped,

the paper and ribbons gathered 

up and put away.

The standing rib roast is just about

 to hit the oven

and my thoughts drift toward 

the Yorkshire Pudding to come.

Breakfast was omelets with a little 

Pride and Prejudice viewing post eating.

That scene of him walking 

across the moors...

gets me every time...

The kids and I have spent each late night

 watching Season 1 of Homeland, that 

I purchased just for that purpose.

We have thoroughly enjoyed it, 

and now I have to find a way to see Season 2.

Spending each evening with them 

in pj's on the couch, 

noshing on a variety of snacks

 has been...well exquisite....

We hit all our favorite stores last week, 

and their Father treated them to many fabulous 

meals about town, while I was at work.

Tonight they attend the annual 

Christmas Day movie with him.

Dearest Son leaves for LA tomorrow

 and Darling Daughter 

heads back to NYC, weather permitting,

on Thursday.

It will take me several days to adjust

and not be sad...even knowing they 

return to good friends and significant 

others who love them.

A few more days of holiday work and 

then it's on to 2013 and job searches 

and house redecorating/purging plans 

and a return to my list of all those

 things left undone in 2012,

and moved over to the New Year.

I have been so blessed.

I wish peace, love and joy

to all of you this day....

and I pray each day

that soon this world will

end the hatred, greed,

dishonesty and cruelty 

that makes this 

gift of life so difficult 

for so many.

I love finding you here

each day, each week.

You make my days brighter,

and fill my heart with laughter.

Thank you for your love, 

your support and exceptional kindness.

Merry Merry to you all.

Z

Blessings

A heavy NYC winter coat hanging from the hook

 A jumbled mess of her favorite throws
 and smooshed pillows on the couch. 

I saw this first thing as I rounded the corner
 into the den this morning. 
Darling daughter is still asleep after working 

until 3 am (6 am her time) on the computer last night.

I cannot explain why seeing these two sights made me well

up with tears, except to say...

She's Home

She's Home

Dearest Son arrives in one week.

His shoes, his jackets will be strewn everywhere.

He's Home

He's Home

I have a lovely roof overhead

Nourishing food in the pantry

Generous and loving friends

Glorious children

A holiday job I adore

Life is so good

..and the tears fall gently again

merry merry everyone

I pray you are as blessed

Z

Waiting on Justice

I was awakened VERY early this morning by howling and 

quickly discovered our Justice 

seemed to have lost her sight entirely. 

Terrified and unable to hear me reassure her, 

she was hiding under chairs and 

behind them scurrying around the living room. 

I had a thought that her collar and leash might reassure her,

so I grabbed them and sure enough she walked calmly

 out the door to the yard with Howie leaping along side.

 Once she got there, she calmed down and I sat on the porch

 and watched them and snapped some quick pics.

Anyone remember my floppy stars from a few years ago?

I solved the problem...uh..so far....

(Since the pic, I removed the wreath, they looked silly together)

After about 15 minutes Justice trotted back inside

and went to her water bowl and then 

calmly walked straight to her bed and went to sleep,

apparently able to see out of her one eye once more.

She still seems to have a problem with the 

smaller doorway into the kitchen and family room.

She hesitates, then shakes a lot and then dashes through. 

The peripheral vision thing must be difficult for her.

I know there will be more incidents like this morning in our future.

Darling Daughter has not yet seen her like this.

I am glad that she will be home during 

the day to provide Justice comfort when I cannot, 

and perhaps spend her last days with her.

I have no idea how we will care for a blind and deaf dog,

who has many other health issues.

 One day at a time.

Today I'm just going to enjoy the chilly weather

 and the holiday dressings around oldgreymare, 

drink my coffee and get to work.

Refuge

Simply felted pieces this year in the master.

On the garland, wreath, birds, figures.

Add candles and a few touches of blue.

Refuge

The patterns in here are brown striped, 

blue florals, brown checks,

cream/brown stripe, blue quilts, etc.

The ceiling is painted blue with heavy cream walls,

and cream wool patterned carpet.

All mixed together willy nilly.

The blue house painting is mine.

The photography darling daughters'.

I made this advent over 10 years ago.

Almost all are Rennie family pieces 

including my Aunt Iva's frame.

Button hooks and eye wear were my Dad's collections.

As requested: a closer look at the felt birdies...

and a couple of the Sarah Lugg ornaments

 Howie DID NOT BREAK....

(remember he broke 4)

Have a great week,

if I don't see you before then.

Z