My Brother's Feet

I hate that my brother Merrill, Megan's dad, was not here for this momentous occasion. But then again.......

When Merrill was born my daddy liked to uncover his little long feet and show them to people. Daddy found it humorous and mother thought it embarrassing! Last night when we got there Megan was showing someone Nora's little long feet and of course the first thing I thought of was Merrill's foot story. This morning I was drinking my first cup of coffee and thinking about it when it hit me like a ton of bricks. I could just hear my brother saying, "Hey! I'm here! Don't you get it? The FEET!!" So do I believe he was there? Absolutely. Energy doesn't die and why wouldn't it follow his family whom he loved and had a connection with in life? I don't care if anyone else believes it or not. As Merrill would say, "Whatever!"

Great Grandmother and Great Grandchild meet.

I laughingly say that her name is nora ELLEN and the nora is silent. I don't feel this way, of course, Nora is a beautiful name from Logan's side, his grandmother. Ellen is from Mother, Megan's grandmother, and myself.
I debated upon taking Mother to the hospital. It was a long ride for her, lots of walking, and I knew a lot of confusion on her part. Still it was a milestone that needed to be recognized and I knew that Megan would be thrilled. Today, Jan. 30th, is Megan's birthday. She was born 32 years ago at 12:20 pm. Nora was born yesterday at 12:20 pm. Just a day [and 32 years!] apart. Nora was the best birthday present and Mother being there would be the icing on the cake.
The day was warmer and Mother has been feeling quite chipper so the decision was made to take her. It would be a surprise for Megan. And it was such a lovely surprise. I wouldn't give anything for this picture. It is absolutely the sweetest.

Nora ELLEN has arrived!

We have a baby! Here is our beautiful mother with child. This baby came into the world with welcoming, loving arms waiting to hold her.

Sarah, my other beautiful niece, is handing Nora to her Great Grandmother. This was a Hallmark moment for all of us.

Come and Get It!

This feeding station on the outside of our kitchen window brings hours and hours of enjoyment. There is Always some little woodland creature perched there having a feast. Squirrels, chipmunks and birds of every variety find their way to our buffet made just for them.The birds are a little more camera shy but the squirrels and chippies seem almost tame. This week they have feasted greatly--I've been shelling pecans and they have gotten all the leftovers. It's amazing how quickly they can get every little bit and leave the hulls clean as a whistle! I just sighted our first Goldfinch of the season--still in it's olive drab winter clothing but not for long. The bright gold that makes them such a thrill to see will be coming soon. These are the pleasures of Winter.

Preparing a Soft Down-Filled Nest!

 Mr. Squirrel is on a mission! Mrs. Squirrel has told him under no uncertain terms that she wants a warm, comfy, insulated nest and he had better take care of it! So as a result my old down pillow is being torn apart and he is following orders! Do I care? Well, I did love those old pillows [yes, there were more but they are already in other various nests in the trees. I never know if there's a bird dropping a feather on my head or if it's part of my old cushions.] And a picture is worth a thousand words. I dare say I will enjoy these pictures much more than the pillows. There was never time to use them for resting. And it was time for new ones anyway. [Although since these did have such extremely nice stuffing I would have probably leaned toward having them recovered.] No matter, there are other pillows to be found and in the meantime Mr. Squirrel has fulfilled his husbandly duties and Mrs. Squirrel has a nice warm house for the coming babies. [I'm sure there are babies planned, these squirrels seem to be very adept at producing.]

Although it's January of 2013 I still have my Christmas/Winter arrangement on the front door. I sometimes do a basket of just greenery and red berries for the finish of the cold months but this evergreen and neutral look appeals to me so it shall stay longer.
I am actually just taking my tree down today. Or at least getting it taken apart and the ornaments put up. I didn't get to enjoy it before Christmas, life was too hectic to even give it a glance. So the last couple of weeks I have enjoyed it tremendously along with the gas logs and natural garland enhancing the mantel. My tree reflected the same look as the front door piece, I do try to coordinate to some extent. But it's time to take it down. Always a tad bit sad to me but I also enjoy the spacious feel it gives to the room when it's no longer gracing the corner. Candles are lit, fireplace burning brightly, and "Brandied Fruit" is on the lamp ring making it feel cozy and sweetly scented. It seems a better time to take a nap instead of taking the tree down but I must continue! Otherwise, my resolution of "not procrastinating" would already be broken!

A cold start to a New Year--January 2013

 I'm pretty sure I've expressed my dislike of cold weather at some time or other. It's no secret, I deal much better with warmth. I work better, play better, relax better with sun and heat. However, winter has it's place and now is as good a time as any! I do get a rest from the gardens [although to see them you would think I've been resting plenty--they need work!] and my mind needs some rest also. 2012 was a tough year. Although I have "semi-retired" I am apparently doing it all wrong. I worked way too much and too hard and missed out on a lot of my normally enjoyable activities. This year I have vowed to do better, to get some of that "balance" I've been talking about and to have more time to myself. No one believes me. I don't blame them, I've cried "Wolf!" way too many times. But I take my New Year's resolutions very seriously and to achieve some balance is one of them. Wish me luck!

This New Year will bring two major changes and additions to our family and we are very excited! First we will get little Nora ELLEN. [The Nora is silent.] Megan and Logan are having the first baby, the first grandchild, great grandchild, and great niece. Patti is beside herself, we all are. Then Forrest will be marrying in October and Michele will become a treasured member of our little clan. So as our family grows and is blessed by these wonderful events to come I give thanks. Even if my feet are cold at the moment.