i Everyone!  I hope this finds you well and you enjoyed Thanksgiving.  I think I have been in a turkey coma since Thurdsday...LOL!!!  I am looking out the window this morning at a clear blue sky - sunrise was awesome as I walked Lady in the chilly air.   If you are travelling today, be stay safe.

I believe this time of year helps us focus on our blessings, but it's something I try to remember every day.  I am blessed that my parents are still here.  Mema enjoyed our holiday meal and actually ate quite a bit (a good thing).  Papa was just happy to be with mema and have us all around him.  More memories were created and a few pictures taken to capture the moments.  We got the food all cooked and carried to the nursing home for our meal.  It was DELICIOUS (if I do say so myself). We were able to share with the staff members who had to work.  I hope you were able to enjoy your blessings and create memories.  

I am also blessed as my BFF Patti came to spend the holiday with my family which provided a bit of stress relief.  She helped me relax a bit as we did a little shopping (not the Friday rush) and a little eating.  We have not done much, but she has been there to help every step of the way.  As I'm not in Virginia to decorate for Christmas this year, we decorated papa's house (even put a few things outside - we'll see if he notices).

So much happening in the world both positive and negative.  I try to focus on the positive.  I can not believe some of the rude comments that appear on FB to an innocent posting.  I guess there are some people that just need to be heard so to speak.  It's been nice this past week to see some wonderful pictures and thoughts of thankfulness.  There are some great Christmas commercials out there this year that make me smile.  I don't always care about the company or product, but the commercials are a nice treat.  

I am going to leave it here today.  Lots of thoughts in my mind, but I can't seem to put them in writing today.  I hope you have a good week.  Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

Instead of the quotes I usually place here, I'm posting a Thanksgiving Prayer.  I hope you enjoy it. 

Hi Everyone.  Hope this finds you well today.  I cannot believe Thanksgiving is this week.  I keep thinking I lost a week somewhere!   I am looking out the window at a heavily overcast sky.  It was a windy walk this morning, but at least the rain has stopped for a while.  I can hear them shooting at the outdoor gun range down the street. 

Have you ever thought about the epiphanies we have in life and why they took so long to happen?  I had an epiphany this past week and after I thought seriously what took so long!  I have been living my life in limbo for the past several months.  Always thinking I'll be heading back to Virginia soon so don't get involved in anything too much in Plymouth.   Well, this past week I thought why am I in limbo?  Why am I not living in the present moment?  Life is happening around me all the time and I am keeping my distance.  Well, one day at a time if possible from now on.  Support the local business, theaters, etc.  I know some day I am going back to Virginia, but that does not mean I can't live where I'm at.  I must embrace life where I am now.  

I think that's part of the reason I went to the Thanksgiving Parade yesterday.  I wanted to participate in activities here.  The crowd estimates were about 200,000 people.  It was cold, but not as cold as it could have been.  I was a little sad as I went by myself, but still fun.  I saw a cousin's husband and his group play the bagpipes in full Scottish dress.  They sounded great.  There was a Coast Guard helicopter flying overhead for a while.  I found out that after the parade they performed a lifesaving demonstration in the harbor.  I did not stay for the entire parade as I got cold and wanted to stop and visit mema on the way home.  I am checking out the local activities to see other events I can attend - lots of holiday concerts coming up and I love a good concert.  

I forgot to mention that my sister, niece and I went to the Pentatonix concert.  OMG what a concert - they are wonderful.  The opening act - Us The Duo was also fantastic.  We had a good night together.  It was fun introducing them to this genre of music.   The best part for me was the time spent with my sister and niece.  

Thanksgiving is this week - are you ready?  I have the turkey, but need to pick up a few more things.  Have you noticed how small the fridge and freezer are at this time of year?  Papa told me at least six times that he wants giblet gravy and to pick it up at the turkey farm (they have a store for meals and frozen items).  I guess I better get there by Tuesday to be sure I can get it.   He wants it for leftovers more than he wants it for dinner.  I must say I laugh at the commercials about "Friendsgiving" as I honestly believe Patti and I started this many years ago, and continued for many years.  We would invite all our single friends or those that could not be with family over for dinner.  We always asked what your favorite part of the meal was.  If I did not cook it, you had to bring it yourself.  I cooked almost everything because I loved to do it.   We had one friend that hated turkey so on the night before we ordered a pepperoni pizza and heated it up for him at dinner.  He loved it.  We had lots of laughs, lots of food and lots of wine.  The best part for me was I did not have to clean up (I usually zoned on the couch for a few minutes).  We would play games and just enjoy each other’s company.  I have to say I miss those days.  Now, our family gathers at the nursing home (in a reserved quiet room) to spend time with mema.  We bring the meal and desserts.   I invite the staff to pop by and other families because you know I'll have plenty and there will be leftovers.  What do you do for the day?  

I am thankful every day for the life I live and the learning experiences.  Every day is a gift and what we do with it is up to us.  I can definitely say I squander away some days instead of embracing all I can.  I work hard to keep the negativity away as it is so draining.  I want to say I am so thankful for friends near and far.  You have no idea what your notes, emails, phone calls, etc. mean to me.  I may not get back to you immediately so please forgive me.  

My thoughts and prayers are with my friend Donna who lost her mother this past week.   Love you my long time friend.

I am going to end it here for today.  I hope you have a wonderful week.  Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -  Melody Beattie

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." -  Meister Eckhart

"Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it." -  Ralph Marston

Referrals are always appreciated.

Hi Everyone.  Hope this finds you well today.  I am looking out the window this morning at a blue sky with wispy clouds, a bit of a chill in the air, but quite nice for November.  First walk of the day with Lady done.  I've started wearing ear muffs and gloves on our early walks.  I can hear papa watching Sunday mass on TV. 

It's been a difficult week for many people across the country. So much negativity and anger.  Although technology is a wonderful thing, I have never seen anger and hate spread so fast because of all the postings available (whether they be true or false).  It makes me so sad to see people turn on one another. I hope we can move forward.   I wrote this on FB the other day and want to publish again here.  

"I also thought about the tension and dissension in the country right now. The election is over and I hope you exercised your right and privilege to vote. I will not discuss political views ever (not even in person) as I completely believe it's a personal decision. There will NEVER EVER be 100% happiness with any decision as you can't make all the people happy all the time.
As people we need to move forward with respect and dignity toward each other. Let's learn about each other before making any judgment. My hope is that we can take a breath and stop some of the negativity."

I will say add this.  If you did NOT vote, then you should not offer any opinion one way or the other.  I also believe all those people that said they would leave the country dependent on the outcome of the election, should honor their declaration and leave the country.  But I also have a caveat.  I think they should definitely go and give up their citizenship and passport.  They should not have the rights and/or protection of the US Government in any way, shape or form.   You can agree or disagree as this is only my opinion.  This is all I must say on the subject.  

Papa had a good week as he had cousins visit the other day.  We had a wonderful time catching up without being at a sad event.  It seems lately that the only time we catch up with people is at sad events.  I was also given the opportunity to thank one of the cousins and let her know how I looked up to her when I was a kid.  She fascinated me as she treated me like a person (not a child).  She also went to school abroad and helped foster my interest in seeing the world.  So nice to be able to tell her in person what she meant to me.  The big news for papa was that he was released from home care can now shower on his own without a chaperone (although someone must be in the house).  He is getting around well on his walker although slowly.  He walked into the local mall and around a bit with his walker.  He also walked into the nursing home to visit mema.  He was ecstatic when his new flag pole was up in time for Veterans Day.  

Mema had a quiet week.  I sense and see another phase coming on as she goes a bit further back in time.  Her world is becoming smaller and although it makes me sad, it's not about me.  I must be grateful that many times she does not know the difference.  She is not a needy person so she will sit quietly most of the time and just observe.   There are a few people (especially the men) who seem to need attention constantly.  They are noisy and drive the others to distraction.  The looks my mom gives to them sometimes just makes me laugh.  I have been told that occasionally she tells them to shut up!

I have started my Christmas shopping for charity.  One of papa's neighbors collects gift bags for nursing home residents.  Papa told me he gave every year except last year so he wanted me to see what was needed and put together 20 bags.   I have purchased lap blankets, socks, word search puzzles, and everyone is receiving a calendar (since we already have about 25 from different charities).  I have a few small things to add and then I'm done.  I've donated to other local charities as well.  I am so blessed that I feel honored to donate either time, money or items to charities.   Papa receives charity requests daily and he has his own favorites.  He tells me what to do and has me review the rest.  

As I'm hardly ever in Plymouth in November, I did not realize all the activities that happen around town for Thanksgiving.  The weekend before Thanksgiving is big here. There are concerts, parade (one of the best I've heard), food festival, markets and educational events.  I heard this morning that many of the hotels are full (a good thing) and restaurants will be busy.  I just may have to partake in some of the events.  

A big shout out to my friends celebrating birthdays this week.  Also to my fantastic nephew Shamus who will turn 22 (OMG where did the time go!) - Happy Birthday!  

I am going to leave it here for today.  I hope you have a good week.  Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie


"Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah, everything is beautiful." -  Prince

"A blessing is a circle of light drawn around a person to protect, heal and strengthen." -  John O'Donohue

"Every blessing ignored becomes a curse." - Paulo Coelho

​Referrals are always appreciated.

Hi Everyone.  Hope this finds you well this first Sunday in November.  Hope you remembered to turn the clocks back this morning.  Beautiful morning here in Plymouth with the sun shining (although I see clouds moving in).  The fall colors are gorgeous although starting to fade and drift away - the cranberry harvest was completed this past week.  I saw a fantastic video on FB of a local family-owned cranberry bog harvested - the colors amazing.  

It was a very busy week for papa (plus me).  There were several doctor appointments both locally and in Boston.  As many of you know, papa and I must be early to be on time so when traveling to Boston must build in a lot of extra time for traffic.  He can walk more with the walker, but needs to keep the immobilizer on the one knee for another month.   He will start outpatient physical therapy in a couple of weeks.  

My first walk of the morning with Lady is my quiet time of the day.  I so enjoy watching the sun come over the houses and now of the year the frost on the lawns.  I also enjoy the quiet.  I must say I'm not too excited when I see neighbors walking their dogs or when the community work trucks are on the service roads.  It is almost a spiritual exercise every morning.  Some mornings I hum or sing a little song (not too loud).    I try to stay with gratitude and count my blessings.   The walks are only about 20 minutes, but so worth it.  This past week a walk or two was cut short due to early morning appointments and I felt like I missed something in my day and my mind was not settled.  I hope you have a practice of some type that grounds you or takes you out of your head for a few minutes.  

Mema had a good week.  She is tiring more easily, but doing to her best to observe everything happening around her.  She is sleeping later in the morning, but once up, she is usually in the central area.  She is quieter as words become more difficult to string together.  I cherish every moment together.  

I finally finished a book.  CAT'S EYE by Margaret Atwood.  A novel about a woman painter who returns to the city where she grew up for a retrospective of her art.  The book is about her life, youth, friends, love, etc.   This book took me a long time to read, but I was determined to finish.  I won't say I loved it, but it was an interesting read.  

A big Happy Birthday shout out to my sister Marion as she celebrates turning 50.  I've had fun posting photo albums for the past week as a look back at her life.  So many blessings, so many memories. 

I will not discuss politics or ever tell any one how to vote.  Yet I want to be sure you vote.  I voted early this year via absentee ballott.  Papa voted early this year (first time ever offered in Massachusetts) as I wanted to avoid lines on election day.  Please exercise your right as citizens and get out to vote. 

I am going to leave it here for today.  It is now gray and raining here and I'm suddenly tired, perhaps a nap is on the agenda for the day.  Enjoy your week.  Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

"Revenge is not a positive state of mind or energy to indulge your self in." -  Michael K. Williams

“If we are growing, we are going to be outside of our comfort zone.” - John C Maxwell

“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.” - — Dalai Lama