FOTO FRIDAY: SANTA in the TiME of COVID

FOTO FRIDAY was actually made last Friday. AND what an op it was. I have to admit there may be backlash since my own children grew up never having had a photo taken with Santa. 

Stand by for the best Santa during the time of COVID...

 Here's hoping we all take care as we enter 2022.

Last week was something smells good: FOTO FRIDAY

TBT: ESCAPISM TO THE SPRINGS

Thank goodness we took a car trip last Friday, Christmas Day, to Hot Springs's Garvan Gardens. Even if the weather was iffy it turned out to be the most perfect day since that heavy mist and grey skies scared away other visitors and we basically had the place to ourselves.

Even dogs are welcome at these gardens and Balto was stoked for a field trip. Little did he realize how much he had ahead to sniff  and territorialize...

Garvan Gardens always holds surprises and this visit was no different as their day time light show included these visitors from China. Of course my Dad tried speaking his favorite Chinese phrases but they were too busy to reply.

Garvan Gardens is a great for walking and admiring landscaping, water features- some manmade and others from Mother Nature. Lake Hamilton serves as a scenic backdrop. 

If you are interested in using their plantings in your own space the different species are labelled...

 and yes, even in late December there are still blooms to appreciate. 

This double bloom camelia was exceptionally stunning...

AND be sure to not just look down but look up too.

The wind certainly had fun with all the decorations.

All ages can enjoy the environs...

The local miniatuRe train aficionados had the trains working overtime for Santa too...

At the exit there were more holiday treats inside besides the local art donning the walls and a great gift shop...

                                                             

AND last but not least definitely  make time to visit Fay Sloan's Chapel as it's quite spectacular...

MONDAY MUSINGS: JUST A SUGGESTION

I don't know about you but I have worked really hard to try to stay healthy.  Heck I have a 96 year old Dad to protect. 

I know many of you have been vaccinated and received the booster, social distance,  avoid crowds whenever possible,  handwash ad nauseum and don a mask. 

 Is your mask collection growing? 

I just bought a new one for the small Senior beginning Spanish class I  hope to offer in the spring.

Isn't this great? I look just like this and my students will be able to see how I am forming the words... 

Especially now after all the holiday get togethers even if we can't know nor control what strangers will do, let's hope our friends  give us a heads up when maybe they are not 100%. This gives us the choice to opt for another time for a get together.

Here's a suggestion if in doubt, let your buddies know if you are under the weather so they can make an informed decision of what's best for them.

Have a good, healthy week... 

FOTO FRIDAY: SOMETHING SMELLS GOOD

 

FOTO FRIDAY this week has a terrific new scent for Sabbath and it has nothing to do with what's for dinner tonight. 

The hyacinths are opening and the scent is amazing.  

Remember even in winter you can have spring/ blooms inside.

Last week's FOTO FRIDAY was BLOOMIN' DECEMBER

 

TBT: INSPIRATION

TBT this week reminds me that I still have unpacking to do. 

Why would today's TBT photo inspire my efforts today. Well, to be honest my birdfeeders are not only not filled but I haven't even unpacked them. 

Birdwatching was a favorite activity all year long... 

Today's the day to unpack those feeders!

Let's see what birds I can attract to my new backyard...

Last  TBT posted was :YOU DON'T JUST LOSE SOMEONE ONCE

PUTTING OUT FIRES...

Having an elderly parent who wants to stay in their home creates many challenges especially when falling begins. Dad had been able to hide some falls but bruises told us otherwise. 

I admit there was great relief for us offspring when Dad uttered the words " I hate to admit it but I need someone in the house with me." We filled in the am's and nights with 3 aides and my brother and I filled in weekends and some daytime shifts. 

Those dear souls have lasted a lot longer than we could have imagined. Part is due to Dad becoming more docile and he did want the help and company, but as you know you can't really buy company. 

Caregiving is anything but easy and we knew our expectations had to be appeased just knowing someone was in the house with him.

 It seems putting out fires is just part of caregiving (and yes they could have been the kind started on the stovetop)

Yesterday I encountered a very disgruntled father. Apparently he had awakened in the wee hours, gotten up, wandered a bit calling out

  "Hello,  hello is anyone there, am I alone?" more than once but the aide on duty was out like a light and didn't respond.

When the young aide did awaken, a conversation ensued by Dad. Now, we as his kids know when my Dad wants to make a point, one listens. He wanted help for safety sake and he was afraid. But his favorite young male aide had fallen out of his graces as he was unapologetic, stating he needed sleep during his 13 hour shift and could sleep whenever he wanted. To say this stance didn't go over well would be an understatement. 

Dad had all night to stew on it.

Time to put on the firefighter hat...

I listened and texted both the aide and copied his note and subequent texts to his boss and my brother to keep everyone in the loop. Then, I did something that's not easy for me to do I relinquished responsibility and turned the matter over to those being paid. It was up to them to work out a solution and smooth over ruffled feathers.

Today is a new day. No telling what will/ won't be on that burner. Hopefully the flames are smoldering, if not put out...

HOLIDAY GREETINGS

 

Even if it arrives late I've decided to compose that annual season's greeting letter.  Besides having a new address, the mailbox needs a use besides for bills and advertising. I'd advise those who usually receive one to not hold your breath because Balto and I need to take a pic together too. 

With the internet the poor mailman really would like to feel needed and appreciated. I can help the post office out by buying stamps so maybe I'll complete this task by Three Kings Day.

There'll also be info re: plans for Irv's stone setting and Celebration of Life which we are aiming for Sunday, May 15th with hopes of warmer weather and healthier times.

                     In the meanwhile Happy Holidays! 

Thank you for all your words of support throughout 2020 and 2021..

MONDAY's MUSING: THE HOLIDAY SOCIAL CALENDAR

I don't know about your social calendars but mine was full this past weekend. It's a first and much appreciated as this holiday season has been a mixed bag of emotions. 

Perhaps if I share the three days's events you'll see the foggy holiday seasonal picture.

Friday's home cooked dinner was saved for another day as we opted to patronize an upscale restaurant where we were surprised to see an unmasked wait staff  followed by a full comedy joint where my friend and I were also the only folks wearing masks. As much as I loved being able to laugh again there was a damper due to the unmasked crowd.  

Saturday's Holiday Party's invite stated invitees were all folks who had had their boosters. Truly comforting.

 That llama holiday sweater got to be worn...

Sunday afternoon Trinity Episcopal Cathedral's pews were filled with masked congregants for their their beautiful Christmas Letters and Carols program. 

Hopes for the pandemic being behind us are not what's being espoused in the news and increased numbers disprove the false sense of security... Christmas and family reunions are still ahead of us...

FOTO FRIDAY: BLOOMIN' DECEMBER

 

FOTO FRIDAY as the Wisconsin area prepares for 7" of the white stuff, their first significant snow fall it's a balmy day here in the South.

Sorry I just  had to post my view out my childhood home's picture window and what a picture...

It's the second week of December. 

Last week's FOTO FRIDAY

TBT:YOU DON'T JUST LOSE SOMEONE ONCE

For the past 8+ months my actions have been based on the discussions Natureman and I had regarding what I should do once he was no longer around.

Selling the End of the Rainbow Valley, moving closer to family, buying a new home, continuing Jazzercising, finding a book club and joining familiar congregations of former years.

What I didn't forsee was how I wouldn't be able to sit and read a book, how Zooming would continue to be a main source of contact how the radio playing a special song could elicit tears by the third note/ the arrival of the Nation ( a political periodical) would find its place next to the new couch and how terribly lonely nights would be.

Finally a long awaited formed Grief and Loss Support group began on Zoom... and I heard our moderator state what I was experiencing was to be expected. It was all part of the different stages of grieving: denial, anxiety, depression, guilt, fear and anger in no particular order.

I wasn't the only one feeling the loneliness, of wanting to share the latest news and would talk to the absent loved one in the quiet , reaching over to the empty side of the bed, missing a touch, a hug and being loved, having friends avoid talking about the elephant in the room, And above all, not knowing what the future will hold...

Restated was the reminder that grief will always be there because we had a good, loving relationship. I am thankful for those almost 20 years together and our bond.

Here's a photo from last year of Natureman at this holiday time ...

And the words of another grieving that ring so true especially at Holiday time...

"You don't just lose someone once.

You lose them over and over, sometimes many times a day.

When the loss, momentarily forgotten,

creeps up,

and attacks you from behind.

Fresh waves of grief as the realization hits home,

they are gone.

Again.

You don’t just lose someone once,

you lose them every time you open your eyes to a new dawn,

and as you awaken,

so does your memory,

so does the jolting bolt of lightning that rips into your heart,

they are gone.

Again.

Losing someone is a journey,

not a one-off.

There is no end to the loss,

there is only a learned skill on how to stay afloat,

when it washes over.

Be kind to those who are sailing this stormy sea,

they have a journey ahead of them,

and a daily shock to the system each time they realize,

they are gone,

Again.

You don’t just lose someone once,

you lose them every day,

for a lifetime."

MONDAY MUSINGS: UNMASKED

It's been a week since the kiddos returned to their respective homes. The Georgia crew did their drive in a day with an earlier departure as Ms H was up before the break of dawn. The west coasters still had the day in the Rock before their flight.

It sure was quiet after the 6 were gone.  Proof of their visit surrounded me. 

The once packed frig now looked sparse with the dwindling Thanksgivukkah leftovers and the house had gotten a good workout. Ms H had really enjoyed the playground equipment too. 

Reflecting on our 6 days together new holiday memories remain along with a full heart.  We all had exercised caution in using our masks while out in public so we could all be present in good health at this get together.

 

Mask wearing is a small price to pay to protect our loved ones and to ensure all of us can be at our next get-together...

Hope you all will remember to exercise caution as the new COVID variant has already begun to rear its ugly head...

FOTO FRIDAY: GET OFF THE COUCH!

FOTO FRIDAY this week of Chanukah has to do with my 4 legged housemate Balto. You know the Texas rescue dog who returned to the South with me. 

He's awfully confused as the temp was 77 yesterday. 

Seriously, what are his 2 layers of fur supposed to be doing?

As anybody who comes into contact with him knows, don't wear black unless you like the look of dog hair on your clothes. For this very reason Balto is not allowed on the furniture.

But my kids figured out a way to get him on the couch. 

Take a look-

Yep, that's Balto on the couch... 

Only it's a photo blanket, a gift from the Atlanta kids. Pretty clever, I'd say, wouldn't you? 

Congrats Balto this is the only way you are allowed on the couch!

FOTO FRIDAY: FIRSTS

FOTO FRIDAY and FIRSTS: This past week change was definitely in the air as Fall hit the Rock. Little Rock, that is. My first to see what would happen at the new abode. 

Most of my trees will not drop their leaves until January and this country mouse hasn't raked in 20 years. Fun, fun.  I did invest in a leaf blower to help with what is already falling. In a mere 20 minutes all one's work can need to be redone as winds share leaves from neighbor's yards / my very own roof / trees. Ah the joys of urban living.

The biggest joy in mid November has been to see the camelias blooming along side the sweet Japanese Maple turning a brilliant candy apple red.

See what I mean:

Last week's FOTO FRIDAY was POR FIN

MONDAY MUSINGS: IN THE DARK

Are you missing something? 

Like an hour of light in the morning?

Well, my household has been hit hard as that day light savings hour really has messed up our schedule. That is Balto's and mine.

Starting with feeding time.

Since I'm exercising postponing feeding time hasn't gone over well. Balto has started howling as if I'm going to stop what I'm doing to go feed him. I have compromised. 

But the real issue is going  on that walk as it's really dark.

Thank goodness for  neighbors who leave on front porch lights... 

That old farm lantern flash light is coming in very handy  accompanyinf me to not only see where I am stepping but also helping me pick up his deposits.

 

Fact is, it's never easy being in the dark... and where folks always asked me if I was scared being out in the country , it's much more harrying walking the dog near the surburban creek sidewalk without street lights.

FOTO FRIDAY:POR FIN

 

FOTO FRIDAY: POR FIN, Finally, it arrived!

 "What?" you may ask.

Well, Fall and its wondrous colors.

Here are 3 beauties Balto and I encountered along our walk this week.

Last week's FOTO FRIDAY was GOURD' GEOUS

TBT: WESTON GARDENS

 Day 3 wasn't over yet for what kind of gardeners would we be to pass up an opportunity to go plant shopping at a very unique place called Weston Gardens known for its landscaping, garden center and being a wedding venue with photo ops galore.

No way to forget we were in the South to be welcomed with a big 'ole 

The Westons both had had other jobs but envisioned and wanted to run a garden center having their home garden as a demonstration garden starting which came to fruition in 1988. It was Mrs. Weston who shared their story with us and how her son now runs the business since her husband passed.  Yet, Randy Weston's memory lives on in his work and with quotes like "Gardens don't just happen, they start with a plan."

We got to witness and experience their vision. From their colorful garden center displays and healthy plants to demonstration gardens across the street...

 One of my favorite displays was their wonderful seasonal pumpkin wall ...

And as another person's popular quote states "Build it and they will come." So have many folks like us come to view and shop and even wed on the property. 

One can't leave without being inspired. 

 After one crosses the street from the retail shop one can stroll through the demo gardens which originally were the private home of Peggy and Leon Bandy. In the old days it was a popular spot for folks from Fort Worth to come for dances and go swimming. Now many weddings also take place amidst the different stone creations of stairs, paths and fountains.

A once very popular swimming hole and the Stone ship was used for dances and parties in 1942.  Unfortunately it burnt down after a raucous teenage party. It was rebuilt by the Westons in 2013.

stone fountain

There's the original house, lily pond, wisteria arbor, shade garden, patio and  wedding court and lower gardens.

The infamous Turks Cap

The historic New England Barn was built in the 1920's by the Bandys who used to stable their horses here with an unusual floor of Bois d'arc wood bricks. 

In great disrepair it was the first restoration project of the Westons who now use it as a bridal suite for their many weddings.

The grounds were very inviting with very charming touches. 

Best of all Weston Gardens was a perfect place to sit after a full day of touring and enjoy the late summer day amidst the lush foliage...

CHAYOTE

NO, not coyote with the Spanish pronounciation 'koh- yoh- tay' but CHAYOTE (chah-yoh-tay) which is a brand new word for me.

Chayote is a fruit, prepared like a vegetable. It looks like a pear and was an ingredient in a new recipe that grabbed my eye.

Chayote isn't easy to find but the last 2 were hiding in a Mexican food store and the recipe luckily only called for 2.

Nothing cuts the chill of a Fall day like a good hearty soup and I have found a great new recipe called Caldo de Rés (Mexican Beef Soup) which I just have to share.

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 lbs. beef shank, with bone
• 1 T vegetable oil
• 2 t salt
• 2 t ground black pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 3 c beef broth
• 4 c water
• 2 med carrot, coarsely chopped
• ¼ c chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 potato, quartered (Optional)
• 2 ears corn, husked and cut into thirds
• 2 chayotes, quartered (Optional- substitute with zucchini
• 1 medium head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
• ¼ c sliced pickled jalapeños
• ¼ c finely chopped onion
• 1 c chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• 4 radishes, quartered and sliced

Directions

Instructions Checklist

• Step 1

  Cut meat from bone ~1/2 " pieces, leave some on bone

• Step 2

  Heat heavy soup pot over medium-high heat until very hot. Add oil.

  • Tilt pan to coat bottom. Add meat and bones. Season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until browned.

• Step 3

• Add 1 onion, and cook until onion lightly browned.

• Stir in tomatoes and broth. Liquid should cover bones by 1/2". If not, add  water. 

• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour with  lid on loosely. If meat not tender, continue cooking for another 10 minutes.

• Step 4

  Pour in water and return to simmer. Add carrot and 1/4 cup cilantro. Cook  10 minutes, then stir in potato, corn and chayote. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Push  cabbage wedges into  soup, and cook for about 10 more minutes.

• Step 5

  Ladle soup into large bowls, including meat vegetables and bones. Garnish with jalapenos, minced onion, and additional cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over all, and serve with radishes.

• 
  ¡Delicioso!

•