Friday, December 12, 2008

Friday Fragments

I can't believe it's Friday already. I had such good intentions of posting more this week, but time and circumstances intervened. First of all, let me apologize to those blogging sisters of mine who have either given me an award, or tagged me in the past couple of weeks. I have every intention of acknowledging those honors. It's just that I'm a little flummoxed right now. There is so much to do and, seemingly, so little time. So, I promise right after Christmas and New Year's, I will get to them.
In the meantime, let's talk about the past few days. I did manage to get outside and rehang my pesky wreaths. I think I might really have mastered the art of keeping them on the windows come rain or storm or dark of night; that includes snow and wind too.
Here are three of the four that blew away during Sunday's wind storm.

You may remember the picture I posted of the "cobbled up rigging" Jim had put together to deter the squirrels from eating all my birdseed. Well, that didn't work so well and the weight of the squirrels, plus the wind, finally broke the whole darn thing. So while I was hanging wreaths, Jim was hanging the new "squirrel proof" bird feeder. It looks pretty snazzy, but we'll see.

As if all this outdoorsy stuff isn't enough, it dawned on me that we hadn't put the tree up on our sun porch. This tree was Jim's mom's artificial tree. When she gave up her home, I dragged it home. I just couldn't bear to part with it. We had so many good times putting that tree together and decorating it for Mom. That was part of our Thanksgiving tradition while she still lived in her home. Now it graces our sun porch with just white lights. It looks so pretty shining on our porch as you drive by our house.

It doesn't look like much here, but it's really nice at night. That is, when I remember to flip the switch and turn it on.
Thursday (omigosh, was that only yesterday?) was Jim's mom's 94th birthday. Jim had an appointment with the neurosurgeon who did his hand surgery so we left right from the Dr.'s office and went to Pennsylvania. Mom knew we were coming and was waiting for us when we arrived. She looked really pretty. You just wouldn't believe she is 94. We visited with her for awhile and then went on to BIL and SIL's to get settled before time to take her to dinner.

The weather was pretty yukky; really heavy wet snow. I was afraid she would change her mind about going out, but she's a pretty spunky lady and donned her boots and winter gear and out we went.

We had dinner at a little neighborhood restaurant. The folks there were so kind to us. Of course, they fussed over her. They took the cake I had brought along and served it at the appropriate time.

She photographs much better than her son! LOL Isn't she just a doll? You probably have guessed that I hold this lady in high esteem. She is really special.

The overnight snow was just beautiful, but did cause some problems. The plan was to meet my Aunt and Uncle for breakfast this morning before we started home. When we arrived at the restaurant, there was no power. Thankfully, the gas grill worked and we managed to have a pretty nice breakfast, even if the coffee was only lukewarm.







Isn't this a beautiful sight? Driving along this road was like passing through a winter wonderland. I just kept oohing and ahhing all the way through this area. As we got closer to home, the snowfall was less and less. I think we probably have about 2-3 inches here.

December is such a wonderful time of celebration. Tonight we joined Linda, Jason, Shelly and Bruce for dinner at our friend, Ken's, new home. He made some delicious chili. It was a really festive evening.


I'm so proud of this picture. I sat the camera on the entertainment center, set the auto timer and ran over to join the others and Voila! I'm not always successful at this.


Before I close, I want to thank Dana for the lovely surprise. I had entered a drawing for a book on Dana's blog, which I won. When the book arrived, tucked inside was this wonderful "prize".

Isn't it sweet? Thanks so much Dana. You have made me very happy with this precious gift.
BTW, I mentioned Jim seeing the neurosurgeon. He was very pleased with the progress Jim is making with his right hand. He and Jim both think things are going very well. So, now he is ready to do the surgery on the left hand. That will take place in January. Thanks for all your concerns and prayers for Jim. Neither one of us actually thought he would get this much use back in that hand. PTL.
Well, I think that's it for tonight. Sweet dreams and a great weekend to all of you.
HIPPO HUGS







8 comments:

samport said...

The snow pictures are so beautiful! Almost makes me wish I lived a little further north...almost. I do remember snow being fun until about Jan 1, then it's just a pain.

Happy b-day to Jim's mom and lots of prayers for the surgery!

:)

hippo chick said...

samport - Yeah, that's why we blow this joing mid-February.

:) - hippo hugs

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Pam,

You've been busy! Let us know if your squirrel proof feeder works. Nothing works around here. Those pesky squirrels get their share of the bird seed one way or another.

Jim's mother is a sweet looking lady. Happy belated birthday to her and God bless her!

Love the snow pictures as well, as long as the snow is not around here. We're under a winter ice storm watch for Monday. UGH!!! Hope it doesn't happen. Meanwhile, today and tomorrow is and will be on the mild side. Been out enjoying both days.

Love the Christmas tree on your sun porch. I bet people driving by enjoy seeing the lights.

December celebrations with friends are always nice, and your Hippo Hugs prize is adorable!

Have a lovely Sunday!

Holiday hugs,

Renie

hippo chick said...

Renie, I'm really beginning to get in the spirit. Today was a fun day. Thanks for reading.
Pam

Nancy said...

Elva looks great! She always was a very attractive, pretty woman! her hair was always just so...I can still envision her from when you and I were in high school. Happy belated Birthday to her!!!

The snow pics were beautiful but sure looked cold! We are in fora warm week this coming week....60's and to even get as high as 72 one day! Nights to be in the 50's so no heat will be needed then, either. Our winters are so short here, really, so I can't complain. I always loved having snow for the holidays, but after that it was something I wished would just go away.

The hippo hugs prize was so cute!!!

Keep us posted on Jim's next hand surgery.

(((((( HUGS ))))))

Cheryl Wray said...

So many great things in this post!!!! :-)

Jim's mother is just beautiful.She sounds like one special lady!!

I LOVE the tree on your sun porch, and the story behind it.

And the snow pictures are beautiful. Awww....to have snow! We can wish!!!

Nancy said...

I just looked at your pics again...I just can't get over Elva! She certainly doesn't look 94!!! We should be so lucky someday, huh? Bless her heart!

To reply to your comment on my post....I am missing Tammy this week. I feel an emptiness when she is away like this. So I was feeling a little sentimental today while writing that post about her. But I have the weekend to look forward to...we're going to bake cookies and celebrate her birthday then, too.

(((((( HUGS ))))))

Monogram Queen said...

I am REALLY jonesing for some wintry weather but it'll be near the 80's at least for the next few days. Hippo Hugs - love it!