This Perfectly Imperfect Life

Hubby looks s'handsome with his glasses on. (In my humble, unbiased opinion!)

Amaryllis Orange Blossom, taken 11/29/08.

Amaryllis Apple Blossom, taken 11/29/08.

Amaryllis Red Lion, taken 11/29/08.

Nature's Path has come out with (USDA) Organic instant hot oatmeal in a variety of flavors, all fairly low in sodium (something I look for). I picked up a box of the Flax Plus (plain oatmeal with flaxseed - 350mg of Omega-3 per serving) at Foodtown yesterday. This morning before adding hot water from the tea kettle, I sprinkled the dry oatmeal with Cinnimon & Brown Suger and added a couple of spoonfuls of dried Cranberries (Ocean Spray's Craisins), then I poured hot water in, a little at a time since I like thick, stick to your ribs oatmeal! Lastly, I drizzled 2 caps fulls of lowfat 1% milk over it. (I use Stonyfield Farm Organic milks). My expectations weren't high (there have been many ag great oatmeal debacles over the years) so I was pleasantly surprised by it being DELICIOUS! Since our Nephew's on an 'oatmeal at any time of day kick,' I've got to stash this so there's plenty left for me!

Vic & Booper kitty last night.

After much wrestling & hog tieing, the Reindeer are in their final spots for this Christmas Season! Once again I am reminded why the one closest to the front porch isn't pulling Santa's sleigh - he has the tendency to fall over on take off! Lol!

I took down all the purple & orange lights yesterday and began putting up Christmas.

No, I'm not ready to start sending any even though I just got 3 in the mail today from my friend Kathy! I'm just getting them all together and put in one place for now. I bought all of these pictured above after last Christmas at Barnes & Noble, Staples and A&P and paid no more then $4 a box! BARGAIN not to mention a huge stress reliever for this year.

I finally finished last night. Final/official word count: 50,087 words! I'm so glad to be done and thankful NaNo is only once a year!

49,675! 325 to go!

Of not going out today! Earlier I mentioned I went with Vic to EyesFirst. After he signed a lease with another new tenant (yippie!) he needed to run to Home Depot for something to repair a tenant's kitchen sink so I decided to go with him because I need new icicle lights for the patio. Well, they didn't have any but I did run over to the Dollar Store and not only found these adorable Christmas Cards (always good to have extra) but also 2 skeins of Patons Silverlash Yarn in Blue Brilliance! All for a buck each! The yarn has bits of sparkley silver in it and I thought it would make a gorgeous Winter themed scarf.

Tomorrow I'll get these hung and then begin taking down Autumn and switching over to Christmas!

I've had these framed kitchen drawings for some time now, my Mom gave them to me. (She bought them for herself and decided she didn't want them). Last night, in looking at the French Impressionists Christmas Cards I picked up after last Christmas, I realized I could frame 1 set (5 different cards) and add them to my collection of snowy themed pictures hanging above the computer desk! (They're all different snowy scenes set in France). This afternoon I got busy!

Do you have a Day After Thanksgiving 'Tradition'? Having worked in retail for the better part of my life once I was 17 up through 29, I relish in the fact that I do not have to go anywhere today unless I REALLY want to! I love staying home, snacking on left overs and watching HGTV's Christmas decorating marathon all day! Usually, I'm home alone on Thanksgiving Friday, but with Sis and Nephew AND Vic home too, I had to out myself and let them all know last week that this is what I do today and one of the 3 tv's in the house is mine! Unfortunately, I'm breaking tradition a bit and running out with Vic to EyesFirst so we can both have our eyes checked, but as soon as we're done, it's back home and I'm picking up right where I left off! *My vision is "perfect!" The blurry-ness I've been experiencing is apparently a result of medications or dryness or eye strain from being on the pc or cell phone too much! They gave me eye drops (all natu...

No sneaking a pic of the big guy! At least Vic didn't make a face in this one! (After dinner).

Here's Sis (in-law) spreading holiday wishes.

This is my Mom after dinner - she had no idea I was taking this pic of her or I'd have to censor it! (She's fond of flipping me the bird!)

No matter your species, turkey makes ya sleepy! (Nephew and Booper kitty after dinner!)

Too many marshmellows on the sweet potato caserole again! Lol!

49,247 words!

My thoughts and prayers go out to those families who've lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks today in Mumbai, India.

The pumpkin pie is baked. (Semi-home made. I use Libby's Easy Bake Pumpkin - DELICIOUS!) The mince pie is baking now. The sweet potato caserole and turnips are next as the oven will be taken over by a turkey breast and a ham in the morning! Cranberry, fresh green apple & 'Christmas Eve' candles are adding their scents to the aroma of baking pies. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? I'm grateful for: -Vic -Mom & Aunt Judy -Brenda, Matt, Gillian, Warren, Michelle, Kathy -the wonderful & amazing friendships I've made thru GoodReads.com/CoL -my SSD being approved earlier this year -a safe & secure place to live -being better off financially than we were at this time last year -my iv treatments working -blogging & the satisfaction it gives me -writing, even with the struggles, walls & blocks -being able to cross things off my "things to do before I die" list I know there are more but these are the first which came to mind. Appr...

7pm last evening we found out there was going to be a Memorial Mass at 8pm which would include the reading of our friends' son's name, who passed away this July. We dashed home from an errand, changed and headed up to the Church. Usually Catholic/Christian Churches do one or two Memorial Masses throughout the year to honor those parishners who've passed away by reading their names, but the ones I've been to in the past only read the names once. Tonight we heard T's name 4 times. Maybe 5. I was fine until his grandfather started sobbing during the second reading. What I thought was really nice was that all of the names were put on the outside of tall glass prayer candles that were about the prettiest shade of purple I've ever seen and each name was read so that parishners' candle could be lit. (The families took the candles home after Mass). Afterwards we went over to our friends' home for a drink. It was good to see their other son being rowdy with his f...

This may sound odd to some, but donating to the foodbank has not only made me feel good but has also stressed me out a bit. I've not only been in the position where I've been unable to afford food but things are a little precarious right now with Vic being out of work - every day since 11/11 has been unpaid for him since he has no more paid time off for this year and while the NJ State Disability paperwork is completed as of this afternoon by all parties (him, his doctor and his job), it takes at least 2 works to process and unless he's out for a month strait, he doesn't get paid for the first 7 days. I actually got a little nervous when we arrived at the foodbank! I started thinking about how things are for us now and while they could be worse, what if they get worse... (Almost a panick attack but not quite!) I should be getting my SSD check tomorrow and thankfully we've got a fair amount in savings but, if I think about it and given the economy, it's scary!...

I'm actually at 44,999 words! Only 5,001 to go!

We're at an old Stewart's on Rt. 36. I love how this place looks! (The way places are re-done today strips them of their character!) We stopped here for lunch on our way home from the food bank to drop off a turkey and a foodstore gift card. ShopRite was insane! Foodtown was fine, thankfully!

I have been switching back and forth most of today between writing for NaNoWriMo and posting here. (I love the pics I've posted today & yesterday). I'm at 44,817 words for NaNo and I do not know how I'm going to reach 50,000! I even stopped using contractions but I'm really at a loss for words! Being tired and sinus headachy all day hasn't helped the situation. Neither has the pc's sudden refusal to let the disk drive work! I've stepped away from the laptop and the pc, read articles from yesterday's NY Times*, skimmed magazines, started reading "A Pig in Provence..." (I can't recall by whom at this moment). I've snuggled with one of the cats on the couch & watched tv. I've tried to knit but my hands are still too stiff and painful to keep with it. (Arthritis is flaring up). My cup no longer runneth over and the well may have run dry. *Interesting article in yesterday's NY Times about blogging: http://www.nytimes.co...

Monday, November 24, 2008 What if? What if I write a book? (Sort of did and it will be published in 2009). What if we have a beautiful country home with lots of land where I have a huge gardening area (year round?) for flowers and veggies? What if I do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Manhattan? What if I finish reading Little Women, A Christmas Carol, The House of the Seven Gables, The Exorcist (did! October 14, 2007), The Honk and the Holler Open Soon (did! October 28, 2005) and The Amityville Horror? What if we take an American Canandian Carribean Cruise line to all the small ports and cities the large ships can't get like we saw on that documentary on PBS? What if I go back to the Canadian Niagara Falls and finally go to the Hockey Hall of Fame? What if we own a farm with dogs, horses, maybe an alpaca, grow Christmas trees, flowers and veggies? What if I ran a farm stand with seasonal flowers, produce, pies and maybe decorations? What if I printed out my photo's, especi...

A piece on Chicks On Lit, an online book club via GoodReads.com which I belong to was recently featured on Reading Group Guides.com's Roundtable. Myself and fellow CoL's/bloggers Tera and Holli and members Laura & Meg were all quoted in the article! Click the following link for the article: http://www.readinggroupguides.com/roundtable/interview_chicks_on_lit.asp

Amaryllis Orange (just opened).

Amaryllis Orange, just opened!

Content and comforted is having food in the house. The cabinets, fridge & pantry have an ample supply right now. It's always a relief, especially in harsh weather & during the holidays. I've been to the point of having nothing in the cabinets, little in the fridge, no money to speak of & hungry. It's been at all different times of the year. Tomorrow I'll redeem for a free fresh turkey and I'll pick up a $100 foodstore gift card, both of which I'll drop off to the foodbank Tuesday night, hoping it will help someone this holiday and perhaps make Thanksgiving happy.

42,546 words baby! I'm in the home stretch now.

I dream of us owning our own home on lots of acreage for peace & quiet - with enough room for small homes for Mom, Pop and Sis so that they're close (but not too close). I dream of snow blanketing everything, falling silently from a grey sky, crunching underneath our boots as we walk through the woods watching for deer who don't yet realize they can be seen. I dream of Alaska and the Antartic, of cold unlike anything I've ever experienced, of the Aurora's in the night sky, of snow & ice as far as my eyes can see. I dream of France, of Paris and Provence, of touching and feeling a country older than my own. I dream of living here, where we are now, a place I never considered living before and have grown to love, but where we cannot afford to own our own. I dream of water having lived near it my whole life, I cannot imagine living some place without its' calming comfort. I dream of my daughter, of the day we will be reunited. when I can finally hold her in m...

The Christmas music bug has bitten me (thanks a lot CBS FM!) so I've added more Vince Guaraldi & other songs to play here.

Last Autumn's scarf was finally completed this evening! (Jiffy Thick & Quick yarn in "Adirondacks" color, size US15/10mm knitting needles). This may be my fav scarf I've knitted to date!

A lovely way to start another busy day! One of my Apple Blossom Amaryllis began opening the day before. Each year I take pics of my Amaryllis as they make their yearly journey to brighten my days with their beauty! (A slight correction to my Amaryllis post from last wk or the wk before: Put Amaryllis in late morning & afternoon sun - you can keep them in indirect sun also). It's been hectic as of late! Vic threw out his back (or something) last Tuesday and is still home from work! He's on muscle relaxers & prescrip ibuprophren, has been to 2 dr's and is starting physical therapy today. Xrays this coming week probably followed by mri. He's going on State disability since he's got no paid time left at work. Sis-in-law arrived this past Saturday evening from Texas for a 3 week visit and our Nephew arrived this Monday for her 60th birthday and to stay with us for awhile! (And he's decided to go back to not eating meat so he's on his own with making dinne...

Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love, and the Search for Home by Kim Sunée My'>http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/16681290?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_review"> My review rating: 4 of 5 stars Kim's journey from being adopted in Korea around the age of 3 brought her to New Orleans and a new world which she never truly felt apart of and this sent her on a long, diffucult journey, nearly around the world as soon as she was old enough. The one constant in her life, from her Grandparents, was food. This far exceeded my expectations! The NY Times Review (or ad for it) mentioned some comparrison to Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat Pray Love," which made me add this to my 'to read' list, but there's no comparrison! I initially reached page 60 and still didn't know if I liked it! I kept thinking "Why can't she just appreciate what she has and what she's experiencing...?!" and then remembered how her circumstances were drastic...

2nd pic taken this evening from our porch.

Taken this evening from our front porch.

20,687 words as of today!

Newark Liberty International Airport? (Pictured above) BAD! Bad bad bad! 'Nuff said! Terminal C for Continental Airlines? HORRENDOUS! I hate when my in-laws have my sister-in-law fly Continental! It is the most chaotic & hectic terminal in all of Newark Airport! (We've flown USA3000 and Jet Blue out of Newark and they were a breeze compared to Continental!) We had her flying into & out of AC Airport on different carriers and it's a pleasant experience! Guess the other airlines aren't snooty enough for the in-laws! (It makes no difference to my sister-in-law).

Last Autumns' isn't! Ah well! Not the best pic - doesn't show the variations in color as well as I'd hoped! I used James Brett Marble Machine Washable 100 percent acrylic in a color called "Dye". I can't recall the size needles though so I'll have to update that later! (* Size US 8/5.0mm needles). It didn't feel itchy while I was knitting it but it has the few times I've worn it! I love the colors in it! The dusty blue reminds me of an autumn sky and the yellows, oranges & browns, from dark to light, remind me of the first leaves beginning to change colors!

I wrote this piece earlier today, my weekly writing piece, which I exchange with my friend Gillian via email each Friday. Yes, this is in addition to all the NaNo writing I'm doing. I'm nearly fried! (Or perhaps I am already, I'm just too fried to know it!) Writing this much (in general) is exhausting! Especially when your Hubby snores to the point you're about to lose your ever living mind! (Last night I nearly did and broke out the ear plugs! He woke me twice even still but that's better than previous nights where I ended up on the couch! And then the cats woke me instead of him!) Anyway, I digress and give you my piece: (Huh, now THAT could be taken more ways than one!!! Sheesh! So could that! LOL!!!) Friday, November 14, 2008 Haunted By A Country. I realized the day before that I am currently reading 5 memoir style books which take place entirely (or just about) in France! It started with "The Sharper Your Knife, The Less you Cry" by Kathlee...

18,482 words as of today & behind by 4,842 words as of today!!!

Regular gas is down to $1.91/9 a gallon?! Has Christmas come early?! Who'd a thunk we'd be this happy to see gas at this price?! I had to take a pic so I can look back & see I'm not dreaming right now!

Currently I'm 16,628 words and though still behind (should have 21,658 words as of today) but I'm gaining!

I noticed the Moon when I was closing the spare room window earlier this evening and took this pic from the back yard standing on a patio chair odoman! Fluffy, see-thru clouds have been rolling off & on since yesterday ahead of another "rain maker" and I just thought the affect with the Moon was beautiful though I doubt my pic here captured any of that! I have a deep affection for our Moon that's years old by now. I love it for its' beauty, its' comforting & reassuring glow, its' magic. Basking in her rays is a very spiritual experience for me. Our Moon has a presence, a protective guardian who sends love and strength when needed. I don't remember exactly how or when my affection for our Moon started but I suspect it was back when I worked "shift work" as closing book keeper for a foodstore and went in at 3p, 4p or 5p and worked until 11p, 12a or 1am. When I got home, I did what people normally do when they get home in the early eve...

My December issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine arrived in the mail today and after getting home from the dentist, I was able to flip through it. I came upon an article about 'Festive Amaryllis' titled "Standouts of the Season" and immediately felt myself begin to de-stress and relax. Amaryllis are a favorite of mine, especially at this time of year when the gardens outside have pretty much wound down and are beginning their cold weather slumber. I like to buy them now (you'll find them trickling into the floral departments of your foodstores already) & get them going to have them blooming for Christmas and New Year's. I also go out right after Christmas to the foodstores to buy up whatever Amaryllis they have left (at 50 percent or more off!) and have them blooming until after Valentines Day! Their huge trumpet like blooms in shades of red, white & pink (and white streaked with red or pink) make my heart sing and bring my gardening love indoo...

Aka C-Man Allowiscious Mahoney the 3d! (Just when you don't think you've got too much time on your hands...)

Don't ask!

It's Veteran's Day! I not only thanked my Hubby for his Service but I thanked a GoodReads friend for his Service (in the Marines) as well. Whether or not you know a Vet personally, please thank him or her for their Service! Our appreciation of what they've done and do for our Country means more to them than you can possibly imagine!

(See previous post) He's 25 years older now and more handsome than ever! I thank God for him every day since our 1st date. He is a man in every sense of the word - loving, honorable, protective, respectful... I love him - "For now, for always and no matter what."

Wish him or her a Happy Birthday today and thank them for their service! Today is the Anniversary of the day The United States Marine Corps was created and all Marines, currently active and no longer active, celebrate today as their personal 'second' birthday. If you know a Marine, you know they are a completely different breead compared with the rest of us and are truly deserving of this 2nd birthday in my book! Hubby was unable to take off from work for it this year and I'm not sure if he will head over to The American Legion after work to meet up with fellow Marines from his Post to drink to all Marines, those who've died, those who are alive and to the future ones who have yet to join. It's VERY emotional for him and all the Marines I've seen on 11/10 in the past. (Last year, since he was able to go out, I was his designated driver!) Lastly, if you love your Freedoms, please thank ALL Vets tomorrow as it's Veteran's Day.

I am so flippin' tired lately! I thought my IV last week (on Election Day) would perk me up but it hasn't! I'm hoping this is just a bout of exhaustion like I normally have gone through every month or so for about 2 weeks (not as often since being on the IV's) given how busy Hubby & I have been since last month. It's a little daunting though with having to get ready for my Sister-in-Law to arrive this Saturday for 3 weeks. (Yup, 3 weeks! That fact alone is daunting enough, trust me!) Not to mention writing for NaNoWriMo '08 (I'm at 13,809 words & now technically behind!), editing NaNoWriMo '07, doctors appointments & the usual day to day! Sigh!

If you'vegot speakers & like a little jazz, tune in while you're here for a couple of tunes from Vince Guarldi and The Peanuts gang!

This is me, now, present day! I know the pic isn't great but it's hard taking a picture of yourself with your own cell phone!!!

Than my Friday NY Times! (Yes, my NY Times Weekender subscription is one of my "guilty pleasures" - so sue me!) County Living has been my favorite magazine for the past 2 years and will continue to be if it stays as great as it is! (My 2nd favorite magazine is Cooking Light and has been for many years now!) It never fails to fill me with joy from its' conversationally written articles to its' heart warming images. It keeps me connected to a place and ideal I hope we achieve one day! (Sooner than later!)

I'm nearly done posting all the pics! Click on the link or the album to view! http://picasaweb.google.com/GardeningJo/MassachusettsNewEnglandAndHudsonValleyNYToo # Massachusetts & New England! (And Hudson Valley NY too!)