A PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS

 According to Mom she received this little dog

for Christmas.

In fact, she's had it for many years.

During the course of my Christmas decorating

I moved him front and center
onto the table next to
her rocker.

His home has been on a shelf in the corner,

and we had all but forgot about him.

Every morning when she gets up and

makes ready for her coffee and breakfast

she stops to say a good morning

to her little dog.

She likes to hold him, pet him and play with him.
Who knew...what a delightful pet.

No feeding or walking

required!

HAVING SOME PLAY TIME

Many of you who know me well,

know that my creative outlet is crafting

knitted wreaths from rescued sweaters.

I've been at it for several years now and I can't think

of anything I enjoy more.

Today I had the itch to do something creative,

so I went through the few crafting supplies that I brought

with me and found this colorful sweater.

Right before I left Johnson City

one of my friends left this sweater on my porch.

She said I could use it for something,

and today I did.

Thanks Betty Ann.

It's a very big sweater and can easily make

two or three wreaths.

Today I only used the sleeves.

I started by covering my wire frame.

Then cut some strips and made some roll-up flowers.

Voila`

I have an etsy shop called Nanniepannie, but

alas, my creations do not sell as fast as I want to make them.

I've been forced to slow my creating down

due to limited space in the basement.

Such is life.

I think this one will just hang in our little kitchen.

The Christmas decorations come down soon

and we'll need a little color and whimsy.

This one makes me think of the circus

for some reason.

Thanks for stopping by.

CHRISTMAS MUSINGS

 Christmas Day started out well, I got up early, turned on the twinkle lights, put out the flag, and lighted the scented pine candle.

I was walking towards that awaited first cup of coffee

when I smelled something that wasn't quite right.

Needing the coffee really bad,

I disregarded the smell.

When I opened Mom door for the first time that morning,

it hit me like a ton of bricks...

I wanted to run for the hills

screaming.

The day didn't get a whole lot better.

Oh, it had its good moments

we opened our gifts,

that took about 20 minutes.

We got a call from my brother in Europe

and had a good chat.

I called my sis, Susan and my niece Kate and

 laughed with them for a while.

Mom was pretty much out of it all day

and Dad decided he wanted to be contrary

at every turn. Negativity was the word of the day.

Don't get me wrong, I believe Christmas

is a season, not just one day

and the season was good.

I did a few simple decorations,

put up a tree,

sent and received a few Christmas cards.

I even did some baking

(in my toaster oven).

And had some lovely neighbors drop by

bringing all kinds of goodies and good cheer.

On Christmas eve, my brother Bill and wife Pat

and of course their sweet dog Roxy

came for a visit and dinner.

Mom looking cool in her new shirt from Sue.

I think my problem with Christmas Day,

and it was "my problem", was mostly in my head.

You know how you fantasize about the perfect holiday,

and how everything is so magical

and then you live it

and it's not.

Well we ended up not communicating much of the day.

Mom and Dad slept a lot.

In my bad mood and depression,

I sent a frustrated text to my sister

and screwed her mood up as well.

I felt even worse about that, sorry Sue.

So I went to bed and put the covers over my head.

Salvation!
Later that night I turned on the TV and found 
"The Homecoming"

The original Christmas special that introduced
the world to the Waltons.
I was redeemed and smiling
when I shut off the lights.

Goodnight John Boy.

JUST FOR FUN!

Life is always better with a little whimsy!

While playing with my smart phone I discovered

the cartoon camera app.

Our little brick ranch looks so much sweeter

in colored pencil.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD

Today my Mom and Dad celebrate

their 69th wedding anniversary.

She was 18 and he was 21 fresh out of the navy
and working in the automobile industry.
1947

Two years later my brother, Billy Jr. came along,
then my sister Susan the following year.

Five years later I was born, then Rick in 1963.

Although I found a few pictures of Mom

attending some of her sisters at their weddings,

I did not have one of

Mom and Dad's day.

Dad tells me they decided to travel up

to Toledo Ohio where there was

no wait to marry. 
They were both living

in Michigan at the time.

Mom is from there, Dad is a southern boy

born and raised.

They've seen the family through four weddings

and two divorces. Max and Kate

are their two grandchildren.

Good people, hardworking, honest.

I count it a privilege to care for them now.

Happy Anniversary

Mom and Dad

THANKSGIVING 2016

 Well, another Thanksgiving has come and gone.

I can't remember the last one I spent with my

Mom and Dad.

I've been in retail for the past 30 plus years

so "Black Friday"

has kept me confined and away.

The folks aren't really into holidays anymore,

I guess that ship has sailed.
It was still very special.

 Most people take a nap after the dinner

but my dear sweet Mom

couldn't seem to wait.

 Even though the meal was extremely easy,

it kept me fussing in the kitchen most of the day.

 We sat down to eat about 3:00.

 Everyone enjoyed it

 and had their fill.

Happy Thanksgiving

to family and friends.