BLESSINGS FOR YOUR NEW YEAR!

Google image

Since we are all here together for this particular event, may I offer each of you blessings to shower each day of this new year.  

Google image

  May you each have rainbows when all else appears gloomy.

  May you feel sunshine when all else feels cold.

  May you have dear friends to hear you when everyone else tends to avoid listening.

  May you have smiles from all those on your path, that you may offer smiles back to them.

  May you notice kindness where others may see only hostility.

Google image

Google image

  May you know love while others seem to still be searching outside themselves.

  May you know peace within yourself while others seem to be at odds.

  May you know compassion for all others though it may seem unneeded.

  May you know happiness at simply being while others may seem to be grumpy.

Google image

  May you simply be who you are and revel in it without caring of others opinions.

  And , this year, may you be blessed with all that makes your heart sing.

  May you be true to your true self, even though others may criticize.

  Listen closely to all that is waiting to be unfolded within you.  

  Remember you are perfect, just as you are, and know you are Loved.

Google image

Most of all, have fun this year, enjoying all that is brought to you by the Universe.  

Enjoy your fun!

Visiting the Beloved Orchard!

This is a great creation by Millie's granddaughter, Lily.  Lily gave it to me before I came up to Auburn.  It holds a very special place, in my cup holder, so I can talk to it while I am driving.  It keeps me company.








And this snowman art by Lily has both snow and snow flakes.  I feel very privileged to be the recipient of an new and upstart artist.  It is right next to my door so I see it all of the time.  Lily is eight and is very talented.










Yesterday the sun was shining and almost warm.  A most welcome change from the previous cold,windy and wet days.  Being outside for some fresh air and having soup and coffee with Gaytrell was a good break from hiding out with my cold.  I am gong to make it!


This past two weeks everything seemed disjointed.  Buster's death, the service, helping in the Machado store and dealing with the cold, rainy and windy weather all contributed to my not knowing the day or date.  Then the cold thing added to my confusion.  So now I see that the new year is almost upon us.  How quickly this year has passed.  Many amazing events have been a part of my life and others.  Recapping would take too long.


So, I will express my gratitude for all of my experiences this past year.  And I know they will have an impact on what this next year may bring.  All I can say is that most of my plans have resulted in different events than I originally thought.  Particularly at this time when I planned to be at the Central Coast, only to be able to spend some more time at the beloved orchard for a little while.  I had eight truly wonderful years here and will always remember this place with happiness.  My next four weeks here will be a joy.  Walking in the orchard is very peaceful, especially now as the trees are dormant and resting for the winter.

It is now Monday morning and another sun shiny day, however it is very nippy.  I accomplished getting all of the laundry done.  The laundromat here is very clean and the nicest people work there.  They even showed me how to do my laundry for less.  Love that.  The sweatshirts are hanging up to dry in the motor home and the bed is made and ready for me tonight.  I have a mattress warmer that I turn on about half an hour before I climb (literally) in for the night and then I turn it off.  I also put my pj's between the sheets so they are warm to put on.  Everything is pretty cozy and comfortable.

This is the last of the plaques I took pictures of yesterday.  It is a sad kind of funny as to how true this is.

"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have,

 and one of the nicest things you can be."

- Douglas Pagels

Enjoy your friends!

Titch of a Cold!

Google image.  A picture of me was way too scary!!!

Friday night I started that crazy kind of sneezing that indicates a cold is about to take over  one's body.  So I woke up Saturday morning with a congested head and runny nose and still lots of crazy sneezing.  I'm certain I scared off any wildlife that might have been int he area.  So I hunkered in for the day (actually slept most of it), eating about a dozen Mandarin oranges, lots of cups of Yogi Cold Season tea, tons of cell salts and many Ricola's.  
By the time I woke up Sunday morning, I was surprised at how good I felt ,as the night had been rather uncomfortable trying to breathe through my nose.  So I took everything slow and realized I felt fairly good.  I met Darlene and delivered goods to her and her goods to me and we ran a few errands.  Still felt fairly good by the time I went to bed and woke up this morning feeling good with only a runny nose.  


So I walked about two miles to the store and back, grateful the sun was shining, even though the air was quite brisk.  I am continuing with the Mandarins, cell salts and Ricola's and figured it was time to get on line.  I am very grateful I am feeling the way I do today and that I averted the possible ravages of a potentially crummy and lingering cold.  Thank you, Universe!


While I was out yesterday doing a bit of shopping to hopefully find some turtle neck tops, (complete success!) I came across a few plaques in the department store that caught my eye.  I am unable to relate to all of them though I am certain a few of you can, so here they are:

I have heard several people on different occasions make this comment!

The saying on this plaque is also a sign that hangs in one of my favorite restaurants in Cayucos, CA.  

This seems too true!

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."

-  unknown

Enjoy your today!

Moon and Sun

Last night the clouds cleared and with a bit of mist in the air, the moon was bathed and surrounded by an amazing rainbow colored halo.  It was beautiful.  There was a star (or planet) away and up from the moon and it created a most magical scene.  I was looking at it between two evergreens and I could have gazed at it for hours had it been a little warmer.  I could see my breath as the temperature dropped for the night.  As it was, I was only able to be out there for a short time.  It was magnificent!  (This is the best picture my phone could take.)

Google Image

This morning I awoke to a clear and beautiful day.  A few fluffy clouds scattered about just drifting around in the sky.  It was cold early in the day and as long as I was standing in the sun, it was wonderful.  Not quite shirt sleeve weather, yet able to leave the coat inside.  One of the cars driving into the store parking lot, hoping to buy some goodies, had a huge load of snow on the top.  It must have been quite a night over the mountains.  The air is always so fresh after it rains (or snows).   Very cleansing and refreshing.  



Thank all of you who included Kathy's husband and family in your prayers.  He is recovering from surgery and getting stronger every day.  It is a process.  She stopped by today and we visited for a while.  I will spend more time with her and her daughter tomorrow.  

Morro Bay flowers!

Patty, please wish Stu a "Happy Birthday" from me.  Hope to see you two in February!  Hope you had a great trip to Ohio.

Google image 

If any of you are awake tomorrow morning (December 28, 2012) at 5:21 a.m., you can witness the Full Cold Moon.  Unless the weather changes here we should be able to see it.  My Mom used to love full moons and I suspect this is where I get my fascination with the moon, planets and stars.  One of these days I may even study and learn about them.

"Your purpose in life isn't to arrive at a destination where you find inspiration, 

just as the purpose of dancing isn't to end up at a particular spot on the floor.

The purpose of dancing - and of life - 

is to enjoy every moment and every step, 

regardless of where you are when the music ends."

-  Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

I think you can all see that I am a huge fan of Dr. Dyer.  I truly enjoy his insights.

Enjoy your steps!

Rain and Laughter!

Google image

This picture reminds me of the street where I lived, only there is an orchard to the left
 and no leaves on the tree right now.  A Google image.

Another night and morning of rain.  It sort of rocked me to sleep last night, once I felt I wasn't going to get blown away.  Very strange rain drop sounds on the roof last night.  It almost sounded as though there was a little critter running around up there.  Most strange.  This morning it is much more gentle, though it is still rather cold.  The weather prediction is more of the same, off and on, until New Year's Day.  I wonder what that means...

Machado's Oak Tree

Many of my family members are back east right now and definitely experiencing some weather.  Those from Ohio are in Virginia and may be staying put for a while.  I don't have TV access right now so I am just relying on what I am hearing from them and the internet.  Other family members are in North Carolina and then traveling to Washington State.  May all of your travels be safe.

Google image

Google image

This will be another day of packing up the items in the store.  Everything must be put away until May.  Some things will go in the freezer and perishable items will be donated and some items will be eaten.  I picked a few remaining Pink Lady apples from the trees this morning.  It was drizzling and cold.  There are still some on the trees that I may pick later in my stay here.  Gary gave me some mandarins, so I am in heaven with the produce.  A good change from all of the sugar.  

The real deal

Here are a couple of plaques that Millie has in her kitchen.  They remind me that I am currently out of wine  and may have to make a trip to the store to see what may be available.  I just spoke with someone in Sacramento and they told me it is sunny there.  It is amazing what a difference thirty miles and a thousand feet of elevation can make.  I think the wine can wait until the weather is a bit less wet.

And just for good measure, here is what is etched on the inside of my Chiropractor's bathroom door.  I love this!   

Enjoy your Laughter!

"Christmas Spirit of the Holidays!"

(The following was included in a Christmas Card I received from a dear friend.)

Spend time with someone you love.

Forgive a person that has hurt you.

Remember your innocence.

Help another in need.

Count your blessings.

Say a prayer when actions won't help.

Say your are sorry.

Be patient with sales clerks, slow lines and other frustrated customers.

Make kindness a priority.

Give a gift for no other reason than to make another smile.

Wear something out of the ordinary that makes you feel magical and amazing.

Write a letter to a long lost friend.

Plant a tree.

Clean out your closets and give the extras away to a homeless shelter.

Tithe more than you intended to your local charity.

Have faith in others.

Keep a promise.

Nurture yourself.

Smile.

Throw a party for all the people that have supported you over the years

 as your way of saying "Thank you."

Feed the hungry.

Dance.

Laugh more than you think you should at jokes that aren't usually funny.

Make someone feel special.

Kiss under the mistletoe.

Take a photo with Santa.

Light a candle to remind yourself of the light you are to the world.

Write a list or make a photo collage of your dreams,

 desires and aspirations for next year.

Be willing to be awed and inspired.

Decide to believe in yourself.

Sing at the top of your lungs.

Relish each moment of your life.

Wish everyone you meet "Happy Holidays" or Merry Christmas" and mean it.

Be delighted.

"May you celebrate the Christmas Spirit within you

 every moment of every day." 

Enjoy your celebration!

All images are from Google Images.

Snowflakes!!!

The past two days I have helped the Machado's in their store.  This is one of their busiest times of the year (other than Thanksgiving) and it just seemed the best thing for me to do. So, helped people coming in for their Christmas pies, gathering fresh produce, picking up homemade tamales and other goodies.  It was a strained time for the family as they did their best throughout these days, while still struggling to deal with the loss of a most treasured family member.

There were many people who came into the store that were unaware of the loss and I watched as the family recounted the tragic event over and over again.  Most people were so compassionate, though a few, perhaps unable to deal with the news, were a bit curt because some of the supplies they wanted were no longer available.  All in all, it was an honor to have shared this time with them and hopefully brought them some sort of comfort.

It rained, almost unforgivingly, all day Sunday.  A beautiful sunny day yesterday and now, today,  it is raining and cold again.  Today I helped the family close the store down until mid May when cherries are ripe.  (I will be back then since their cherry pies are amazing.)  There is a winter storm advisory for the area here and I imagine the highway is closed again over the summit.  I am so grateful for my little home on wheels and that I am snug and stationary.  It is giving me a chance to catch up on many things that have been neglected.  Nothing important, thankfully.




My Son is letting me use his car while I am here on the Machado property.  (Thanks Gaytrell, for taking me to Sacramento to pick it up.)  What a blessing this is, so I can now use it to run errands, make it to the laundromat, get groceries, visit friends, etc.  I expect to be here until almost the end of January.  I just love how plans made, keep changing.  Who knows where I will be in February!  Just have to wait and see.  It is turning out that part of this Adventure is the mystery of what is next.  I love it!

I ran into Susan (well, I didn't really run into her) a few days ago in Target.  What a wonderful surprise to see her.  I am looking forward to seeing many others I know here before I travel on.  I am so blessed to be here and loving all of the aspects of my Adventure.  Thank you, Universe for guiding me through all of my life.

My Son and Daughter-in-Law will be returning home from Hawaii midnight Wednesday and I will get to see them (or at least my daughter-in-law) on Saturday.  I have a Machado pumpkin pie, Pink Lady apples and mandarins for them, all of which are probably unavailable in Hawaii. There are good things to be said for all we grow on the mainland.  Maybe pineapples someday.  

"Friendship is the golden thread that 

ties all hearts together."

-  Unknown

Enjoy your golden thread!

All images are from Google Images.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May Each of You experience the True Spirit of this

Mystical, Magical and Wondrous Season.

Much Love, Heartfelt Hugs and Many, Many Blessings,

Roe

The Day After

A tuberose flower in Malcolm's garden

More rows of Malcolm's flowers

Today is the day after the "Celebration of Life" ceremony for Buster Machado.  The gathering was huge as this young man was loved by so many.  Lots of young adults, friends of his family, those who had worked with him and more.  It was amazing to see so many people come together to support the family.  I am so grateful I was able to be here and attend.  I hope to continue to offer comfort while I am here.

Malcolm's flower in the morning

In my discussions with Buster's parents, I learned they have had a trip planned to Australia since August and Buster was going to stay at their home and house sit.  Since I am without schedule, I offered to do this for them and they said yes.  So, I will be remaining in Auburn until they return from their trip.  This will give me a chance to visit with friends  I was unable to see yesterday and that I haven't seen for many months.  It will also give me a chance to spend more time with my Son and Daughter-in-Law.  Yay!!!

Another view of the rows of Malcolm's flowers

It has been raining nonstop all night and this morning.  The wind is rather calm at the moment, however, the weather stations say it will be picking up.  This makes me grateful that I will not be traveling on the highway, which is what I thought I would be doing.  Someone (that would be me) will be getting wet while unhooking the motor home to move it to the Machado's!   Again, I love how the Universe works.  

"There's absolutely nothing in this Universe,

 including yourself, that isn't perfectly timed.

There are no wrongful deaths or mistakes - 

what shows up is yours, 

and it has shown up precisely on schedule."

-  Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Enjoy each precious moment!

Still Here!!!

One of Malcolm's palms

It is December 21st, 2012 and as far as I can see, everything is still here and accounted for.    It is, however, extremely windy and raining.  My small motor home is getting a bit of a rocking and I am enjoying the sweet sound of rain on the roof.



A big "Thank You" to Millie for all the fun times.  We shopped, cooked, made four kinds of cookie dough balls and froze them, prepared gifts, cleaned and managed her grandchildren and so many other things I failed to keep track of them.  Each night, as we were so exhausted, we sat and sipped some Port and ate a few Belgian chocolate before going to bed.  Slept well.

Malcolm's rows of flowers

Although, one morning I woke up hearing her stirring in her room.  I got up, thinking it was 5 a.m. and time to get up.  So, I got up and took my shower, brushed my teeth, dressed and fixed my hair.  When I was all put together, I stepped out of the bathroom and was surprised to see that she was standing there in her pj's.  I said, "Good Morning" (all bright and ready for the day) and she just looked at me and asked if anything was wrong.  I said no and went into the kitchen to check the time.  It was not quite 2 a.m.  

Millie explained that she had gotten up, used the bathroom, and then went back to bed.  Then she heard water and in her foggy morning head tried to figure out what the water sound was.  A running toilet, a broken pipe, the shower?  Figuring out it was not the toilet or a broken pipe, determined it was the shower and wondered why I was up taking a shower so early.  Then she thought I was sick.  She said she was so surprised to see me all wide eyed and bushy tailed and happily saying good morning.  We must have laughed for at least five minutes.  

Of course, I was not about to get undressed and go back to bed to just get up in three more hours and do it all again.  So I took my phone, book, pillow and down comforter and headed for the sofa.  I settled in to read and checked my Facebook messages and saw that my previous neighbor in Auburn had posted many pictures of Buster Machado.  I looked at them and all the clips added and sent a comment to her.  Surprisingly she responded almost immediately.  So, we chatted for about an hour about Buster and things surrounding his death.  It was so good to do this and I was very grateful I was awake so I could.  Love the workings of the Universe!

Millie and I laughed off and on for the next few days about the early morning adventure.

More of Malcolm;s flowers

I am in Auburn to attend the "Celebration of Life" ceremony for Buster Machado this afternoon.  Yesterday I visited friends at my bank, Vision's and the Machado store.  I had a great time visiting with Gaytrell and having dinner at Strings.  Later I had a wonderful conversation with Kathy.  Please keep her husband in your prayers.

More of Malcolm;s flowers

Unsure when I am heading back to the Central Coast of California, however, I am certain it is a bit warmer there.  We had a few very cold mornings in the Sacramento area.  29 degrees one morning!   Brrrr.  The weather predictions are rain and more rain through Sunday, both here and on the Central Coast.  Guess it just depends on how warm or cold I want to be while it rains.  It is at least ten degrees warmer on the coast.  Hmmm.

Must leave now for the ceremony.

May all of you be well and safe and happy.

Frost on the Roof Tops

I woke up this morning to frost on the lawns, roof tops and car tops.  A little chilly start to the day for sure.  I am staying in their guest bedroom which is in the converted attic.  The entire attic now consists of a beautiful open sitting area, an office and a guest bedroom.  The bedroom window looks onto the street and it reminds me of the snow covered street in the movie "Polar Express" though without the snow.  The architecture  of the homes here are quite similar to those in the movie.  The frost helped a little this morning, however, not entirely like the scene in the movie.  I am sure everyone here is glad as they generally do not care to deal with snow.  I, having grown up in Cincinnati, love the winter snow.  I do prefer to avoid driving in it though.  

My daughter-in-law spent her entire day with me doing errands.  We have so much fun together.  It is a real treat being with her and my son.  Great dinner last night and way too much sugar in the form of truffles, chocolate bars and cookies.  I will probably need to do a lot of extra walking to counter act what I am eating.  Oh well.  There are worse things.  We are driving to Roseville's Trader Joe's to get more chocolate bars this afternoon. Great gifts.  Love Trader Joe's.

I have been so busy since I started my Adventure that my projects, clothes patching and crocheting are still waiting for my attention.  I have just been enjoying being close in nature so much that I haven't gotten to them.  I am certain I will in the days ahead when maybe the weather really encourages me to stay inside.  The good news is they will still be there for me to have fun with when it is time.

Darlene and I did more errands in the afternoon and had a wonderful lack of communication over what we were each doing.  She dropped me off at the mall to return something for her.  I thought she said she was going to do something else and then be back to pick me up.  So off I went to the store.  It took a bit longer than I thought, however, it all worked out well.  I hadn't heard from Darlene so I checked out a few stores looking for a Christmas cd.  After about half an hour I received a text from her saying how sorry she that it was taking so long.  I asked her where she was and she replied that she was in the parking lot.  I told her I was on my way and went to where she was.  

When I got in the car we discovered that she was actually waiting on me  thinking it took a long time to return her items.  We laughed so hard.  Talk about a total lack of understanding each other.  I am so glad she has such a great sense of humor and we just kept laughing over this crazy mix up.  I love that she loves and accepts me for who I am and just lets me be me without judging me or expecting me to be anything other than who I am.  

While we were at lunch, we heard of the terrible event in Connecticut.  So very sad and so very painful for all those connected to the people and school and their families.  My prayers and blessings go to all of those affected by this horrible act.  It seems that our Country needs to better work with and assist and help those with mental challenges.  It also seems to me that the displayed violence in our movies and games may be better serving to our citizens if it were less available.  I wonder if people who watch all of this violence and destruction and killing are desensitized by what they see and are unable to truly understand what is actually real and that they are responsible for their actions.  It is all very confusing to me.  

Today I am going with Darlene again to run one errand.  Then Millie is coming to pick me up and we will go back to her home.  We have plenty of Belgium chocolates and Portugal Port to enjoy.  I'm certain we will find other things to get into and enjoy.  We have gifts to wrap and cookies to make.  Much fun.  I am so very grateful for this awesome forty year friendship.  Did I mention breakfast at Mimi's?  Yum!


I am now at Millie's and we are making cookies, awesome chicken dishes, salads and all sorts of other wonderful things.  We have done many errands and it appears we are on track for her to be ready for the upcoming holidays and family fun.

On a sad note, Buster Machado, the grandson of my previous landlady in Auburn, has died as a result of an accident.  He was 21.  There is a memorial service Friday, December 21st, 2 p.m., at the Seven Day Adventest Church by Target, in Auburn.  Please say prayers and hold good thoughts for the family.  They are all devastated by this horrible tragedy.

Until my next writing, may everyone tell those they love that they love them, as often as possible.   We never know when we may never have the opportunity to do so again. 

Love, Hugs and Blessings to everyone!