Friday, December 29, 2017

Friday Fave Fives, End of 2017

The week between Christmas and New Years always seems odd and empty.  The time has been very busy, mostly filled with children and grandchildren.  But I still found time to be thankful each day!   Here are my Friday Fave Fives for this last week of 2017.

1.  Time with my son and daughters.  Because we live all across the US in different states, we seldom have the opportunity to spend more than a couple of days together, so it was wonderful to have my wandering Dr. Mike with us for four days.

2.  Watching Dr. Mike play with his nephews and niece.  He bought some cards for a game and taught them to play.

3.  I learned to play Code Names.  And I didn't totally embarrass myself.

4.  Although we seldom watch movies in theaters, we decided to do a family expotition* to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi.  I really don't have a yes I loved it or no I hated it opinion.  It was--a fun movie.

5.  I am thankful for layers and layers of warm clothing!

And now, I wish everyone who reads my thoughts in this place a Very Happy New Year!

*expotition:  a borrowed word from Winnie the Pooh books.

Friday, December 22, 2017

In the Winter

Happy Winter and Happy Friday!  It's time for Friday Fave Fives.  I am popping in quickly to post as I take a break from packing my suitcase and packing the car.

1.  Winter Solstice.  Yes, now it's winter, but since we passed the solstice (yestserday!), the days will begin again to have more and longer light.  Cold and dark are not my favorites, but if the days are brighter, I can stand the cold In The Winter.

2.  Raspberry sorbet.  Knowing I don't eat ice cream, my granddaughter reminded her mom to get Meema some sorbet for a treat.  Wasn't that thoughtful?  Why I am eating frozen sorbet In the Winter?

3.  Coupons for the craft store to buy yarn and needles.  I keep knitting and running out of yarn!  On to my next pair of socks...  Socks are best knit In The Winter.

4.  Morning coffee.  In The Winter.

5.  Night time tea.  In The Winter.

Are you ready for Christmas?? 
(I'm not!  But December Twenty-Fifth is coming anyway!)

Happy Happy Christmas to you ALL.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Beginning to Look Like Christmas

Friday Greetings from a grey and frigid East Coast.  Snow has fallen and melted twice in the past week.  And now it's snowing again.  Yeah.  This Southern California girl is confused.


This week's Friday Fave Fives may be a bit confused, too.  I am thankful even in the midst of a bit of chaos and cold.

1.  Although I have visited Washington, D.C. a few times, I hadn't seen anything of the US capital except the National Mall and a few museums.  Last weekend, I stayed in DC with a long time friend who has moved there.  We were homeschool and church friends in Oregon, in a far away time and place.  We always connect if she is in California or I am in DC, but this time it was just the two of us hanging out at her home and drinking tea and talking.  We had planned to hike and explore (yes, there ARE hiking trails in DC!), but the snow and freezing cold wind changed our plans.  Sunday morning, we attended her church, and that too was a blessing.

Best House in DC


complete with guard dog


2.  Driving through residential neighborhoods and along two lane roads gives one a very different feel than the official areas.  And of course the snow added another layer of perspective.



3.  Daughter #2's moving schedule has changed a bit as she found out through 'chance meetings'* and 'chance conversations'* that the military will indeed pay for the move although her husband is a!ready retired from the Marine Corps.  I can't adequately express what a blessing this is!  AND, the movers will come in and PACK everything, too!  This has taken so much financial and physical/emotional pressure off.  *I don't believe in 'chance'--these were God orchestrated events.

4.  I love my cell phone.  The Professor is in California and I am on the east coast.  We can still talk at least twice a day.

5.  Some knitting is happening.  I finished a pair of socks for my daughter using that yarn from HER stash that I mentioned last week, and since there is plenty left over, I'm working on a matching pair for me.


Update on the home county fires:  still burning, still windy.  Please pray for Ventura County!

Thursday, December 07, 2017

Already December

I'm back!  It's December!  It's Friday and that means Friday Fave Fives.

I missed blogging anything the last two weeks.  That's because I have been gone from Willow's Cottage again.  The week before Thanksgiving, I flew to the east coast to spend time with my Daughter #2 and her family.

1.   Daughter #1 came for the holiday, too.  On Friday, #optoutside day, we took the cousins for a hike.  I love sharing my love of the outdoors with my grandchildren.  I hope they are learning to love it, too.


2.  I've been using my ninja decluttering and packing skills to help Daughter #2 prepare for their upcoming move to the same area where Daughter #1 lives.  I love that she appreciates my help.  And I love that they are both excited to be living near each other.

3.  One day we took some time off and drove to Annapolis for lunch at the harbor.  I love exploring places, and I do love Annapolis!



4.  I knitted all the yarn I brought with me, so I have been raiding my daughter's stash.  I love that she loves to knit and is willing to share (less for her to move, right?).

5.  Have you been hearing and reading about the horrible fires in Southern California?  It's my county, Ventura County, that's burning.  I have been monitoring the situation as well as possible and The Professor who is home is keeping me up to date.  I hate the destruction, but it encourages me to see how we are all gathering around to help--everyone from the firefighters and first responders to neighbors and strangers.  Obviously, the fave is NOT the fires.  It's the outpouring of love and care.

A bit of mid-Atlantic, late autumn beauty to enjoy.