Rub it in, Scottsdale!

Another March day, Another Snowy commute.

This was the view on the train platform home:

This was the HUGE advertisement from Scottsdale, Arizona. Rub it in, why don't cha?

~photos iTouch

Love and Longing In The Lift

for Gdawg, where/whenever he may be

It happened again the other day

Taking the lift, as I normally do.

I swear I felt your presence there,

Beside me,

Almost like you were really there ...

Like we could just smile, and reach out take each other's hand.

Then, in the exact moment that feeling resonated,

Realization followed,

Sorrow was swallowed,

and I arrived at my floor.

I took a deep (steadying) breath,

Opened the lift door,

and stepped out (determinedly)

Out to my reality.

As alone as when I was before that tantalizingly tangible tic of time.

Where are you?

Has our "lift" door closed?

March = More Snow

The calendar may say March, but as I look out my window, all I can see is that: 

It's snowing. 

Again. 

It's been a LONG few months. 

Focus on the beauty where you can. 

Caramoor Rosen House, 2/25/2015

In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb

by Lorie Hill

March roars in like a lion
So fierce,
The wind so cold,
It seems to pierce.

The month rolls on
And Spring draws near,
And March goes out
Like a lamb so dear.

Read more at http://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/694.html#zYWXhgVOel2H1GkR.99

Live Long and Prosper

RIP Leonard Nimoy 

(1931-2015) 

Best known for playing Spock on Star Trek

I will be sharing my poetry. Today's is, "You and I have Learned," which is in my book, These Words Are for You. LLAP pic.twitter.com/CsHAtmtDnz
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 22, 2015

pic.twitter.com/qbjHg8uWlp
— Joshua B. Porter (@joshuabporter) February 27, 2015

We stood on your shoulders, and wouldn’t have had a galaxy to explore if you hadn’t been there, first. Thank you, Leonard, Rest in peace.
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) February 27, 2015

Hollywood Boulevard... pic.twitter.com/yISGUpbsOb
— Alastair Leithead (@aleithead) February 27, 2015

Old design I did on @aha_com's "Take On Me" with some of my favorite ppl! @WilliamShatner #LeonardNimoy #SpockTribute pic.twitter.com/MUtk9LJi6z
— Kim Huddleston (@kimunicate) March 2, 2015

Winter Woes / Wee Sickies / Silly Smiles

This has been a rough winter all around. While the East Coast has been frigid, the West seems to be spared the weather, at least. The various flu bugs, however, keep hitting the Idaho crew in successive waves.

Despite it all, they still are cuties. And I have to thank technology and proud parents and grandparents for sharing.

This one's from about a month ago - when the three biggest were ill, but they had to go out for fresh air, just to give Momma and Jaime a break. As you can tell, no one seemed happy about it. I think Jaime was just confused about the face-masks that her parents were apparently wearing. (And look ... NO SNOW ... in IDAHO ... in February.)

Elle just looks like she's praying to go back to bed.

Jaime was still a happy girl a few days later.

Cameo by the granny square quilt I made for her parents many, many years ago.

 Meanwhile, big sister Elle has lost her first tooth mid-month, which her mother reports she pulled out all by herself.

No word on what the Tooth Fairy is paying for self-removed teeth these days.

 She's doing better than me. I only managed to lose one tooth naturally. 

The rest involved many many different trip to the oral surgeons.

And orthodontists.

Oh boy. Are they in for it - for years.

Times four.

(Speaking of which, where are the remains of my retainer? I need to put it in.)

Amber's birthday last weekend was super fun.

Mom reports that she got to take the day off from school so she could do whatever she wanted.

She went to lunch with Papa (tradition), went to the park, and got to make crafts.

 

 I really like her cake. I may have to make myself one just like it.

Grumpa shared this one last week, with the report that his mother kept finding him like this,

napping because he was having a hard time sleeping because of a cough.

 

I had that cough. It was wracking, but let's take a moment to look at the 

size of his PUPPY feet. 

He's going to be SO TALL!

 Just like his sisters!

This is the most recent shot, from Sunday, where

these were the only two sisters who made it to church.

 (And the more I look at Jaime, the more I see so many grandmothers - on BOTH sides - in that little face.)

Thanks to their parents for sharing on a site I'm not one, and for Grumpa for then sharing with me, so I can share with you.

Layers of Snow

Temp=single, negative digit. Time to take #crochet blankets off rack & layer on for warmth. #snowflake #grannysquares pic.twitter.com/sgJ4VYxsyI
— AuntieNettie'sAttic (@NettiesAttic) February 20, 2015

I'm getting to the point where these are the only kinds of snowflakes I like.

At least they keep me warm.

Last night it was 0.

ZERO.

I am just grateful it's not in the negatives.

The wind is though.

BRRRR.

Remember that January three years ago when I was kayaking in Utah and it was in the 60s?

 

 I was wearing flipflops in the red sands and walking barefoot down the dock.

 Or hiking in shortsleeves in the sun?

 Even if the edge of the trail was too close for my comfort?

Actually, I'm beginning to forget. 

I think I need to plan a winter trip to southern Utah - for 2016 ...

Sigh. ARGH!

That's TOOOOOOO far away.

Is it spring yet?

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: 43 Ways to Say Thank You

Sorry for the relative quiet after so many blog posts this year, but I was busily hunkering down to stay warm, taking some personal retreat and reflection days around the actual event and holiday, dealing with some work-related issues, but mostly writing copious amounts of THANK YOU NOTES.

I was overwhelmed, touched, amazed, humbled, and delighted by the various cards, notes, packages and presents that were delivered in honor of my birthday. Honestly ... I am just touched. Hopefully I have gotten all my notes written and returned in a timely fashion, but I know there is still one or two to write.

Here are just a few little highlights from the magical Birthday Fairies:

Stamps, stationery, Advil, gift cards, checks, oh my

(It's like they read something that gave them some hints!)

Adorable artwork from my littles, along with calorie-free cake and candles for more wishes:

Combo packages bursting at the seams, festooned with Fun Facts, more unicorns, and more birthday banners:

These are just a few photos of the weeks-long celebrations, meals, munchies, cards, and well wishes.

The biggest surprise -- and the one gift that still needs a thank you -- is this 12lb. mystery box that was delivered to the office (so someone did their research),

 filled with this little racy number. 

WHOO HOOO! Shopping basket = shopping time.

Or Schlepping

Or laundry

Or moving

Hello? If you are reading this - THANK YOU mystery donor. 

I won't push too much. I know sometime Birthday Fairies like to be anonymous, but really? Thank you.

(and fess up?)

When February, the cold, the snow, the grey, the COLD, (did I mention the cold?), and your weekly team meetings seem endless, it's good to have colorful, hearty cheesecake celebrations and surprise presents.

THANK YOU ALL! 43 ways to Sunday.