Determined December

[SnoopyC]

Rabbit, Rabbit!

Good morning. Had a good Sunday, it was pretty warm so we were able to go out and look at houses. Just looked. It was fun. Walked later at a store for exercise as it started raining. So, all in all, a pretty good Thanksgiving Day weekend. Back to work today.

Have a good one.

[dill]

“I am grateful for the opportunity to experience life.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita

Thank you Star, for starting us off for the month! I'm glad your Thanksgiving holiday was so nice. Mine was too. I realized all over again the importance of family and friends in our lives. To love and to be loved is the essence of life.

Let's all have an AF December.

[Lavande]

Good morning ladies & welcome to December

I had a pretty good holiday weekend as well ~ different but still good.
I've already been out for the yearly mammogram, to Curves & to the supermarket. Getting a little work done now & just may end up watching the boys later this afternoon - waiting to hear about that. 60 degrees at the moment but expecting sleet & snow tomorrow morning, quite strange!

Greetings Cyn & Papmom!

Have a great AF Monday everyone!

Lav

[SnoopyC]

Good morning!

Up early, but fell asleep early. Got in touch with a cousin with whom I had not spoken for a while and it was really nice. She is ill, basically housebound. I realized another blessing, good health. I have been reading a book that talked about a woman who made it a practice to be thankful/grateful and it changed her life. So, today my focus is making healthy choices and all the things I am grateful for, naming them.

Lav and Dill, great you two had wonderful holidays, too. I agree with Dill that life is about love and relationships. Very grateful for all the love in my life.

Off to look at a house tonight, nice but expensive. We will have to keep looking. Have a great day.

[Lavande]

Good morning December friends!
Happy Tuesday to all. It's a bit icy looking out there at the moment at 34 degrees. Waiting to see what else fall from the sky later. My girls want to come visit later - I may have to tell them to stay home.

Star, happy house hunting. I hope you can find something nice that won't cost you an arm & a leg!!! No rush, right?

Greetings to Dill, Cyn & Papmom. I hope everyone has a great AF Tuesday!

Lav

[treegirl]

Thanks, Star for starting us out! Dill - love that quote. That's as basic as it gets, right? Everything falls into that category, and so we can be grateful for everything, right? Star - what book is it that you are reading that is about gratitude?

Lav - hope the ice doesn't keep your daughter away, but I understand. It's supposed to be icy, sleet and rain here as well. I'd just as soon have it just be snow and be done with it - but sounds like more 40 degree weather is on the way. Good chance to do some more weatherizing projects.

Had another episode with girl dog yesterday - carbon copy of the one a month ago. Poor girl, just shaking like a leaf until I could get her into the vet - 104 temp, this time more bronchial congestion, she spent the day at the vet having more tests and being hydrated. The cause of all this is still a mystery - they did a Valley Fever test (a terrible SW US fungus-related disease), so we'll see. Meanwhile, she's home today, so at least I'm happier!

Hope you are well, Pap. Go for the tires!

Yes, here's to an AF December for us. Determined to be grateful and happy and to pass it on. Cheers, all.

[dill]

So sorry Cyn, that your girl dog is feeling so ill. I hope you get to the bottom of it and can find a proper treatment! I was thinking about your Thanksgiving story the other day and thought I ought to tell you, I read it while I was at the store in the Christmas tree display! It was like I was actually out shopping with you and you were telling me all about your Thanksgiving! LOL! I was reading it on my Iphone, of course. I was feeling kind of lost momentarily so I checked in to the thread. It helped!

Lav, I swear every time I read your weather news I think: she must get my weather one day after me! You often describe the weather I had had the day before! So, heads up: it's cold and gray here today, in the low 30's, but no rain. We had the freezing rain yesterday!

Star, I was looking up some of Dylan Thomas' poems today and came across the wikipedia info on his life. One place in the article said he died of alcohol overdose, but later it said he died of pneumonia and brain hemorrhage and possibly over-dose of morphine given by a doc. He drank very heavily and had a reputation for drunkenness, but autopsy showed no cirrhosis. Further reading revealed that his wife drank heavily as well and she actually wrote a book about the destructive nature of alcohol and it's affect on their marriage. I looked for it at the library but didn't find it. I'd really like to read it but don't want to buy it so I think I'll look around for online sources, maybe I'll find it. It was called: My Life with Dylan Thomas: a Double Drink Story by Caitlin Thomas. (excerpt from wikipedia: about the destructive effect of alcoholism on the poet and to their relationship. "But ours was a drink story, not a love story, just like millions of others. Our one and only true love was drink", she wrote[144] and "The bar was our altar".[145]) That line was really powerful in making the point about alcohol's destructive nature don't you think? How'd the house hunting go?

We put up our tree today! It's a douglass fir and it smells grand. We haven't put on the lights or the ornaments. First we have to have our annual disagreement about what kind of lights: white or multi-color. Can you guess which one I want and which one Mr. D wants?

Peace and gratitude to all!

[papmom3]

Evening all! Sleeting here tonite after a 60 degree day yesterday. Gotta love the Northeast!! Had a nice weekend as well. Wish it could have gone on forever! Went to an open house at a new training facility on friday. Brought LM and Mickey and they got to try Nosework and Wag It Games. They had such fun!! Saturday I went to the laundrymat and did some cleaning. Can't remember what else I did LOL!! Sunday was a local dog show and I went to support my friends who were showing their dogs. It was very laid back so I got to visit and chat. There was a vendor there who had a little bit of everything, including doggie jammies!! I've been wanting to get some for LM for the cold nights. My hoarder friend loaned me the money for them. I knew LM would hate them-he doesn't appreciate doggie clothing- but they are for his own good. Here's a pic-he hates me for sure!!

guinness jammies.jpg

C yn-I'm so sorry your girl dog isn't doing well. I sure hope they can figure it out. Its got to be some sort of tick borne disease. Have you thought about taking her to Tufts? Its a haul for you I know but they might be able to do some tests your local vet can't. If not Tufts, is there some University Vet School Clinic in NY you can go to? Pings going out to you and your pup.

Star-so glad you had such a nice Thanksgiving! Slow and easy on the house hunting ok? Nothing worse than moving in the dead of winter!! I've helped two family members do that and it sucks!

Dill-I'm betting you want the white ones!! Hope you can post a pic when you're done. The pic of the sunrise was awesome!!

Hump day tomorrow thank goodness. I'm so anxious to hear back from the search committee, hopefully on Friday!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning ladies...

Dill, that sounds like a great book, I am going to see if they have it at my library. "The bar was our altar." How sad, but I understand, when drinking, it is you major focus, your god, it takes up all of your time, energy and money. Have you read The Red Tent? Great book and a miniseries, this Sunday and Monday night based on the book. I am going to try and watch it for sure. Regarding tree lights, I think you want color, hubby wants white! Just guessing.

Cyn, so sorry about your poor doggie. You take the best of care of him, all you can do. Are you feeling better after that flu? The book I finished reading that was partially about gratitude is called, "Does this church make me look fat," by Rhoda Janzen. She also authored, "Mennonite in a little black dress." She is a PhD and has a wry wit, so funny. Yet, serious and spiritual. I loved the two books and want to read more, luckily they have them at the library. She started to make it a point to be grateful, and noticed her life changed, as her attitude, perception of her world took on new meaning. Really interesting and funny too.

OK, have a great day everybody. So grateful to be feeling good and AF.

Pap, sounds like a great weekend. It was hard to go back to work on Monday! I cracked up at the picture of your dog in his new coat, he looked soooo cute but not really happy. He'll get used to it after a while. I had a greyhound who had a coat and she really needed it too. She was such a great dog. I miss her. We are really blessed in the wonderful animals we have and have had. They are truly a gift to us. Hope your week goes well.

Lav, we had ice too but I had no problem driving to work. I think it is living in the city with no open roads...and a little bit of luck so far. We looked at a house yesterday that we liked, but they want waaayyyy too much for it. Plus, the living room has no outside windows...it is a little weird and I do not know if I could deal with feeling so closed in. So, this is my attitude. Putting it in the Universe's hands and knowing we will find the right house at the right time with that attitude and those beliefs. I looked up your DIL and she has done some interesting work. She has been through alot and is lucky to have you. Really lucky to have you.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends & happy hump day

I've been called in for Mimom duty today so it will be a busy one for me!
Cloudy & showers called for all day but no ice. Grateful because I have to transport kids to & from school then eventually back here for dinner. This is what happens when the regular babysitter has sick kids of her own to handle.

Papmom, you did get the stink eye in that picture, LOL
I hope you hear back from the search committee very soon!

Cyn, sorry your girl dog is still having problems. It's frustrating when dealing with an unknown virus. Remember what we went thru with my younger grandson nearly 2 years ago? They never did track down the virus that caused him to be so ill but he is just fine & thriving today!

Dill, I know I am in the direct path of your weather
I have a friend in MN & he warns me what is coming approx. 3 days ahead!!!
Every once in a while I will look on MWO without signing in just to know that I am never completely alone :hug:

Star, a room without windows?? No way!!!
I don't know about you but I crave sunlight. The hospital ICU I worked in back in the 70's had windows at ceiling level - odd. I felt like I was working in a cave, did not like it a bit. Hang in there because something better is out there waiting for you!

Have a great AF day everyone!
Lav

[treegirl]

Happy Hump Day!

Dill - I was so touched that you felt like we were shopping together! That's a fun image to keep in my head...good for you for reaching out to the thread, what a smart move that was. It's so easy to feel 'lost' at this time of year, as if everyone else is having an easy and fun time, and 'there must be something wrong with me' to feel disconnected to it all. (At least that's what happens to me. And once the Judgement voice gets going, watch out!)

Star and Dill - I have been fascinated by Dylan Thomas for a long time; my heritage is Welsh, and I have visited his home and workplace in the south of Wales. This is an anniversary year for him - ?100 years of his birth? The 92nd Street Y in NYC has hosted performances of his work - I'll look for 'Under Milk Wood' which someone told me was really special. Also, I believe there are recordings of him reading his 'Child's Christmas in Wales' - he had an incredible speaking voice. I read a different autobiography by his wife - must have been an earlier one, published in the 80's? I don't think that was the title. A very moving but sad story of a relationship. What a terrible affliction AL is.

Lav - I have been thinking about how your extended family handled Thanksgiving - it must have been touch-and-go. How is YB doing? I know you are staying strong and apart from the drama. Sending good thoughts your way anyhow!

Pap - I was lucky enough at our Swap Shop to be dropping recycling just as a family was leaving something that looked a lot like the expandable 'tunnels' used for Agility. Guess what? I now am the proud owner of three - big enough even for my dogs to get through. I have a large sub-basement, and I'd like to put down cushy flooring and start doing some basic agility work and nose work over the winter - in the country it's hard to find places to exercise the pups when there's a lot of snow. Plus, SD's little poodle is smart as a whip, and would be an agility star, I'm sure. So, crossing fingers that I can get that going this winter. If both dogs ever get better - will be taking boy dog to the vet tomorrow for another anal glad fix, and to see if we've made progress on his severe constipation. Honestly! Thx for the ideas of tick-borne disease. My vet's done that battery of tests and they've come back negative, but if the Valley Fever comes back negative also, maybe I'll look elsewhere.

Hope all have a great day. Determined to be grateful!

[treegirl]

RE: Dylan Thomas. The recent performance that they did is no longer available, but the original performance from 1953 is! Here's the link. I think I'm going to try to find the printed text to follow along...it's a little hard to understand just from the recording. But the notes about that first performance are wonderful. Enjoy:

http://92yondemand.org/dylan-thomas-under-milk-wood/

[dill]

My goodness what a lot to read! Pap, I loved the pic. I don't think he looks too very pleased! LOL! But I think the pj's are cute! Can't wait to hear your news on Friday.

Cyn, thanks ever so much for the link! I shall listen to it and may follow your lead and try to get a print version first. Old recordings are often really difficult. I had honestly never heard of Under Milk Wook until I did my reading yesterday. Now I want to see if I can find it in print or in video somehow. Is there a video or is it just a radio performance? I read that Caitlin Thomas managed to get sober and remarried and lived a more fulfilling life for her last 20 years. It can be done!

Lav, how did Mimom duty go? And I am with you on a room with no windows being a very bad idea! It would be very disorienting. I need my natural light!!

Star, thanks for the mention of the miniseries. I'm going to set it to record on the DVR. I haven't read the book but I remember hearing that it was very good. I decided to request it from the library and try to read it even if it is after I've seen the movie. Books are always so much better and give so much more texture to the reader than you can possible give a viewing audience, IMO. I hope you can find that C. Thomas book. I couldn't find it yesterday but I'm going to continue searching today.

Saw a little bit of sun today, thank goodness!

Re: the lights. I wanted the white and he wanted the colors. We are going to go with the colors because it seemed to mean a lot more to him than it did to me! LOL. Besides, I have a smaller tree with all whitel lights in our other room where the wood stove is. That is where I sit when I am posting to you all.:hug: So, we will both be happy!

[SnoopyC]

Lots of great posts this morning. I am still waking up, my first cup of coffee. We found out the house with the living room with no windows will not go down on their price, so that is out of the question. Good. The Universe took care of it. We are going to see more houses Sunday. It is fun to look at houses, I enjoy seeing different styles, decor, and things like that . The moving part not so much, but it takes time and we have to start.

Lav, hope your day was fulfilling and fun. I know it was busy. You are right, a room with no windows would be claustraphobic for me. I would hate it. I worked for a year in an office with no windows and found another job based on that. I felt closed in. Now I have a great window in my office and love it.

Dill, so sweet of you to have multicolored lights and a small tree with white! Lights are so important in the dark season. Plus, Christmas trees are fun,even little ones. I am reading the Red Tent and enjoying it. I will look up Dylan Thomas and explore. Good another topic of interest. We have been having really good posts lately, and it is fun. Good to know that Caitlin Thomas found recovery and made a good life for herself.

Cyn, how interesting to visit sites related to Dylan Thomas, I love stuff like that, so interesting. The agility idea in the basement sound really good. Even my kitty needs exercise in the house, but no room right now. A good project in the winter will get you through.

Work is going well, I really like this job, I am so lucky. Great people, varied duties, regular hours. Long may it last. Have a great day.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends,

Happy Thursday to all
I had a massively busy day yesterday but it all went well. Now I've been asked to watch the boys next weekend. Keeping those two overnight for two nights should be interesting, LOL

Cyn, sounds like you have an interesting project lined up for the winter - good for you!
I hope you all have fun & benefit from the exercise too. I wish I could get my old Swissy on the treadmill but she just looks at me like I'm crazy, ha ha!

Dill, I thought you would prefer the white lights, I do too. I picked up a small tree at Walmart last year for the corner in my kitchen. I put white lights on it & just a few tiny remembrance-type ornaments - made me happy.

Star, glad you passed on that house. I just can't imagine why anyone would want something like that. It has to be hard to have your home up for sale with potential buyers going through during the holidays. We put our previous house up for sale in February, well after the holidays but the outside was so bleak looking. I put out pictures of the yard & the pool area during summer so people could see how nice it actually was Have fun looking!!!!

I am going to meet my old work friends for lunch today. I always seem to absorb a good dose of strength from them.
YB seems to be doing OK since his brother's suicide but how do you really know? He doesn't talk about it, just acts like nothing happened. It's his way of dealing with life.

Hi there Papmom!
Have a great AF day everyone!

Lav