Must Not Forget To Share

My Beautiful Birthday Flowers from my Special Friend. Aren't they lovely?

 The Lilies are stunning. and, I am sure I will be able to enjoy these lovelies for many days.

This year's birthday was so much different than I ever anticipated for this milestone of 75 years. By this time in life if we haven't learned to roll with what life we are given it would be quite sad. Eventually, life will resume some rhythm of normalcy if there is such a way of life at this stage. Now, I can look forward to the next milestone birthday - 80!!! My mother and grandmother had longevity!!! I'm up for it if the quality of life is reasonable. And, if it isn't, I'll persevere. Life has not been easy but then, "nobody promised me a rose garden". I have had to create my own and I have been given many blessings.

When I see my adult children it is strange to realize that I am this age. But, then, I get a kick out of hearing them start to experience some of the issues that come along with middle age. If I can't remember something they aren't critical but just get the smile that quietly says "Ya, we know!" Isn't life interesting?

We still plan to do some travelling within the state in the near future. But, we still have concerns with Lily and her current needs. I prefer not to leave her at the Boarder even though it would be at the Veterinary location. Time will tell.

Thanks for listening to my little philosophic views.

Hope your day is Very Enjoyable.

Mary

Maybe Too Many Trees Have Been Cut Down

What do you think?

LILY UPDATE: She is still in the Infirmary here and I will be so happy when her intestinal issues are behind us. Oh! No pun intended! I am looking forward to less laundry to do!

Have a Fabulous Day.

Mary

Postponing My Birthday

Can you do that?

I think that is what I should do and I want to do. This past summer has been so very challenging with more that usual life events that can "push you to the wall". We were hoping to go to the coast (Carmel, California and surrounding areas) for a few days but it just didn't come together because of life's sometimes nasty interruptions. Unfortunately, I have been sick throughout the night with some gastrointestinal problems and I am not going anywhere today or tonight.

This is my 75th Birthday and I had a wonderful trip to Carmel on my 70th Birthday and I wanted to do it again. Carmel is a very beautiful and well know area in California. Hopefully, we will do it soon. However, we also plan to visit (minimum two-day trip) my Great-Grandson as soon as we can. He is growing so fast.

Lily is improving day by day.

Anyway, that is all for now.              

MY BIRTHDAY IS OFFICIALLY POSTPONED.

One Day At A Time. Value Every Second.

Mary

Happy Doggy Happy Mama

Lily is doing much much better after another $450 at the Veterinary office. There is no way to put a price tag on our little fur buddies. Now, is there? I am so blessed to have help which makes it possible to provide the best care we can for Lily's health. Unfortunately, the time will probably come when we have to make some very difficult decisions. For now, she seems to be happy, comfortable, lovable and enjoying her life.

More X-rays were taken and another blood work panel was completed. She was given medication in the office and we were sent home with three more medications which are short term use. At this time she is on eight different medications. The abdominal X-ray showed a lot of intestinal gas but no visible foreign object. She may have eaten something outside (planter mix?) that she should not do! She is on a bland diet of cottage cheese, rice and boiled chicken. She is eating well and taking her medications like a "little trooper". Both Lily and I had a good night of sleep. Believe me, I was starting to run very low in the sleep department. I am so thrilled that Lily is feeling better. One more hurdle will be when her bowels are working normally. Hopefully, that will be today.

These precious little creatures really do become our children. Don't they? I can tell so much about her just by her body language, attitude and behavior. Just like all of you mommies and daddies of fur babies.

I am very thankful for a very loving, nurturing and intelligent Veterinarian.

Hug your pets today, OK.

Mary

Just A Smile Today

It's not that there isn't anything going on around here. It's just that a lot has been going on.

My daughter and son-in-law came up from Silicon Valley for the Weekend and brought their two, five month old kitties, Miles and Shilo. Wow, babies are a hand full. They were all over the place, up, down and around everywhere! But, Oh, so cute. This photo is at three months of age.

We had a lot of fun. All four of them (kitties plus my daughter and her husband) are quite entertaining. We, also went out to eat a lot. My daughter wanted to buy dinner for me to celebrate my upcoming Birthday.

Unfortunately, Lily has been sick for two days with no appetite and diarrhea. Very challenging for both her and me. I think she will have to go to the Vet for some inpatient care so she does not get worse and I can get some rest. She has been so sweet and cooperative through all her difficulties.

I'll keep you posted on her anticipated progress to better health.

Hope your Week is Going Well.

Mary

Natures Surprises

Bright sun in the morning is a great thing unless you want to take some photos of  beautiful surprises in the garden.

During the past couple months I have been nurturing some roses that have been neglected for too long. There is a strip of flower bed along my back fence that I was working on prior to my foot/leg injury. All of the falling apart redwood lattice has been removed from the wire fence. The fence man came out to give me counsel about the fence that I thought needed some changes. He says that the fence is fine and that is good. I have cut the Star Jasmine vines down to the ground and they have started to grow and cover the wire fence again. I just want to be sure that the vines don't get so heavy again that I loose the sun that the roses need to stay healthy.

I have not seen a rose bloom on this bush for a very long time. And, when I saw it yesterday morning I had to take a photo even though the sun was bright and interfering with my photo taking. Isn't it scrumptious?

This is Oklahoma Hybrid Tea Rose described as an unusual dark red rose with classic perfectly formed buds and flowers with a strong rose fragrance. The color is definitely dark red and it is lovely.

And, it looks like there will be more blooms!

Later in the day I returned to take a look at the rose and it had opened further and the sunshine was more defused making for a better photo. And, the color of the rose looks more accurate. It is a beautiful deep almost cranberry color and it smells great.

This afternoon I am going to spend some time doing a little spoiling of myself. I have scheduled a message! It will be wonderful for my aging body. This week I have been working in the garden and doing a fair amount of general outdoor maintenance. Things are looking better and that makes me feel better.

Have a Beautiful Day.

Mary

Fish Out Of Water Tablescape

How nice of Ms. Fish and her babies to come out to play with me. I really adore her attitude and the whimsy that she brings to our table. As the weather is quickly changing to a new season she thought she better pop in before is gets to cold.

Tablescaping stirs many thoughts for me. The creativity that one can put into this activity is endless. The presentation can be "High End" put together with luxury items that may be readily available from ones own china cabinets and cupboards or in some cases - "hiding places". Thrift shopping can be a part of it or not.

For me the little journey of creating a one of a kind little showpiece was grounded in putting together a tablescape that was pretty to look at and one that draws your eye to all the little hidden nuances of the presentation. The focal point of this table quickly became the Blue and White Fish (Art by Diane) that I saw on Ebay for $4.99 (with low shipping). What a find! And, then one thing led to another and I was "on the hunt".

I do not live close to any of the stores that are common place for home items that you find in the cities, so my shopping options are limited. However, I do have several thrift stores and a Dollar Store nearby. Actually, the thrift stores are turning out to be a thrill of the hunt. They are quite good. A half hour drive will take me to a TJ Max, Ross, JoAnn Craft Store and another Dollar Store. Many great items can be found on Ebay but I really resist paying shipping charges. That's just my thing. Least I forget, there are many treasures to be found in my little (over-stuffed, did I really say that) house!

Now, let's look a little closer at our Blue and White tablescape. These sweet little fish (salt and pepper shakers) complete the family of Ms. Fish!

This is so much fun for me. I have always loved dishes. As a very little girl, I can remember having an old cardboard box that housed my dishes that were old and chipped and maybe crackled. My box of dishes was kept in a special spot in the back yard where nobody could disturb it. I would set a table and play house. I was always excited when I could add a new piece (chips and all) to my collection.

The fish shaped Studio Nova clear glass bowls are what I am using for our soup, perhaps Gin Tomato Soup with Pepperidge Farm gold fish on top as garnish.

Dinner and Salad plates are Ralph Lauren, pattern Mandarin Blue recently purchased from TJ Max. I love the simplicity of the dinner plate and the excitement of the salad plate.

Perhaps, the menu will include a Ranch BLT Wedge Salad and Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp over Coconut Rice.

These Napking Rings from Ebay are quite interesting. I have never seen any like them, specifically the size which is larger than any I have seen. They measure 2-5/8 wide, 1-3/4 high and 1 inch deep. And look at the lovely inside design. They are made in Czechoslovakia with the familiar Blue Onion design. Pretty!

What should we have for dessert?

Please join me for a little Liquid Refreshment!

Since I first noticed Tablescaping on the Blogs, I have been amazed at the popularity of this creative endeavor. It seems to me that there are hundreds of beautiful table settings. Just think about all the vintage, lovely, beautiful and spectacular dishes that are being purchased by all these ladies across the world! Amazing!

Occasionally, I would like to put together a Tablescape for the pure joy of the creative process and not for extreme retail therapy. You know, I love a bargin.

When I create my next Tablescape, maybe next month, it will be in recognition of my friend who makes my life a happier place! I have ideas!

Take Care of your Friends.

Mary

Look Who Is Going To Be A Big Brother

This is so EXCITING! I can hardly believe that I am going to be a Great-Grandma for a second time. It is so WONDERFUL. The mommy and daddy are so very excited and happy about the timing. The baby is due in April 2015. Just like the Royals. They will be 22 months apart. It so happens that my children are 22 months apart, also. They have no preference about boy or girl. Just, desire a healthy happy baby!

I have known for a couple weeks and it is great that now I can talk about it.

These young folks sure have a lot of life on their plates. The daddy is very high energy, high achiever and a hard worker. Mama is a hard worker, also and a great mama. There is a lot to be said about being YOUNG. You know the saying "Oh, to be young again". It is such a great blessing that they are Very Happy with their lives and have a great love for each other. God willing they will have a lifetime of togetherness. I love you guys!

And, now for  a Flower Shot.

The Gourmet Popcorn Rose is continuing its delicate blooming among the Fig Tree leaves. Yesterday, I picked the last of the figs. They were very sweet. Maybe there will be more next year. It would be nice.

Be Thankful.

Mary

Lily Has A Vet Checkup

It was time for Lily to have her re-evaluation of her Heart Disease status. Repeat Cardiogram and Lab Chemistries along with Physical Exam were completed. Unfortunately, I guess I can't say she is better - because her heart has enlarged a little more and she has weight gain which can be fluid around her heart which is not good. No major heart arrhythmias, thankfully. The Vet adjusted her medication dosages and her potassium blood level will be rechecked in three weeks. Her Vet is very thorough and he also checks with specialists to discuss her situation. The key to treating her Heart Disease is to find the correct dosage which is not easy. The slightest change in dosage can make a big difference. For the past twenty years this Vet has taken care of my pets. I think he is wonderful with all the animals.

(google image)

On our way home we stopped at Starbucks for some coffee. Lily seemed to love being on the patio watching all the activity going on. She is well behaved on her lease and gets lots of attention.

It is so challenging to watch your loved pet endure life's events as they age. This seems to have come on quite fast and I know we are never really prepared emotionally. She is so precious and has been by my side for almost nine years. I love her to pieces!

Hug your Pets, often.

Mary 

She Is Coming To Visit - Soon

Look at THOSE LIPS! A little attitude, maybe?

Perhaps, we should "dress" and put some make-up on before her visit!

Mary

Have You Heard - Murphys Hotel On TV Tomorrow with Gordon Ramsay

Yes, tomorrow evening Murphys Hotel will be all a buzz with lots of people and pot luck (dining room will be closed) food and large TV screens for viewing the second episode of this seasons program of Gordon Ramsay's Hotel Hell.

The lead-in for the show is "A Northern California Landmark has succumbed to a raucous party atmosphere that is preventing guests from getting any rest". I live very close (seven houses away) to the Hotel and did not know that the noise had become a problem. But then, I have never slept there! OK, the saloon does get a little noisy. I guess it has just become background noise that I can block out. However, I would not like to live any closer! It is really nice to live close to town, which is only five blocks long! And, those few blocks are filled with wine tasting rooms, boutiques and restaurants of many different cuisines.

It just so happened (a little coincidental) that we had lunch al fresco on the patio of the hotel yesterday. And, I took a few pictures.

The outdoor seating is plentiful and very pleasant even on a warm day, There was a nice breeze blowing through the umbrellas. We were sitting near this old wagon from days gone by which adds a nice touch to the historic atmosphere.

We have eaten at the hotel many times both inside and out. The food is generally quite good. The historic ambiance is very entertaining.

Shrimp Louie - anyone?

Or maybe, Caesar Salad with Chicken?

The trees were in pretty pink blooms.

And, this outside bar is a nice addition to the patio seating since last year when Gordon Ramsay started filming the episode of Hotel Hell in June 2013. Some very nice changes and additions were completed throughout the establishment because of his professional recommendations.

I will be watching FOX at 9 PM tomorrow night to see what is in the future for our Murphys Hotel.

Have a Great Day.

Mary

Splash Of Color With Dainty White Flowers

Flower blossoms are getting a little scarce in the garden. However, I was able to find some tiny white flowers to place in this pretty little cow pitcher. Didn't this turn out Sweet?

We have White Gourmet Popcorn Rose (over the cow's right ear), White/pink Gaura (below), White Zephyr-Fairy Lily (to the right) and New Dawn White Rose (in the back).

The painted flowers on this Cordon Bleu France Cow Pitch are so delicate and pretty as are the white flowers from my garden. I really like the contrast of the painted blue flowers.

What a surprise when I looked out the window and noticed that the Sweet Autumn Clematis has started to bloom. It is always nice when it starts to bloom about the time you think the garden is slowly closing it's windows.

Autumn is on it's way.

Hug your Family.

Mary

Multitasking

I needed a good little laugh this morning and thanks to this little guy (and his mama) my wishes came true. Her facebook page today is titled "pooping and reading"!  Some comments were "multitasking" and "just like a guy".  I think he is into reading these days - what do you think?

What more can I say?

Have a Great Day.

Mary

Mama Went Back To College

Maybe, my Great-Grandson decided he would do a little studying to help his mama! His mama certainly gets some of the cutest candid shots of him.

The way time seems to pass so quickly, before I know it he will be going to school, too.

Education is so very important, in my opinion. So, I am really happy that my Granddaughter has returned to college to continue her education towards her Bachelor's degree. It will be challenging for her as a young mother and it may take longer than she once thought. However, she is very fortunate and blessed to be able to attend college and not have to pay tuition bills, since her father is retired 20 years military.

She has been working part time in the evenings where she has been waitressing  for four years. And, I believe she will be able to reduce her hours per week so she will have more time to study.

Life around this home-front is pretty quiet and I think - I know - I like it this way. I am looking forward to some cooler weather. Maybe, I will have more energy. I seem to be in a little slump. Perhaps, it is the aftermath of a very busy and challenging summer. I have finished three physical therapy appointments and I do not have to return. I am walking well without assistance and seldom have any discomfort. I am Blessed.

Hope your week has been going Great.

Mary

Lily Goes To The Lake

On the road again - - - I love spontaneity! Let's jump in the car and go to the lake? Sounds fine to me even though we were there last weekend!

Labor Day afternoon was a good time to travel up the hill while all the tourists were coming down the hill. The cars were backed up about seven miles. I hope a good time was had by all. The weekend weather seemed so perfect.

We were back sitting under the umbrellas. But, this time with Lily.

She thought there was excitement overload and loved every minute of it.

There was so much going on and there were a lot of other dogs, big and small. It was great.

After a very good lunch, it was time to get close to the water. So, we carried some lawn chairs down to a shady spot to enjoy the beauty.

I took Lily down to the water and she quickly walked out into the beautiful clear water.

There was so much to see.




















And, then it was time to head down the hill and return home. Beautiful drive home with very few cars.




















LILY, FORGIVE ME!

By evening time, we had a very tired little doggie who was ready for bed. It is remarkable, to me anyway, that she is so good about getting ready for bed and stands patiently as her diaper is put on. And, she usually sleeps through the night. She has certainly adapted to her new routine with her medications and so forth. Yes, we truly love this little gal.

Hug your pets often.

Mary