I've Never...

Ridden in the mud and rain three days in a row before. I can now say I love riding in the rain.
I've never bathed my bike so much before. Getting caked on mud out of her gears and chain until she runs smooth.
I've never ridden at 5:30 AM before. It's exceedingly peaceful and this time of year illuminated with Christmas lights.
I've never ridden 255 km in a week before, at least I don't think I have...
I've never worn every stitch of biking clothes I own to ride when it's 16 degrees outside.

I won't win the Festive 500, but I never set out to win.

Would you stop?

Or would you raise the bar? My goal was 200km. I've nailed it with one day to spare. Would you rest? Or would you press on; reaching for 250? Only one riding day left KMart shoppers.

My Personal Goal

To ride 200 km by New Years Eve. Two more days to complete. With the girls on vacation I'm free to ride to work again. Have been blessed with warm for December temperatures. Have been further blessed with the good health, time, and warm clothes, to enable me to reach for the goal.

Very Grateful.

Water Row

Do you like to exercise?

Do I? Yes and no. Signed up for a 500 km challenge. Toughest part of today's ride was getting up and dressed. But really, with views like this, everyone should see this.

Would you still try?

The goal is the ride 500 km between Christmas Eve and New Years. Averaging close to 55 km or 37.5 miles a day. Given scheduling and strength this is an impossibility, but would you try away?

Merry Christmas!

It's in giving

We made doggies treats this year for Christmas. We don't have a dog but we share the love of friends and neighbors.

They were gobbled up with great enthusiasm. Seriously the best joy is magnified in those around us.

Keeping an eye on the prize.

This holiday season and always.

Where is your journey taking you?

The first step in any journey, whether physical, spiritual or emotional, is the biggest. Take it. Turn the page.

I'm reading my book

It's been awhile since I visited with Sarah Cahill. It's refreshing and a relief that after these many years, I enjoy her company.

The sequel sits half written in my computer....

Squeezing in glass time

Chances are this project will be completed before the end of the year. Almost through foiling. Will finish the cat's eyes when it is assembled.

I don't run...

But I love this shirt. It speaks volumes about never giving up. Don't quit! You've got this.

If I Had A Hammer...

I'd bust up chocolate for Espresso Chocolate Shortbread cookies. Yum.

What are your favorite cut out cookie shapes?

There are only two shapes we make year round. Okay, three. Sometimes we use a cow cutter for those udderly ridiculous days.

Favorite Christmas Song?

Hands down it's the Hallelujah Christmas but an all time favorite is O Holy Night arr by Tony Trischka. I love playing this song year round; but especially at Christmas.

Favorite Decorations?

My favorite is my daughter's nativity set. She picked them up at a neighborhood yard sale 11 years ago; when she was 5. She and her dad built the bed for the baby Jesus.

It's just not Christmas without them.

Who decorates your tree?

My girls. Thanks to our relatives and friends.

Puppeteer Curtain Call

Dressed in black. No lines. On stage in 3 scenes. They didn't sing. They didn't dance. They held up the dragon. It took 7 of them. It was that heavy.

Proving in life there are no small parts. Proving that when we work together great things can be done. My love is the last on the left.

Who decorates your tree?

Aunt Jeanne, my Godmother and my girls' Godmother, with painted eggs for Christmas. Always treasured.

Starting to foil the pieces.

Opening Night

It's better than presents under the Christmas tree. A true memory maker.

Who decorates your tree?

Aunt Steph. Not only is she a wonderful sister in law and online game partner she is very talented. We always love to receive her yearly creations.

Who decorates your tree?

The Davis' decorate our tree with memories of Maine and swimming in Casco Bay. I close my eyes and I'm there.

Who decorates your tree?

My mom (and dad) who every year contribute an ornament towards the cause. My girls will have a tree of memories to delight their own families when the time comes. Thank you. I can't wait for the days when we visit their homes and sit around talking about their ornaments.

Who decorates your tree?

Nana and Grampa with their Florida shell creations. Hanging each one I envision Grampa sitting outside their Florida home painting shells and Nana selecting the perfect figure for it. So creative. So loving. So missed.

Who decorates your tree?

Dear friend Peggy D. from undergraduate days. Thirty years ago she painted a set of these ornaments. Twenty eight years ago she died from complications with Lupus. Seriously it's been that long. Where has the time gone?

Oh we had some great times sitting in your front porch. Miss you. Kiss you.

Who decorates your tree?

Memere does. Brain cancer took her from us physically. But she is in our heart.

A mother's job

I love being a mom. The good times and the not so good. My little one is ill, not too ill but we are up together.

So Close...

Five more pieces to cut and fit. Progress can be slow; but it's still progress.

We have mice!

My boss and coworker are adopting sister kittens today. There is excitement in their homes and in the office. Two years ago my religious education students made toy mice for a cat shelter. I thought I would make a present for each new addition, but got a little carried away.

If your feline love would enjoy a new toy, there are several extra. Leave a comment. :-)

Twenty three weeks away

May 17th I know where I will be. Sixty two miles. Why? For those that can't enjoy the riding.

If your happy and you know it...

Life isn't fair. But that small detail shouldn't stop us from being thankful.

Gratitude

When the college bill arrives my heart spills over with gratitude for my job which allows for me to help my daughter pay for her schooling. It's not a free ride for her. There are loans rolled into her financial aid package and she covers room and board and her living expenses.

If it's not my business then...

Why did I wake up with a headache? With a fresh dream regarding RE Trans and 10 pick ups in Bridgewater over the next two days lingering.

Everything is all set. A pick up schedule made. Delivery appointments made. All laid out in an easy to track spread sheet.

Breathe. And move forward. Treatment week 3 of 7.   I may not mention the radiation and chemo, but they are never off my mind.  Always thinking of you dad and mom.  

It Takes A Village

For all those important life tasks. 

Proof

There is only one way; the grateful way.

For Laughs

I love getting together with family. We have so much fun.

Giving What You've Got

Today's sunrise activity. Helping two families living with cancer. As we gather with friends and family let us remember those who battle forward each and every day.

Do you give it away for free?

Does "free" diminish value? How many windows have I made? Truly I've lost count. Two were donated to charitable causes. The rest gifted. Most family members have one or two... My Brianne still needs one.

This window has an owner, if they want it, for no cost. That's the sticking point...

Night by Elie Wiesel

Unimaginable.

Treatments: Week 2 of 7

One down. Six to go. Where is the bright side? There always is one.

Really Great Ride

It's been cold here in the northeast. So bike riding has been indoors on a trainer. And I thought is was fine until today it warmed up to 56 and the tires once again hit the road. I was with my dearest friend. And we ride by a huge mirror which aids people backing out of their driveway at a tight turn in Oxbow Rd in Wayland.

Every time we ride by, we stop and take a few selfies. Today's were fueled by laugh and gratitude for such a wonderfully warm day for a bike ride. 24 miles. Thank you, I needed that.

Time travel

Went to our local elementary school to watch my boss' son in the Wizard of OZ. Saw the multiple intelligence plaque my 22 year old made when she was 12 years old -- ten years ago. Great play. Blessed memories.

Progress...

Life is like stained glass. There is a basic pattern but we don't always know where the lines go. But as we move forward, little by little it unfolds.

I'm A Proud Momma

You. Go. Girl.

Why having friends is so wonderful.

It is school play season. Out of seven opportunities we can make five performances. Missing two due to conflicting schedules.

Last Sunday my niece.
Last night my Mrs Cella's son. My dear friend, your son lights up the stage. His performance warmed my heart. The pleasure was mine to attend.

Tonight Maddy's play at the high school, A Midsummer Nights Dream.