Oh, Christmas Tree!

Over the years I've collected many ornaments. I have a storage bin entirely filled with Hallmark ornaments. Last year I used them. This year I used the other bin that is filled with personal ornaments. Raggedy Ann and Andy that Ann made from dough, sparkly dinosaur from the Smithsonian institution, a boat labeled U.S.S. Robt E. Hills for my dad, and last but not least a bag of coal that my Mom and I passed back and forth for 20 years.

I like this year's tree the best. Blessings to you for a warm Christmas.

Chill!

I love this picture of Hula. She's just relaxing and watching all the activity. 

She feels no need to participate, criticize, or respond. 

Talk about setting boundaries!  

You can't take responsibility for something you have no authority over.  You drive your bus, I'll drive mine. Just remember, at any time I can say "I'm getting off here."

Oh, and have a Merry Christmas no matter how you celebrate.

Breathe

 

Sometimes I just need to let go. I let go of planning anything. I let go of worrying about what is going to happen. I let go of thinking I am responsible for anyone else's life. I have no authority over how other people behave, feel, or react. If I have no authority, then I have no responsibility. I let go of thinking I am responsible for anything other than my own affairs. Other people can take care of themselves better than I can.

Work hard (there are many kinds of work), be humble (no need to be any more than you already are) and do good (just smiling counts as good).

No More Unspoiled Beaches

With all the crazy growth in Virginia Beach we have lost any of our charm. No more unspoiled beaches, small cottages, or seaside amusement parks. Sadly, it's rare to even get a view of the ocean in between all the gigantic "oceanfront" hotels. As a local, I can't even find a place to park!  Thankfully my neighborhood is land locked so it's pretty stable.  I do miss the quirky spots that used to make Virginia Beach unique. Now we're just like any other "resort" city that has been commercialized.  Sad.

Wishful Thinking

It's so hot outside that I feel nauseous if I'm out for more than a few minutes. Maybe I'm getting older. Maybe I'm spoiled by air conditioning. Maybe I'm happy to be inside with a book. Or maybe, just maybe, 

IT IS HOT OUTSIDE!!!

Excuse me while I go chill out.

Welcome Home

This wreath on my front door says it all. Welcome to my happy place. As I have gotten older, I have less desire to go on adventures. Heck, traveling to Norfolk is an adventure now and I've done that once in the last five years.  I am content to work in my garden, read a good book, or browse through a magazine. It has taken awhile for me to learn that we all lead lives as we see fit. Every life is unique.  Rejoice in living whatever life makes you happy!

Morning Ritual

My favorite time of day is early morning. I have my coffee, my toast, and the newspaper. The sun comes in from my deck and lights up my room. Life is full of these simple pleasures.  The challenge is to slow down and enjoy them. It's easier for me now... I'm retired!

 

Snowy Gnome

 

We've had some snow.  Not a lot but enough to remind me to appreciate the warm days when I can work in my garden.  I've started carrying a pedometer to track how many steps I take each day.  On the days I go outside I average about 3,000.  On "snow days" I'm averaging about 300.  Most of those 300 are to the refrigerator.  I start back to work next week where I will step on the scales to see how much I weigh.  I'm scared.

Time moves on...

This is a picture of an older Virginia Beach house that was converted to a pet spa and then torn down about 5 years ago.  The longer I live in Virginia Beach the more I see all the quaint landmarks disappear.  It's sad because without local charm VB is not any different from any other metro city.  So much for "resort" destination. 

 Happy 2022!