There are things in life that are funny...

There are things in life that are funny. For instance. Someone stole my fourth baby duck (the furthest to the right). Why? Who knows? He was probably missing for months, but I was so self absorbed only noticed while putting up Christmas decorations. What a loss. I hope whomever was rude enough to take my little sweetie gave him a good home. Bye bye baby. Oh and for those of you who are observant, yes, that's a little baby snail on top of the little baby duck's head. Is that precious, or what!!!??? I cherish the closeup I took of that snail and duck! And yes, those of you who know me well, know I don't even kill a snail. Isn't life beautiful!!!??? Isn't she a little cutie!!!???


Why did I feature this photo? I'm not sure. Probably because it's raining today and because after taking down all the Christmas decorations a few days ago I looked at my ducks and thought about how they remain constant. I received the mommy duck and her baby as an anniversary gift and added to them over the years. So yes, someone taking one of my babies actually hurts, but life is life. I'm going to find another one. Home Depot no longer sells them, but someone will have a baby duck just for me and my little family.


So many things happened today. This wasn't the post I thought I'd write, but here it is. I saw my absolute favorate gentleman at the park today. It was raining SO HARD and there I was trying to get everything done when he appeared over the little hill and waved. He drove to my car and we exchanged a hug. He's a gorgeous 60 something year old, smart, funny, charming, caring man. I just adore him. We didn't talk long because I told him I had errands to run and I'd freeze if I was soaking wet. He informed me I had the wrong "gear!" He looked so handsome and "cool" in his gear as he headed off. He's the retired teacher I told you about a few months ago. He's a gem of a guy and has become a dear friend. And then two days ago a very young guy drove by and waved and I couldn't stop smiling because just by his wave I knew who he was. I've never told you about him. He and his friend stopped by to chat probably a month or so ago. They were lovely. The one I adore most was more chatty and very interested in the cats. He has kitties, so knows them well and seemed so interested. And he looked almost exactly like the goalie for our high school soccer team (Voted "All New York" back in the 70's), who looks almost exactly like my younger brother "R." So, in an odd way, it was as if I was talking to my brother and our high school goalie! I'm serious. It's so odd, you have no idea!!! I remember talking to Rob afterward and saying "it was so wierd." But it was also a hell of a lot of fun. The guy was and is wonderful. He's remained in contact and every time I see him I smile. He's on a racing team that comes through the park. The bike path is something like 50-60 miles long and racers train on it all the time. I was at the park a few weeks ago and it was so, so foggy. I could barely see in front of me. I started down the bike trail and out of the fog and over the little hill came a racing team. I searched franticially for my camera because I have it every day and this was a money shot for any sports magazine. I've never thought of photography in that way, but when I saw what I did, it was SO STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL, I knew. I couldn't find my camera and realized I'd left it on the kitchen counter. I was the only one who would ever see that beauty. Ever. Just me. And so with tears in my eyes I watched them all ride by, way over 50. Way, way over 50. And yup, lots of them waved, said "HEY!" but one gave me the thumbs up. My guy. I knew it was him even through he was so protected by a helmet, goggles a face mask, etc., because it was very cold. It was the first time I'd ever seen him with such a huge group of racers, but he was still "my guy," and I knew. I smiled a lot that day. I have dear, dear friends at the park. From homeless to socialites. You all know the journey I've taken and it's so wonderful to share some of the people with you. I feel blessed. And oh, remember the beautiful socialite I met the one day by the bathrooms!!!??? I saw her a few weeks ago and she's still as beautiful as ever. We embraced like long lost friends, chatted about life, running, homeless, kitties, dogs, hubbies, friends, you know, all the good stuff. She encouraged me again to start running and perhaps consider a marathon. She said "Sue, you have the body for it, you just have to believe it." I can't believe I go from talking to a homeless person one minute to talking to a socialite the next. And that's what happened that day. I often think about the lesson. What am I supposed to learn?


This is long, but for a reason. I have a lot in me and apparently it has to get out. This whole blog came about because of something that happened today. I was working around the house and took some time to pet some kitties at my office window. While doing so the local high school track team ran by. They do that often. They fool around but nothing stupid, so it's a joy to have them here and fun because it reminds me of running with my sister while she trained for track and cross country. It's trash day here so today it's trash and recycling day (next week is trash and yard waste day!), so everyone has their bins out. The bins were emptied early this morning, but most folks don't come home till early evening so empty bins are in front of all homes. The kids ran by fooling around as usually and then some tipped the bins across the street. Over they went and everyone laughed. I didn't. The neighbors across the street are handicapped and they would have had to pick them up in a wheelchair. I stood for what seemed like ages considering what to do. I said nothing. Even when one of the young guys ran across the road to retrieve their tennis ball on my lawn and saw me. I said nothing. He knew I knew, but I said nothing. I know he was waiting, but I said nothing. When they'd left and I composed myself I walked across the street, picked up the bins and took them back into the driveway. I looked at my house, their house, the street, the sky, the trees. I wanted an answer. I wanted to know why people are so stupid. Nope, not a single answer. You know me by now, I would have said something. Why didn't I? For one of the first times in my life, I said nothing. I realized I needed time to think. Kids do stupid shit, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be held accountable. An hour and a half later I drove to the local high school looking for the track coach.

8


5r4jjdj (Bijou just wrote that...why the cats use the keyboard and not my eye as a springboard is beyond me).

The highschool campus was so confusing!!! I almost went in the wrong entrance (one way!), then could barely find the right one in the rain and darkness, then I had no idea where the hell to go, so I just drove toward the largest building with the cars! I pulled up to a lady who was walking in and said "If I'm looking for the track coach do you have any idea where I should go?" She replied "No, but I'm here to pick up my nephew who plays basketball so I'm going there." And pointed in the direction of a big building. We laughed. I parked and realized my slot said "STAFF ONLY." I thought..."Hummmm, you think they're serious?!" No, I didn't move. Why? Because there were lots of staff parking spaces, it was dark and it was raining!! Hey, I am SO NOT PERFECT!!!

Walked into the gym. She was there. Lots of kids playing basketball. We stood, chatted and had a grand old time and then her nephew arrived. What a cutie. I said "Honey, do you know where I can find the track coach." He replied he did, but that the track coach had probably left the building an hour ago. Hummmmmmmmmmm. I said "Can I speak to the basketball coach?!" He said "Yup, he's still here." I asked where I could find him and was told "Right there, the guy in the white shorts." I said "Honey, no, not the Team Captian, I need to talk to the "REAL COACH." He replied "That's him." I looked again and said, "I'm going to talk to an 18 year old!!!???" He replied "He's not 18, probably about 25."

Jeasus Christ. I realized I had to talk to a wee baby. Well you all know the drill with school and adults. Adults can walk right into anything and interrupt, so that's what I did. The coach was playing basketball with his students, but I didn't have all evening to waste, so just walked right up and said "HEY." Game ended, coach walked over. I don't know what about poke-a-d0t flip flops, sweat pants, a fleece jacket and a gorgeous pink Boston Redsox baseball cap from Hunter makes men swoon, but that young man did. I saw him!!!! He had to wipe ALOT of sweat from his brow, his cheeks, his chin, his neck, the man was dripping. Then he basically said "Whatdayawant?" He barely looked me in the eye. I'm used to dealing with professionals. People who know the importance of eye contact. Trust me, it was a struggle. I said I was looking for the track coach. Wasn't there. I told him my story and said "Look, I don't have a lot of time to waste, is this worth my effort?" He replied "Yes, we care about how our students behave." Great. I replied I'd call or be back tomorrow to discuss the facts with my new found friend, "Mr. King." And off I went. Through the gym doors and back out into the pouring rain. I found a wonderful puddle of mud and nearly went down in my flip flops in front of a bunch of 4 kids who looked like they were on the Year Book staff. No, mud and rubber don't mix. I saved my own ass with lots of arm movements and a whole hell of a lot of luck! The woman and nephew I'd met were parked right near my car and I was still laughing, so we chatted. Yes, in the rain. I said "Are you a teacher?" She said "No." I said "Are you staff?" She said "No." I said "What the hell are you doing parked here?" She said "Same thing you're doing." Hey! A comedian!!! She said something so precious, "You're so much fun and I don't want to lose you." We exchanged phone numbers on our cell phones! I arrived home and less than an hour later the phone rang. It was her. She didn't say much, but sure said plenty. She said "I want you to know that if I never see or speak to you again, you mattered in my life today. You are one of the most genuine, kind, funny and loving souls I've ever met and I want you to know you mattered today." I felt so humbled and said "Oh my God. Wait till my bloggie buddies here about this!" Honestly. That's what I said! I was also so honored I could barely speak, said thanks and "let's keep in touch." We will of course. She said her nephew said something I might want to hear. "I want to marry someone just like her." I started to laugh. Then we both started to laugh. I said "Trust me, you don't want this much trouble in the family." We both laughed harder. She said "Well all I can say is I think that 9th grader's in love. God we laughed hard. He's gorgeous and precious and he'll find the woman of his dreams who can actually still give him children!!!

What an amazing day. From start to finish. I have a great life. I often don't appreciate it because I'm in so much agony about little crap.

I have a great life.

XO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CECE!!!

~

I didn't have enough roses in the garden

for a bouquet, so thought I'd

pick a whole bush from this

past summer!!!

~

Kylie indicated purple is the

color of sexual frustration.

I just want to reassure you I've use it only

because it goes beautifully with pink.

~

Hope you're having a wonderful day.

We love you here at Rose Cottage...

"The Gang"

XO

HAPPY TUESDAY

What a beautiful day!!!! Welcome to Tuesday (except for my friends in Aussie Land...I think it's Wednesday!)

~

Remember Robyn's birthday bouquet? This was it in progress last year. It's a photo I never posted because of the mess in the sink (please excuse it!), but after losing Newman and nearly going to jail yesterday, life's too short to worry about stupid stuff!!! Today is a great day and Robyn is cancer free!!! She and Newman shared a thyroid issue and so when I think of Newman I think of Robyn. HAPPY TUESDAY ROBYN!!! HAPPY TUESDAY NEWMAN!!!

~

I'm off to the park, but wanted to stop by here first and just give thanks for this day. I'm not religious, as you all know, but I saw a bumper sticker yesterday that made me smile. It read:

~

IF YOU'RE HEADED

IN THE WRONG DIRECTION,

GOD ALLOWS U-TURNS.

~

and this...

TO CHANGE EVERYTHING ,

SIMPLY CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE.

~

I honestly believe that's why I was given this day.

XO

Newman would be proud of Mommy today/Newman would be disappointed in Mommy today...

I'm writing because I have to. Otherwise I think I'll go totally insane.

This is a photo of me going over the bridge at the state park as I'm leaving. Now imagine me coming into the park as I'm arriving. I've just come off the freeway, I'm coming from the left and making a right into the park. It's a blind turn as you come around the corner so speeding isn't an option because there are usually bicylists, joggers or homeless along the walkway and one has to be careful.

I was late to the park today. The latest I've ever been because I'm exhausted and have a horrible headache. Coping with the loss of Newman is horrid and I don't think I'm doing it well. I cried on the way to the park, so as I turned the corner I was surprised to see a guy on a bike in the middle of the road and nearly hit him. I slammed on my brakes and my horn. He turned around, saw me, but never moved. I had to drive into the opposite lane to go around him. It's a beautiful warm day and I had the windows down and told him "you're an idiot!"

I drove to my usual spot, got out and was preparing to feed the kitties when I saw him. He'd taken my road. He could have taken three other roads to the bike path, but he took mine. He wasn't a racer, just an average guy riding a bike for pleasure. As he came toward the car I yelled "Get the hell away from me. I could have killed you today because you are so irresponsible, just get the hell away from me." I was at the back of my car at that point and he stopped at the back of my car and said "Lady, you're a moron, you were speeding and you don't understand the rules of the State Park because if you did you'd know I have every right to be in the road." I wasn't speeding and told him "If you've ever come through this entrance with a car, you know it's impossible to speed coming off that turn so don't try to intimidate me, and no, you have absolutely no right to be in the center of the road and not move to the right when a car approaches. Get away from me. You're wrong and you know it, so just get the hell away from me." Keep in mind, this is just an average, attractive early 30 something year old coming to the park to enjoy a bike ride. He said "You are a stupid fucking bitch." I was in the trunk at the moment getting out my running shoes (because I wear my flip flops to the park) and just looked at the container of oil, the container of coolant, the bag with the battery cables, the rug, the plastic bag, my shoes, my socks and I felt salty tears flow out of my eyes. I tried to pause and compose myself before I turned to confront him. I saw Newman and he said "Mommy, I love you." I turned around and he was so close I didn't even have to move. I was crying and said "Get out of my face, how dare you." He didn't move. I took my right hand, pointed my right finger and jabbed it into his arm and said "GET. OUT. OF. MY. FACE." He replied "Now that's assault and battery, I'm going to have to call 911." I replied "No, that wasn't assault and battery, this is, and jabbed him harder. Now get the hell away and leave me alone." Instead he called 911.

The state park police arrived, then the state police then the local police. Yup, tons and tons of cars and trucks all surrounding my beautiful little black Mercedes and an asshole. I started to explain but the guy broke in with lies. I told the officer "You know what, there aren't enough hours in my day for this sort of crap, let him tell the story, I have kitties to feed and I'm late, whatever happens happens, I'll pay the fine." I was asked for my license, I replied "Don't arrest me, it's expired!" He took my license and said "Don't worry." I went back to the car and prepared to feed my kitties. I didn't listen or hear a thing because I didn't want to. Let him tell his story, the truth would prevail. As I was preparing for the kitties I realized some of my favorite people in the world were at the park. I hadn't noticed because I'd been dealing with an idiot. There is a local center for physically challenged youth who come to the park probably 3 times/week. They usually walk the bike path so are rarely sitting around at picnic tables, but there they were. I waved to everyone because we all know one another so well and they waved back. Then two bicylist stopped by to say hi because they were concerned I was being arrested for feeding kitties. The cops told them to move along, but they refused. We had a beautiful conversation about kitties they'd discovered on the new bike trail on the other side of the river and think need attention. When they left I put food near my physically challenged friend and an attendant approached me and said "Are you okay?" I replied "I don't know. That guy won't leave me alone and he called 911, but I have to feed the kitties, so that's what I'm doing." She gave me a hug and said "We love love you."

I went back to the car and another officer approached me. He said "We've been told you threw a punch that landed and we'll have to arrest you." I went insane. No really. I did. I ran to that little sissy and said "You MF how dare you lie about me. YOU TELL THEM THE TRUTH. THIS IS MY LIFE!!! I have cats to feed, a family at home, TELL THEM THE FUCKING TRUTH...THIS IS MY LIFE." I lunged at him. I admit it. I could have killed him with my bare hands. Honestly, I could. A stocky hispanic officer grabbed me in mid flight, twisted my hand and I knew I was is horrible trouble. I was escorted to the police vehicle and a camera was turned to record my every move. I didn't move. I simply buried my head in my hands and cried. I've never done anything wrong in my whole life and there I was in a cop car and knew that if things didn't work out was on my way to County Jail. I was asked:
"Are you on any meds?"
"No."
"Have you been on meds?"
"No."
What's wrong? Because your reaction was extreme? Has there been a death in the family?"
"Yes, we had to bury our kitty yesterday."
"Was he an old friend?"
"Yes."
"Well that could explain your reaction."
I replied,
"No, it can't. I'll tell you what caused this...I can't stand a lie. What that guy told you is a lie. I poked him. That's all I did. I would never hurt another living soul. I poked him very hard and told him to get away from me. That's all I did. Just get away from me. Why am I here? I don't belong here, please don't do this to me. Please. He said "I did this because you lunged at him and I had to protect him, that is my job." I said "Who's here to protect me?" He left the car and I buried my head in my hands and sobbed. I never felt so alone in my life. I really believe I was going to County Jail without feeding all the ferals and with everyone at home alone. I felt as if I was going to die. About a half hour later the door opened and I was told to get out. Then was told that I'd told the truth. The attendents who care for the phyically challenged saw the whole thing and came to my rescue. Said I'd only "poked" him and heard "get away from me." They saved me.

If they hadn't been there I'd be in County Jail right now. When I was told to "get out" I was also told I'd told the truth. I said "why would I lie?" What about the way I look makes you think I would lie? The officer said "There are always two sides to a story and we have to listen. Did we think you were lying? No, but we had to listen and when you lunged, we were concerned. But when X verified your story, we knew the truth."

I walked to X and gave him the biggest hug and he said in my ear, "We saw it and knew what was happening and we would never let that happen."

That in a nutshell is my park and all the people who grace it. They always resue me and I'm so grateful. I would never be able to do what I do without all of them. Life is so beautiful.

And yes, the guy on the bike was asked to leave and all the officers stayed to protect me while I fed the ferals. When I got back to the car we embrace, alot! One said the most beautiful thing, "To see you smile made it all worth it."

I'm still smiling because I'm so grateful for dear friends. This was a hard day, but life is beautiful. I know I'm here for a reason.

With much love to you all,
Me

P.S. Yes, I will respond to all the comments down below. Thanks for taking the time to write.

P.P.S. While typing this the doorbell rang. UPS. Hunter (Rob) I love y0u and your family more than you know. What a beautiful, thoughtful, kind gift. I love you guys. REALLY, I DO!!! *Hangs head.*

With love to our beautiful boy...

1996~2009

Newman had to leave us today.

He died in our arms.

He was buried at 5:25 pm

next to the maple tree. Newman, we love you so much.

There's a beautiful full moon

to watch over you tonight.

Rest in peace our beautiful boy and know

that we will miss you all the days of our lives.

Thank's for your love all these years and honey,

I don't know how this family is going to manage

without you.

~

Wait for us,

Mom, Dad, Maestro, Mickey, Sweet Pea, Rusty, Hopper,

Ohno, Picasso, Chloe, Sage, Sophia,

Phatty Foo Foo,

Bella, Bijou, Baby,

T-Bone,

Grandma,

Auntie Renee, Uncle Charlie, Rugby

and of course...

the Gold Fish
XO

~

Dear Friends,

I won't be around for awhile. My heart is broken and I have nothing to say of any value to anyone. Newman was our first cat and dearly loved. Today it felt as if we were burying our child. I love you all very much and know you understand.

XO Me

2009 Could Be My LUCKY YEAR!!!

Bella and Baby


Oh...aren't they precious?! They're two of the kittens I adopted from the park because they lost their moms. We've all been very sick here at Rose Cottage. Me with a stomach virus and now a cold and all the cats with an upper respiratory infection. Maestro got it first and after spending $700 to save his life he was kind enough to pass it to everyone else in the family despite the fact all the cats have been vaccinated against it (money well spent). The joy of animal companionship. Bella and Baby started to feel better yesterday, so late last night decided to run through the house full throttle and wake everyone up. It was around 1 am I was laying on the sofa trying to get back to sleep with Sweet Pea on my tummy (a very sick kitty) and Mickey curled up next to my thigh (also a sick kitty) when "Thunder 1" came flying down the hallway followed closely by "Thunder 2." Thunder 1 jumped over Sweet Pea, landed on my eye then proceeded to use it as a trampoline to jump over the back of the sofa. All in a matter of seconds. I screamed in pain, my hand flew to my eye and the familiar feeling of warm bloom was everywhere. I gently asked Sweet Pea to "PLEASE MOVE HONEY!!!!!" and ran to the kitchen for a towel, then to the bathroom. It only took seconds to get to the bathroom, but when I turned on the light couldn't believe what a saw.

A black eye (this isn't me, this is a young boy who was hit in the eye with a baseball, but trust me, this is me. The only difference? I looked worse!). My eye was killing me and blood was just everywhere, it was coming from below my eye, but my pain was on my eyelid. After cleaning away all the blood I discovered about a 1 inch gashed under my eye from the inner corner half way down my eye socket (hence the immediate black eye), but I couldn't find anything on my eyelid.

I grabbed the Bactine. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

Then I grabbed the Isopropyl alcohol. Oucher, oucher, oucher (lower right). You try putting all those round balls on a cut! What a big freakin' mess. But it wasn't the cut and the black eye that hurt, it was my eyelid. I looked closer, didn't see anything, took a cutip with alcohol and gently placed it on my eyelid. WOWWEEEEEEEEEZER! OUCH! There it was, three puncture wounds that puffed right up for attention. I felt fortunate to still have an eyeball. If you know kitties, the puncture wounds are from landing with the front paws, the gash is from taking off with the hind legs. I got a double wammy, lived to tell about it and should be good to go in about a month.
Until then I'm icing with a bag of organic frozen Edamame that cost about $5 at Safeway, not because I like to waste money, but because it's the first thing I grabbed when I couldn't see to find the $2 bag of organic peas. What? I didn't have my glasses and I was searching with one eye. Oh, and it was dark.

~
It's now almost 4 hours later and you know what I feel like? A piece of crap. It's as if someone hit me in the eye with a 5 or 7 lb. kitty. I can't tell which one is responsible for this, but I'll tell you a funny story...

You remember the DMV, right?! I never made that appointment for my photo. Oh I intended to go the next week but as you know
Nash had other plans. Yup, tripped the day lights out of me and caused major wounds to my entire frontal area, particularly my face. I refused to have a photo taken for my license looking like that! So I waited. The wound on my forhead looked as if it had healed, so I started applying Scar Gel. Two weeks later it still looked odd. Then one morning I woke up and it was very red. Hummmmmmm. Next day, redder. Next day, even redder. I got out the big gun...my ultra magnifying mirror. Wow, nasty. INFECTION!!!!! I did what Dr. My3 would never encourage anyone to do, I got out a sharp quilting straight pin, sterilized it and performed minor surgery. Then buried my wound in Isopropyl alcohol. A week later I look remarkably better and planned to go to the DMV for my photo next week. Not now!!! Looks like a good month before my black eye turns from black, to purple, to green, to yellow. My temporary license expired in Novemember which of course means I'm driving illegally. If I'm stopped how am I going to explain all of this to an officer?

I honestly believe my cats are going to be the death of me! SOS.

XO

Big P.S. It's Leah's birthday today!!! Happy Birthday Beautiful!!!! I'm coming to the Wild Onion to see what's up! I'll make the oatmeal and coffee this morning. You stay in bed and try to make a baby!!! LOVE YOU!!!

UPDATE: Almost 12 hours later. I couldn't get this to post for the life of me so had to erase and rewrite a whole lotta crap. Hope this one works. Just so you know I feel and look worse than I did at 5 am. My cheek now looks as if someone beat it with a meat tenderizer. I'm sitting here writing this because I'm too exhausted to do much of anything else, and I'm really sore from having 5 or 7 lbs drop from the sky onto my face, buffered only by my eyeball. My life is too wacky.

Everything But The Kitchen Sink II

Tuesday 1/6/2008 ~ SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR MOM & MATTHEW ~ Hi you two!!! Mom it was so nice to talk to you today. I hope you wrote down the correct address because if you didn't you aren't going to be reading this tonight!!! You cracked me up. You're so funny. Mom, is it me or you? Is your hearing that bad!!!??? 70 must be a bitch lady! God I love you.
~
Matthew do me a favor honey. After Gram gets done with this post and her birthday post, please page down and click "Older Posts" and take her to the post with the photo of me in the black shirt! I know sweetie, Aunt Suzy doesn't have much imagination when it comes to fashion! Hey, I'm headed to the park to feed the feral kitties in both photos, so cut me some slack. And Mom, please don't cry. I'll be home soon. I promise.
~
Love you both very much and hope you enjoy this. Matthew, continue to do well in school. I'm so proud of you. Give the kitties a hug for me. Stay warm, drive carefully. You know, all the important stuff.
~
XO XO Suzy/Aunt Suzy
P.S. Matthew, if you click on the photos they usually enlarge.
P.P.S. Matthew, if you continue to read this blog, just know Aunt Suzy swears. A lot. I'm in recovery for it, so should have it licked by 2010 if I can get the tape to stick!!! Mom, you know why we all swear so much? Because you wouldn't let us swear as kids!!! Take the mystery out of it and it becomes a non issue. Ask Val, she'll tell you the psychology behind it! Of course I'm laughing!
P.P.P.S. Oh, and just so you know, the other two blogs on my home page are ones I share with friends. The Wild Onion Cafe is a hoot and basically a free for all, so enter with caution, and Just Bob is a dear friend here in CA who invited Random Chick and me to guest post.
P.P.P.P.S. God I love you two. I miss you. Please let everyone know I love them. XO
~
This photo is for my Mom (sorry Mom, it's so hard to take a photo in focus when I'm holding the camera in front of me). This was taken before I left for the park this morning. Mom, you can just page down a wee bit and see me on the way to the park a few weeks ago wearing black. No, nothing every changes. I basically wear the same thing and look the same every day. And no, you didn't give birth to a fashion genius. What? Life is so busy I didn't even find time to take a shower this morning. Good Lord!!! I was lucky to find a clean shirt!

I'll tell you all a funny story. I've been really sick and a stomach virus has now turned into a cold. I never get colds. The day before New Year's I was in agony, but got up to make a beautiful New Year's Day dinner for Rob and his mom. While doing so Cece called. I was almost done with meal preparation and in the process of making chocolate cupcakes (Rob's favorite). I told Cece "Honey, I have to mix this okay? I've gotta keep going." I started to mix the batter and it was so thick it climbed the beaters. I said "Cece, something's terribly wrong. This is not how it's supposed to look. It's as if I forgot something." She asked if I had included the liquid. We walked outside to the recyling container where I retrieved the cake box. Whoops, forgot the water! Went back inside, added the water and turned on the mixer. Chocolate batter went EVERYWHERE!!!! All over my one and only good white shirt. All over the refrigerator, the walls and the floor. I said "Oh, Cece, this is the only good white shirt I own, this will never come out." Enlarge the photo and look under my boobs. See all the brown dots? Yup, chocolate cake batter that wouldn't come out. Now you all know how much I hate to shop, so I'm wearing this shirt till it falls off (as usual!). This would never have happened if I'd been well and if Cece wasn't talking in my ear!
Nash at the park. An amazing cat who was dropped off about 3 months ago by some moron. It's obvious he's a house cat and I would like to bring him home with me, but he's a fighter and know he and Hopper won't get along. He was neutered within the first few weeks of arriving at the park.
We had a very hard frost yesterday morning. It was beautiful.

Yes, roses are still trying to bloom!

This would have been such a gorgeous photo if in focus.

~

Update: Our Christmas puppy is as happy as a clam. I saw my neighbor yesterday walking her dalmation and stopped to ask. The first words out of her mouth "THAT PUPPY IS AWESOME!!!!" She was named "Holly." Is that beautiful or what?! My neighbor told me it was as if Holly was meant to find them because she blends so beautifully and is loved by all (dogs included!). Sometimes life is so perfect.

Hope the new year is kind and generous to all of you. And Mom, don't worry, I'll move home in the next 5 years. Promise.

~

Love to all,

Moi XO