Sorry Advent..

I mean no disrespect but if I don't get a start on decorating for Christmas, it won't get done.
My heart is still in Advent mode but my body must get the work done.

Thanksgiving on Rose Street

Actually, in the home of John, Liz and Zoey. We enjoyed good food, visits and I even got a few laughs from our sons with my corny joke.
Zoey played the ukulele and sang, always fun. It was great to see all the family (most) .James, Meagan, Dylan and Ian got stuck in traffic  on their way from Tumwater. James seemed to enjoy himself in spite of a sore throat. John M., Sami and Alex are always fun as is Mike and Steve.
Joe and deb were there with son Gerald (Joey) and daughter Summer. All brought yummy food.
Of course, way too much but better than not enough.
Nancy and Steve, family of John H were there from Tri-Cities.  I got as many photos as possible.I think Liz got photos of those I missed.
Everyone behaved..

Hooters at MacKenzie Acres

As most of my family and friends know, I get very excited when nature comes a calling. Joe and I have been hearing an owl in the woods for several days. This is not rare, but seeing one is something else. In all the years we have lived on this property, I think we have seen one owl. It flew onto a tree near the kitchen window. Since then, we only hear their sound.   (This is heading somewhere.)
Today, I decided to walk outside and take a photo of the beautiful sunset. As I went out the sliding door in the basement, a large bird flew off of our wood pile and onto a nearby tree. It was an owl.
It was so exciting. Unfortunately, it was too dark to get a photo. It is a blur of branches. I'm sure the owl is in there somewhere, but we won't see it. The sunset was also gone.
But I was very happy to see it up close. Now when I hear its haunting sounds I will be able to visualize the creature. So exciting!

Hallmark...You have some competition

Best thank you card I ever received.

Veterans of Korean War

                                                My brother John "Corky" Torlai

                                       My husband Joe....Corky and Joe were stationed together in Coast Guard

Veterans of our family.Second World War.

Thanks to all Veterans today and every day! Bill  MacKenzie & Louise

                                                     Ray Lundgren..Joes Brother-in-law

                                                        Uncle Ernie (Babe) and Aunt Bernice

                                                      Helen MacKenzie and fiancée (lost in war)

                                               My cousin Jim Rosa

                                           Uncle Art Torlai and Aunt Frances

 

 

Uncle Pete Rosa worked in the shipyard.

This was a poster for Second World War.

Last time I saw this fellow..he had a smooth head!

Always happy when a deer stands near the kitchen window. This is the first young buck I have seen
this season. (I think) His antlers are so thin compared to his father. He wandered to the back yard and was eating branches of the fir tree. Then he pleased me by eating  evil blackberry bushes. I stood in the window watching him, cheering him on...yes, yes, eat them all.

Gluten Free....success at last

I have had many failures so I feel it is only fair to display my success.

Sleepless in Renton (not very original)

I was unable to sleep the other night.  So, I begin my rituals.
 Say the rosary. Sing songs (in my head) that start with each letter of the alphabet. Count backwards from 100. Think of the names of all my nieces, nephews and cousins etc.
Nothing seemed to work so I started writing poetry. I wrote at least three, none of which I recall.
I started remembering all the details I had forgotten during the day. Just plain ridiculous.
My final plan was to forget about sleep and just rest.

I survived the next day with about 3 hours sleep and am back to my routine.

Glorious Sounds

The Mozart Requiem was amazing last night. I admit I was especially stimulated since many family members were in attendance.
James, Meagan and their friend Mark drove from Tumwater. Deb drove from Kenmore and Liz from West Seattle.
The glorious sounds of the Requiem were replaced by the horrible sound of our generator. Power went off this morning. Fortunately, it was only off for a few hours.
Joe  lifted the garage door by hand. I had planned to help, but he got it done while I ran in to get my coat. Poor Joey!
Many great comments from  our family and friends. Amazing! Breathtaking! Fabulous! and from Joe,
Good.
No chance of getting a big head around here.