Happy Thanksgiving

May you be filled with good food in your bellies, warmth by family and friends around you and thankful for all that you have.

I am truly blessed with wonderful a wonderful family, great friends new and old, a roof over our heads, food on the table and surrounded by love. Thank you one and all.

God Bless us Everyone!

Sunday Night

What a picture perfect day it was in Boston yesterday. We hit Polcaris for pumpkins seeds. Then over to Pizzeria Reginas for some yummy pizza for lunch. Since it was Saturday it was Market Day in the North End so we had fun walking around there too. We worked our way up to the top of the Custom House. I found a new building around the corner from there that I thought was beautiful. It is the Flour and Grain Building, what a pretty building.

I spent the day baking and cooking goodies for my sister and her kids. I was trying out some new recipes too.

Time for my book and a little rest and relaxation.

Sat 11/13/10

Morning,

My son just had his Birthday celebration and the Fay's are now officially done with Birthdays for the year. All four of us celebrate them within seven weeks. It is fun with a lot of birthday cakes and gift buying. Last night we got to spend the evening together and I enjoyed it so much. Cara and I went over the Turkey Day meal and have it all planned out, so will be ready. I am sure most of you are planning the meal around the Patriots Game.

The weather will have definitely cooperated with us today. I already see sunshine and that is a good start. I hear it may hit sixty out there. We have a large crowd heading in to spend the day in Boston. We will meet in Milton, then car pool over to Government Center and park, then some of us will head over to Pizzeria Regina's for some delicious Pizza. I get there once a year and so enjoy sharing a pizza with Peggy.

Once fortified we are off and running. The plan is to head along the waterfront, and all around the side streets of the North End, go past the Aquarium, over towards the Milk Bottle and see the wonderful sights. The landscapes, the people watching, the architecture and life should be plentiful to view and capture with our cameras. We will be ending our day by viewing Boston's Sunset from the top of the Custom House. This will be a day full of walking, laughing and relaxing and seeing the sights with good friends.

May you all find the time to get out, or stay home even and do something that makes you feel good today.

OK it is Fall

So since it is Fall, and not the Holiday yet, I decided to post this cute guy.I should not jump the holidays or wish them away too quickly, time flies fast enough. He also makes me smile.

Enjoy the day!

48 Days till Xmas

Can you believe it, only 48 more days till my most favorite of all Holidays, I know, but I really do love it. I always have and always will. I have had the music on in the car, but not the house. I am banned from it till the Turkey is in the oven. I my surprise everyone this year with my choice of dishes for Turkey Day. I think if I get the time I am going to pull out the Christmas dishes I own and use them for Turkey Day. Why not! Anything that makes me happy and makes me smile is always good.

Today it is off to church then home to make a nice omelet for breakfast. I want to open up the garage and put the grill in the back and pull forward the snow thrower. I need to pull to the front the shovels and snow scrappers and such too. Then I am hoping to find the time to go thru the hall closet. You know the one, the one that gathers everything...I want to get the boots, scarfs, hats and gloves ready for when we really do need them. Yes I was a good Girl Scout, I try to not only be prepared but ahead of it all too. I am working tonight so alas my afternoon will fly by much too quickly then I am out of here.

To one and all, enjoy the day. Prayers go out to all I know and love for better health and good news from the doctors. To my old and dear friends, I think of you often and send my love to you all.

Wednesday 11/3/10

Good Evening All,

Today was a good day, some are good, some just a day i wish never occurred. I am so happy to be getting my stitches out tomorrow, they are driving me nuts. I keep forgetting I have restrictions and then BAM I do something stupid and feel the pull. Tomorrow morning they come out and then it just has to finish healing. All will be better then. All came turned out well for me.

Send prayers out to all who are not well, My Uncle Guy who means the world to me, a dear friend Ray, and to a lovely lady Mary Ellen who lost her husband. These are all reminders to not take life for granted. If you think you have it bad, just stop and listen to others. You may seem like your been given all that you can handle but it can be worse. My love, prayers and hugs go out to you folks.

I have not been out much shooting with my camera, but that is OK. I have been enjoying being home though. Today I made a batch of chocolate chip muffins, banana nut muffins, a banana bread, skillet corn bread and toll house cookies. I am starting to stock the freezer and am having fun. I plan on starting my Christmas Cookies next week. Yes Veronica, I plan on following in your foot steps and truly being ready for the Holidays.

I cannot believe how much Christmas I have already seen in the stores! OMG it is amazing to see. I was not ready at all for that. Trees set up decorated with the multi lights. I will say I have already bought a lot of gifts and have them hidden away. It feels so good. There is nothing quite like seeing that certain something in a store and just knowing that a certain person would love it. This will take some of the ouch out of the expense of Christmas too, buying slowly and wisely.

Well gotta get dinner on the table, tonight is tri tip steaks, onion potato pancakes, corn with some garlic toast.

Is it Friday yet?

Happy halloween

Well I guess we will be doing Halloween, Larry bought the candy. He will handle it until "the game" starts, then I will take over.

I had a wonderful time yesterday. We went to my daughters and I showed them how to make home made pasta. What fun that was, it has been about forty years maybe since I had done that, but the old memory did not fail me. Cars ended up with several different pastas and sauces made to keep at her house. A good time was had by all.

My goal is to head to church, visit a friend in a rehab, then chill out on the couch with my book. This seems to eb a reoccurring pattern for me on Sundays. I liek it though. Down time is good time.

Have a safe day out there with little kids wandering the streets tonight.

Boycotting Sunday

Boycotting Halloween this year. No candy for anyone, just not in the mood for it from anyone. So Bah Humbug to them all.

I AM looking forward to tomorrow though. I get to spend the day with my sister at my daughters house. I get to show them how to make homemade pasta, child hood memories I cherish from my Mom. We will cook and eat the day away. There will be lots of fun stories, laughter and tears shed. All good, really.

I have so enjoyed the warm weather this week. I hope for a few more good days/weeks of it before we dig out the winter coats. I think today would be a good day for a long long walk along the water some where. Time to get out off my scrubs and make a game plan for the afternoon.

So for those in the mood, Happy Halloween, for the rest of you, welcome to my mood. I plan on watching a movie and having pizza and not answering the door to anyone Sunday Night.

Cushing Pond in Hingham

What a wonderful late afternoon we had at Cushing Pond. The pond was so pretty. What a wonderful setting. Peaceful and serene describes it best. We had twenty eight camera club people out enjoying the fall evening. Life is good!

Fall is here

Well we finally getting traditional New England Fall Weather. I do like it, but the house is a bit cool and I am not ready to cranked the heat up yet. Time to pull out the sweaters and some of the any quilts I have to cuddle up under.

The last three week ends have been an absolute blast. We have been away for all three of them, We have been to the Garlic Festival, to NH to see waterfalls, scenic sights and so much more. We had been lucky enough to stay with very dear friends in Belgrade Lakes Maine with an adorable 1 1/2 year pup named Cassy for several days. Life has been good for Larry and I. We are very fortunate.

This week end, well reality is back. We have classes on using your camera and Lightroom along with evening shoots to see is we really know what we are doing. We will be helping document a place in Hingham tomorrow at sunset which will be fun to do too. Then of course there is the general well nothing in the house has been done in three weeks, laundry, vacuuming etc...oh the price one pays to be able to play. It is all worth it.

As usual I need to end with thoughts from my heart. A dear friend just said a sad good bye to her husband. I cannot imagine laying my husband to rest and carrying on. May she and her kids find strength in family, friends and loved ones.

I also have family and friends with health issues, please take care of yourselves, you are all too precious to me. I am here at any hour to help or be an ear to vent to.

So reach out and tell someone who you have not spoken to in a while, or better yet those who are always around us whom we neglect to tell how much they matter. You never know when that person will be taken away from you, let them know today that you care.

Enjoy the sunshine out there, it may be a bit chilly but the colors are oh so pretty. To walk in the leaves as I once did as a child and hear the crunch, crunch, crunch of the leaves on the ground while you kick them up into the air is good for the soul. I miss the smell of burning leaves too. Such wonderful child hood memories.

Thursday

Well I know we should not wish the days away, BUT I truly wish it were Friday at noon so I was done for the week. We are off to Belgrade Lakes in Maine for a long week end. Yeah us! I am so spoiled, I so look forward to getting away, something that I do not take for granted having owned my own business, I do appreciate having the time and ability to just pick up and go without a care in the world. I miss many of my old quilting friends who would stop by and just sit and chat. I love that we are still keeping in touch. I have not made the time unfortunately to actually go out with them, but we drop letters and emails to each other all the time. I love it when the mail comes and there is a post card or note card with a Hi, just thinking of you note on it. I am like my mother was in that I still think the old write a letter or drop a card in the mail is still personal and wonderful to get.

So ladies, I am heading out to my next client now. Have a great day.

New Hampshire Colors

Morning,

What a fantastic week end I had. Here is just one of my pictures from yesterday. I need another day to recover from being so busy. Busy is good though. I am having so much fun. I hope you like this shot.

October 1 Friday night

Good Evening All,

I am so glad this week is over, now the fun can start. Tomorrow morning Larry and I will be traveling with my Sister Susan and my Daughter Cara for the day. Sunday is Cara's Birthday and I will be treating her like the "Queen For The Day." We will start off early riding up the Mohawk Trial, our first stop will be at our favorite place, Goulds' Sugarhouse for a yummy breakfast. We will pick up some cider and maybe some pumpkins too. Then we are off to meet up with other family members at the Garlic Festival. The weather should be ideal for being out and about. There will be good food, good company and lots of photogenic places to stop along the way.

Sunday it will be out again but with my Camera Club Friends. Off to shoot waterfalls, walk, see the fall leaves and have a blast. This week end will be good for the heart. There is nothing better than being out with loved ones enjoying life.

Watch for pictures to be posted soon.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to me,

I count my blessing all the time, for my family, my friends and for life.

God Bless us everyone!

Sunday September 26th

What a glorious day it is today. The sun is up, the sky is blue and the air is crisp. A great day to go to brunch with my family. That is the best way to start the day. I am proud of them and enjoy their company. Then it is back to my house to enjoy the day as a family. I will even manage to get in a nice long walk to enjoy the day too.

I encourage you all to get out and enjoy the day, and if your lucky enough, do it with the one(s) you love. That will make it even more special. I count my blessings every day and pray for strength for those I love going thru such tough times.

Starting this week end we are booked up for the next two months straight and I expect to be having a ball. All good things, lots of family and friend time with and fun adventures, I will keep you posted. I am sure I will be taking pictures and promise to share a few with you all.

Life is good, it can be a bit odd at times, but we manage to get thru it with the help of our faith and loved ones.

Monday 9/20

Well ladies, life sure has been interesting. I have had a few health problems, but all seems to be settling down now. I still have a few tests to set up, but I am keeping a positive attitude about it all. So contrary to belief, I do have a heart, it was proven today. Not necessarily running as smooth as it should but now we know what to do about it.

I love the fall weather, this past week end was a blast. Larry and I maned the table at the Quincy Arts Festival promoting the South Shore Camera Club with many others. I met up with many quilters and got lots of hugs and well wishes. That made me feel good.

I know this week is supposed to be a hot week temperature wise, but I want that cooler weather back to stay for quite a while. Life is going to start getting really busy again with the Camera Club up and in full swing again. The road trips are a blast too.

Take care, be good and never take life for granted. It is too precious. Trust me, a scare will really put things into perspective.

Textures

I loved the textures on this rock wall at the Vineyard.

Sunday in Rhode Island

The weather cooperated which was great. It may not have been bright and sunny, but we had a blast. We went to the Vineyard, the beach, a Grist Mill, had a wonderful lunch and ended with ice cream before heading home. I hope you all had as nice a day as I did. Right now I have Blueberry Cheesecake baking in the oven. Life is good.

Reflecting

Today is a day to Reflect.

9/11

A moment of silence and prayer for those whom we have lost and miss dearly.

Reflect on what you have said and done every time you leave a dear one, or hangup from them. Do not leave a good friend or loved one on a bad note. Always remember anyone can be taken away from us at any time and to have had your last words harshly spoken to them might haunt you forever.

Life can be taken from us when least expected. Treasure each moment as if it were your last. Do not be afraid to tell someone you care and love them at every opportunity you can.

God Bless

TGIF

Yeah it is Friday,

I have decided working the extra hours is great, the money is nicer, but being home and able to "do stuff" with hubby and the family is much more important. Life is too short. Stop and smell the flowers, enjoy life. OK lots of cliches can be added to these, but I mean them. Life is too precious to waste away. I am off to Castle Island for a nice long walk by the water.

Love this weather

Isn't this weather just the best! It makes you feel alive again, not heavy from the humidity. Last week I had been down for the count for a few days, I am almost back to me again, this weather has helped a lot.

I did go out on the Schooner Races in Gloucester on Sunday. What a blast it was. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed being out on a boat with the salt water hitting your face and loving every minute of it. I then got home and climbed into bed and slept for twelve hours. I guess I over did it, who me, over do it, yes I did but it was worth it.

Enjoy the good weather while we have it.

Tuesday Night

Good Evening Folks,

I cannot believe how long it has been since I have written. We have been very busy, the good kind of busy. I almost have my first floor in our house all set up again. We totally redid it and I love it. I even managed to get three of my pictures professionally framed and hung up. It is pretty cool to for me to see them hanging in my house. We are getting ready to start the new year of South Shore Camera Club, we will be starting in two weeks. We will have a table set up at the Quincy Arts Festival in two weeks, so come check us out and see how talented the group is. I have enjoyed hanging out with a lot of the club members this summer on different road trips. The ones coming up sound great too. We will be doing a lot more traveling and I will look forward to keeping you all updated and posting some pictures too.

Larry, Ian, Cara and Tim are all doing wonderful. It is such a pleasure to go out with them and truly enjoy their company.

I am going to go pick up my book and curl up and read for the night.

I will try to update and post more often.

Monday Morning

What a wonderful trip to the Pittsfield, New Hampshire Hot Air Balloon Festival. We went up Thursday night and came back last night. I had a fabulous time. We were with very good friends, had some amazing food and were with "people of our own kind". Yes, that would be other photographers. At one point there were eighteen balloons up at one time. Oh my where to shoot, which ones to shoot. What a blast! As you can tell we had a great time.

I hope you enjoy the pictures, I took so many more it was difficult to choose which ones to post.

Enjoy life today to its fullest, you never know what tomorrow may bring your way.

Thursday August 5th

Morning,

I have five more hours of work to do with clients then we are off. Larry and I are heading back up to Pittsfield NH for the Hot Air Balloon Festival again. This year we have a large group joining us. I am happy to be going this year as I know what to expect and what to look for. We will also be going back to the Shaker Village again too. The weather is supposed to cooperate too, not really humid, cool at night, what a dream come true. I hope the weathermen are right. I will post new pictures when we get back. Walking should be fairly easy and almost all of it is level ground so that will be easy for my knee.

I will leave you all with this thought:

It is nice to be important, but more important to be nice.

I got this from a wonderful 82 year old woman I care for. It made me think and smile, how true it is.

Enjoy !

August 3rd

Hi All,

What a world wind time we, or should I say I live in. So much turmoil is happening to many who are around us. Life throws us these unexpected curves and we band together to help those we love and care so much about. I have a few very Dear friends who are going through some very difficult times. I (we) are there for them, I will be there day or night for them and they know it. It has made Larry and I once again realize how strong we are, how wonderful it is to be with the one you love, the one who really gets you; we support each other on so many important levels of life. We both are truly blessed and will be there for those around us in these tough times.

So folks, tell the ones you care about that you love them, that you appreciate them, that they are special in your life. Life is short and you never ever know what tomorrow has in store for you. Count your blessings if you have good friends who will help you and support you, who will be there at any hour of any day for support, then you are blessed.

Remember:

Life's not the breath that takes you away, it is the moments that take your breath away

Friday July 30th

Morning,

Ah but it is so lovely out there today. One client down and one to go for today, it is going to be a really good day. I get to enjoy my family tonight. We are having a family Birthday Celebration at the Summer Shack Restaurant for dinner tonight. Happy Birthday Tim! You are a welcomed addition to the family and we love you. So tonight I get to dress up in really grown up clothes, not my daily scrubs and be me, how fun is that. It is going to be a nice night so we may stroll around after dinner too. I do so enjoy being with my family, they are so grown up, so independent and such good kids. I am proud of them all.

Alas I am working the week end shift Saturday and Sunday but that is OK, I have had the last three week ends off. It is only fair.

The weather has broken from that oppressive heat and humidity, thank goodness...today feels like heaven out there. How enjoyable is that. I plan on going to walk Wollaston Beach once I am done here really appreciate it.

I am doing much better, I got a second opinion on my knee, no surgery for me. That is good news, I got a totally different opinion of the situation and am happy to explore alternatives. So far the pain is a great deal less and we are working on making it being much better. Never take the opinion of one doctor or even two from the same office, seek someone outside for another opinion. It may work out for the best for me. That is not to say that down the road some day I may need a knee replacement, but right now, no surgery is better in my opinion.

Well folks, enjoy life to its fullest, live laugh and love like there is no tomorrow. Live in the moment, do not take anything for granted.

SC I got your card, thanks. You need to stay focused on the positive as far as your health issues. This too will get better, not easy, I know.

Monday July 26th

Wow I really do not think it could have gotten any hotter out there than this past week end was. I was out hiking, yes me hiking on Saturday morning with a large group of friends. We took a three mile hike thru Worlds' End in Hingham. It was Scott Kelbys' World Wide Photo Walk Day all over the World. This means that all photo camera nuts were all out on the same day shooting in different areas. Larry and Ray lead a large group of us up thru different trails on Saturday. It is good that we started early but man oh man was it ever so hot and humid. It was kind of cool knowing that my sister in Virginia was also taking part in the World Wide Walk in her neck of the woods. I was told that Virginia broke a record on Saturday of being over one hundred and five degrees that day. I guess I should not complain then, we only hit ninety eight. I met a lot of new people and enjoyed matching up with others from the camera club while walking. We all met back at Brueggers Bagels for a nice tall cold Strawberry Lemonade when we were done. We came home, changed and took off to my sisters and cooled off poolside for the afternoon. I swear you could hear us sizzle as we got in the water. It was fun and relaxing.

Life is good for us here. Hope you are all staying cool, today it is so much nicer out there, get outside and enjoy it while it lasts. Time to go switch the clothes in the washer and dryer.

Keep your cool out there.

Sunday Morning

Wow what a day yesterday was. I started off the day by cutting off the tip of one of my finger. It is really difficult not not have the middle left hand wrapped up. The bleeding and pain was something awful, I actually contemplated going to the ER.

Then we went to a family cook out, I cannot believe how much Jimmy has grown. he makes me happy and very nostalgic at the same time. He is my brother Jimmy's, (who passed away) grandson. I am sure he is smiling down and watching over them all.

We left the cook out to go to Buttonwood Farms in Connecticut to the Sunflower Festival. Wow 12 acres of all these beautifully tall Sunflowers everywhere the eye could see. I have attached two pictures, I hope they show off how spectacular the place was.

I am heading off to church now, then to visit Cara and Tim, I have some zucchini bread ad sunflowers to bring to them. It is going to be a very nice day.

Smile, be happy, make the world a better place.

Friday July 16th

Morning,

Well I do believe these would be considered the dog days of summer. It is so bloody humid out there I cannot stand it. I come home wiped out and totally drained. Thank goodness for updating our electrical in the house, we have the air conditioners running almost all the time these days.

Life is going along pretty well here. We are off to Buttonwood Farms this week end. They have a Sunflower Festival with 14 acres of Sunflowers planted. They give tours and rides and sell the sunflowers. All the proceeds go to the Make a Wish Foundation, what a worthy cause, I was planning on buying some but now I make get a few more and share them. I hope the weather is not so humid so we can enjoy the ride thru the farm and events planned.

My car is still in the shop, this is week number two. We were read ended and the back end of my care was really smooshed. Three weeks of waiting to get my new baby back. We had been a red lights and were hit hard from behind. She never saw the light or us stopped. Dumb shit! Sorry. At least no one was hurt and my car did what it was supposed to do, absorb the hit. That was good. The rental is nice, it is all covered by the insurance, but I want my car back as good as new. They assure me it will be, so now I wait. Do you all remember me, the impatient one, the one who wants it done now, not wait. Not easy, poor Larry, he has to deal with me.

We are enjoying the summer so far. We have a lot of camera club events starting up again as of next week, so that will be good too.

Hope you all try to stay cool and enjoy the week end.

Sat July 10

All is well here, it feels so good to get a really good deep nights sleep. I have gone back to reading at night. I find for me that reading stops me from thinking and planning what has to be done the next day. It is not easy when your a planner and list maker to shut the mind down on personal things. I find by reading a book, I am turning my attention to a good plot, really enjoying the words and the story I visualize what the characters look like. Then when I go to sleep I am free of the every day stuff and can sleep.
I had Physical Therapy again yesterday, man is he pushing me hard, I know I need it, I can feel the stronger my left knee/muscles are already. I think I have come to the decision of waiting on the surgery for a few months. When the pain is with every step or close to it, then I will schedule it. As of now it is only when I turn the knee or step on uneven ground. My knee has no, zip zero nadda cartilage behind it. What I do know is it does have lots of arthritis there. Oh the abuse that knee took in my younger days, soon it will be time to pay the piper for it. So as long as I walk knowingly and carefully it is less painful. That I will live with for a while and am OK with that.
We are having a lay ow sort of week end again. I am making Blueberry Slump, his Moms Recipe, oh oh this is a first time for me, I only hope it comes out close to hers after hearing all about it for all these years.
Stay cool this week end. Life is good and just keeps getting better.

Tuesdays Hot

Well folks is it hot enough for you all? I mean I have never been that bothered by it, and would admit to enjoying the heat, BUT this is just crazy...The humidity has to drop some to make it a lot more bearable please. I have never in all my years left the AC on in my house for the entire day when we were not home. Today if felt so good to come in to the house and have it noticeably cool. So to everyone out there who have to be outside, drink lots of water and try to stay cool.

Monday

Hello,

What a busy few days we had. I planned on doing not much but what is they say, the best laid plans etc...So we managed to move book cases around, rearrange the spare room and so much more. It is those little things that take time that never show. I took a screw driver to all my kitchen cabinets and tightened the handles, simple enough but I just never took the time to do it. We bought new Smoke carbon monoxide detectors and better yet he installed them already too. See what I mean about those silly household things that do not show but need to be done. It feels good. I made new desert with home made vanilla wafers, home made pudding and built a desert with them and a little banana liqueur and bananas. Oh so yummy. I built it sort of like a trifle, I made three small ones. I will give one to Cara and Tim, one is made without bananas for Ian and the other one is for us. Larry made some delicious Gazpacho Soup, it tasted so good today since it was so hot outside. We are having an easy dinner of simply BLT's.

I did work today, tomorrow everyone else will be back to work too. All is very well.

Happy Fourth Week End

Happy Fourth of July to you All,

Let us remember all those who are no longer with us, and those who cannot be with us at this time. I plan on laying low this week end and enjoying being home. My goal is to do a little work around the house, very little, and just sit back in my favorite chair and read. I have been fortunate to have been able to travel a lot lately so some down time is going to feel really good. I am one of those people who will be working on Monday.

Enjoy, eat, drink and be merry.

Back to Reality

Well we are back from vacation. I think Acadia is one step away from being in Heaven. It is so beautiful in that entire area. There is so much to see and do too. I saw a Bald Eagle in the wild, just perched up there in the tree, how cool is that. We saw seals, sunning themselves too. Larry and I took a Sunset Cruise on a four mastered schooner, that was a wonderful treat. We also took a light house cruise, oh being on the water is so good for the soul. Here is the real kicker, we walked around Jordan Pond together. That my friends is a 3.1 mile walk/hike around the Pond. I must add there were two places along the walk where you actually are climbing rocks to get around that pond, what a work out that was. I was so lad to make it around it. It was that or just leave me there to die. What a work out that was. I will say it was so peaceful and beautiful though. So much has happened since and during that trip. I will update more later on. Gotta head to my clients now.

VACATION

That is the song that is in my head. I am on vacation again, life is so good. This time off to the woods, to chill out, veg out, watch sunrises and sunsets and enjoy some clams, scallops and onion rings. We are heading out in the morning and I am so looking forward it, we both are actually.

I wish you all good weather here. I wish you patience love and laughter while I am gone.

Life on Tuesday Night

Hey,

Life is so good, I am beaming. I have an Upside Down Pineapple Cake about to come out of the oven. It smells so wonderful. It is for Bay State where Larry works. I know they will enjoy it. Going in next is dinner. I am making Baked Macaroni with Cheddar Cheese, Creamed Corn and regular Corn topped with Crushed Chips for dinner. It just went into the oven. It is one of those do not cook the pasta first kind of meal. I cannot wait to dive into a bowl of that.

I am packing for the week end trip now. Can you tell how happy I am?

Love to you all,

Our Destiny In Life

I believe now that we are in charge of our destiny. If bad things happen to us, then we must choose to do something about it. The old phrase "Quit your Bitching" sums it all up for me. If it hurts, if it is bothersome, if it is out of your control then remove it and get over it.

I know a woman and her daughter, they are miserable, there is a male friend who verbally is abusive. Who takes takes takes and gives nothing unless it is forced. I pray they have the strength to close the door on him and remember what good people they are. For two strong woman they fold, they take it, they just cannot listen to others advice from friends or professionally. It is so difficult to watch. I may have to stop being the one who goes to there house because I am doing them no good and it hurts too much to watch it all unfold.

Women need to be more sure of themselves, you need to know you are strong, and have so much to offer the world. I pray for you.

Growing Old

I realize it is a way of life, growing old that is, the alternative is to not be here any longer. So I guess growing old is a natural thing. Right? So I was off to the Eye Doctors today, guess what both eyes have different problems, need different strengths, what else is new? I am different. So I will be heading out this week to order new glasses. Not a biggie...

I am feeling much better about life. I am reading the book Eat Pray Love. I am almost thru the section on Pray. A few of these short stories hit home for me. If it bothers you, upsets you and makes you angry, do something about it. Fix it, settle it in your mind and do something positive. Do not side step it, face it head on, make a decision and follow your heart. I choose to take what is bothering me at this moment, put it behind a closed door, lock it up tight and throw away the key. In the end it is not my problem right now. I can say or think what I want, but when it concerns someone else, it is not my decision, so I will shut up and keep out of it. I will not let it break my heart.

I am working on a better me right now. So folks, yes I am happy again, I am smiling again and know I have a lot to offer to others. I am a good person with a wealth of wise old knowledge and love to share.

Four days till we leave for a nine day adventure again. Yahoo, pack my bags and load up the car I am almost ready to go.

Work Hurts

Who says a good days work won't kill you? Well I am not sure about that one. We spent the day doing yard work, hedge trimming,tree trimming, planting and in general must do in the yard work. Well I am now the walking wounded. My left hand, wrist and arm are killing me. I cannot grasp or hold anything of any weight with my right hand. My left knee which I was told this week I need surgery on for a new knee. and I am not happy about hearing. Therapy this week is supposed to help in strengthening it, but right now it hurts and I am trying not to rush the new knee at this time. My right foot was twisted and I sprained it, my toes and foot all the way up the the arch is entirely black and blue and purple. I am the walking wounded right now. BUT the good news is my yard looks great. I am done, toast, I quit. No more work for me for the rest of the week end. It will be a good book, my feet up no work or stress. My brain is fried and my are emotions shot. So folks, I will not be answering the phone or emailing or even on Facebook till Monday sometime.

May you all try to enjoy what is left of the week end. I am done...

Rainy Days

Well I for one and glad it is raining today. I get to stay in doors, do some baking which I LOVE to do and make the house smell yummy. Cara is coming over tonight and spending the night. I am looking forward to having her home again. I miss having her in the house. Tomorrow we are off to Greenfield for a Graduation early in the morning.

Today I want to plunge in to getting more things put away. My house is starting to come together. All the work is done as far as new rugs, painting and much more. Now is the time for me to figure out what I really want to put back in those rooms. I am liking the minimalist route right now. It looks clean, uncluttered.

So I am off to make Coconut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Toasted Coconut on top, Biscottis and who knows what else. Then it is off to toss out more unneeded items.

I am still hoping for nicer weather tomorrow, I am putting in a request for cloudy, slightly cool but dry weather for an outdoor Graduation. You hear that Mom and Dad?

Paying Respects

Last night we went to a wake of a very good family man. Today we will go to the church to pay our respects and say good bye to him. He always made anyone who was with him smile and be happy. He loved people, he was a great teacher and a good friend. His family will miss him dearly. He went quickly but will be missed my so many. His family will be in my prayers for the strength to carry on.

Reach out to those whom you may be neglecting while you still can.

Wednesday

Hey,

Well Larry and I celebrated the best Mothers/Fathers Day with our family on Sunday. I am so proud. We had a great dinner in Boston and I smiled all thru dinner. I am lucky to have such a great family.

I cannot believe we are in June, that is half way thru the year. Wow times sure does fly by fast. June is a busy Birthday and Anniversary Month in our Family. I will pray for those who have died and remember them with lots of love. I wish my Sister in Law the strength to go on. I know it is still hard. I think of my brother all the time.

Larry and I will be celebrating our 36th Anniversary on Tuesday. I still feel like a bride, he is my soul mate. We have shared the good the bad and the ugly and came out better and stronger because of it. For that I am truly blessed.

S.C. it was so nice to talk to you today. Thanks for calling with another number to be able to reach you. I too miss our morning drop in heart to heart talks.

Hope you all have a wonderful day. I am off to my next client now.

Memorial Day Flags

Larry and I ran into the Boston Common tonight. They have over 20,000 flags honoring the Veterans. It is an amazing site to see.

Friday Night

This was just sent to me, bear with me but she is an old dear friend whom I care about and thought this summed it up nicely.

Quotation:
May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

Thanks to the wonderful woman who sent it to me. I had to share it.

My home made salsa is all made, grocery shopping is done,laundry is done and the entire house is vacuumed. Now I really can enjoy myself. I am heading out to my car with hubby and our cameras and going to have some fun.

Have a great weekend.

TGIF

Well Happy Memorial Day Week End To All,

I am so thankful it is Friday. Six hours to go until I get to enjoy the week end. I must say I do have to work on Monday but I am OK with that.

There is a woman out there whose initials are S.C. that I have been keeping in contact with by mail, I have tried to call you but cannot ever get you. I still cannot believe that in this day and age you do not own an answering machine. I will keep trying this week end. I tossed the three dimes in the fountain for you as you asked me to. I hope you are feeling better.

I plan on making homemade salsa this week end. Yummy, one of my summer time favorite things to do. We will also be going out to dinner Sunday with my kids which makes me very happy and very proud of them all.

Take a moment to say a prayer for the servicemen who we have lost and for those who are not able to be home with their families.

Treasure each moment you have for you never know when it will be your last.

Link to my Italy pictures

Hey,

For those who might be interested, here is a link to some of my favorite photos.

Let me know what you think.



http://lawrencetfay.zenfolio.com/p323977800

Hump Day/Wednesday

Hey,

So I got back to a full work week last week. That was fine, but then I ended up working the weekend too. Big mistake on my part. I needed time to regroup. I am so looking forward to this weekend already. I have already said I was not available to work this week end, sorry, it was not in me to do it. I need the break.

We got our new plants into the garden which is always nice to do. The weather today was really too hot to be out side but it had to be done. They are getting a good soaking right now.

I hope to have no plans for the week end. I have only the usual stuff that the house needs done to do. I finally got to go thru the pictures I took in Italy, can you believe I took just over a thousand of them? It was wonderful. I still say if my kids would move with me I would be gone in a heartbeat.

Life is going OK here. Not much new. I am wishing I had my old pool again, oh such great memories. To come home, get in the pool, have a cook out, and to relax. Who knew I would say they were the good old days...

Hang in there every one, the long week end is almost here. Stop and enjoy life.

Back in the USA

Hi,

Well what a wonderful trip we had. I could live in Italy, no problem, IF I could talk my family into moving too. I loved it. Rome was nice but Venice was amazing. I did make the wishes in the fountain from those who had requested some help. I pray for you all that asked that it gets better. We spent Mothers' Day with my relatives whom I have not seen in ten years. I know Larry was a bit overwhelmed, who wouldn't be. I had not realized how much I missed them. It was a world wind trip and I have so many stories and wonderful memories. I took a thousand pictures! Now to process some of them and I will post a few here so you can see a few of them. In time.

Today was our first day back to work and Thursdays are our long days. As you can imagine we are both still a bit jet lagged and I am heading to bed in about five minutes. I am glad tomorrow is Friday then I can get my system back to normal again.

One more

I could not resist, here is one more shot.

Sunday

Morning,

Well Rockport was yesterday and Italy is today. Lucky me!

I will make special wishes in the Trevi Fountain for loved ones.

Saturday Morning, May 1st

Morning,

Happy May Day!

I am old, I do remember doing the Maypole Dance in school, does anyone else? It was the Champlain School in Dorchester that I went to. It no longer exists, go figure, it is now new high rise condo units. Lord help me.

Well I am getting so excited. We got all packed last night. One more thing done. We will be leaving in about a half hour to go to Rockport for the day. Talk about picture taking possibilities. How cool is that. The weather is going to be in the high seventies by the water so I may be able to get some sun too. I feel so pale, I need to start on my tan.

Happy Birthday to all you May Birthday folks.

Enjoy the day! I know I will.

Wednesday

Morning,

Well I live an exciting life these days. I cannot believe how fast this week is going by. Last night was Camera Club and I am so impressed and in awe of the members. We had members give short slide shows of there work. How impressive was that. I makes you wish you did not work and could get out shooting more, and oh yeah travel too. Oh wait, that is what I am doing now. Lucky me. I think Larry and I will be able to put one together for next year after our trip.

I want to acknowledge a special Thank You to a friend who slipped me an envelope with a note and gift in it. I helped you out in times of need. You now it came from my heart. I Thank You for the gift, but as you know, I was grateful to be able to help you and you Mom. If I can help at all again fro anything, let me know. Larry and I will raise a glass in Italy and think of you.

Rockport is this Saturday, the weather is going to be lovely.

We leave for Italy Sunday, Yeah!!! I will throw three coins in the fountain for another dear friend who was in touch with me. She needs some luck on here side at this time. You know who you are and how special our friendship is. I miss our opportunities to just sit and chat about everything and anything. I cherished those precious times we had. I am here for you, just a phone call away.

I was reminded of a phrase said as you leave a friends or end a conversation, "I wish you enough". In these days that says it all. I wish you all who are reading this enough love, happiness, hugs and good friends to help you get thru the day.

Dog Show

Nantucket Harbor

Sunday

Hi,

Just got back for Nantucket's Daffodil Festival, what fun that was. We spent three days there and the weather was perfect. This week is going to fly by! So much to do.

Saturday we are off to Rockport for the day with friends to take pictures. Sunday at this time next week we will be landing in Italy. We will be staying in Rome and Venice. I am sure there will be a few side trips along the way too.

I have so much to get ready for before then.

I love having all this time to enjoy life.

Cold Damp Satruday

Morning,

It actually feels good to have a day to stay home. To have a day that does not say, Hey I am sunny day today, come out and play. I want to get stuff done in the house today, including some baking.

It is only 14 days till we leave for Italy. Lucky us, or should I say we will be lucky if that nasty volcano stops erupting and the ash in the sky clears up so we can fly. So many flights have been canceled. It is affecting the Marathon on Monday too, I hear that some runners have not made it here yet. Who ever thought something that far away could impact the world all over.

I have come to a rude awakening that sometimes you cannot go back. Relationships change, people change, friendships change. I will treasure what I once had with many people, but know have to admit and accept that changes happen. I feel saddened by it though. People can be very strange at times, They can come and go from your lives, enrich them and then a change happens and they are gone. I will be grateful I had the time with them, but regret the distance that is so very obvious now. Cold shoulders and dirty looks are obvious to me. I will look to the good not not take it personally.

So for today, enjoy life, do a good deed, and take time for yourself, indulge in something that is just for you. I will make time to curl up under a quilt and read for an hour or so, while smelling the wonderful Lemon Pound Cake baking in the oven that I will make for Larry. That will be two treats in one.

Smile and make them wonder why...

Saturday and Sunny

Hi All,

I am thankful for it being Saturday and for seeing the sun. I am so in need of a week end to catch up around the house. I am now starting to put my house back together again. We have done some major renovating and it is looking so much nicer. I am slowly bringing down an armful of "stuff" and deciding keep it or toss it. Can I tell you how empowering it is to just toss it. Clutter, that is what my life had become. Well ladies I am now making great strides in decluttering and letting go. It feels great. If you do not use it, or have not used it in five years in all likely hood you really do not need it. I am generating a lot of trash and dropping of items in donation boxes all over town. At least it is leaving my house. Larry is a little concerned he may go next, no way, he is a keeper. He is stuck with me.

So think of me today, smiling and cleaning. I love my house as much as the day I bought it. I guess I love it more now because I appreciate it when I have the time to actually stay home, to putter or sit on my porch and read my book.

Twenty one days till we leave for Italy. Yeah Me!

Happy Easter

Well what a whirl wind my life has been for the past few weeks. All is well, but extremely busy. I am so looking forward to a nice family dinner tomorrow. It will be with just my family. I am so proud of them. Cara and Tim are amazing together, they make each other laugh they care so deeply for each other and are blessed in so many ways. I can look at them and know that they are prefect for each other. Ian will always be Ian, guys try to be so big and strong and able to do it all. He has helped me and been there for me when I have really needed his help the most. As for Larry you all know how I feel, I say it all the time. He is my rock, my best friend, the father of my kids and my soul mate for life. What more good I ask for. I am truly blessed in so many ways.

May you all have a wonderful day tomorrow.


May the Italian Easter Bunny Strike your household as he has mine for so many years in the past. Thanks, Mom, I love you and think of you all the time.

Rain Again?

OK I am about done with all this rain. I am bailing out again. Enough is enough. Are we ready to start building our Ark yet? Seriously now, I really would prefer snow at this point.

All is going very well here, there are not enough hours in the day to do all that I not only want to do, but need to do. I have not been able to pick up my camera in several weeks life has been so busy. Life seems to throw us these curves and we have to just deal with it.

My family is all doing well, we are happy and blessed with good health and the love of the family around us. Larry and I are under going major renovations in the house and I for one cannot wait for it all to be done. I will have to throw a party to celebrate. It looks so good, I am thrilled with the results so far. One of these days soon the work men will all be gone and we will be able to really enjoy it.

I still love my job. I love routing for the under dog, to be the patient advocate and help them get the services that they deserve. Larry is so busy I worry about him. Our vacation cannot happen soon enough. Italy will be so much fun seeing it with him and with us both having our cameras too.

May you all be in good health and be surrounded with love and family.

Happy St Pattys Day

May you all have a great day. The sun is shinning and the rain is gone. Thank the Lord for that.

We have spent fifteen hours bailing out my once dry basement. Enough already.

Snow Row Green Dory

Hi,

We have many pictures of lots of boats that day. Did yours have a number on it? Were you wearing sun glasses? We are trying to narrow down which boat you were in. Can you help us identify you? I will post the picture to it here if you can. How can I contact you?

Hull Snow Row

Morning,

I had the best day yesterday. We started the morning boarding a boat in Quincy on a sunny warm morning. We headed out to watch the Hull Life Saving Row Races. What a spectacular day it was. I took over 200 pictures. I had my coat off and enjoyed being on the water. I spent most of my time on the top and middle decks taking pictures. We had about thirty people from camera club with us. We docked in Hull and were able to get off the boat for some up close pictures for a while too. When the race started we followed them out and around the harbor. Seeing all these in the water and taking pictures of them in the foreground and Bostons Skyline in the background was breath taking. We made it back with just enough time to them hop int he car and rush into Boston to see a live show. The night was wonderful. We spent the night with two other couples, laughing and enjoying ourselves. Then it was off to a nice dinner and conversation; oh yeah and lets not forget dessert too. Larry's shared a bite of his lemon dessert; yummy. It was then time to head home and fall into bed for a good nights sleep.
I am off now to see my nephews hockey game. He plays at Archbishop Williams. They are in the finals and the games have been such a treat to go too despite the drive to Bourne each time. I got to see him make two goals, I was hooting so loud I could not believe it was me. I want one more win for the team today so they can then head in to to Boston Gardens and play. What a highlight that would be for his career.
Enjoy the day, we have another bonus spring day happening out there.

Chinese New Year in Boston

Hello,

Can I tell you all how much fun today was, it was a blast. I was like a little kid let loose in a penny candy store. It was so colorful and noisy I loved it. We saw the Dragons parading all around, there were some wonderful fire crackers going off, children in awe of it all, along with myself. There was a group of almost thirty from the camera club. They are so talented and fun to be around. I cannot wait for the better weather to come when we have outings almost twice a month. I hope you enjoy this picture. It is one of many I took this morning.

Have a wonderful day!

Yeah Me !

Good Afternoon Ladies,

I am the luckiest girl in the world. Larry and I have just booked a trip to Italy in May. We are also going to Arcadia in June. These are going to be a wonderful getaways for us. I am so excited. What a great photo opportunity these will be too. I will update with more information as we make our Itinerary finalized on the sights to be seen there.

Enjoy the good weather. Tomorrow we are off to China Town, it is there New Year Celebration. The weather is going to cooperate too which will make it even more fun to walk around. I think it will be colorful and noisy!

Get out and enjoy that sunshine.

Happy Valentine's Day

I want to wish all those out there a very happy day. May you all have a wonderful day and get to relax some and enjoy it too. I started my day off at church today. I am now going to busy myself around the house with lots of odds and ends that I have been meaning to finish up. I have a new flourless cake in the oven that will have a wonderful chocolate ganache for the top. Sounds sinfully yummy.

May you all get to enjoy the day and be around those you love. Take a moment to be thankful for all you have.

Life

Good Afternoon,

Life is going very good for me, I am loved, happy, have a warm house and food on the table. I have a healthy family, very close good friends and a job I love to do. I consider myself very blessed. I heard a quote in church today, it was by Charles Schultz, it is about his philosophy of life, it goes like this: "The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care." Take the time to go to Google and type in Charles Schultz's Philosophy. You will be surprised as I was as to how wise a man he was.

I bought my new car finally. I am really glad I had not done it up until now as I was leaning towards a Toyota and with all those issues these days, I am glad I waited. Life works in mysterious ways, it was a real blessing we held as long as we had. My old wagon was dying a slow painful death, we nursed it along as much as we could, but alas, old Betsy is no longer with us. Larry also got a car too. We both are now driving 2009 Kia's and are very happy.

I am heading out now to go shoot pictures at the Forbes Museum here in Milton. May you all have a wonderful day.

Rain Rain Go Away

Good Evening,

Rain Rain Go Away, but it is OK not to come back another day. I cannot figure out why when we get this kind of heavy down pouring of rain that it seems to be so much darker out there. I saw more flooded roads tonight than I care to ever drive through.

All is well here, we have been very busy lately as I am sure you all are too. I am waiting for the warmer, sunnier nice weather to come even if just for a few days so I can get out there with my camera and play. I took a great class of learning how to use my camera and am just itching to see if I remember it all.

Stay warm and dry.

Remembering

Hello All,

I cannot believe how fast time flies. I am reminiscing about my Mom these days, we are coming up on her birthday this week end. I only wish she were around so I could have one of her hugs or smell her wonderful perfume again. I talk to her all the time, I do believe she hears me too. I keep all those who have passed away in my prayers.

All is going very well for the Fay Family. Larry and I are going away the end of the month for some much needed R & R. We will both have our cameras at the ready because you never know what will be around the next bend in the road.

My thoughts and prayers go out to a wonderful friend who had surgery today, for those who are fighting a tough health battle and are praying for some good news with there son in law, for my sister in law who recently lost there brother and so many other people I know dealing with problems. Hang in there and keep the faith.


The Thought for the Today is: "I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. ~~ Martha Washington


Have a Good Day !

Happy Happy Happy

Can you just feel how happy I am? Life is good, we are well and I am so looking forward to the new beginnings for this year. My sister asked what our personal goals were for the year, I said I was going to treat the year as two separate challenges. I will deal with half a year at a time, I will make my personal challenges doable. I will set reasonable goals. I started today. I can and will do this right.

My house smells like spring despite the fact that I have a foot of snow on my lawn. I bought a single dark purple hyacinth and it is sitting on my kitchen table. I smile when I walk anywhere within three rooms of it. I can be so easily amused at times. I

am grateful for my life and my family. I will take one day at a time and try not to be overwhelmed.

Life is good folks, smile and be happy. Today I swear I could move heaven and earth in the mood I am in. I will say prayers for all those who I know are dealing health problems. I pray for strength that all will be happy once again.

First week of a New Year

Hello All,

What a start to the New Year it has been. I am beginning to think the snow will never stop coming down. It is pretty though and I have gotten some amazing snow pictures, but enough already.

May we all start the New Year planning on being happier, healthier and wiser. We should all choose our words carefully, be mindful of hurting others. Speak and treat others as you would want to be spoken too.

Live Simply, Expect Little but Give of Yourself.

Thank every one for supporting me and staying by my side thought out the good and bad times. I will cherish your friendships.