A Relaxed Lifestyle
We live in what is basically a retirement community. Most everyone on our street is retired and enjoying a relaxed lifestyle. This point was recently driven home in a rather unique way. Last Friday I had to run an errand, and on the return trip home I saw a woman driving a golf cart down our street. That isn’t an unusual sight, but what I found rather amusing was the fact that she had her right arm extended out to the side. Attached was her dog on his leash. She was walking him using her golf cart. Now that is a relaxed lifesty
How to Have Fun While Exercising!
I’m back to walking the track two miles each morning with my good friend and fellow writer, Martha Powers. The miles just disappear as we chat and laugh. Twice this morning someone stopped us with the reminder that we were having far too much fun. This is the way exercise was meant to be! The key for me is finding something I enjoy, and in the case of walking, having a great partner. So, if one of your personal resolutions this year is to get more exercise, I suggest finding a partner to do it with you–one who's as much fun as my friend M
Marine Life in Florida
Wayne and really love our new home. It’s on the Indian River in Vero Beach and we had the pleasure of watching four or five manatees right by our dock. I hesitate when I state the number because, well, err . . . it appears to be mating season. Every time we’ve been on the river we’ve seen dolphins too, which I so love. They are friendly and charming and simply delightful. Florida inspires me! Read more
Bogie in Florida
Wayne and I are in sunny, 80-degree Florida–don’t hate me! Bogie, our puppy, however, doesn’t appear to like it here nearly as much as Wayne and me. He’s attempting to dig his way back to Washington State. Our back yard resembles a World War I battlefield, complete with trenches. We didn’t have a clue he had this penchant for digging, but then the ground was mostly frozen in Port Orchard so he didn’t have much of an opportunity to show his true colors. The dog trainer advised us to sread cayanne pepper in his holes with the promise it wouldn’t Read more
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas from the North Pole, better known as Washington State, especially after the deep freeze we’ve experienced the last few days. In an unexpected turn of events, Wayne and I are leaving for Florida tomorrow, so Merry Christmas, dear friends and readers! I’ll be checking in right after the first of the year. Read more
Short Lived Tranquility
The predicted storm for our area hit around three on Friday afternoon, and our power went out first thing. I thought it would be kind of fun. I lighted candles around the house, Wayne opened a bottle of wine, and we snuggled up in front of the fireplace.
I’m Ready for Snow!
A snow and wind storm is predicted for the Seattle area this afternoon. I can hardly wait. While most everyone is waiting with dread, I’m nearly giggling with excitement. You have to understand, I just don’t get to see snow nearly often enough. That’s one of the downsides of being a snowbird. At any rate, I have the fireplace all primed, the popcorn popper is set, and the grandkids are scheduled to arrive early afternoon. This is an ideal situation for fun.
Fallen Angels
This Christmas, as part of the outside decorations, I purchased three five-foot angels for our front lawn. They’re adorable, with bright lights shining in the dark winter night. Their wings are gold, as is the halo, and each one is holding a large, lit, gold star. They are perfection. And then . . . it happened.
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Christmas Swimmers Tea
This afternoon is the annual Christmas Swimmers Tea, which I host in my home. It’s always so much fun because we actually get to see each other with street clothes on! It’s sometimes a shock. Recently, I was amazed to learn that Rachel wore glasses. She didn’t know I did, either.
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Christmas Crazies
The Christmas craziness is well in progress. On Saturday alone I did a Christmas Breakfast with Delilah (yes, the Delilah of radio fame!) for 75 guests, followed by a Christmas potluck with my local writers’ chapter held in my home. That same evening I was given the honor of lighting our city Christmas tree with great pageantry and pomp, followed by a fireworks display. On Sunday, after church, Wayne and I did a wee bit of shopping and then we vegged out. We both needed that. Read more
Holiday Celebrations
The honors just keep coming. Last Christmas about this time I was one of the fruitcake judges for the Port Gamble Country Christmas celebration. Then in September of this year I judged the pies at the Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup. It really doesn’t get much bigger than that.
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2009 Knitting
Wayne and I are packing for Florida. Naturally, the first thing I sorted through to bring with me was yarn–no surprise there. Every year I knit each one of the grandkids a project. They choose the pattern and the yarn, and we have a good time of it. This next year, however, I’m knitting them small things instead of an afghan or a sweater. They’re getting hats and scarves. The major knitting is going to be for me. I feel almost guilty saying that, but I have so many projects stored up I’ve been wanting to attempt.&n Read more
Black Friday
Yes, my friends, I was one of those crazed shoppers you viewed with horror on the Friday night evening newscast. My daughters and I set the alarm for 2 a.m. and were pulling into the Silverdale Kitsap Mall parking lot at 3:45 a.m., lattés in hand and our credit cards humming a Christmas ditty in our purses. As it was, we were fortunate to find a parking spot.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
You’d think, being a writer, that words would come easily to me, and in some instances they do, but at other times I struggle. I’ve always found it difficult to know what to say when comforting the grieving or how best to ease another’s pain. It’s almost as hard for me to find the right words to give thanks.
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Wayne Shopping
Wayne spent the last two weeks in Florida getting our new home ready for our late December arrival. I have missed him something fierce, and he missed me, too. To let you know how much, he volunteered to go to the grocery store with me this afternoon. Wayne offering to shop? For a moment there I feared he was suffering from altitude sickness. He hates anything to do with shopping. Ah well, I’ll count my blessings and smile sweetly and suggest he push the cart. Read more
Costco Shopping Is Not Cheap!
I went to Costco this weekend. That was a big mistake. First off, it seemed every person within a tri-state area had the same idea. I was fortunate to find a parking spot.
Bogart at the Vet
We had to take our puppy to the vet this week. His two sisters have ear mites, and we wanted to check to be sure Bogie’s ears were clear. While we were there, the vet decided to take Bogie’s temperature. Only our little doggie was having none of that. He looked at the thermometer and said, “You’re going to put that where?” Oh, the indignity of it!
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Fun with Phones
I had a fun telephone conversation with a Boca Raton, Florida readers group last night. They meet every other month, have a potluck and discuss a book. This time they were reading TWENTY WISHES, and I was excited to chat with them. At one point in the discussion they asked me to listen carefully. The phone went quiet , and then I heard what sounded like fireworks in the background—only it wasn’t. The noise was the sound of these fun ladies parading around the floor popping bubble wrap! I loved having this scene from Read more
Happy Birthday, Isaiah!
My grandson, Isaiah Anton, is five years old today. He’s the youngest of my daughter Jenny’s three children. I swear that boy could charm a snake. In addition, he has such a sweet and clever personality. Okay, I’ll admit I’m prejudiced, but then I am his grandma. Happy Birthday Isaiah. Grandma hascake and ice cream waiting for you! Read more
Debbie, the Actress!
For three days last week I was part of a large photo shoot for the Cedar Cove Cookbook, which will be available in September 2009. On Thursday I stood holding a plate of muffins for four hours! As far as I’m concerned, models are grossly underpaid. I also did a cooking video for one of the cookie recipes, which will be on a number of websites. (I’ll let you know when I find out where.) The video was a whole lot of fun, and you know what the best part was? Sampling the completed cookie! I will say one thing about this
Veterans Day
When I was a kid, growing up in Yakima, Washington, Veterans Day was a big deal. My dad marched in the parade with fellow veterans and proudly carried the American flag. Both my parents were part of the war effort during World War II. Mom served as a welder, building ships in the Portland shipyards while Dad was overseas. Dad was captured by the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge and spent the remainder of the war in a POW camp inside Germany. My parents knew what it meant to serve their country as countless men and women continue to Read more
Moving is Not for Sissies!
Our plan was simple. Wayne and I were to fly to Florida, sign closing papers on our new house, pack up the condo, tag items for the movers, and meet them at our new place. Sounds simple, right? Haul a carload or two of clothes and maybe a few boxes of books, some knitting paraphernalia and a bottle or two of wine.
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Lunch and Laughter
Bogart Beauregard
Over the weekend Wayne and I purchased a dog. Not just any dog, but a fluffy black-and-white puppy about six weeks old and the size of a very cute rat! He is a mix of Pomeranian and Shih Tzu, and his name is Bogart Beauregard Macomber. He is as smart as his foster daddy, Wayne, and as cute as any of the grandkids. Pictures to follow next week!
Birthday Wish
My staff took me to lunch today for my official birthday. Renate, Wanda, Heidi and Carol all know me so well and their gifts to me reflected that. Heidi gave me a plaque with an Erma Bombeck saying that I thought I would share with you. It read: When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say. “I used everything You gave me.” My wish is that I will be able to say the very same thing.