HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Another year has gone by, and so quickly! Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Christmas Is Here!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Pleasant Cat Dreams

Archie waits out a wintry night in his basket at the top of the stairs. Meanwhile, Jenny has probably taken advantage of the opportunity to sleep in the box under the Christmas tree. As for me, I'm off to bed under a nice cozy feather comforter...

THE SKY IS FALLING!

The sky has fallen in the form of snow. Here is a picture of the driveway before the plow arrived. Thankfully, we had less than was predicted but still enough to make everything look clean and new. We just love this "free insulation" -- that is, as long as we don't have to go anywhere. Ah, one of the joys of retirement...

Christmas Tree Story

As promised in a previous post, here is a picture of our tree and the story that goes with it:

Last year, we decided to buy a new faux tree that looked as realistic as possible. We purchased 110 pine cones and a variety of faux birds, as well as some blue lights. Rick made a wooden box for it, which is open in the back so that the cats can hide in it when company comes. Archie seems to have claimed it for himself and naps in there regularly. For Christmas, we plug in the lights and add some crystal "icicles" to the branches. Then for the rest of the year, instead of disassembling it, we remove the icicles, unplug the lights and move the whole thing into the living room to await the next Christmas. Since it looks so natural, it just fits in with our country decor. We barely notice it the rest of the year because we rarely use the living room now that it's just the two of us (or four if you count the cats...) So that's the Christmas tree story!

AWAITING SNOWSTORM

Heavy snow has been predicted for tomorrow and then again on Sunday. Hope to have some fun photos when it's all done!

Meanwhile, Joan, Evelyn and I went to Wegman's for a "day with the girls" where we had lunch and shopped for all kinds of gourmet goodies for our Christmas galas! It was a fun time for all three of us in advance of the snowstorm!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

I'm finally all caught up with all the things that have been neglected over the past couple of months, including moving the tree into the Family Room for Christmas! (A photo and explanation will be posted later.)

Cards have been mailed, clutter has been cleared, vacuuming and dusting has been done, decorations have been hung, packages have been sent, and shopping is almost complete.

Whew! It's been busy, but I'm enjoying this Christmas season.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Blessings to all our friends and family--on both sides of the Atlantic!

The Fox Mtn. Fox--REALLY!

We've been getting visits lately from a beautiful red fox to our yard. Unfortunately, my camera was in the car; but I'll try to get a picture if he comes back again. He strolls around the place as if it were named after him--it wasn't. It was named after Mr. Fox, our beautiful long-haired white cat that looked like a blue-eyed arctic fox with a long bushy tail.

Archie and Jenny are very wary of his scent, thankfully. It would not be a friendly meeting...

SAD NEWS

My mom passed away on Wed., Nov. 5th, while still unconscious from her stroke the week before. This Saturday will be the memorial service in celebration of her life.

She was always cheerful and outgoing, even when she was in the hospital. It truly is a blessing that my children and grandchildren got to know and love her too. She was 88.

My dad is 90 and in amazingly good health, mentally and physically. They were married 66 years, and although he misses her terribly, he is coping very well.

She is remembered fondly by all...

The Ups and Downs of Life

After having such a wonderful family time at Disney World and seeing Chris, Laura and Li'l O off to Prague again, we got a call from my sister that Mom was taken to the hospital with uncontrollable coughing due to a fluid buildup in her left lung. I drove out to Long Island right away to help keep my dad company at the hospital. We also had to do a voluminous amount of paperwork to do for her Medicaid application for a nearby nursing home.

She recovered beautifully and kept asking to go home. However, the night before she was to be transferred (to Hillaire nursing home) she had a stroke and is now hooked up to a respirator and all sorts of tubes and wires. The drs. are optimistic that she will recover enough to go to the nursing home, but at 88 nothing is certain.

She is gradually improving each day (since Oct. 28) and we are hopeful she'll come to. She has opened her eyes a few times, but can't seem to focus. (A lot of it is the effects of medication.) Dad is doing surprisingly well with all that's going on, but after 66 years of marriage, it's very sad...

Owen Makes a Splash at Disney World

Confident with his Nemo water wings, Owen fearlessly dove into the pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge on his first day at Disney World. It was the perfect start to a wonderful week of excitement with his family, especially his two cousins! Freddy and Kristen enjoyed spending time with Owen, too...

HAD A WONDERFUL TIME!

Disney World was great, but I came home with a head cold; so it will be a few days before I post the pix!

Li'l O. got to meet Ariel, his favorite. He told her he was 3 and 5/6 years old, and she planted a big smooch on his cheek.

More later!

ON VACATION

Off to Disney World for a much-needed vacation. Look for photos later this month!

The Timber Tailor

Here's the Timber Tailor getting ready to make an amazing climb up that rope! Once in the tree, he cut down several limbs, except for the one he was standing on... Rick watched from a safe distance.

This should open up the backyard to more sun for growing tomatoes and flowers.

Got Home Ahead of Hannah

With TS Hannah on its way up the coast, I decided to leave Long Island a little earlier than planned to avoid having to drive in the wind and rain of a storm. In spite of oppressive heat and humidity, we got a lot done this week. Among the memorabilia we went through, we found 2 newspapers (among others) from 1918 and 1919! (Check back later for details on what news items were there.)

We sorted through all the clothes in my mom's closet, which was a huge accomplishment for one day. On Thursday, we sorted and packed up the spare bedroom. There are 77 slide carousels with 100 slides in each--do the math! For now, they'll be removed from the carousels and stored temporarily in ziploc bags for later. Then, we'll sort out just the highlights and have them put on DVDs. Most of them are from my parents' many world travels and should be preserved for all of us to enjoy. Meanwhile, getting rid of the carousel boxes will give us much needed space in the new, smaller apartment.

Among the collectors items of value were a 45 rpm album of Al Jolson songs, an LP album of the original Broadway cast from "Porgy and Bess" and an LP album of Frank Sinatra records--all in good condition. There was also a lot of WWII memorabilia.

Considering that this could have been a lengthy trip down Memory Lane, we got through it all rather quickly. Next week will be the dressers and bookshelves in the bedroom. Stay tuned...

Back to Long Island

I'll be leaving tomorrow for Long Island to help my mom and dad get packed for their big move coming up soon. They're exchanging their second floor apartment for one on the first floor to make it easier for my mom to get in and out. The glitch is that the only apartment available now is a one-bedroom, which means there's a lot of "purging" to do in order scale down enough for everything to fit. I'm committed to helping every Thursday and Friday this month, and I hope we'll be able to make a lot of progress during that time--not easy when everything handled will be a "trip down memory lane!"

I would appreciate some prayer support for the 2-hour drive each way and the energy (and patience) to get things done in good time. I'll be staying with my sister who lives nearby, so at least I won't have to go back and forth. More news to follow...

Back Home from Long Island

Just got back to my Stamping Tower and new internet hookup after spending last week with my sister and parents. MB was in the hospital getting a new lead installed on her defibrillator, and she's doing great. Dad's 90th birthday was celebrated on Saturday with a family barbecue.

Great Grampa (the Birthday Boy) checked out Kristen and Freddy in the pool, while Granny checked out the potato chips (as usual.) Doesn't she look great only 3 days after her surgery??? Later on, everyone gathered around the laptop to see and hear Owen "live" from a pc in Prague--amazing!

The birthday cake, purchased from a nearby pastry shop, was delicious. Someone there needs some spelling lessons, though!

The weather couldn't have been better for a delightful afternoon on the deck and in Aunt Carol's pool. Everyone had a great time!

The Deck Is Done!

The back deck was in such bad shape, we had to scrap it and rebuild it. Rick and Ray have been working on it together for two full weeks, using white cedar to replace the painted boards and railing. It's been enlarged (to the side) and wide steps were installed so that the view is no longer blocked from the Family Room door.


Of course, Jenny was the first to sniff every inch of the new joists before we could continue!


Now that it's done, we're looking forward to making use of the wider space and the minimal upkeep. Just a few finishing touches and a coat of waterseal before the furniture and grill go back on.

The Deer Fence Is Working!!

Look at all these beautiful Hostas and day lilies in bloom--the first we've seen of their blossoms in years! Two deer were salivating from the other side of the fence this morning, so I hope the fencing continues to hold against them.





The photos speak for themselves. Enjoy!

BIG DIFFERENCE!

We're getting to look more like the Wilderness Lodge every day, as seen in these before and after photos!


Rick and Ray have transformed the pile of rubble along the driveway to a beautiful setting for 4 new Dawn Redwood trees that will grow 20-30 feet tall. Now that it's all cleared out and mulched, even Archie's lookout boulder adds to the natural scenery!

Abundant Stone Harvest

Rick and Ray have been harvesting boulders and rocks to edge the driveway. The view from the gate improves every day!





Now that the right side is done, Ray is using the backhoe to remove all the rubble piled up on the left side of the driveway. Later, he'll place boulders below the driveway level, spread topsoil in the area behind them and Rick will plant grass. This should make everything look much neater, and the driveway will be a little wider for snow-plowing later!



These last two photos show the before and work-in-progress. We'll take the "after" pictures when the grass starts coming in. Stay tuned...

Lots of Progress Being Made!

The grounds here at Fox Mountain are becoming more and more lush as plants that were previously eaten by the deer (rats on long legs, as we call them) are beginning to make a comeback. The hostas are multiplying beautifully, and the daylilies are sending up their scapes. Notice the stone wall along the driveway that Ray rebuilt!

The Siberian Irises (seen in the previous post) are done, but the daylilies will bloom in all their splendor by the end of this week with a showy burst of color throughout the yard. Later, the annuals will take over; then the mums for Fall.


Ray has been operating the Terra-Mite again this week, adding fill and smoothing it out for expansion of the lawn areas. Rick will add grass seed later. This photo is from 2 weeks ago when Ray was spreading new gravel on the driveway, with a "before" picture of the rock wall and hosta garden to the right. (Click to enlarge.)




Surprisingly, we did have a couple of gate crashers last week before we closed up the openings at the ends of the circular driveway. One was a 350-pound bear, the other a deer who spooked poor little Jenny! This gate is done, except for painting to match the house (and mesh to be added later)-- the other is on its way. Meanwhile, Rick blocked off the other opening temporarily with mesh to keep unwanted critters out.

Find the Hidden Cat

Do you see Archie snoozing in his own little hideaway? ...somewhere between a rock and a soft place!

Major Disruption--Inside and Out...

...but well worth it in the end! The painters arrived early in the morning, draped the kitchen in plastic and canvas, then proceeded to stain the woodwork, pile all the furniture in the dining room and start painting the ceiling and walls. At the end of the week, they moved the heavy furniture pieces back in, leaving the rest in the dining room for me to sort through and reorganize. (I'm still working on it!)

After several days of sorting, purging and rearranging contents of cabinets, the kitchen has a fresh new look. The wallpaper is gone, the sliding door woodwork has been stained to match the cabinets, the ceiling is a clean flat white, the walls match the tile and the counter tops are shiny and clutter-free. The family room also has been painted and cleaned out. I took the opportunity to shampoo the carpet while the furniture was still out. What a difference!







Meanwhile, Rick and Ray (dynamic duo!) worked on completion of the fencing around the entire perimeter of our yard, with gates to be installed at the end of the driveway. This should keep those hosta-loving, daylily-munching, tick-infested deer out!

41 Years!

Today we celebrate our 41st anniversary. Rick will be taking me out to dinner tonight, which was our favorite activity when we were dating way back then.

PHOTO SHARING LUNCHEON

After recovering from jet lag (see the Stamping Tower blog for details) I had a few friends over to see the pictures I took in Prague. It was a rainy day, just right for a bowl of homemade potato-chive soup and sandwiches. This time I remembered to take a picture with people in it!

The menu was: cream of potato soup with fresh chives from our garden; ham, salami, fresh pineapple sliced thin, lettuce and homemade honey-mustard dressing on croissants; cucumber chips; iced tea with lemon; and parfaits of blueberry cake with additional blueberries and ice cream.

Afterward, we cleared the table and played Mexican Train (dominoes) until 4:30. Then I put the fresh flowers back on the table to enjoy my new ceramic vase from Prague.

It's good to be home!

Reflections on the Museum of Communism

While in Prague, I spent one afternoon by myself at the Museum of Communism; and it was well worth the time. It is a chronological narrative told in pictures and artifacts from the pre-Communist era to the Velvet Revolution in Prague in 1989. Far from being simply a "dry" lesson in history, I found it a very moving account of how the philosophy and rise to power of a mere handful of men could have such far-reaching effects on so many nations in such a short period of time.

The museum was co-founded by an American and a Czech who have done an outstanding job of bringing increased understanding of the people and events of the past who shaped the present Czech Republic. As a 5-time visitor to Prague, I'm continually amazed at how much progress they have made in such a short time. My impression of the people I've met (including non-tourist areas) is that they are eager to move into a brighter future and willing to work hard to get there. I came away hoping they would never forget the lessons of history, and that others would also learn from it as well, especially Americans.

Anyone planning a trip to Prague should put this museum on their "must see" list! It is located above the McDonald's on Na Prikope near the Mustek metro stop. (For further information, you can visit their website through Google.)

Mothers Day in Prague

Chris took Laura, Owen and me to a Mothers Day Brunch this morning high atop a hotel on the Vltava River. What a spectacular view! The food was great too--fresh fruits, crepes made to order, hot dishes, cold salads, cakes, pastries and other desserts including a chocolate fountain to dip fruit in.




We started with champagne, (and a special juice drink for O.) tried a lot of different dishes, and ended with fresh Capuccino and a sampling of desserts. Owen especially enjoyed the chocolate fountain!

Their church meets in the afternoon, and it was a very nice service beginning with flowers for all the moms (and grandmothers), a good sermon and ending with communion. I met a lot of Chris and Laura's friends, including one couple my own age--it's a very young congregation, all very friendly.

I'm finally home reconnecting with family and friends. Thankfully, I actually remembered to take pictures this time!

PERFECT DAY AT THE PRAGUE ZOO!

Owen had a great time at the zoo with his Aunt Carol, Grandma and Miss Sheila --along with Mom, of course. The weather couldn't have been better. Not only did we see lots of animals, but we also rode the (scary) chair lift to get back up to the exit! We had hot dogs (Czech style--yum) for lunch under a tree. Owen also went on a train ride and was quite impressed with a new exhibit of crocodiles.

It was a very successful day!

MADE IT TO PRAGUE!

After giving Carol and Sheila a quick tour of the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, we had lunch at an outdoor cafe and then boarded a boat for a cruise down the Vltava River. I enjoyed viewing the castle from a different perspective. It was also interesting to see the giant modernistic metronome from the river below. The weather was ideal: sunny, warm and a gentle breeze.

Here I am in the top of the clock tower! We landed at 6:20 am (Prague time) and I'm still fighting to keep my eyes open until dark.

(Notice my new haircut!)

OFF TO PRAGUE AGAIN!

This time I'll be traveling with my sister and our friend, Sheila. It's their first trip there, and I'm looking forward to showing them around. Prague is such a beautiful city, but the best part will be seeing my daughter, son-in-law and Li'l O!

While Carol and Sheila will be staying at the Czech Inn, I'll be staying at Laura's flat. Since I'll have access to the computer there, I'll try to remember to post some photos! So keep checking back here...

Meanwhile, Rick will be holding the fort and getting the deer fencing done!

In Memorium

It has been a blessing to have had this cat with us for the past 12 years. She was an unusually talkative cat who followed me around the house all day and slept on my side of the bed all night. She will surely be missed!

SPRING IS SPRUNG!

Things are beginning to happen here at Fox Mountain! The house is being painted (sometime in the next couple of weeks) inside and out by a well-recommended local contractor. We're also replacing our back decks and doing some landscaping with a company from Pennsylvania who did a beautiful job at a friend's house. I'll post some "before" pics soon!

Meanwhile, the cats are soooo happy to be outdoors, the weather is sunny and warm this week, the daffodils are in bloom and the leaves will probably pop in a few days! The dullness and drab of winter are finally over...

Easter Fun!

This year we did our Easter egg hunt a little differently. Since Freddy and Kristen are too grown up to just look for the eggs, I led them on a Scavenger Hunt, one egg at a time. Each egg was well hidden and contained treats and a rhymed clue to the next one. They really enjoyed it! The hardest part was having to wait until their Aunt Carol and great grandparents arrived.

Meanwhile, the "boys" had target practice with their BB guns outside, while the girls admired the table setting and got the appetizers ready for the festivities. We had the usual ham dinner with the whole family around the table, (except for Laura, Chris and Owen who live in Prague--they joined us by phone later) and sent my parents home with lots of leftovers!

Easter was so early this year, that it was still cold outside. I'm just glad there was no ice or snow! It was also nice having everyone here on Saturday, leaving Easter Sunday for just reflecting on the true meaning and significance of the Resurrection.

ANOTHER SIGN OF SPRING!!

Someone in Positano on the Amalfi coast of Italy has filled their swimming pool. It's a beautiful blue! Can warmer weather be far off? You can check it out on the webcam at www.campaniameteo.it/webcampositanostreaming.asp.

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS!

Today, on the way home from shopping, Joan and I enjoyed meeting some of her neighbors as they craned their necks to say hello. Fossil Farms of Sussex County raises hundreds of ostriches who can be seen strutting around as if they own the place.

Rumor has it that a bear invaded the property one day, only to be chased (never to return) by only 2 of the big birds. One look at their beaks and their strong two-toed feet can tell you why...to say nothing of their height and running speed (40 mph.)

It was a beautiful day, and we were encouraged that the local wildlife (turkeys, bears, deer, and now, ostriches) seem to be emerging to proclaim the coming of Spring!

The Snow Is Gone...

...but it could return! The bears haven't been through lately (that we know of), we've already turned our clocks back and Easter is early this year. Things are looking up.

The other day on the way to Bible Study, Joyce and I encountered "Mr. Tom" on the side of the road. He showed off his tail feathers...not for us, but for the "girls" he had with him! When I rolled down the window to thank him for his glorious pose, he gobbled loudly as if to say, "Get going--I'm a little busy here!"

Today it went up to 60 degrees, so I got my hair cut 5" shorter on the way to do the grocery shopping. Yep, things are definitely looking up...

Bear #2 Comes for a Snack

This afternoon, a second bear (a younger one came after dark the other night) made a visit to our yard where Rick threw out some birdseed. It was intended for the birds, but bears have a way of taking over. Since he came during daylight (which is unusual) I was able to take closeup photos from the laundry room window. He was so absorbed in his food (I can identify with that,) it didn't even bother him when I tapped on the window.

After he left, we looked for his footprints in the snow and they led us to the front deck--up the first 2 steps. Then he ambled around the garage to the back of the house. No wonder Jenny was so nervous--she had been asleep on one of the dining room chairs when he came toward the dining room window! Archie insisted on going out to investigate after he left, but he didn't go far...smart cat...

I DID IT AGAIN!

Or more accurately, I DIDN'T do it again! I was having so much fun at the Blues Bash, I forgot to take any photos until everyone was gone. I HATE when I do that! So here are 2 pictures I snapped afterwards.

As I was photographing the tulip arrangement in the family room, one of the cats suddenly crawled out from under the end table obviously relieved that all those women had gone and things were quiet again! As soon as I finished taking her picture, she curled up on my lap while the two of us had a nice little snooze...

The party was a huge success, with lots of laughter and commraderie. I'm so thankful to be blessed with such a variety of good friends!