piroette

I really need some pointers from Peggy Fleming, a childhood hero of mine (guess why).

Lacing up borrowed, too large skates was my first mistake.

The Xcel Center in St.Paul was the location for an event for one of Patrick's customers, Imaging Path. They generously held their employee Christmas party in this arena. The food and drink were fantastic and the "Fishing Lodge" on the lower level was charming. The largeness of the arena and the smallness of the party was equaling as quaint.

I had a good attitude going onto the ice. It was extremely smooth and the skates felt like they were gliding easily on the slick surface. The issue was with how my feet could move within the skate and the high ill-fitting ankle did not allow for any "balance." So as I attempted to glide I bit, my feet moved, my ankles were static and I fell right on my butt.

Much hub-bub occurred and the paramedics were watching, but all that was hurt was my feelings. I tried to right myself and shake it off while Patrick and others hovered and finally I convinced them I was fine to take a few laps. We did a couple times around the rink, took a few pictures and called it a night. It was fun and I do want to try it again, with skates that fit.

Quote from Dale Carnegie;

"One of the tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horison--instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.

Okay then, carry on!

poo-poo puppy

I thought it was time to post a photo of the reason I venture into the outdoors from my safe, warm loft. Meet my youngest daughter Aly's dog, Mattie. I like to call her Matilda, poo-poo head, Dorgasaurus, Matilda Lou Mackinthun, would you please shut-up? and stop it!

It's an interesting life, living here in the building with a dog. Since moving to an urban area, I've found I need more outdoor weather gear than when we lived in the 'burbs. Especially since I need to walk through a public area into the outdoors which can be brutally cold! (see any weather map)

This has led to a love affair with Land's End. It's my new happy vice. The tee-shirts alone are worth a visit to the store, or web site. I am not a huge online or catalog shopper

because I need to feel the fabric and compare the colors and

pair up some accessories or match with other garments, then check the sale rack and then look at the coats! oh the coats-jackets-vests and parkas!

And don't get me started on the swimwear!!!

Graciously the weather has cooperated with my love for outdoor gear. Maybe the after Christmas sales will reveal a new "cold" outdoor uniform for me.

Quote of the day from Sarah Ban Breathnach;

" Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path of joy."

take care!

parties and powder

The parties over the weekend were terrific!

Too many funny quips and jokes were shared and LOTS of building gossip exchanged! A couple of great outfits were displayed including some sparkle and glitter, as well as fashionable boots recently purchased in Russia!

I owe a big favor to Johanna who really helped me with the last minute food preparations. She worked for at least 2 hours just putting together the vegetable appetizers and salad. Then spent much time at the party arranging, filling and cleaning up.. Thank you so very much Hannie!

The powder falling from the sky put a damper on the airport run and shopping plans of Mom and Dad. After a short conversation about the snow that was forecast, M&D decided to go south and get themselves settled before they became snowed in here in Minneapolis.. Now on the 6:00 news there has been a warning to stay put, no travel is recommended. Ya can't win for tryin'. They are just fine, Janet gave them a big ol' Tahoe to drive.

The freshly fallen powdery snow was just like glitter on the Greenway. We were walking through inches of white and silver flaky glitter. It was one of those moments of beauty where the cold disappears and the only thing you're aware of is the beauty of the season. I took the dog out when I got home from the drive north, and she loved it. It is so funny to see her rub her face and body in the snow. I have a happy dog.

Quote of the day from John Wooden;

" Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."

Take care.

prevalent pain

The pain of a migraine interrupts one's life. And the aftermath is also troublesome.

I had a headache on Sunday evening that turned suddenly into my brand of migraine pain--a whack to the back of the head with muscle tensing ache. I took the prescription given to me to my last physician and it seemed to work. Until I woke at 4:00a.m. with the same pain. I'm really annoyed that happened, because usually I can sleep off a migraine. But this one actually woke me up.

Monday was pretty much wasted in recovering from the sleepless early morning and continuing residual pain. Now today, Tuesday I am still feeling some pressure in my head and eye strain. It's challenging just getting this post written. Reading is only tolerated for about 10 minutes at a time. I'm annoyed at this delay to my life!

no quote today...take care and Happy Thanksgiving!

preoccupied and perplexed

I don't know why I've been so preoccupied and not writing. Maybe because there has been an anniversary, a birthday, and everyday events with those near and far, that keep me away from the keyboard---except to communicate and complete random online tasks.

There was a little trip to Nordstrom Rack this week that was very enjoyable. Some holiday gifting was accomplished. I need to bring my husband there because he is in need of replacements. For nearly everything he wears. Is there some kind of voo-doo hex on the fibers in men's "foundation" garments (undies, tees and sox) that make them self destruct at the same time--with different rates of use? I'm perplexed.

Do you think I'll be able to wrangle him into a store?

quote of the day from William Shakespeare;

Give me your hands; receive you her, you him; be plighted with a love that grows as you decay.

I do rather like that man of mine.

passed past

I am officially obsolete.

Yesterday I convinced Patrick that we should renew the subscription for the daily newspaper. It's one of those nice, familiar rituals I enjoy. A comfortable chair, a giant mug of coffee, the newspaper that is delivered straight to my door like a hotel, my ritual can't be beat! There is no comparing that to reading the computer screen.

Today I find out via television media that the StarTribune is trimming it's staff by at least 100. Does that mean a less timely and informational paper? I don't know. Tell me if you like the paper paper, or the internet paper.

Now, I have more to tell about being beaten down by technology. I've been using a Blackberry on a trial basis for several weeks and I surrender. The phone is nice, all the fun ways to access information is nice, the email/text feature is easy and nice, but it's too much! I don't need all that info all the time! If I need information I will sit down at the PC and find, read it, and shut it down! Leave me alone! AACCKK! I'm considering installing a rotary dial phone on the wall in my kitchen.

Quote of the day from Mary Wollstonecraft;

"The beginning is always today."

take care

possible

Anything is possible, right?

I love the juxtaposition of the words possible and impossible. Maybe because I have a fond memory of the TV show Mission: Impossible. Every time, the mission was accomplished! How brilliant!

Keep that in mind as you go through your week. Nothing is impossible.

Quote of the day from L.P. Jacks;

"The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, the optimist, the opportunity in every difficulty."