I bought Sweet Eleanor HERE on Ravelry last week and knitted it in a creamy white acrylic/wool blend. I loved it! Monday, March 01, 2010
Sweet Eleanor
Eleanor is a little girl who has cancer. Her parents are friends of my daughter Kiti's college friend, Wendy. Because Wendy is a knitter, a supportive friend, and a blogger, she has designed this adorable hat and is selling it to help raise money to help Eleanor. Every penny that Wendy makes selling this pattern is given to Eleanor's parents to help them pay for her medical care. You can read about Eleanor's situation on her Caring Bridge website (posted with her parents' permission).
I bought Sweet Eleanor HERE on Ravelry last week and knitted it in a creamy white acrylic/wool blend. I loved it! Wendy has designed a great, clearly written pattern in two sizes, child and adult. If you are looking for a cabled cap to knit, try this one. You'll get a well written pattern, a really really cute hat, and the satisfaction that you are helping a little girl in her fight against cancer. If you're in to KALs and are a Ravelry member, you can join this Malabrigo Junkiesgroup and knit Sweet Eleanor with them.
I bought Sweet Eleanor HERE on Ravelry last week and knitted it in a creamy white acrylic/wool blend. I loved it! 
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Grateful for Fave Five
I enjoy participating in Susanne's Friday Fave Five each week. It's a great way to focus on positive events in my everyday life and to remind myself to search for blessings to be thankful for. Thanks, Susanne, for hosting Friday Fave Five! If you want to see what FFF is all about or participate too, you can click HERE.
1. I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to create beautiful fiber objects. No week at Willow's Cottage would be complete without some fiber in some form being knitted, spun or felted. I spun this silk and merino blend fiber while I watched the first part of the Olympics. I raced to finish the first skein before we packed the car and drove to San Diego for the weekend because I intended to give it to my daughter in law for her birthday. The brown and gold hand dyed fiber was a beautiful gift for my precious daughter in law!
2. I'm thankful for time spent with my family! Because the main purpose of our trip was to participate in the birthday celebration for The Princess, we headed to Hodad's in Ocean Beach on Saturday at noon. The Birthday Girl chose this iconic hamburger joint because, honestly, this place has the World's. Best. Onion. Rings. And. Chocolate. Milkshakes. When we arrived, we took our places in line and waited until there was room for our 'party of six' to sit at one of the picnic style tables.
Hodad's is world famous for its beach shack decor as well as its burgers, fries, shakes, and onion rings. The walls are almost completely covered with license plates from all over the US, Canada, and the rest of the world. Surfboards hang on every wall.
This fascinating bike is made from all kinds of beach debris. I wonder if anyone has actually ever ridden it.
3. I'm thankful for good friends! This week has been filled up with 'last times' for Ellen and me. We took our last walk in my neighborhood. We enjoyed our last cup of tea together at All Things Tea. This is how I'll always remember Ellen--with camera in hand! Today we'll have our last lunch, and then tomorrow she and her husband will be heading north to Washington. Ellen and I met through our blogs, discovered that we lived in the same town and that we both loved to walk. We've been photographing, blogging and walking buddies for two years. I'll miss her joyful spirit and sense of humor. Fortunately, we'll still have our blogs, phones and facebook for keeping in touch.
4. Gentle rain is a blessing we have enjoyed this week. Usually our rain in Southern California drops in torrents, roaring in from the coast with strong winds. Yesterday's rainstorm was more of a Pacific Northwest drizzle, a sweet goodbye gift for Ellen.
1. I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to create beautiful fiber objects. No week at Willow's Cottage would be complete without some fiber in some form being knitted, spun or felted. I spun this silk and merino blend fiber while I watched the first part of the Olympics. I raced to finish the first skein before we packed the car and drove to San Diego for the weekend because I intended to give it to my daughter in law for her birthday. The brown and gold hand dyed fiber was a beautiful gift for my precious daughter in law!
2. I'm thankful for time spent with my family! Because the main purpose of our trip was to participate in the birthday celebration for The Princess, we headed to Hodad's in Ocean Beach on Saturday at noon. The Birthday Girl chose this iconic hamburger joint because, honestly, this place has the World's. Best. Onion. Rings. And. Chocolate. Milkshakes. When we arrived, we took our places in line and waited until there was room for our 'party of six' to sit at one of the picnic style tables.
Hodad's is world famous for its beach shack decor as well as its burgers, fries, shakes, and onion rings. The walls are almost completely covered with license plates from all over the US, Canada, and the rest of the world. Surfboards hang on every wall.
This fascinating bike is made from all kinds of beach debris. I wonder if anyone has actually ever ridden it.
3. I'm thankful for good friends! This week has been filled up with 'last times' for Ellen and me. We took our last walk in my neighborhood. We enjoyed our last cup of tea together at All Things Tea. This is how I'll always remember Ellen--with camera in hand! Today we'll have our last lunch, and then tomorrow she and her husband will be heading north to Washington. Ellen and I met through our blogs, discovered that we lived in the same town and that we both loved to walk. We've been photographing, blogging and walking buddies for two years. I'll miss her joyful spirit and sense of humor. Fortunately, we'll still have our blogs, phones and facebook for keeping in touch.
4. Gentle rain is a blessing we have enjoyed this week. Usually our rain in Southern California drops in torrents, roaring in from the coast with strong winds. Yesterday's rainstorm was more of a Pacific Northwest drizzle, a sweet goodbye gift for Ellen.5. Lastly, I love Skype! What could be more precious than seeing My New Boy blow kisses to his Mema in real time through the computer screen?
What were your favorite little blessings this week?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday Fave Five
I'm late to the party for FFF today! That's because I am in San Diego with my kids!
1. So, my first fave is obviously--being with my sons and daughters for the weekend!
2. A walk with Ellen. These walks are precious times because when Ellen moves, they will end.
3. Earl Grey tea with Ellen (yes, it's a theme) at our favorite tea shop All Things Tea.
4. The Professor bought me a latte at The Panini Place after we shopped for our fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market.
5. Coffeetime on Sunday morning with the Blueberry Lady and her husband.
6. A bonus fave: the weather was warm last weekend, so while the Professor trimmed the plum tree, I weeded and tidied the area where the nine camellia bushes in my garden grow.
And now we're off on a walk, making more FFF memories! Join us at Susanne's blog!
1. So, my first fave is obviously--being with my sons and daughters for the weekend!
2. A walk with Ellen. These walks are precious times because when Ellen moves, they will end.
3. Earl Grey tea with Ellen (yes, it's a theme) at our favorite tea shop All Things Tea.
4. The Professor bought me a latte at The Panini Place after we shopped for our fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market.
5. Coffeetime on Sunday morning with the Blueberry Lady and her husband.
6. A bonus fave: the weather was warm last weekend, so while the Professor trimmed the plum tree, I weeded and tidied the area where the nine camellia bushes in my garden grow.
And now we're off on a walk, making more FFF memories! Join us at Susanne's blog!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Best Laid Plans
Favorite moments of this past week were scattered around unexpected changes in our plans. Airport delays. Snow storms. Cancelled flights.
Although our flights on Friday were late and connections were missed, we made it to our destination in time to participate in the rehearsal dinner and the wedding on Saturday morning.
Congratulations to the happy couple!
Others were not so fortunate in their travels. The New Boy and his entourage were snowed in.
Once we were assured that the roads were clear and there was a window of time between storms, we decided it was worth the drive through the frozen landscape to be able to celebrate the other weekend event.
Happy Birthday to Our New Boy, who isn't really so new anymore since he is now Two!
Shoveling snow, The Professor and his brother enjoyed 'quality time'.
In spite of the snow storms and cold (for us) temperatures, we warmed our hearts with renewed friendships and lively conversations that included comments like, "Was it really that long ago?" and "So what are your kids doing now?" and "Let's keep in touch!"
Although our flights on Friday were late and connections were missed, we made it to our destination in time to participate in the rehearsal dinner and the wedding on Saturday morning.
Congratulations to the happy couple!
Others were not so fortunate in their travels. The New Boy and his entourage were snowed in.
Once we were assured that the roads were clear and there was a window of time between storms, we decided it was worth the drive through the frozen landscape to be able to celebrate the other weekend event.
Happy Birthday to Our New Boy, who isn't really so new anymore since he is now Two!
Shoveling snow, The Professor and his brother enjoyed 'quality time'.
In spite of the snow storms and cold (for us) temperatures, we warmed our hearts with renewed friendships and lively conversations that included comments like, "Was it really that long ago?" and "So what are your kids doing now?" and "Let's keep in touch!"A wonderful time was had by all, even though, as Robert Burns pointed out,
The best laid plans of mice and men
'gang aft agley.'
And the most important words were spoken.
'gang aft agley.'
And the most important words were spoken.
"I do!"
What small, large, or unexpected moments did you find in your week to celebrate? Susanne at Living To Tell The Story hosts Friday Fave Five so we can share those moments with each other!
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Happy February Fave Five
As you are reading this FFF, I will be inside an airplane flying very high in the blue sky many thousands of feet above the earth.
1. A wedding was announced! We booked reservations! We're going! That's why I won't be online commenting much this weekend.
2. We will be spending lots of quality time with extended family!
3. There will be hours of enforced inactivity sitting buckled up. I packed yarn. Lots of yarn. And books.
4. Last weekend, The Professor and I drove to LA and after attending a dedication ceremony for a teen center and hanging out with lots of old friends, we had dinner with other friends. Reconnecting and catching up with special people was great. I took a few photos but blogger is not allowing me to post them.
5. Because I do not normally enjoy shopping, I was pleased to find just the right tops to warm up my wardrobe for our trip to Northern latitudes.
Thank you, Susanne, for faithfully hosting Friday Fave Five!
What events, large or small, contributed to make your week happy or productive? You can share by clicking HERE and signing up with Mr. Linky on Susanne's blog.
1. A wedding was announced! We booked reservations! We're going! That's why I won't be online commenting much this weekend.
2. We will be spending lots of quality time with extended family!
3. There will be hours of enforced inactivity sitting buckled up. I packed yarn. Lots of yarn. And books.
4. Last weekend, The Professor and I drove to LA and after attending a dedication ceremony for a teen center and hanging out with lots of old friends, we had dinner with other friends. Reconnecting and catching up with special people was great. I took a few photos but blogger is not allowing me to post them.
5. Because I do not normally enjoy shopping, I was pleased to find just the right tops to warm up my wardrobe for our trip to Northern latitudes.
Thank you, Susanne, for faithfully hosting Friday Fave Five!
What events, large or small, contributed to make your week happy or productive? You can share by clicking HERE and signing up with Mr. Linky on Susanne's blog.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Can it be the last week of January? Flying past in wind and rain, the first month of 2010 is almost gone! Friday has arrived right on schedule and along with anticipation of the weekend comes participation in Friday's Fave Five, which is hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.
1. After our weeks of back to back to back rain storms, I am reveling in some sunny warm days. Yes, I'm focusing on the weather again. I love sunshine.
2. I can't seem to get enough of this, either:
Although it didn't take much convincing, I persuaded The Professor to take a Sunday afternoon walk along the promenade in Ventura. Throngs of people and dogs had the same idea. Even the surfers were out in force, challenging the higher than usual waves.
1. After our weeks of back to back to back rain storms, I am reveling in some sunny warm days. Yes, I'm focusing on the weather again. I love sunshine.
2. I can't seem to get enough of this, either:
Although it didn't take much convincing, I persuaded The Professor to take a Sunday afternoon walk along the promenade in Ventura. Throngs of people and dogs had the same idea. Even the surfers were out in force, challenging the higher than usual waves.3. As usual, I've kept my knitting needles near me all week. Because we will be traveling to a colder climate next weekend, I'm working on warm wooly mittens (blue, of course). I have delusions of finishing a sweater, too.
4. I discovered that the public library in the next town over has a large collection of novels by Elizabeth Goudge, who is one of my favorite authors. I checked out four books and am reading the first volume, Island Magic. Did you know you can knit and read at the same time if you choose a book that stays open on its own and a knitting project that doesn't need too much attention?
5. Speaking of knitting, I was able to join my crochet and knit group this evening for an hour of fellowship, fiber and fun. The hostess wanted to (re)learn to knit so I delightedly walked her through the steps of casting on and working a knit stitch.
Have you experienced some favorite moments or events this week? Share them with others, either in my comments or over at Susanne's blog where you can sign up with Mr. Linky.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Storms
Welcome to Friday Fave Five. Susanne is our host. You can participate too! Check in on her blog, Living to Tell the Story.
This week at Willow's Cottage can only be described as wet and wild. I am referring of course to the weather. Does it seem like Southern Californians are obsessed with their weather? I think that, because our normal weather pattern is sunshine and more sunshine, when rainstorms assail the hills, valleys and freeways, people get a little crazy.
It's true that the infrastructures in both cities and agricultural areas are just not built to handle huge volumes of water and so we get a lot of this:
I had to take two detours to drive from the town next to mine back home on Monday evening. I am thankful for safety in driving.
While I don't love being out in the rain, I am thankful that we will have water to drink this year. Rain on the California coast means snowpack in the Sierra Nevadas which means drinking water in the summer.
My cousin's visit came right between two storms, so we were able to go out to the beach and walk in the sand and enjoy a fish and chips dinner at a locally famous marina restaurant named Andria's, sitting outside ON THE PATIO (in January). Because we seldom see each other, we talked and talked. It was wonderful.
High winds mean high surf, and we have had high surf warnings this week. Since I tutor in Ventura on Thursdays, I usually drive down to the beach for a few minutes. Today, the waves were crashing over the break water at the harbor entrance.
The Professor returned to classes this week, but he still cooked dinner a couple of evenings when I came home tired and hungry. His newest culinary challenge is learning to master stir frying in the wok. I have been happily sampling some really yummy vegetable dishes.
Our weather forecast predicts sunshine will return this weekend. That's a fave, for sure!
This week at Willow's Cottage can only be described as wet and wild. I am referring of course to the weather. Does it seem like Southern Californians are obsessed with their weather? I think that, because our normal weather pattern is sunshine and more sunshine, when rainstorms assail the hills, valleys and freeways, people get a little crazy.
It's true that the infrastructures in both cities and agricultural areas are just not built to handle huge volumes of water and so we get a lot of this:
I had to take two detours to drive from the town next to mine back home on Monday evening. I am thankful for safety in driving.
While I don't love being out in the rain, I am thankful that we will have water to drink this year. Rain on the California coast means snowpack in the Sierra Nevadas which means drinking water in the summer.
My cousin's visit came right between two storms, so we were able to go out to the beach and walk in the sand and enjoy a fish and chips dinner at a locally famous marina restaurant named Andria's, sitting outside ON THE PATIO (in January). Because we seldom see each other, we talked and talked. It was wonderful.
High winds mean high surf, and we have had high surf warnings this week. Since I tutor in Ventura on Thursdays, I usually drive down to the beach for a few minutes. Today, the waves were crashing over the break water at the harbor entrance.
The Professor returned to classes this week, but he still cooked dinner a couple of evenings when I came home tired and hungry. His newest culinary challenge is learning to master stir frying in the wok. I have been happily sampling some really yummy vegetable dishes.Our weather forecast predicts sunshine will return this weekend. That's a fave, for sure!
How was your week and weather?
Monday, January 18, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Quiet Time
Some weeks are quiet. Savoring the familiar, we slip through the daily routines, hardly noticing that the days have crept past. Thankfully, this is not always a 'bad thing'. I have glided through Willow's Week quietly.
Trying to chronicle the best of this week, I can only report that it was a quiet and gentle time.
1. It rained a little. We woke in the early morning to the sounds of rain pattering on the roof.
2. The sun shone quite a lot. Even though the wind also blew, the cheery sunshine smiled down on us almost daily. Our weather forecast is for a sunny weekend with coastal warnings of very high surf, so we have two more days of this happy weather.
3. Each morning, The Professor makes me my very own cafe latte. Most days, he brews a second one for me to take in my personal mug so I can sip it on the drive to wherever I am going. It's wonderful!
4. There is an Indonesian proverb that says, "Sediket demi sediket, menjadi bukit" which translated literally states, "Little by little, a mountain is made." The English equivalent might be, "Baby steps!" That is the way I've started to tackle my overwhelming assortment of old photos. I took the first baby step toward sorting, decluttering, and organizing almost a century of pictures. Yes, truly, nearly 100 years. I have most, if not all, of the photos from my grandparents, and their ancestors, as well as my parents.
5. Anticipation! I am expecting a short visit from my dearest cousin! If I don't get around this weekend to say hi, you'll know why.
Thank you, Susanne, for hosting Friday's Fave Five! Please click HERE to join in the weekly fun.
Trying to chronicle the best of this week, I can only report that it was a quiet and gentle time.
1. It rained a little. We woke in the early morning to the sounds of rain pattering on the roof.
2. The sun shone quite a lot. Even though the wind also blew, the cheery sunshine smiled down on us almost daily. Our weather forecast is for a sunny weekend with coastal warnings of very high surf, so we have two more days of this happy weather.
3. Each morning, The Professor makes me my very own cafe latte. Most days, he brews a second one for me to take in my personal mug so I can sip it on the drive to wherever I am going. It's wonderful!
4. There is an Indonesian proverb that says, "Sediket demi sediket, menjadi bukit" which translated literally states, "Little by little, a mountain is made." The English equivalent might be, "Baby steps!" That is the way I've started to tackle my overwhelming assortment of old photos. I took the first baby step toward sorting, decluttering, and organizing almost a century of pictures. Yes, truly, nearly 100 years. I have most, if not all, of the photos from my grandparents, and their ancestors, as well as my parents.
5. Anticipation! I am expecting a short visit from my dearest cousin! If I don't get around this weekend to say hi, you'll know why.
Thank you, Susanne, for hosting Friday's Fave Five! Please click HERE to join in the weekly fun.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thursday, January 07, 2010
FFF
Welcome to Friday's Fave Five aka Willow's Week. Here at Willow's Cottage, the kids are gone, life is back to (almost) normal,and the cottage is empty(er).1. Our Farmers Market continues to sell fruits, vegetables and flowers every Saturday. How I love to plan my Saturday morning around a stroll through the market to visit my favorite local vendors to pick out potatoes, garlic, apples, cucumbers and fresh greens.
2. I am back at work, helping teach, doing some tutoring. Fortunately, I enjoy what I do to earn money to purchase that fresh produce.
3. While the rest of the US and much of the Northern Hemisphere has been shrouded in snow and ice, our Southern California coastal area has been sunny and warm. Between teaching and tutoring on Thursday, I had a few minutes to drive a few extra blocks to Ventura Beach, pop out of the car, breathe deeply, and snap this photo of the Pacific Ocean. Our Ventura County weather advisory warns of high surf this weekend, but our temperatures will remain in the high 60s. Winter is my favorite season in Southern California.
4. Ellen and I are back walking our usual route! We walked on Tuesday and plan to walk Friday morning again. What a blessing it is to have a friend to exercise with.5. http://www.crivoice.org/ I've been using this website to download daily Scripture readings for The Church Year where it lists the reading for the current Season of Epiphany. Because one of my 'hopes and goals' for 2010 involves more focus on my spiritual life, I appreciate having the readings easily accessible.
Thank you to Susanne for faithfully hosting FFF every Friday. Go visit her and leave a comment and find out what people all over the world loved about their weeks.
And thanks for stopping by Willow's Cottage. Your comments make my day!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Treasure
Through the years and from several different sources, I have accumulated a substantial library of old knitting, crocheting and crafting books. During the Christmas visitation of my daughters and sons, I pulled out several boxes and bags, opened them up and offered any and all patterns and books to the girls. Because both girls (well, they're women, really) love vintage clothes and are quite knowledgeable about style, they love the pattern books and enjoy playing the game, "What year was THIS published?"
Wanna play? Try to guess!
A) What is this? Cinderella?
C) Clues to the decade include the mustache, shaggy hair and that wristband!
D) No fashion era should ever include reptile accesories!
I enjoy perusing the old books for ideas and comparisons in style, shaping, and fiber, so I find them interesting and inspirational. I just don't need 50 or 60 books! Is there anyone out there in blogland who would like some? I'll be happy to mail off a box of old patterns to the first person who asks for them.
Wanna play? Try to guess!
A) What is this? Cinderella?
B) Four beauties!
C) Clues to the decade include the mustache, shaggy hair and that wristband!
D) No fashion era should ever include reptile accesories!
E) Black and White
I enjoy perusing the old books for ideas and comparisons in style, shaping, and fiber, so I find them interesting and inspirational. I just don't need 50 or 60 books! Is there anyone out there in blogland who would like some? I'll be happy to mail off a box of old patterns to the first person who asks for them.Thursday, December 31, 2009
Fave Five, First of 2010
Happy New Year! Welcome to Willow's edition of Friday Fave Five, First Week of 2010!
Are you ready for a new year? I'm not! I'm just finishing up my Christmas celebrations. Because our family was scattered to other places this year, we played revolving doors (and beds) in an attempt to spend some time together during Christmas week. We did not succeed in having everyone together at the same time, but we all saw each other long enough to say, "Merry Christmas" and share gifts.
1. My Fave Fives this week will be curtailed by my first fave- a new computer! I have had a new laptop in my possession for a few weeks, but moving files and uploading programs has been a slow process. Knowing I had to learn Windows 2007 on my new computer, I dragged my proverbial feet and finally today I made the final computer switch over. However, it's not going so smoothly and therefore my FFF is being affected. All in all, though, I'm thrilled to have a computer now that will read and upload cds and dvds which my old computer had quit doing a long time ago. Because the new computer is doing something 'weird' and I can't upload any more photos or use it until The Professor performs some magic tricks with it, I have moved over to his computer to finish writing my FFFs.
2. Being with family is the best! We loved spending a few days spoiling our New Boy.
3. We enjoyed a couple of walks at Ventura Beach during the week. We are so blessed to live near the beach and in a climate that allows us to walk there year round.
4. Giving my adult children free rein in the kitchen to cook and clean up was definitely a favorite part of my week! They're all competent cooks and willing washers.
5. I loved putzing around my cottage for a couple of weeks without having other obligations like tutoring and teaching sessions. Knitting, reading, and playing games provided just the right amount of activity.
Here we are, 2010, a new year in a new decade, looking back one last time at 2009. What wonderful events impressed you this week?
You can share over at Susanne's blog, Living To Tell The Story.
Happy New Year! On we go to 2010!
Are you ready for a new year? I'm not! I'm just finishing up my Christmas celebrations. Because our family was scattered to other places this year, we played revolving doors (and beds) in an attempt to spend some time together during Christmas week. We did not succeed in having everyone together at the same time, but we all saw each other long enough to say, "Merry Christmas" and share gifts.
1. My Fave Fives this week will be curtailed by my first fave- a new computer! I have had a new laptop in my possession for a few weeks, but moving files and uploading programs has been a slow process. Knowing I had to learn Windows 2007 on my new computer, I dragged my proverbial feet and finally today I made the final computer switch over. However, it's not going so smoothly and therefore my FFF is being affected. All in all, though, I'm thrilled to have a computer now that will read and upload cds and dvds which my old computer had quit doing a long time ago. Because the new computer is doing something 'weird' and I can't upload any more photos or use it until The Professor performs some magic tricks with it, I have moved over to his computer to finish writing my FFFs.
2. Being with family is the best! We loved spending a few days spoiling our New Boy.
3. We enjoyed a couple of walks at Ventura Beach during the week. We are so blessed to live near the beach and in a climate that allows us to walk there year round.4. Giving my adult children free rein in the kitchen to cook and clean up was definitely a favorite part of my week! They're all competent cooks and willing washers.5. I loved putzing around my cottage for a couple of weeks without having other obligations like tutoring and teaching sessions. Knitting, reading, and playing games provided just the right amount of activity.
Here we are, 2010, a new year in a new decade, looking back one last time at 2009. What wonderful events impressed you this week?
You can share over at Susanne's blog, Living To Tell The Story.
Happy New Year! On we go to 2010!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas Math
This is the way Christmas is adding up this year.
1+1=2 (Willow and The Professor)
2+1=3 (The Grad Student)
3+2=5 (Kiti and The New Boy)
5-2=3 (Kiti and The New Boy leave)
3+2=5 (Kiti and The New Boy return)
5+2=7 (Chaplain Dan and The Princess)
7-2=5 (Chpl. Dan and The Princess leave)
5+2=7 (MamaMia and The Marine arrive)
7-2=5 (Kiti and The New Boy fly away New Year's Eve)
5-3=2 (MM, The Marine and TGS go home)
Willow and The Professor, empty nest in January.
I should have made up a spread sheet.
1+1=2 (Willow and The Professor)
2+1=3 (The Grad Student)
3+2=5 (Kiti and The New Boy)
5-2=3 (Kiti and The New Boy leave)
3+2=5 (Kiti and The New Boy return)
5+2=7 (Chaplain Dan and The Princess)
7-2=5 (Chpl. Dan and The Princess leave)
5+2=7 (MamaMia and The Marine arrive)
7-2=5 (Kiti and The New Boy fly away New Year's Eve)
5-3=2 (MM, The Marine and TGS go home)
Willow and The Professor, empty nest in January.
I should have made up a spread sheet.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Mary, Did You Know?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.
The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I Am!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Friday Fave Five, #67
Wow! Is it really FFF #67? Sixty- seven weeks of celebrating our blessings! Thanks, Susanne, for hosting us every week.
It is The Week Before Christmas Week, and I have finished my teaching and tutoring for the month/year 2009. Now is the time I can focus on preparing for Christmas and enjoying social activities.1. Christmas cards. Because I love receiving cards every year, I also send them. The Professor and I worked together to update our address list on the computer, print out labels, write a Christmas letter, stick labels on envelopes, stuff the envelopes with cards and letters, seal them and affix correct postage. For more than one hundred cards, that's a lot of folding, stuffing, licking and stamping. The project is done and now it's up to the US Postal Service to do its job of placing the cards in the appropriate mailboxes.
2. Driving PCH--which means Pacific Coast Highway, not Peace, Charity, Hope--to spend the day with friends in Manhattan Beach. With the beach on my right on the way there, I drove through Malibu, peeking at the ocean whenever I could take my eyes off the road for three seconds. Mist, a few clouds, low flying pelicans, crashing Pacific Ocean waves, bikers, runners, surfers.
3. Celebrating a special birthday with friends! I spent the whole day with the birthday girl and enjoyed lunch with several of our mutual friends.
4. We decided that we ought to walk off our pizza lunch and cookies and ice cream dessert. By the time we finally left the restaurant and drove to Manhattan Beach Pier, the sun was thinking about setting. The temperature was still in the high 60s, so we didn't take our jackets with us. (You can see in the photo that the children digging in the sand are wearing summer beach attire.)
Three miles of walking along The Strand, gazing at this sunset:
It has been a most pleasant week here at Willow's Cottage! How was yours? You can share in the comments or go check out what others have to say over at Susanne's blog.
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