Our friend Bailey, who is also going through a tough time with flooding and torrential rains far north of us, has not been happy with the situation at all. Definitely do not blame her. Fortunately, her Mom knows just what to do, and it being Christmas and all, it made sense. Snuggling on a comfy bed with a huge chewy is the best way to relax.
The rains in California have been in the news for a good reason. Flooding in large areas, and mudslides in the burn areas make for hazardous conditions. Fortunately, we are lucky to escape the worst of it all. Yes, rain barrels are overflowing, but so what? The house is still standing and we don't feel the need to go anywhere where cars are being swept off the streets. The big downside is my Critter Café cannot be replenished in pouring rain and it grieves me to not provide the food my patrons have come to expect. I also worry how they are coping with the deluge. We're seeing 50 year record rainfall and all of us are used to a more moderate climate. Well, we had two visitors who figured out a good place to dodge the downpour and we were delighted to see them. They camped out on the iron hangers on the porch post that normally hold decorative items (removed because of impending big wind gusts). Frankly, if they had thought about it a bit more, they could've gone under the eaves of the porch roof, but whatever.
First came the sparrow on the left side hanger (and you should click to get the big pictures and zoom in because they are hard to see):
I've been looking forward to Christmas Day all week, after I got the invitation to come for pie, ice cream, and great conversation in the afternoon. Not only would Nellie and I be having a delightful time with Nick and his Mom, but the addition of little Toots and her Mom would make the afternoon complete. As a Bah Humbug sort of person, being able to ditch the whole shop-til-you-drop mentality of Christmas, and replace it with a delicious dessert, just makes sense. Of course, that expectation just had to be dashed. I haven't had so much as a sniffle in three years, and even then it only lasted a day or too. Not this year. This year, out of nowhere, came the onset of a cough that just gets deeper. So with great reluctance, and consideration for my friends, I bowed out. It felt even more a betrayal by the gods when K mentioned she had even decorated for the occasion. Now you must understand that Nick's house is the epitome of beautiful minimalism. I always get a deep sense of space and peace whenever Nellie and I trek over to visit. It is such a wonderful contrast to our house, which, while we have beautiful items of the antique and collectible variety, is much too much. Not hoarder madness, but a lot of stuff to dust. And yes, I have been working on downsizing...well, that's getting us off track. Since I'm not able to be a participant in today's pie gathering, K kindly sent pictures of her decorations (at my demand), and they are truly imaginative and wonderful, made from recycled materials, and totally in keeping with her minimalist tradition. I LOVE them. And just to rub in what I'm missing, they kindly sent a picture of the goodies.
Knowing Nick is to appreciate his genius on so many levels. But even Nellie and I had no idea he was an aspiring artist. While he has certainly demonstrated his awesome spelling and writing skills in the past, painting was unexpected. Nellie and Rascal both feel he has such talent as to warrant a trip to Big Sur to study plein-air painting overlooking the beautiful vistas that area supplies. The way we discovered this new accomplishment was the Christmas card he made and which his Mom mailed to us. Please enjoy the new, upcoming artist for the new year and bask in the glow of his genius.
For those of us who grew up with the Peanuts comic strip in our local newspapers, you'll immediately recognize this Christmas motif. Charlie Brown with his stunted Christmas tree, and Snoopy happily hanging out on his house roof. Just a bit of cheer.
On a whim I phoned a friend and business partner from waaaay back in the day. I had checked out what she was up to online (as one does), and was far from surprised that she was thriving with her business and life. Her energy and sense of purpose gave me no doubt she would be successful in any path she chose. Our conversation was lengthy and lovely and at the end, she sent pictures of one of her former (sadly passed) office managers. Ruby Tuesday, a rescue, was given to her and she knew just how to integrate her into her busy schedule. Made her a greeter and supervisor. Now, those roles required professional attire which made her clients fall in love with her sweetness all the more. Buckle up for the Ruby effect.
The last post showed the most spare decorations for Christmas cheer anywhere. This shows how far some people are willing to go.
