Here it comes..

Falling Snow

See the pretty snowflakes

Falling from the sky,

On the wall and housetops

Soft and thick they lie.

On the window ledges,

On the branches bare,

Now how fast they gather,

Filling all the air.

Look into the garden,

Where the grass was green;

Covered by the snowflakes,

Not a blade is seen.

Now the bare black bushes,

All look soft and white,

Every twig is laden -

What a pretty sight!

Unknown Author

Out for the day...

The report says 6 degrees F. this morning at 6 a.m. It feels frigid. Yesterday, after I got a much-needed haircut, hubby and I had a nice ride out to Westmont to drop off a piece of artwork to Eve, a piece of hers' that is mine now, but she is exhibiting it in the Mayslake Peabody Estate exhibit next week. And we got a chance to see "Max" and the new puppy "Molly". What a sweetheart! Hubby always likes that ride because it is a good excuse to have lunch at Bohemian Crystal. We had Roast Pork - Grandma Style, chunky roast pork prepared the old-fashioned way. And they have the best sweet and sour cabbage and sauerkraut. He, dumplings. Me, boiled potatoes. Back home, no supper that night, and even brought home a doggy bag. Later, I finished the book for "Bookies" book club. "The Art Of Racing In The Rain". Usually, I am speed reading the morning of, but this book caught me. Maybe it's the author, Garth Stein. He writes short chapters, which seem to get me through a book easier (even when there's a thousand other things on my mind), and it was enjoyable easy reading with deep messages throughout. And, being a dog-lover, I was attached right from the start. Couldn't stop reading. Even though it's not time to talk about the book until the book club meeting, I have to say "Sue...I loved your pick"!

Mayslake Peabody Estate Exhibit

Midwest Collage Society

"Memory"

1717 W. 31st Street

Oak Brook, IL

January 12th - March 6th

Opening Reception, Saturday January 16th, 4-6 pm

Closing Reception, Saturday March 6th, 1-3 pm

www.mayslakepeabody.com

Monday

Planned to work on "new year's" cards again yesterday and instead I fell into the paper piles that were accumulating in my sunroom. Some on the computer desk. I print way too much information. Love to learn and I find so many wonderful things to print for later reference. So, I filed and filed. Looks emptier anyway, but they're all there in my files to read some day.

Here birdies!

I had left a plastic jar of birdseed outside on the deck one day, after I had filled an open feeder. The feeder is full of ice and snow now. When I looked out this morning, one little bird flew onto the deck and was looking right into that jar. I quickly filled this saucer with some of the seed and it's waiting for the bird to return. Oh well, it's almost suppertime. They seem to come then.

the movies

Go slow, January. I haven't had time to think yet. Today's the 3rd already. Yesterday morning, up early as usual, I watched "The Shift", a Dr. Wayne Dyer movie that my son thought I would like. In between getting the dogs in and out in this freezing weather, keeping an eye out for John our garbage man to give him his holiday tip, getting an early phone call from my cousin in Florida, and getting a beep from my other son on his way to work, I was glued to the movie. Wonderful information. I like this path.

And the day went on...Brent drove back to school today. (sniff-sniff) I was invited to a lovely friend's home for a lovely tea. Afterward, met Julie and Danielle at the evening church service and back here for supper and games. And today Danielle and I are going to Sunday School. And it's 3.7 degrees F. at 6 a.m.

Oh that blue moon!

Still looking for that ol' blue moon this morning, it was peeking at me through the trees outside my front window.

I see you!

"Beauty is a gift that nature gives us every day." from Nature's Sketchbook Perpetual Calendar by Marjolein Bastin

January 1st!

Yesterday, Julie and some friends got together for a morning of making homemade tamales. On her way home, she stopped by so we could have a taste. Oh my gosh!

They each made a different filling and then had some of each to take home. Julie made shrimp and poblano.

Corn, cheese and chilies.

Black bean.

and pork (homemade chorizo). All so delicious! Julie says we will do this in the summer. Get ready, Elena! We may call for assistance!

And in this morning's newspaper, it's always interesting to look at "what's in the stars" for the new year. A nice two-page spread in the Sun Times this morning, gives a hint of what's to come. Hmmm.

"You'll have to make critical power plays this year. You've been pushed down and back for too long, and you have to fight hard to win respect. This is a do-or-die year that has to bring results and accomplishment. You have come this far planning and pulling things together, so set yourself apart from the competition and move toward your goals."