HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE PACIFIC NW

Haven't been posting much lately because we've been visiting our son and his family in the Pacific NW and I hate typing on this tiny computer. But it is the new year-we celebrated several times last night as it fell into different time zones--and the need for renewal is present.

Everyone is still sleeping at this point so I have a few moments alone. I love this time of year--it brings me new hope and anticipation. Always a good opportunity to turn over a new personal leaf--the drawing of a line in the sand that says this is where the good habits start and the bad habits end. Of course, this can be done on any particular day during any time of a year but it seems more poignant for this, the beginning of my 65th year of life on this planet.

We have two more days here to collect enough hugs and kisses from our precious granddaughters to last until the next time we see them. But, there's never enough and my heart is already bracing for the separation. What a joy are these two tiny miracles!

I've been doing a lot of cooking while I've been here. 1: Cooking seems to be what I do; 2: it seems to be appreciated. Is there anything on earth more satisfying than feeding people and watching the expressions on their faces as they savor the flavors that cross their pallets? I love to do crafts but the most productive and life-changing ones are definitely the most rewarding. Sewing a dress or beading a new bracelet or earrings is fun, but satisfying a hunger with the addition of unexpected but wonderful flavors is beyond satisfaction to the creator.

Their kitchen is terrible! But I've found satisfaction in making it work for me somehow. Even produced unburned cookies this time--albeit on newly purchased cookie sheets! And producing enough for them to store in their freezer allows me to leave a few memories behind (how selfish and vain of me!)

New Year's resolutions are the usual and I will have time to reflect on them on the long ride back home on Thursday. I've missed my animals and my home but not so much that I haven't enjoyed the moments here. I believe Jordan is responsible for this--I think since reading his blog, I've learned to enjoy the moment more. Thanks, Jordan. Perhaps it is possible to teach old dogs new tricks!

I hear a morning cough and know there will soon be activity in the house as the inhabitants begin to awake to the first day of the new year--although they ushered it in but a few short hours ago! The stove awaits me!

Peace!

Carol