Hope for 2011

Up bright and early to another sunshine filled, upstate morning.  The birds are singing, the geese are feeding (and very noisy), the Christmas decorations are down and very close to their resting places for the next 11 months. The tree is sitting barely by the window waiting for some brawny men to take it on its last journey outside, then back inside to storage.. (everything has a pre-planned pathway and destination here at EIEIO).  Doesn't take long to de-Christmas anymore....The more effort and planning I do when things get packed away, the easier it is to decorate next holiday.  I'm usually planning for Florida in this week but I've been able to push that back for a few weeks (months maybe).  Stacks of books always sit patiently waiting for the move to Jerome but w/ my new kindle.... I'm perplexingly (new word) paper-free.  I do have a new James Patterson book and a couple Sandra Brown waiting to be read but the new ones will be "whispered" to my Kindle.  I  may have a bit of trouble parting w/ the hard copies...hard to break old habits at my age and I love the look of shelves lined with reading material.  I seldom reread a book but I have made one of my resolutions to go back and soak in Sidney Sheldon.. He was the writer who enticed me to to sit and absorb intelligent, mysteries.  That was about 35 years ago.  I do love technology but there's a bit of old school left in me too. I have much on my computer but I'm a copy maker too.  Someday, maybe I'll trust innovations a little more but for now it's about 50/50 for old habits vs.exciting advancements.
My hope for 2011 is that I'm around to complain about what I don't like and probably don't understand, that I have time with my granddaughter to teach her how wonderful reading and writing is, that my family is healthy, happy and understands that nobody makes them happy but themselves and most importantly that you never get everything you want but it's ok to dream that you might!
Happy New Year to all of you who take the time ( you must have something better to do)  to read my rantings, complaints, and joys and share my photos.  You all provide me with much needed therapy via prose. 
See you next year!

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadow.”- Helen Keller

No problem with this Sasquatch shadow.  Today has reaffirmed my belief that it's not warmth I yearn for.. it's  sunshine.  A renewed energy accompanied the sunrise this morning. EIEIO is glorious in any weather but exceptionally on a sunshiny, winter day.  Our resident hawk was back this morning, obviously hungry and knowing there was an abundance of appetizers on site.  The birds were busy avoiding his glare and sending out the warning to cancel needless flights. I feel badly that my feeders are virtual fly through restaurants for "Red" (tailed hawk) but once again, I'm learning survival of the fittest lessons every day. I do see some unusual tracks to the main feeder so I'll solicit Lee's help tonight to move the trail cam from tree stand views to the patio.  They're bigger than a deer but not really sure what they are....Maybe tomorrow, we'll know. We have 4 evergreen kissing balls hanging on the porches. I'm trying to dream up something useful for them.  I'll remove the Christmasy balls and poinsettias and maybe attach some peanut butter laden pine cones.  Some birds have already used them for asylum from the snow and wind (and maybe "Red" too).  It will be a fun project for Bailee and me when she returns home from her "sentence" at her Dad's this week.  A week is a VERY long time for dependent Grandma.  That's party of my reluctance for an extended southern stay. I like Home!  I know, I'm old!  Christmas is mostly down and removed.... Looking forward to a healthy, happy 2011...... Isn't that a decade more than that Space Odyssey tale?  WOW

Just living is not enough...One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower-

Hans Christian Anderson

Whew....only 4 more days

Only 4.5 more days until 2011.  I'm not sure whether that makes me happy or sad.  2010 was a year of some moderate change but as they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same.  A very strange but true adage.  Jess, Bailee and I went to visit Mom yesterday...........an interesting visit, as always.  When we arrived, she was sleeping in a chair in the kitchen/activity area.  She woke easily so I'm thinking maybe she was just resting.  The entire memory wing was recuperating from several days of the stomach bug with Mom as it's first casualty.  The nasty germ forced them to cancel the Christmas party which, in that wing, was not an issue as most didn't realize it was Christmas-time.  We brought Mom/Grandma/Gr.Grandma her Christmas gifts. Her bright green stocking was decorated with a sparkly, red butterfly. Butterflies are her favorite.  Inside she found some essentials like deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, Fixodent, etc. none of which she recognized.  Her first question was "How do I use this" and then "What's this for?"  Another lightening bolt announcing a jump to another phase:-(   She had asked for a new watch with bigger numbers so Sandy Claus had found a nice digital one with numbers she can hopefully recognize.  She will now be wearing TWO watches....just cuz!  S.C. also brought her a new pair of slippers.  Her only shoe of choice is the pair she got last year from Jennings. She wears them every day, everywhere!  Jess managed to get them on and I think she liked them.  She said, "now what are these called?"  I answered, "Slippers!"   "No" she said shaking her head.  I finally figured out what she was thinking (that in itself could be the scariest event of the year).  I said, "Moccasins?". She nodded.... They did have a nice rubber sole, fleece lining and were made of suede with a bow made from a  shoe lace.  Sometimes that glimmer of "recognition" (and hope) shines brightly.  Bailee is pretty intimidated by the attention from Mom's neighbors so we put her in charge of photography to take her mind off the glares and comments.  One gal did ask how old "HE" was.... Bailee, with her famous stance of hands on hip and head cocked and scowly, powly face, let her know, in no uncertain terms, "I AM NOT a boy! After a few minutes, Mom once again picked up the stocking announcing, "this is just like Christmas"......("Yep, it is Mom":-) and proceeded to look at each item and ask "What's this for?".... I smiled at Jess and whispered, "It's Groundhog Day." 

Our visit was short and sweet and probably forgotten within seconds of our departure but we'll soon be back for next week's visit. She's happy, content and we couldn't wish for more to end 2010.  Nobody knows what 2011 will bring but we'll handle it the best we can.  Every day is gift so we'll open it with pleasure even if we sometimes say, "what's this for and how will we use it!!"

Merry Christmas Memories

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Mixed Emotions

It's Christmas Eve!  Exactly 4 years and 4 hours ago I physically lost one of the smartest, most wonderful human beings that graced this earth.   Once I was told the end was near, it was an excruciating 4 hours.  I remember sitting on the ER floor.  I was by myself but I wasn't alone.  I would never have made it through those hours or been able to make the decisions I made without Audrey Sharpsteen, the crew of 4-town (who stayed with me to the end) and Ray who was only a phone call (or 2-3 or 4) away.  Lee stayed home w/ Mom and Jess was at home in Cortland with a new baby. Dad never wanted to have a debilitating illness or be a burden to anyone. He was always looking for his own personal Doctor Kevorkian.  When the Dr. asked if they could intubate , hopefully giving them time to put in a pacemaker.....it became a decision akin to, do I jump off the Brooklyn Bridge or not?  I knew what Dad's answer would be but...............could I be responsible for saying "no" when it could have given me more breakfasts w/ him?  I said, "Ok" and within minutes.... he was gone anyway. As if to say, "Listen Missy, what part of DNR didn't you understand?"  He always had the last word!  Miss you like crazy Dad.....How you would love Bailee and how she would love you...How proud you would be of Jess... Going to school, owns her own home and is a remarkable Mom.  Jeff is doing better... and successful at his job too.... he has a great girlfriend and makes us proud and makes us laugh!  I'm doing my best to take care of Mom... I believe she's happy and content and still physically healthy.  I'm not sure why I'm writing this as you can't read blogs on a typewriter and I'm fairly certain (like positive) you don't have a computer up there.  Just wanted you to know, we're OK... Have a great Christmas w/ Steve... See you one day!

Love,

  San  (Peanut)

Ho Ho.......

Ho Ho Home for the Holiday....Jeff and Heather arrived safely last night.  They caught an earlier flight so they were in @ 6:15 rather than midnight.. Thanks Santa for the special delivery!   We're all geared up for tonight's arrival of Santa.  He's been notified by mail, email and in person that we really want him to make an early run to upstate New York tonight (and then again on the real Christmas Eve if he'd like to). We had a great visit from Resa and Michelle last night.  They came bearing three gifts.....no gold, frankincense and myrrh for us....even better....no- bakes, trail mix and FUDGE!!!  Who needs three wise men (like there even ARE that many) when we have two wise women!!!  Mom's mac and cheese tonight and maybe even a few games.... then to bed for Miss B so Santa can arrive.  Little does she know that we have real deer in our yard most every night...well we would if her Papa and Uncles would stop murdering them :-) (Another story for another day). Tomorrow will be a day of food, presents, maybe some alcohol and lots of bonding....Christmas for us is whenever we're all together. Chances are good for a few pictures on Thursday or maybe Friday.... Merry early Christmas everyone!

Raymond Lyrics - Brett Eldredge

I'm not a country western fan BUT....I love this song. My SIL Lisa told me about it yesterday morning at breakfast.  Thought you all might enjoy it.  After-all, we all know someone who is suffering through this complex disease!

Let the celebrations begin

Busy day... Hatfield Christmas tonight here.. Pictures,, shocker, tomorrow!!!

Person of the Year

This kid (as BOTH of my kids are older than he) would get my vote too.  I love technology...I'm technologically challenged but I love it and try to surround myself w/ those who can help me...(Thank you Jess, Jeff, Casey, Jamie, Best Buy..and the list continues).  There are those people who say that they don't want their private business splashed across the Internet or they don't have time or they don't understand it but I am a HUGE (Billy Fuccillo kind) fan of Face Book. Kudos to this kid for the ingenuity, foresight and talent to literally start the world talking.  In one fell swoop..or click of the mouse, I have had the greatest time connecting and reconnecting with old and new friends and family.  It's a bit addictive but other than diet Pepsi and Bailee....my vices are few.  The dialogue alone that it generates boggles my mind.  People whom you thought you had little in common with become soul mates....Family I haven't see in 45 years, have become fast friends again.  ALL of us have the same aches and pains, trials and tribulations, day to day ups and downs but it really seems to lighten the load when we share. The most amazing thing to me is the genuineness ( yes, I looked it up, it's a word) of it all !  I'm a picture junkie.... hey I've even been known to take my camera to a funeral ( I have the most touching photos of all the great grandchildren sitting on the floor by Grandma Iva's casket after calling hours were over sharing stories and anecdotes of their wonderful memories of her).  I love ALL the photos on FB!!. Hey, I never knew so many enjoyed pictures of birds and there have been some beauties posted.  At our annual girls get together on Tuesday, one  the gals who's online but not FB... joked about how she didn't get to see all those neat things posted on MyFace.... That prompted some great laughs and will now stick with us forever.
Well my hat's off to you, Mark Zukerberg. You've made my world a little bit smaller and a lot more fun!!

B's first day

Monday was Miss B's first day in the Big Stool (school).  She loves it!!  She would really like to ride the bus but it's OK that she lives right across the street.  I'm thinking this is just the beginning of wanting to do what the other kids are doing...I'm waiting to hear Jess say, "I suppose if they jumped off a bridge, you'd want to jump too!" I'm kind of enjoying this big dose of what goes around, comes around♥

Christmas Lunch w/ the "Girls"

• Today we're getting back to a tradition that is one of my favorites.  For years, the girls would get together at Carousel Mall, do a little shopping, a little drinking, a lot of talking and a bit of eating!  For the past few years, due to the busy season, some illness, the crazy NY weather and other bumps in the road, we haven't gathered.. TODAY WE"RE BACK!!!  We're meeting in Cortland..just a short hop, skip and a jump for all of us.  Sounds like maybe the men may even join us later in the day....I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone.. we need to rush less, enjoy more and spend time w/ the people that make us happy!!!  Today's the day!
• 
  
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• See you all later.. Time to hit the "Brix" :-)

More big days

Saturday we had a fun morning going to Breakfast w/ Santa.  Danielle and the girls, Holly Burhans and Nola, Jacki & Ally Brown and Bailee & Jess all joined me for some fun at Emerson Park.  I hired the local photog to tag along with us and capture the day forever.  Hopefully her pictures will be available soon.  Everybody had a great time.  Bailee asked Santa for "just everything".  Think that will go along nicely with what she's getting ;-).

Today, Bailee began her first day at UPK (Universal Pre-Kindergarten),  Jess has only one class next semester and it's a night class so it seemed silly to waste gas (@ $3.20 a gallon here in NYS) to drive her 3 days a week to pre-school in Auburn.  She loved it at Millard Fillmore which is right across the street from her house. She joins her cousin Alli and is now with all the kids she'll graduate with in 2024. Holy Crap!! I should have a picture to share tomorrow...

Most of the snow has melted but we're due for maybe a foot more by Thursday.  Winter Storm Watch from 1 p.m. today till 1 a.m. Thursday.  Obviously Mother Nature doesn't realize that winter begins NEXT week!

Snow stopped!

I think the snow got tired of falling....... We didn't get anywhere near the totals that Syracuse got. They broke the record four days in a row. I'd say we got about 15 inches. Just enough to track deer, pretty up the landscape and allow Santa smooth take offs and landings.  Bailee wrote her letter to Santa yesterday explaining that she would be at Grandma and Papa's and we were having our Christmas a bit early. Today, while Bailee is with me and her Mom is getting a new crown, she even received a message from Santa himself.... If you could have seen her face....................it was one of the most wonderful things I have EVER seen...and I've seen a lot!

Here's the link, if you'd like to share Santa's message.   http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/4p0I89fOiwvx0Nqrdkn1rw   just cut and paste...

I have to sign off for now... I'm explaining why Mom's new crown and the crown that Jack broke aren't even close to the one's that princess's wear... Wish me luck

And the bird stories continue

Yesterday, I opened the door to hand Bailee the yardstick to check the snow totals.  The minute I opened the door, a mourning dove flew IN the house. I had immediate visions of a replay of the night before with blood splattered all over my house...He flew around a bit.. trying to escape through the skylights, windows and doors and finally settled in by the tree...of course.  Jess managed to catch him so we could assess his mental and physical state....and take pictures!  Another crisis averted.  Off to the den to assemble a Santa house. The three of us were all working intently on making our project perfect when............. a Red Tailed Hawk swooped onto the porch, grabbed a bird near the feeder and flew up into a tree.  Wow.. talk about survival of the fittest!  I was feeling a bit guilty as all my feeders literally provide sitting ducks for this hook-beaked predator.  I headed to the Internet to do some research and low and behold....Big birds will, indeed, eat little birds... and not so little ones too.  Hawks enjoy dining on titmice, chickadees and even mourning doves..... No wonder they were spooked the past couple of days... I'll bet they knew he was around.  I had many of them huddled by the patio steps and doorways.  Maybe a birdbrain isn't something unintelligent afterall.

The other pix are my resident red bellied wood pecker and one of my many downy woodpeckers!

What difference a day makes...

No, it's not the lab at C.S.I. headquarters. It's just a couple  (of the many) blood spots on our garage ceiling.  Just yesterday I was sharing pictures and stories of all the beautiful birds that share EIEIO with us.  As the day...and the snow progressed, a flock of mourning doves (which are mostly pigeons with a fancier name) became confused and cold (I'm assuming). They were hitting our windows, landing on the porches, huddling on the patio furniture and one even decided to take shelter in the garage. Take offs and landings in confined quarters were not his strong suit. He appeared to have hit his head during one and continued to "practice" throughout the day. The garage ceiling is now dotted with numerous spatters of blood....not a pretty sight! Looks like a mini feathered St. Valentine's Day massacre.  Today the snow is coming down again with another 6 inches predicted before 5p.m. and 3-6 after.... Good ole NYS!  I actually quite enjoy it but it has brought about a bit of grumbling...I admit I don't have to work out in it or drive any great distances so I can commiserate with those that do.  I am; however, heading out to fill feeders this morning w/ Bailee. If I make their outdoor accommodations a bit more comfy....maybe they'll stay out there!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Wow.... a foot of snow (or more) yesterday and we're expected to get 3-6 today, 3-6 tonight, 3-6 tomorrow and 5-8 tomorrow night and on and on and on...... Not terribly windy here but then we're pretty protected.  Last night Lee and I just opened the patio doors and watched it snow out back.... A scene right out of "White Christmas!" Our birds are scrambling from feeder to feeder trying to find a place to perch.. I hate to intervene on the beauty but I'd better refill some and clean off some perches. We also have a heated bird bath that I neglected to plug in.... when I do, the 13 inches of snow will become a hot tub....It has to be strategically placed because when the birds wings become wet, they need a place to "hide" from predators while they dry off.  Cornell and the Audubon Society should be proud of my meager contributions to sustaining bird life @ EIEIO.  After all, we did move into their neighborhood.
Oh dear, Have to run.. someone's already stuck in the driveway.... Hello winter:-)

Entomology 2199

Good Morning class:  ( I always thought I'd like teaching.. standing in front of a group and lecturing with a few interjections of my own thoughts..bliss.)  Today's topic is entomology... the study of bugs, I HATE bugs.. good bugs, bad bugs, little bugs, big bugs.  Today I read that: .More than 50 percent of the homes in the United States have dust mites residing in them in significant numbers. The sun is out this morning and directly shining in all my east windows. I can truthfully report that the ( DMWWC) dust mite world wide conference is taking place today (and probably always) at this cozy home in upstate New York. Seeing the dust covered everything in my great room and reading the startling number of house "mites" in every home, I thought I'd study up a bit.  HOLY CRAP... The picture alone was enough to make me trip over my own feet running to the laundry room to get the cleaner, the swiffer, the pledge and the LYSOL!. Reading on, they survive best in mattresses, carpets, furniture and bedding. " House mites survive easily in bedding, especially pillows, deriving moisture from the humidity generated by human breathing, perspiration and saliva.OMG, I have a cold and have sweated and drooled myself to death for the past 2 nights.....Enough of the disgusting facts. How do I banish the tiny little conference goers from my bedroom most of all?  A simple washing will remove most of the waste matter.... ( I feel a little better) You can also expose the area to a temperature of OVER 140F or UNDER 32F for one hour.  Short of setting my bedroom on fire, I've gone w/ option 2. The heat is off and the windows are open, the bedding is in the washer and everything else has been lysoled......Ten minutes in a clothes dryer will also do the trick.....so..in go the pillows!
Supposedly, they love to feast on dead skin.... For Pete's sake people, we're 58 and 60, nearly everything on us is dead!  So the plan of attack is: lotion, lotion, lotion, loofah, loofah, loofah...skin down the drain and try and sleep without drooling, perspiring or breath---, oh wait, that won't work. Breathing we'd like to continue..... I guess the best answer is to not read anymore about entomology and keep dusting......or at least pull the drapes on sunny mornings

Cold

COLD... that's what it is outside and that's what I have inside.... Last night we went to the Lodge for supper and I made it about 1/2 way through my supper and I was d-o-n-e... Got home and took my temperature....100.1  UGH   Took actfied, Tylenol, grape juice and heating pad and went to bed....@ 9:00.. who goes to bed at 9 p.m. over the age of 18?... well except for Lee that is.  His bedtime is any time after 7:30.... I slept well, didn't even feel the train that ran over me.  This morning I did manage to get to the Breakfast Club. I needed hot coffee and some breakfast... No fever this a.m so I could carry on with the Feed a Cold advice.  Bailee is here this morning to get her Day # 2 advent gift....Hope she doesn't get a cold in the process.....
Snow is still on the ground... The birds are searching for my feeders which now seem so much more important to them.  The corn field across the road is partially flooded and the geese are landing by the hundreds.  The falls are roaring so hard they aren't even "falling", just shooting down to the creek.... Looks like winter is here and we just need to give in and enjoy it.... As one friend said, it's one day closer to spring.... Gotta love a NY optimist!

Welcome December

Well December arrived in typical upstate NewYork fashion.  I left the house at 7:45 and the temperature was 58 and spitting rain..... When I returned at 9:00, it was 43 and pouring.........sideways. I manged to avoid the newly formed lakes on Main Street and Congress, the flying garbage cans and lawn chairs, the freshly, fallen limbs decorating the roads and the idiots at the 4 way stop in Moravia who have no clue how that works..even when it's sunny and dry!  Being the first day of December means Bailee's stocking is hung and day one of the advent pockets is full....She's off to pre-school this morning so I have a few minutes to set up the wrapping table in my den and hopefully empty the closets, wrap and bag and move them under the tree.....Oh, wait...what tree????

I've said that for the past 5 days.  The December floor plan is set and the tree skirt is patiently waiting for the 10 foot green giant.  With my shopping complete and the wrapping following closely, I can now look forward to December's holiday engagements.  Dinner next week with my H.S. pals, Breakfast w/ Santa on the 11th with cousins, our annual Christmas gals luncheon is back on track for the 14th, Hatfield Christmas for 25 here on the 17th and Jeff and Heather arrive on the 20th for our Christmas this year on the 22nd. (We must remember to give Santa a heads up on that date). Christmas Eve will be quiet w/ just Papa, B and Jess. On Christmas Day, Bailee will head to her Dad's for a week...I'll have to plan many activities for us so we don't lose our minds without her:-(  Maybe some new flooring at 1 Van Pelt..........
 As I sit here typing, my friendly porch squirrel is looking in the window..I swear everyone peeks this time of year...thankfully I've hidden all the nuts... well almost.....some are at work

A league of their own.......

The SEC, The Big 10, The Patriot League, the Ivy League......and our favorite... The Big East!!!  Who the heck decides when a league needs to expand and who should be "invited?"  As of yesterday, the Big East is expanding.  Their choice....TCU.. that would be Texas Christian University.  Assuming those involved with the Big East are scholars (to some degree) and have had access to map in their lifetime, how does a collegiate team in TEXAS fit, geographically, into the Big  EAST?  North, south, east, west.... Remember all those old movies with cowboys and horses roaming around Texas....out west..?   Wouldn't it make sense to have a league in an area where it didn't cost the universities, it's students ,fans and benefactors a fortune to travel to games?  I remember, back in the day as they say, when our high school was involved in inter-school athletics, we played in a county league.  All of our opponents lived within the county. Now, back then it was a long haul to go to a game in Cato..... we'd pack food and blankets for the long trip home... about an hour by bus. Our county is pretty lengthy in miles from north to south.  As the years went on, they changed the qualifications to big schools and little schools.... these new leagues now send our kids,,and buses to Elmira Notre Dame and schools with a pretty hefty travelling radius.  We cut teachers and programs but we still fill up those buses for our athletes to get on the courts, tracks and fields.  That's kind of a big "DUH" for me.  I know, I'm getting old and am starting to think and relate as a senior...and not the ones graduating next summer!  It just seems that from high school to college to pro sports, everything is getting a bit out of hand. Salaries could feed families for years, Medical care on the fields of play could treat 100's of ailing people right here in the good ole USA not to mention suffering countries, travel expenses would scare even the seasoned traveler, costs of facilities are staggering even to those of us who understand the cost of construction.   I know the arguments that new stadiums and even local gymnasiums provide jobs and that sports arenas bring in funds for cities but holy cow....sending an entire sports team, coaches, doctors and equipment to Texas to play in a Big EAST sporting event just doesn't compute  In fact it's down right OxymoronISH....I love to watch and I'm a fan to the end... I guess I'd better just not over think the whole process and quietly (like I'm quiet during any game) be content to be in a League of My Own!!!

Titles.....

With the holiday season comes titles.... Black Friday, Cyber Monday.....and some of my favorites....Thirsty Thursday, Sunday Funday or Wacky Wednesday (oh, we have those all year;-).  I don't participate in Black Friday..or maybe I do by NOT shopping that day.  I did just jump in on Cyber Monday although I swore I was finished so I just bought a few things....................FOR ME!!!!  I'm keeping the bag industry in the black this year..... I only have a few things that will be wrapped traditionally..and the rest get bagged... I'll spruce them up with new tissue paper and maybe even a clever adornment.. like a pine cone, or a paint brush or something that relates to the contents.  This week will be a fun shopping trip... Bailee, Jess and I are participating in the Elf program through Cornell for Moravia students.  We sign up and are given a child to buy for.  This year we have a 5 year old from Millard Fillmore who loves princesses and purple.  We'll (Bailee) choose clothes, toys and then come home and wrap up this year's Christmas for someone else. I think it will be fun for Bailee to learn the importance of giving and shopping in town....She's young but smart and never too little to entrench the little things in her spongy brain.  It amazes me how much she retains.... for every cell I lose, I think she gains:-)

So tomorrow  (Tuesday) will now be known as Thankful Tuesday.... Thankful for all we have and that we have enough to share with others....We'll start the day with new titles:  Bountiful Bailee, Generous Grandma and Magnanimous Mommy! We are entitled to pat ourselves on the back for a good job done!

THANKSgiving

Another great Turkey Day.  We had a pleasant surprise in the morning when Bailee's Dad forgot it was his holiday. (WTH) . We were thankful that he's an idiot !!  (once again my outside voice).  We gathered at Jon and Lisa's. They always step up to host the day. It was relatively quiet and relaxing (except for the boisterous voice of a 4 year old).  The food was wonderful, as always and the stories always make us laugh....even if we tell the same ones, year after year!!  We missed Delores who was serving dinner at the Moose in Florida, the Kehoe's who were sharing the day w/ Danielle's Grandma and family, Christina and Ava who stayed in Rochester w/ her crew and of course Jerm in N.C. and our California crew.  Maybe one day we'll all get together♥

Turkey Trot @ EIEIO

Here is some fun trivia about turkeys, the all-American bird.

• There are several theories about how turkeys got their name. One story claims the Christopher Columbus heard some birds say "tuka, tuka", and his interpreter came up with the name tukki, which means "big bird" in hebrew.
• Because the wild turkey is quick to defend itself and fight against all predators, Ben Franklin wanted it as the symbol of the United States. Comparing it to the eagle, he called the turkey "a more respectable bird, a true original native of America."
• The average person in the United States will eat 15 pounds of turkey this year.
• The wild turkey is one of the more difficult birds to hunt. It won't be flushed out of the brush with a dog. Instead, hunters must try to attract it with different calls. Even with two seasons a year, only one in six hunters will get a wild turkey.
• By the 1930s, almost all of the wild turkeys in the U.S. had been hunted. Today, thanks to conservation programs, there are plenty of wild turkeys—they even invade cities!
• A male turkey is called a tom, a female is a hen, and a youngster is a poult.
• The domestic tom can weigh up to 50 pounds, the domestic hen up to 16 pounds. The wild tom can weigh up to 20 pounds, the wild hen up to 12 pounds.
• The domestic turkey can't fly. The wild turkey can, for short distances, but it prefers to walk or run.
• The average life span of a domestic turkey, from birth to freezer, is 26 weeks. During this period of time, it will eat about 75 pounds of turkey feed. The average life span of a wild turkey is three or four years. It generally feeds on seeds, nuts, insects, and berries.
• The wobbly little thing on the turkey’s chest is the turkey's beard and is made up of keratin bristles. Keratin is the same substance that forms hair and horns on other animals.
• Only male turkeys, or toms, can gobble, and they mostly do it in the spring and fall. It is a mating call and attracts the hens. Wild turkeys gobble at loud sounds and when they settle in for the night.

My "Deer" family

This week I'm in the minority.  They have these emails that are like mini questionnaires that travel through the Internet. Some are "Getting to Know You", "4 Questions", etc.  I think if my family was asked to answer these questions, this is what they'd say:
10 Questions
What is your favorite season?                                                    Hunting
What is your favorite color?                                                      Camo
What is your favorite piece of furniture?                                   Tree Stand
If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be ?        The Woods
What was your favorite gift ever?                                              A shotgun
What would your ideal meal be?                                                Venison and anything with Beans in it (chili, soup...)
 What 3 things should you always carry with you?                      A rope, a knife and a cell phone (off)
What is your favorite vehicle?                                                    Anything 4-WD  with a gun rack
Name your favorite Sport                                                          Shooting
Name a 4 letter word ending in _ U C K                                   BUCK       (thank God)

I'm already counting the days till it's over :-)

We'll Remember

Last evening we all enjoyed a festive Thanksgiving feast @ Walden Place.  It's Mom's new home and a wonderful place.  The food is exceptional and last night there was a full house.  We all enjoyed spending some time together which , in our family, is sadly limited.  We're not positive that Grandma recognized Jeff. Her first comment was, "you sure have gotten big" :-)  She thoroughly enjoyed Bailee, as we always do, and we were happy to see the smiles she brought to her.  It was tough for Jeff to hear Gram say that she had never "eaten here before" (only 3 meals a day) or "what's this?" (butter) but realizing she was very comfortable and happy there......we overlooked the rest!  She even made us laugh when she asked who the fellow was sitting next to her.  I replied, "that's John, Mom"... she said "Oh, Hi Roger, how are you tonight?"
Gram looked pretty sharp too.  Thursday is her "hair appt." day and she her nails were freshly painted. She still has the outfit thing down pat.  Her belt and earrings matched perfectly.
This year, I am exceptionally thankful for the staff at Walden Place ♥