"Blue Moon" to Shine on New Year's Eve

National Geographic News dated 12/30/2009 "For the first time in almost 20 years, a bright "blue moon" will grace the New Year's Eve celebrations worldwide. If the skies are clear, revelers looking up at midnight will get an eyeful of the second 'full moon' of the month- commonly called a blue moon. The last time a blue moon appeared on New Year's Eve was in 1990 and it won't happen again until 2028."

As defined, the name does not refer to a color change of the moon, but to the rarity of 2 full moons in a month, ergo...."once in a blue moon".

Notable also, December 30th was 21 years ago that the "designated driver" program began. Please remember, "if you drink, don't drive" and if you are out partying, volunteer to be the designated driver so you can be sure everyone returns home safely. It's the best way to start a New Year. :-)

My black-eyed peas are ready for tomorrow, I know it is only a southern thing, but I wouldn't be without them on the 1st.

Lots of football, food, travel, fun and all other good things in 2010 to each of you. Thanx for reading my blog and following my adventures this year. It's been real!!!!!!

Travel Update for Travelin' Gal - 2009

Ahhhhhhhhhh, 2009 - how fast the year has gone....particularly while traveling every month. At least 10 months of the year, somehow I missed July but for the months of June and December I traveled 2 places, so that makes it a full year of travel.

Here is my calendar of travel for 2009:

January - Savannah, GA.

February - Columbus, OH.

March - San Antonio, TX. (yes, I know it was within the State of Texas but travel is travel)

April - Waco, TX. (ditto March)

May - Seattle, WA.

June - Los Angeles & Palm Springs, CA.

July - pass

August - Los Angeles, CA. (again)

September - Columbus, OH. (again)

October - France

November - St. Maarten & St. Thomas

December - Tucson, AZ. & Orlando, FL.

It was definitely an interesting and fun year. Saw so much, purchased so little (whot hoopened girl?) racked up alot of flyer miles and I consider it my Year of Meeting a Goal that I set for myself at retirement. 2010 will be road trips and lighter traveling (after all, I have a new smaller suitcase).

Today's thought as we near the end of the year - from Alice Walker, Anything We Love Can Be Saved 1997) "Let our awareness of, and tenderness to, the most helpless be our diamonds and our gold."

Hope

Early December I purchased this Amaryllis in a box and followed all the instructions, in hope that it would be in full bloom by Christmas. Chanukah came a little early this year so no hope for it to bloom for that holiday. I've been nursing it along, talking to it each day and patiently awaiting the first blossom to open. Lo and behold, there it was this a.m. and behind it another blossom possibly to open tomorrow or so. By the time it finishes blooming, there should be 4 blooms. I've had one outside in the back garden that has bloomed continuously for the last 4 or 5 years. I will plant this one back there as soon as the plant finishes blooming and the flower dies. One day I would love to have the back bed full of them. I noticed today they are all on sale, 1/2 price, so I may go buy a few more. This one is suppose to be white with red tips, so far I don't think that is going to happen.

Today's thought from Massinger "Soar not too high to fall, but stoop to rise."

The Empress

Out and about yesterday, as I passed the lake, I saw the Empress, a genuine paddle boat, docked and couldn't resist taking some pics. Unfortunately I couldn't get as close as I would have liked, I would have ended up in the lake. The Empress used to be on the "party" circuit, then fell into financial problems and at this point in time I believe now has a new owner. She looked great and was a welcome sight.

Today's thought by Henri-Frederic Amiel: "Charm is the quality in others that makes us more satisfied with ourselves."

It's Sunday, December 27, Gray Matter #11

This is the last Sunday of 2009 and subsequently the last Gray Matter for this year. This message received 2,974 letters and mailed 20,311 reprints.

I hope you have enjoyed Gray Matter Sundays, for me it has been nice to review the book and renew some of the ideas and values that are important to me. This week I'll be remembering all of the travels, moves, activities and changes in MY 2009. Stay tuned.....:-)

'Twas the night before......

Today is a day for planning, preparing, cooking and getting ready for tomorrow. It's very very very windy and cold here and having a fire and candles makes the day just perfect. To all who celebrate - enjoy the beauty of the holiday and be safe.

Peace on Earth, good will to all....

Holiday Cheer

Oh what fun it is to have family from far away come to Montgomery. My Seattle Family (oldest son, daughter-in-law, super grandson, lovely grandaughter) came "home" for the holidays. It was so joyous to have them here and I loved every minute of it. We snacked and visited and then went to their favorite Montgomery restaurant for "Chicken Fried Steak"....with lots of gravy and mashed tators....Only glitch was the rain, but listening to it in the restaurant with the tin roof, was kinda special. They will be here for awhile so we will have the opportunity to spend more time together.

As the song says "There is no place like home for the holidays" and "home is where the heart is".

Love you guys! Thanx for making it a special holiday season by coming home!

Go to older post to see more pics....they are really cute.!

Holiday Cheer - PIcs cond't.....

Last trip of the Year - Orlando

Last trip of 2009 - Orlando, FL. for the celebration of B'nai Mitzvah (Double Bar Mitzvah) of my friend Janice's twin grandsons. Lots of family, friends from all over and the enjoyment of a very full and busy weekend. The weather was rainy for only 2 days and then it turned cold (what, Florida cold? YUP) All in all, lots of delicious food, the guys did a fine job of presenting the religious service and I'm so glad I was invited and able to attend. Our friendship goes back over 40 years. It's nice to celebrate the good times.

Congratulations again to Sam & Eric. Great job fellows. Best wishes for a happy future.

Happy Winter

And all is well. :-)

Possibly more tomorrow (blog that is, not necessarily winter)....

Tucson with friends.....

One of the best things in life is seeing/being with dear friends of many, many years. Tucson was warm and wonderful in the afternoons and cold in the early am and late pm. We went non-stop and had a truly wonderful time. From the street fair, to the performance of Ain't Misbehavin" to the Museum of Miniatures, lunch with friends of Melanie's and seeing a friend of many years ago that I use to ride the Park N Ride with to work each day, we had a great deal of visiting to do. Also the community garage sale in Heritage Hillside where they live (don't ask - I found lots of fun things) to home again, I enjoyed it all tremendously! Only hazard was finding my car last afternoon when I returned home. I'll never park at the airport terminals again!

Today's thought from Franz Kafka "There are two cardinal sins from which all others spring: Impatience and Laziness".

New Year's Resolution #1

Feeling good - with 2009 coming to a close, I'm already ahead with my first New Year's Resolution for 2010 completed. A few days ago I had to go to our local hospital for a test and while I was there I went into the Volunteer Office and submitted my application to be a part-time volunteer. I've been rather selfish this year, doing so much work to my home that I really have not been very generous to my community. This is my "pay back" "pay it forward" resolution. Having been a patient twice at our regional hospital, I really am a big fan of the fine job everyone there does. I've had my interview already and now they will do a check of my references and hopefully I will be accepted. Orientation is in January - perhaps I'll get my green jacket then. The holiday trees were in the atrium of the hospital, each department decorated a tree (45) and after a judging they will be donated to the Salvation Army for families that will not have a tree otherwise. It's a good thing!

Another nice thing, yesterday at the Ladies Holiday Luncheon, the chair of the Garden Gals asked me to join as coordinator for the monthly meetings and programs. That will be fun because I will get to do all the footwork of going to different places to see what will be a nice day trip for our group. Also planning guest speakers, etc.

Lastly, my friend that works at CASA asked if I would like to help out there a day or so a week. I would not be dealing with the families, just doing grunt work in the office, but it's such a good cause and in Montgomery there is a great need for CASA.

I'm off today for my almost end of the year trips - leaving for Tucson so no blogs till I return and then my last trip of the year to Orlando. It's been a really busy travel year for me and I've loved it, next year I think road trips on in order.

Keep this thought from Ralph Waldo Emerson, in mind. I heard it last night on a tv show and really really thought it was special "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies with in us".

Be safe and have a great weekend.!

ASLA Holiday Luncheon

Today was the ASLA Holiday Luncheon. We were given the opportunity to "adopt" a child and purchase some holiday gifts for them. I chose a boy between 6 yrs and 10 years. Along with some colouring books (Star Wars), crayons, puzzles, a soccer ball and a basket ball I included some other items. The couple pictured are husband and wife, both Lt.'s in the Salvation Army recently located in Conroe. The food was great as usual, the decorations beautiful and there was a very bedecked holiday group of ladies. There is one more blog today prior to this with some more pics. It was cold and windy but a good time was had by all. The entertainment was provided by 2 ladies that sang holiday songs. All in all, a nice way to spend the day.

More pics of ASLA Holiday Luncheon

December 7, 1941

"Date which will live in infamy". President Franklin H. Roosevelt...............Some facts to know:

1) 4 - U.S. battleships that were sunk in the attack. A total of 21 ships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet were damaged or sunk.

2) 188 - The number of U.S. aircraft that were destroyed in the attack.

3) 29 -The number of Japanese planes that failed to return to their carriers.

4) 2,403 - The number of American dead from the attack, which includes 68 civilians.

5) 1,177 - The number of crewmen aboard the USS Arizona who were killed. The bodies of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines are still on board the ship.

I felt this was important to remember, World War II was expensive to the United States just as the war today is and World War II did end. Although the statistics are greater in today's war, it also will end.

FLY the FLAG TODAY!

Sunday Gray Matter Exception -

This is an exception to my usual Gray Matter Sunday. A friend sent this to me by email and I checked it out on Snopes.com before using it. It is a reprint of Ben Steins article/appearance on CBS Morning News. At this time of the year I thought it particularly important, especially with the status of the world and the USA. For those not familiar with Mr. Stein, a he is a lawyer by training, was a speechwriter for President Nixon and has authored numerous novels and non-fiction efforts. He has appeared with Shaq (basketball hero) on television recently and makes many guest appearances on t.v. If for some reason you cannot view this by clicking on the article, go to Snopes.com and use "Confessions for the Holidays" to view.

SNOW!

How fun, fun, fun!!!!! SNOW in Texas. Only happens once in a great while. Yesterday the weather folks started suggesting that maybe we might have some. And today it actually snowed. Some areas received a couple of inches, some just flakes and flurries. Montgomery fell into the "flurries" group. Still, it was great fun. I made it a point to be out and about, staying mostly in the neighborhood - delivering some poinsettias and visiting neighbors and friends. Faithfully covered most of my plants and/or brought a lot into the house. The dining room table looks like an outside plant area. The main concern now is the drop in temperature after the sun goes down. Freezing rain on the highways and biways is not a good thing for Texas drivers.

Today's thought - "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow some more"....by me

Shopping till we dropped, but

we had a really good time. The best part being of course that we had lots of time to do as we pleased and we did just that. Added benefit, Sugar Pie found everything she wanted and needed. I found a few things also :-).....Even if I was not smiling in the pic, my eyes were open. That's an inside joke but anyone that knows me knows I have a "flash phobia".

Finished today off by having our favs, manis and pedis and then heading for the airport. Her holiday travel season is just beginning and will not end until 1/15/2010. So glad she was able to spend a few days with me and especially since we had our favorite type of weather, rainy and cold and a nice warm fireplace and then today quite lovely. Tomorrow the report of possible SNOW is a grand thought but I'm glad I got Sugar Pie to the airport today.

She will send me her pics and I'll post them over the weekend.

Thought for today from James Thurber : "It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers".

Happy December

Better than Santa Claus, guess who is in town? My darling daughter "Sugar Pie"...she flew in on the 30th (goodbye November) and will be here for a few days of tlc, shopping, rainy nights and sitting by the fire, shopping, eating, shopping and of course, more shopping. My daughter is such a fun person and we spend alot of time laughing and taking funny pics. If you have seen other pics of she and I, you will know we pretty much always take the same style pics. However, she has taken a few that she will download and send to me and I'll post those also. Anyway, time to wake the sleeping angel and get ready for another blustery day out among the shoppers.

Today's thought is one that's been around "There's no place like home for the holidays" and "home is where the heart is"....

Have a great day!

Sunday's Gray Matter #10

United received 26,538 letters and mailed 81,063 reprints of this Gray Matter. It appeared in the WSJ November 1982. Some 20 years later I think it is still appropriate and worth sharing. People have asked for reprints for themselves, their children, their workplace, their reception rooms, their homes. The reprints have been used in training programs, graduation speeches, and newsletters. As this one made it into my blog. Why not make some copies and distribute it as you deem important.

Today's thought from James M. Barrie "Life is a long lesson in humility".

The pictures speak for themselves.....

Everything was delicious! and plenty of it. And lots of new faces, young and old to meet and greet. Lovely weather made it a perfect day.

Thought from Milton for yesterday and even today "The debt immense of endless gratitude

It's a wonderful day..................

Today was a beautiful day, bright, sunny, tad cool and just right to begin to celebrate Thanksgiving day tomorrow. We are having some nice color in the trees, my backyard mums are blooming and providing me with cheer and so far, my cake for tomorrow's lunch appears to not only look pretty but smells good. Hopefully it will taste good as well.

This is the first Thanksgiving in I don't remember how many years that I have not done the cooking and/or hosting Thanksgiving. At first I was feeling a little sad about it, but as I set my TiVo to record all the parades tomorrow that I will miss, it began to feel like "not so bad". Of course the leftovers will be missed, but that is o.k.

I wish for all a safe and happy day, a day filled with family, friends, good food and whatever makes you happy. Particularly I hope that each of us takes time to remember how fortunate we are, even with all the upsetting things happening in the world today, to live in America, to be free and to be able to celebrate and enjoy the holiday. G-d bless us all. Enjoy.!