It just gets better

After the ice, the snow began fallling once again. It's just been a couple hours since the first blog of the day and the photo of my icy tree. The trees are now filled with snow and my backyard is more beautiful than ever.

Just before I was ready to get in my car to go to work, the county issued a Level 3 snow emergency which means only emergency personnel on the roads. Guess I'm stuck home enjoying the snow. Sometimes you win!

Hope for Snow

Yes, I love snow. I sing about how much I love it and I profess my hope constantly.

I got my wish. We have loads of snow and its beautiful. I'm sitting at my desk, looking out my window at the beautiful flakes drifting down.

I took Baylee out a bit earlier and as she found a spot with the least snow possible, I snapped a photo of my trees.
Now its time to drive to work. I hope everyone else stayed home!

Robert Burns Night

My father's family was of Scots descent so it seemed natural to go to Robert Burns Night with all of my Irish friends(?) on January 23rd. We went last year and had a great time so when word got out that it was so much fun we doubled our numbers and eight of us enjoyed the evening. Most important, of course, was the parade of the haggis followed by the famous "Toast to the Haggis". I had a shot of Scotch before two large pints of Harp's so I felt no pain. Nonetheless, I was not brave enough to consume any haggis but my husband and the other guys in the party ate our share. I have to admit that I'm glad it occurs only once a year, especially after the way I felt on January 24th.

Carrying On Traditions

On Sunday, January 11th I performed a music set at the historic Leo Coffeehouse. I was joined by three of my absolute favorite guys: my husband Jim on percussion, my friend Tim Kelly on guitar and harmonica and my grandson Nick on upright bass. Nick has been coming to the Leo Coffeehouse since he was less than a year old. He actually attended his first concert at the age of 11 days. The Queen City Balladeers who present the Leo Coffeehouse also present a wonderful series of folk concerts in Eden Park on Fridays in July. One of those Friday night concerts was his first introduction to music other than mine. Now he performs at the same coffeehouse and if the fates allow, he may also perform at the Edensong Concerts some day.

Molly aka Fluffy aka Baller

As I mentioned in my blog of January 5, 2009, our newest cat, Molly aka Fluffy aka Baller, likes to be helpful whenever she can. On that blog entry she had been supervising as Jim hung cabinets. Tonight she had to be in the middle of changing guitar strings. At first she was just observing but soon she had to lend a paw. It was now Baylee's turn to supervise.

Baylee

One of my futile New Year's resolutions was to blog each day. Its January 5th and up until now I have two blogs. Hmmmmm, that makes me two short. Therefore I am adding another today to get up to speed. I had a few to add that I will finally get to.

Baylee

Our pug, Baylee, is one of those pets you call "so ugly, they're cute". She is too chunky, she snores and has a nasty habit of jumping in a lap already occupied by a cat. (Ouch!) However, she is loving, loyal and funny. She loves to sleep on the back of the sofa and does prefer a pillow. On Christmas morning she, just like a child, was as interested in the packaging of her present as she was in the present itself. She chewed the cardboard from her new bones more than she chewed the bones! Everytime someone else would get a present she'd be right up to them as if asking, don't I get any more?

Baby Steps

One thing that has not yet changed in this new year is progress on my kitchen. It's still coming along but only in baby steps. This weekend Jim and Nick were able to install a cabinet on the opposite wall. As you will note from my photo, Jim was carefully monitored by Molly aka Fluffy aka Baller who wanted to make sure the job was done in a professional manner. We are now awaiting the shipment of more cabinets and will have a tidier kitchen in a few weeks. We will then begin working on the sink and countertop. We must first install new base cabinets but we already have the new countertop ready to install. With the help of a new router, Jim will be able to finish that job pretty fast once the cabinets are installed. We have picked out a new over the stove microwave and our friends Tim & Doreen gave us a new little fridge that is keeping Nick & Jim's pop and my beer at the perfect temperature! I have new black and white floor tiles to install after we remove the old base cabinets and before we install the new ones. The handles and knobs have been purchased, too, so all we need now is MORE TIME!

Nick adjusted the shelves with his hammer and pliers which he calls his tools of persuasion!


Good luck with all your New Year's projects!

Happy New Year

Hello World and Happy New Year.

I now understand why Joni Mitchell says in Circle Game "...they tell him, take your time, it won't be long now, 'til you drag your feet just to slow the circles down". My 15 year old grandson can't wait to be older and I can't drag my feet enough to slow my circles even a bit.

Nonetheless, I'm going to dance through 2009 with gusto, even if I am dragging my feet every now and then.

Cheers!