MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you all the very best of Christmas blessings. See you back here soon with family photos!

Christmas Preparations with Laura, Chris and Owen

One afternoon, we all set out to explore the little town of Melnik (about a half hour car ride from Prague.) After enjoying some Chai in the clock tower, an experience in itself, we took a moment for photo ops above the river.

Laura and Owen bake a special Pavlova (see the Syvertsen Family blog.) Owen donned his apron to help mix ingredients under careful supervision of his mom. It was delicious!

Another day, Chris and Rick brought home the perfect Christmas tree, and Owen was given the honor of hanging the first ornament just before bed.

Christmas in Prague

This Saturday, I will be giving a talk at Gail's Christmas Tea on Christmas in Prague. Here are just a few of the 147 photos I took while visiting with Chris, Laura and Owen that have to do with the festivities:

The Old Town Square is filled with wooden booths arranged in a star shape where vendors come to sell their hand-made items, from gingerbread cookies to candles, jewelry, and lots of souvenir trinkets. Notice the nativity scene carved from a large tree trunk near the huge Christmas tree. A stage features local school groups singing traditional Christmas carols (in Czech, of course.)

Dec. 5th is the day St. Mikulaus comes to the town squares to see if children have been good or bad. We joined the gathering in Namesti Miru (Peace Square) where whole families gathered, some in costume, to enjoy the festivities of this special night. Only three costumes would be appropriate: St. Mikulaus, an angel or a devil. It was like one huge block party, complete with fireworks, sparklers and hot spiced wine!

The next day, we admired handmade nativity scenes on display at a local church. They were all well done, from the traditional wooden, paper or crochet to the modern pictured here with baby Jesus in a carriage with a star balloon above.

Although Christmas in Prague is less commercialized than here in the U.S., even with its emphasis on the Nativity, much evangelism needs to be done in order to bring out the Truth of God's coming to save his people from their sins.

HOME FROM PRAGUE!

We made it home from Prague to three happy cats who were well taken care of all week by our neighbor. More news will be posted as soon as we recover from our jet lag!

READY FOR PRAGUE!

Just a couple more days, and we'll be on our way to Prague to visit the Syvertsen Family (click link on right.) The packing is almost done, the cats are getting suspicious and reacting to the suitcases, the house is getting its final cleaning, and over 100 Christmas cards are ready for mailing. Whew! It's been a busy week!

This will be the last post until we return, unless we're able to post a few pictures from Laura's flat. We look forward to spending some time with them and especially taking Owen to "see Christmas" in the town square with us!

Thanksgiving Saturday at Carol's

Granny never met a potato chip she didn't like, as shown here; while Great Grampa stifles a sneeze. Both have a lot to be thankful for after recovering from their surgeries this past summer at the ages of 87 and 89!

As usual, I forgot to take pictures during the festivities. Karen, Sheila, Ray, Uncle Bill and Aunt Margie were also there. We had a lot of laughs, which is usual for our family...and grateful for everyone who was able to be around the table. Of course, we miss Chris, Laura and Owen; but Rick and I look forward to seeing them in Prague next week. And I will remember to take lots of pictures then!

Second Snowfall!

I can't believe it--6" of new snow this morning! Archie knows how to enjoy the view, though...

OH, DEER...

Hunting must be a tough sport. This guy has been hanging around our house all week, and won't leave no matter how much noise we make. After taking one photo through the family room door, I went on the deck and shot this closeup from about 10 feet away. As I post this, he's still in the yard munching on what's left of our day lilies and hostas. Ugh...

Meet Grady

Here's a cat who just loves to pose for photos. He has an interesting story:

His first owners brought him to the vet with an injured tail. When they were told he needed surgery, they opted to have him put to sleep instead. The vet had a better idea, however. She amputated the mangled portion of his tail, leaving a four or five inch "stub" on this otherwise healthy cat. When Sheila arrived a few weeks later (after losing her cat to cancer) she was introduced to this young, handsome cat with the cute little tail, and it was love at first sight--for both of them!

To make a long story short about a short-tailed cat, Grady has found a new home to rule. He shows his appreciation for Sheila every day with his affection and loyalty!

Uh-oh...

Here's the scene when I arrived home from Long Island this morning!

OFF TO THE BIG APPLE

This Thursday I'll be meeting my sister and friend at my favorite NYC museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After hearing a gallery talk and visiting a few other exhibits, the plan is to do lunch and then drive out to Long Island for a few days where I'll stay at my sister's house. Since my parents live close by, I'll also get to see them while I'm there.

See you back here next week...

November Is Here!

Sadly, October has gone (my favorite month) and November has arrived with cooler temperatures down into the fifties. Technically, since we haven't had the first frost yet (unusual), we also haven't had Indian Summer; so maybe we still have a few more warm days left sometime after this week. The weatherman has predicted frost for Tuesday or Wednesday morning. We'll see...

All DECK-ed Out!

The deck has been cleared, and the autumn DECK-or is in place!

(Couldn't resist these horrible puns...)

The Rain Is Over...

...but the ground is still wet. Jenny is enjoying the scenery from atop the car.

THEY'RE OUT OF THEIR GOURDS!

Not only were the prices ridiculous for pumpkins and gourds, but the Saturday crowds were soooo not worth it... Joyce and Lucy found a sign marking ornamental gourds at 2 for 99 Cents, PLUS TAX! (I guess because they're not edible???) Pumpkins were 55 cents a pound and mums were $5 each or 3 for $15--who are they kidding?


We escaped the higher prices and the crowds by going to a little farm stand Joyce knew of on the way home where I found 2 pumpkins and 2 mums to match--at more reasonable prices!

Life in the Northeast, continued

The wind is howling outside after over 3 inches of rain the last two days, and the temperature is plummeting. They're even predicting danger of frost overnight. It won't get over 60 during the week, except for one day in the 60's near 70. We'll probably have another week or so of Indian Summer sometime this month before everything cools off and heads into winter.

Meanwhile, the Autumn foliage is at its peak!

LIFE IN THE NORTHEAST

What a difference a few days make! Since my last post, the weather has gone back to summer with high temps and humidity--enough to run the AC! Today the forecast is more of the same; but the cold front will arrive tomorrow and put us back to normal temps, with rain for the rest of the week. We've been in a drought, so I hope we get a good soaking.

If you don't like the weather in the Northeast, they say "wait a half hour." I, for one, enjoy the variety.

There's a Nip in the Air

Now that the air is crisp and cool, the cats are looking for ways to snuggle up. Jenny chose the couch with her head on a pillow, while Archie prefers the warmth of my lap. Either way, they sure know how to relax! Can winter be far off???

The Great Litter Box Socks Mystery

Tonight when I went to clean out the litter box, buried in the back was a pair of white socks! They were in good condition, untainted (directly, anyway) by its stint under the litter, and a complete mystery to us as how they got there. The cats didn't even look guilty.

Anybody missing a pair of socks???? They are now in the washer...

VISITORS FROM MINNESOTA

Yesterday, my Silver Stamper friend arrived with her husband, Steve, and their dog "Mac" for an overnight visit. After parking their camper alongside our garage, we got acquainted over lunch and then took off for the grocery store and a tour of the local area. Afterward, we took Mac for a walk up the road to take in the scenery on a beautiful sunny afternoon.

Later, we spent the evening around the dinner table enjoying several hours of lively discussion. Although Rick and I found we shared a lot in common with Linda and Steve, there were 3 other members of our household (the 4-legged variety) who did not appreciate having a dog on the premises. Cricket in particular (our senior cat) gave us a good talking to later!

After breakfast, Linda joined Joan and me for a few hours of stamping (see the Stamping Tower link...) and took advantage of the opportunity to catch up on some laundry. Rick, meanwhile, helped Steve connect to the internet on his laptop (a must-have for travelers these days!)

We really enjoyed their company!

BIRTHDAY GRANDMA...

...NOT BAD FOR LXIII (if I do say so myself!)

LAST CHANCE FOR A FAMILY PHOTO...

We had a wonderful visit with Chris, Laura and Owen; but (sadly) it came time to go home. After spending hours squeeeeezing all their belongings and new purchases into 3 giant suitcases and 3 carry-ons, we had just enough time to snap some parting photos before the limo arrived. Owen was quite impressed with the "luxury" car seat provided by the limo service!

We have already received word that they arrived safely back in Prague. Soon it will be our turn to fly over the Atlantic and visit them there!

Ice Cream Anyone?

Here is one of my favorite pics (or is it licks???) from Owen's visit. It was the perfect day for a little boy to enjoy an ice cream cone. As a matter of fact, the weather was perfect for their entire visit! (Thank you, Lord!)

A Quiet Evening

Laura, Chris and Owen went off this afternoon and evening to visit old friends. It sure is quiet around here, but I don't hear any cats complaining...

Chris and Laura Do NYC:

New duds...




...and of course, the matching shoes!

Owen's Visit to the Crayola Factory

Owen is back--"Here Kitty, Kitty..."

Jenny is not amused...

A Day at the Jersey Shore

Today was a fun day at the beach with Li'l O. He loved rolling in the sand, coaxing the seagulls by tossing out his goldfishes closer and closer so he could get more personal with them, and twirling Auntie Erika's sun umbrella in the sand. He enjoyed smushing Grandma Syves' sand castles and running away just in time to avoid the surf.

Later, we watched a Mary Poppins video back at the beach house. He especially liked the scene where characters rose up to the ceiling when they laughed. Then he had his peanut butter sandwich and milk before going in for his nap.

A truly remarkable child!


p.s. Of course, my camera was left behind, but pictures were sent from Grandpa Syves for us to post here.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CHRIS AND LAURA!

Here is the card I designed for their anniversary, which I will give them when we go to the shore. Rick and I are visiting them tomorrow at the house they rented for the week. The three of them really needed some R and R after their long flight from Prague!

I'll be posting some pictures when we get back.

HOORAY FOR HIGH-SPEED INTERNET!

Yesterday was a special day--we got our high-speed internet back and a limo arrived with Laura, Chris and Owen from Prague! All within a half hour of each other!

A great day indeed...

MEANWHILE...

...Two months since my last post, Rick has hooked up my PC to the phone line so I no longer have to use my laptop; but still no wireless high-speed internet! It's been so long since I've used my camera, I can't find the spare battery or the charger; so now that's on the blink. Oh well, I wouldn't be able to post photos yet anyway (too slow.)

The news isn't all bad, but where do I start? July 5th (Rick's birthday) my dad went into the hospital with an infected gall bladder while I kept calling my DH from there to say "Happy Birthday--don't forget to clean the litter box." After myriads of tests, major surgery, and a post-op infection, Dad finally got to go home after 15 days. I stayed a few more days to help out, then back again the next weekend. MB was a trooper the whole time while we all stayed at my sister's house which, thankfully, is only a mile from the hospital. I'm so grateful that my car (and my back) held out during the drives back and forth.

I just spoke to Dad this afternoon, and he's doing great! He took MB grocery shopping today at not one, but two local supermarkets, and plans to walk around the little pond at the park tomorrow. No small accomplishment with him turning 89 next week!

Now that the crisis is over, I've been able to get back to physical therapy for my back, super clean the house, get tested for Lymes (negative) and reschedule other appointments that were put aside. Jenny, our tuxedo cat, had to be taken to the Vet for a cough; so now we're giving her antibiotics and she's doing much better also. In all the mayhem, somehow I managed to get 8 of my cards entered in the County Fair and won the blue ribbon for one of them--but don't get too impressed--my cards were the only entries! (sad, actually.)

Little by little, things are calming down--even the heat wave has subsided. Hopefully, I'll have some pictures to share soon!

STILL WAITING...

...and waiting... and hoping to have our internet service restored SOON!

This Is Progress???

Why is it that something we've become so dependent on wasn't even in existence a few short years ago??? Still without internet service except through dial-up on my laptop--painfully slow--and feeling completely lost without it. We do get unpredictable intervals where I can post a brief note or catch up on my email. Hoping to be back on line by the end of next week.

Meanwhile, Rick and I are celebrating 40 years of marriage this weekend!

...DOES NOT COMPUTE!

After spending three weeks going back and forth to Long Island (a 110 mi., 2 hr. trip) to be with my parents (more later), I came home to discover my computer has been down and will not be back in operation for another week--ugh!

MB was in the hospital with congestive heart failure for 2 1/2 weeks, and during that time, my dad was hospitalized with pnuemonia for three days. It's been quite a month, to say the least! Everyone is recovering nicely, however. MB has a defibrillator, causing us to nickname her "the energizer granny" and Dad recovered completely from his pneumonia. My sister also contracted Influenza B for a full week, and my back has been aggravated big time by all the sitting, stress and driving. Rick has been a real trooper holding down the fort with our three cats and making his own meals. I think he actually enjoyed "roughing it" with the barbecue and TV to himself.

I'm on my laptop, using a dial-up; so it will be awhile before I can post again and bring everyone up to date. Suffice it to say that everyone is recovering nicely, and we hope it continues!

BLEATING HEARTS

...or should I say, Sweethearts! These adorable baby goats were born last Thursday at a farm where Joan takes care of the animals while the people are away. Today Joan took Elaine and me to visit with them for the first time.



Mama goat wasn't the least upset that we were picking up her babies. We named the white one "Boots" and the brown one "Nestle" (as in chocolate.)





Little grandson Owen would have enjoyed meeting them, too!

Party Time Again

You must think that all I do is party these days. Well, it's a prolonged winter with nothing else to do! So today we got together for a jewelry party I entitled "Baubles, Bangles and Brunch" where a demonstrator came from Premier Designs with oodles of costume jewelry samples to "play" with.

After starting with Mimosas and scones, we tried on jewels galore, filled out order forms for our purchases and ended with a light lunch. Lucienne was delighted to win the $25 gift certificate! We started at 10 am and carried on until well after 1:00. Once everyone left, I ran the dish washer and enjoyed my freshly cleaned house.

Next party: Pampered Chef on June 21st (unless I come up with another excuse in the meantime.) Maybe it will be warm enough to sit outside by then...

Easter Hunt

Easter was celebrated here a day early so that the Creans could have their turn on Easter Sunday this year. The morning started out with hot cross buns and coffee when the Mac Kenzies arrived after their 2-hour trek from Long Island. Then my sister and I hid Easter eggs and other goodies for the Easter Hunt just before the children came.




Freddy, wearing his Jack Sparrow costume (a birthday gift from the day before) and Kristen proceeded to hunt for their Easter treats with their baskets in hand.
































Meanwhile, Archie kept his distance as he watched the festivities from the stairway--smart cat!

Freddy's Birthday

Birthdays are a wonderful time for family get-togethers. After opening many cards and gifts yesterday at his party, Freddy was surprised by his parents with a shiny new bike. Even Kristen, a good sister, shared in his joy!

Since he and Grandma Crean share the same birth date, they alternated opening gifts. Grandma didn't get new wheels though...

Make Hot Dogs While the Sun Shines

Today was a beautiful warm Spring day in the 60's with lots of sunshine. After Bible Study this morning, the "girls" came back to my house for hot dogs on our new grill. You can see Jenny looking on.

Later, I sat outside with my crossword puzzle book to bask in the warmth accompanied by all three cats. Rick got some yardwork done, especially removal of all the driveway stones that had been pushed up into the grass with the last plowing. Meanwhile, Archie investigated all the new Spring scents in the back yard.

Tomorrow and the rest of the week will be a different story. Rain and flurries are forecast through Easter, with temps barely reaching the lower 40's and no hint of sunshine until Monday. Ah, life in the Northeast...

Surprise Birthday Party for Lucienne

Although it was held in January, I just thought I'd post the picture taken around the table. Lucy was definitely surprised! She's the one seated at the head of the table, surrounded by good friends in crazy party hats blowing birthday horns... or is it crazy friends in birthday party hats...

First Sign of Spring!

Lone crocus basking in the bright sunlight! There are others on the other side of the deck steps, en masse...but this one just looked a little more photogenic!

Ground Hog Day Revisited!

Yesterday I went to pick up our dry cleaning. Since it was a beautiful sunny day and unusually warm, the door to the cleaners was open. I parked in front and, as I got out of the car, a woodchuck approached on the sidewalk. When he saw me, he dashed inside the dry cleaning establishment, sending all the workers screaming as they sought higher ground. It's a big town, the county seat actually, and these women had never seen a ground hog before, especially for an indoor visit! I wish I had thought to grab my camera because the events that followed were like a scene from a funny movie: The owner grabbed a mop and started zig zagging across the back of the store, waving the mop back and forth as he chased the woodchuck. One of the girls kept arranging wheeled laundry carts in rows to corral the frantic animal, and the woodchuck was in a panic. Meanwhile, Joyce, Lucy and Joan were in the safety of my car watching the whole episode through the windows and laughing hysterically as though they were at a drive-in comedy (they were!)

The hilarity ended when the woodchuck finally found his way out a back door and everyone calmed down. Chuck has not been seen since...

Home Alone Dinner

While Rick was away, I invited the "girls" (Joan, Joyce and Lucienne) to come for a special dinner. The table was set and decorated with tulips. When they arrived, we started with a champaigne cocktail and mixed nuts. Dinner began with a pear half on a bed of lettuce with baked goat cheese rounds, flatbreads, dried cranberries and pecans. The main course was poached salmon, mashed potatoes and green beans almondine. For dessert, we had fresh raspberries and blueberries with rice pudding served with chocolate cookies. After dinner we played a fun game and had a lot of laughs. In fact, I was so busy having a good time that I forgot to take pictures of the guests!

Introducing Miss Daisy (Held by Joan)

Can you imagine someone dumping this adorable kitten off at 4 am when it was 7 degrees!!! She was left in the parking lot where Joan's son works, so guess where she wound up: at Joan's house... temporarily, of course...like maybe 15 years or so??? Once you give a cat a name, it stays--which is exactly what happened. So Daisy is the newest addition to the local cat community. Welcome!

A DAY TO REMEMBER

Yes, it's February Blues Bash time again! This year, for #9, the theme was on improving our memory. Each guest had to remember to bring a decorated brown bag (included as part of their invitation) carrying 10 items from home. After lunch, we emptied each bag (one at a time) on a tray and gave everyone 30 seconds to study the items, then 1 minute to write down as many as they could remember. As far as I can remember, nobody got all ten--nine was the most. After the first 4 or 5 trays, someone (I don't remember who) reminded us that chocolate is good for improving memory; so we took a chocolate break and resumed our game...with no noticeable improvement, except that we were happier!

It was interesting how each bag of items corresponded to the person's interests. For example, Lucienne (Queen of France) had several items that she had brought here from France after WW II, including ...oh drat, I forgot!

I do remember that we all had a lot of laughs, there were fresh flowers everywhere, and a good time was had by all!