The Perfect Holiday

So with the holidays upon us, I have been contemplating those past and present. I was trying to remember the one I would have labeled as the best. I realized that in most cases each one had certain elements that made it special. I wish I could combine all of those special ingredients to make the holiday season once again my favorite time of year. Here is what my recipe would have in it:

Fresh fallen snow
Cool crisp air
The excitement you felt as a child
The magic (ie believing in flying reindeer)
The smell of apple pie, sugar and cinnamon
Crackling fire
The smell of pine from the Christmas Tree
Holiday music
Friends
Brothers
Sister
Mom and Dad
Sons
Daughters
aunts
Uncles
Cousins
Grandparents
And whatever other extended family you can find.....
Laughter
Conversation
Scenery: Massachusetts / Woods / Family Estate /Warm house
Food, food and more food
Colored lights
The joy you felt opening the present you just had to have more than anything.
No cares
No worries
Love
Jingling sleighbells
A sleigh ride
Contentment and peace

Take a Moment

I went to one of my favorite reads this evening, expecting the usual light heartedness, only to be saddened. Instead I find myself contemplating and praying for safe returns.
Tyler

Posing A Question

For several days I have had one question running through my head and so I put the question forth.................................

What makes your friends, your friends?

A Nothing Kind Of Day

Wow. Today I did something I haven't done in ages. Nothing. I did absolutely nothing. I spent Saturday doing all my yard work and house cleaning. I mowed the lawn, laid some patio stones, swept the decks, vacuumed, did the dishes, and cleaned the bathroom. And today I got out of bed....moved to the couch, watched tv, then 3 movies. I finally changed my clothes to go out and meet Fred for some drinks at 8......... It was kinda cool.

Completed

So here is the finished product. It took about 4 hours to set the tiles and then we let it set overnight. It took another 2 hours to grout and clean.I set the center and the two candle holders and then pretty much let Peter do "his thing" andthen I followed up with all the filling in.

Revelation

When Pete died I asked...
"What did I do so horrible to deserve this?"
And I continue to ask this everytime I have a bad day of coping, until now. What I realize is that Pete's death did not happen to punish me..................... but to reward him. My pain is just an unfortunate side affect.

Project

Ya I know photos are coming......... It took me most of Sunday to finish it and I didn't get it grouted until tonight.... pictures coming soon.....

Outdoor Counter

Here is my latest project. Back, 5 years ago, when I bought my house I had to rebuild the deck. The previous owners had built the 16X10 deck but they had only put one center support and used untreated wood. It was pretty nasty and you didn't dare walk on it in your bare feet. I had built this counter, I can store the grill under it from the other side, and experimented with the top of it. I had tiled it with bits of beach glass, old tiles from the bathroom, and other neat things that had color to them. Well after about 4 and a half years it is falling apart.....just the top........so I am redoing it. I studied what was wrong with it and will correct those mistakes.

I had only one support running lengthwise and the weight of the tile and grout really calls for 2.

Use more tile and objects this time and less grout.

Secure the wood sides with more screws this time....then it won't be able to warp.

Use a sealant over the treated plywood anyways.

I completed everything today but the decorating........I'll post pictures tomorrow after that is done. Till then.......happy projects!

PS....yes the rabbit cage in the background is on my list of "To Dos" Its getting removed.