New Year's Eve

This is the final blog for 2018.  I'm working on setting up the new one for 2019 and hope to add that link to this post.  I will once again have something everyday that will be my happy for the day. 

2018 was a difficult year for me.  Resolutions aren't really my thing, but I may try this year, just one.  My resolution is to use some of my time more wisely.  I know that I will still end up playing games on the computer more than I should.  I also know that if I use more of my time being constructive that things can only get better. 

Potential is my happy for today.  It isn't just once a year that things can change.  We have the power to change the way our day is going in any moment.  We don't need to wait for a New Year's Resolution.  At the same time, if we try to change too many things at one time it is likely that we will fail.  So I am going to work on the one thing of being more productive with my time.  There are some huge changes coming my way in 2019 as I prepare to become the landed Baroness of my local barony in the SCA.  Using my time more wisely can only make that job easier for me. 

Virtual hugs to bring in the New Year!

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New Blog for 2019

Toast and Jam

A month or so ago my daughter cleaned out the frig and found a multitude of open jelly and jam jars, all which appeared to still be well within the dates of use.  She and her husband decided that it would be fun to have a toast and jam party and why not do so around New Year's.  Today was that party.  They were able to use some rooms at a local art school and invited many people to stop by and share their odd jams and jellies, toast some bread or grab some crackers and snack away.  They also brought a bunch of games to play and people brought crafts to work on as well.  From what I could tell, everyone had a really good time.  I tried to work on crafts as well and got a bit more done with my shoes and started making some of the favor kits for people.  I forgot to bring embroidery floss to go with the kits but at least four people took home some favors to complete.

My happy things for today include a lovely cinnamon apple cider jelly, listening to people playing Snake Oil and all the interesting conversations that I was able to have with party attendees. 

🍇🍎🍓🍯🍁🍋🍏

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Movie Night

Toothpaste really can help to clear off the yellowing of headlights.  According to the internet, it may not be a long lasting solution however.  Unfortunately part of the problem with my passenger side headlight seems to be from within.  That will mean a different tactic that I haven't quite figured out yet.  I'm not sure if it is something that the garage I have been taking it to is prepared to do at the price they quoted.  Either way, I feel a little closer to getting my car inspected.

This evening I went to dinner with K, Z, Gideon and some friends.  Unfortunately, soon after getting to the restaurant, Gideon complained of not feeling well.  Z brought him home with their meals to go and the rest of us stayed for dinner followed by the movie Mary Poppins Returns.  We all enjoyed the movie and it is my happy for today.  Emily Blunt plays Mary Poppins very well.  She isn't quite Julie Andrews though.  It took me until now to put my finger on what it was that bothered me about how she played the character.  There were maybe two brief moments where she appeared to be judging the family.  For whatever reason, that isn't how I felt Julie Andrews portrayed Mary Poppins in similar situations.  Although, that may be the difference of watching a movie for the first time as an adult versus as a child.  All-in-all it was highly enjoyable.  Content warning though, I'm not sure I would recommend if there has been a recent loss of a spouse or parent?  Perhaps me being overly sensitive, but I cried, bring tissues.

The noise in the restaurant was bothering him. 

There are chimes gently singing

while water drips into the bucket.

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The Car

The car I drive originally belong to my cousin.  It was left to me when she passed away, partially because I needed a car but mostly because I drove her to most of her appointments.  It has survived multiple accidents and has a little over 250,000 miles on it.  In my last job I drove, a lot, and needed tires about every year around this time.  This year I did not need new tires but there were a few other things that need to be fixed before it can have a safe inspection sticker.  Today the big items were done at a shop, last week we fixed the door handle and over the weekend I hope to replace the windshield wipers and clean up the headlights enough to pass the inspection.  I made the appointment to get this all finished for next week so I won't forget.  Getting the car worked on and having a fairly slack day other than that (with a friend!) are my happy things for the day.

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Just a Happy

Chiropractor in the morning and gown fitting in the afternoon and evening, that is more or less how my day went.  K & I also picked up a friend at the bus station who is visiting for a few days and helping with the gown/garb making.  The people working at making garb for our investiture are quite talented and I am looking forward to the finished product.  My happy for today is this garb making project.

Nice name for a shop!

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Happy Boxing Day!!

Late this morning I braved the crowds and went shopping for some of the after Christmas specials.  There were no real crowds though, so that was good.  I was able to get a bunch of wrapping paper and ribbon so we should be all set for next Christmas.  Of course, wrapping gifts before Christmas Eve so that if one runs low there is time to get more, is probably a better plan.

We had an after Christmas dinner out with my aunt.  Until the last two Christmases we spent Christmas with her and her daughter and grandchildren.  Things changed so that doesn't happen anymore.  I miss them.  We had a nice dinner though and overstayed our welcome at the restaurant.  In the parking lot she gave us some winter hats she crocheted for us.  Almost every year we get a hat.  I love them.  I was wearing the earmuffs that K got me and no hat.  I proceeded to place the hat on over the earmuffs and we all laughed hysterically.  That is my happy for the day.  Other happy things include that I am typing this on my new laptop while listening to my kids (one sitting next to me, the other 2000 ish miles away) play Minecraft together.  Technology.

Assorted goodies.

A blurry picture of the hat and earmuffs, she made the snazzy scarf, too! 

Not sure if this one that K took is any better.

This is the front and then back of a lottery ticket I found in a box of my mother's things.

🎁☮📦

Merry Christmas!!

Last night I got about two hours sleep.  I couldn't find any wrapping paper so when I finally tried to sleep it still took a little while.  It took me a bit to wake up two hours later.  I took a shower and started looking for fabric scraps to wrap the presents in.  Under some fabric (we have quite a bit) I found...wrapping paper!  So the presents got wrapped and I made my way to the Christmas celebration with my son-in-law's family.  

It was a very pleasant day.   From what I could tell the gifts I gave were well received and I am happy with all that was given to me.  There was one gift that I am surprised that I liked-a selfie stick.  It isn't something that I thought I would like but I got one and it is kind of fun.  I look forward to taking it out into the woods.  One of the things I asked for-a power pack- came in handy to charge the selfie stick!  I got an inverter so I can use electricity from my car, socks, candy, a game and more.  The big gift I received this year from my children and their partners is a new laptop.  I am so excited to be able to use it.  There are so many steps in setting up a new computer and I am too tired to continue to try and get it going more tonight.  

On my way home from the Christmas festivities the moon was rising.  I drove around trying to find a good place to take a picture of it.  My camera does not take the best moon pictures but this stop and smell the roses kind of moment is what I needed to round off the day.  My happy things for today include presents, time with family and friends, Gideon, fixing the door handle to my car and tonight's moon.

Merry Christmas!

Viking Z. 

Light up gloves! 

Selfie stick shot. 

Using the selfie stick to reach toward other to get a slightly closer pic.

My door innards. 

Christmas Tree. 

Moon through trees. 

More moon... 

☮🎅🎄🤶☮