It's starting to spit snow here in Newburyport.
Guess we won't be traveling too far tonight.
I'm recovering from lap band surgery which took place on the 24th. No one else wanted the date. Go figure.
I can certainly see why it isn't an ideal time, what with all the holiday food and all.
However, I thought, "Why not, let's do this, it's time."
Every day is a little better. I don't have much energy, but it will come back.
I had a hernia repaired as well, sort of a door prize.
I didn't realize how much of a nibbler I was, just like a little mouse.
I find myself studying my food choices constantly, there's a lot to it.
This week I have started creamed soups, a big plus.
We all have the power to change our lives, it isn't easy, but the rewards will be great.
I want to be able to walk and I think my back will be improved, that's the plan.
Happy New Year and let's hope 2010 will bring all kinds of new adventures.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Countdown
Santa is getting ready for his big Christmas eve deliveries.
I can see my Jon peeking out the little windows by the front door of the old farmhouse and saying, "I can hear Santa Mom; he's up on the roof." What precious memories.
Among the favorites was Kelley calling from upstairs, "Uh, Mom - Dad, I think the tree fell over." Sure enough, there is was in a heap on the floor. Wonder how that happened?
This is my first year without a Christmas tree. Where would I put it? We have a small ceramic tree on the window sill and it's nice, but I sure miss my big tree.
I remember when Mam and Dad had a ceramic Christmas tree in their senior apartment and thinking, "I'll never do that, no way!"
My little grandkids must be hopping off the walls at this point. Sure wish I was there to see them Christmas morning.
I will be otherwise engaged and stay tuned for the update. It's a surprise.
We are off the deliver our cards up and down the halls.
Merry Christmas dear friends.
I can see my Jon peeking out the little windows by the front door of the old farmhouse and saying, "I can hear Santa Mom; he's up on the roof." What precious memories.
Among the favorites was Kelley calling from upstairs, "Uh, Mom - Dad, I think the tree fell over." Sure enough, there is was in a heap on the floor. Wonder how that happened?
This is my first year without a Christmas tree. Where would I put it? We have a small ceramic tree on the window sill and it's nice, but I sure miss my big tree.
I remember when Mam and Dad had a ceramic Christmas tree in their senior apartment and thinking, "I'll never do that, no way!"
My little grandkids must be hopping off the walls at this point. Sure wish I was there to see them Christmas morning.
I will be otherwise engaged and stay tuned for the update. It's a surprise.
We are off the deliver our cards up and down the halls.
Merry Christmas dear friends.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Christmas in Newburyport
We are finally moved.
It took six months, a few boxes at a time.
We are in a construction zone here in our apartment as they put in new windows. It was pretty chilly for awhile, but they finally got the outside windows caulked. That made a huge difference.
Everyone is very friendly here. It's really nice to talk to people our age.
Gator and Snoopie are adjusting although I'm sure they miss the farm in Andover.
I am going to a weight loss group at the Lahey. Have met some people from the area who are there for the same reason. I'm hoping if I lose 50 lbs, my back will feel a whole lot better. Bad Nan for getting to this point. Yikes!
Marv has been busy and is so helpful with everything that needs to be done. He finds it hard to live in this mess and we are hoping they will be close to finished by the end of this week.
Christmas won't be the same this year, but we will make the most of it.
It took six months, a few boxes at a time.
We are in a construction zone here in our apartment as they put in new windows. It was pretty chilly for awhile, but they finally got the outside windows caulked. That made a huge difference.
Everyone is very friendly here. It's really nice to talk to people our age.
Gator and Snoopie are adjusting although I'm sure they miss the farm in Andover.
I am going to a weight loss group at the Lahey. Have met some people from the area who are there for the same reason. I'm hoping if I lose 50 lbs, my back will feel a whole lot better. Bad Nan for getting to this point. Yikes!
Marv has been busy and is so helpful with everything that needs to be done. He finds it hard to live in this mess and we are hoping they will be close to finished by the end of this week.
Christmas won't be the same this year, but we will make the most of it.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Grandfather Clock
The grandfather clock has a great history in our family starting in the old farmhouse across the street in Andover.
It was a 25th wedding anniversary gift from my ex-husband on our 25th wedding anniversary. Don Hazen, an old family friend, hand made it from solid cherry. The chimes are magical.
My brother Phil found out just how magical when he slept in the same room as the clock and I forgot to turn off the chimes. Every fifteen minutes, half hour and on the hour, a special little bing-bong. Poor Phil didn't get much sleep.
Oakley, the dog, had a go at the clock when she was a puppy. Cherry is a very hard wood, but she managed to chew a pretty good hunk out of the front. God bless Don Hazen for coming to my rescue and doing his best to repair his work of art.
Marv and I took the clock to Newburyport yesterday. He said it wouldn't fit in the Izuzu, but I proved him wrong. It stuck out in the front seat between our two heads. Probably not the safest thing.
Every bump gave us a new sing-song. The chimes rattled out their melodies for an hour and a half down the pike.
The grandfather clock now awaits us at our apartment in Newburyport.
For those how doubt me or have ever doubted me, I WILL get it done.
It was a 25th wedding anniversary gift from my ex-husband on our 25th wedding anniversary. Don Hazen, an old family friend, hand made it from solid cherry. The chimes are magical.
My brother Phil found out just how magical when he slept in the same room as the clock and I forgot to turn off the chimes. Every fifteen minutes, half hour and on the hour, a special little bing-bong. Poor Phil didn't get much sleep.
Oakley, the dog, had a go at the clock when she was a puppy. Cherry is a very hard wood, but she managed to chew a pretty good hunk out of the front. God bless Don Hazen for coming to my rescue and doing his best to repair his work of art.
Marv and I took the clock to Newburyport yesterday. He said it wouldn't fit in the Izuzu, but I proved him wrong. It stuck out in the front seat between our two heads. Probably not the safest thing.
Every bump gave us a new sing-song. The chimes rattled out their melodies for an hour and a half down the pike.
The grandfather clock now awaits us at our apartment in Newburyport.
For those how doubt me or have ever doubted me, I WILL get it done.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Kearsarge Mountain
We are back in Andover. The house is almost empty.
I know I will miss "my mountain" as I call it. I have a beautiful view of Kearsarge from my bedroom window.
Every morning I look out and see the mist behind the ridge across the street. I love seeing the smoke coming from the chimney of the old farmhouse where my kids grew up. I feel the warmth from my side of the street.
We still have our pellet stove cranking and it heats the house nicely on those crip fall mornings.
Our new home in Newburyport is comfortable, convenient and entertaining.
Every morning we take the dogs for a walk down by the river and up towards Joppa Park. I can only walk a short distance before having to stop and rest on the park bench.
The years of moving heavy furniture, carrying children on my hip and "I'll do it even if it kills me" has caught up with me. Pain is an old friend, never far away.
The sailboats in the water painted a pretty picture all summer. Now the waters are devoid of any boats. The promise of winter bites into our faces as the wind blows off the water.
Time is getting shorter. We are anxious to be done with this part of our lives.
A new chapter, new faces and new opportunities await.
Farewell my mountain.
I know I will miss "my mountain" as I call it. I have a beautiful view of Kearsarge from my bedroom window.
Every morning I look out and see the mist behind the ridge across the street. I love seeing the smoke coming from the chimney of the old farmhouse where my kids grew up. I feel the warmth from my side of the street.
We still have our pellet stove cranking and it heats the house nicely on those crip fall mornings.
Our new home in Newburyport is comfortable, convenient and entertaining.
Every morning we take the dogs for a walk down by the river and up towards Joppa Park. I can only walk a short distance before having to stop and rest on the park bench.
The years of moving heavy furniture, carrying children on my hip and "I'll do it even if it kills me" has caught up with me. Pain is an old friend, never far away.
The sailboats in the water painted a pretty picture all summer. Now the waters are devoid of any boats. The promise of winter bites into our faces as the wind blows off the water.
Time is getting shorter. We are anxious to be done with this part of our lives.
A new chapter, new faces and new opportunities await.
Farewell my mountain.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The other Andover
My partner and I have been moving for five months. Will it ever end?
The good part is that I get to look at the trivia I collected over the years and remember the fun we used to have in the old farmhouse across the street.
My new partner and I built a new house in 2003. Riverside Farm was sold in 2000 after the demise of a marriage and the exit of three children.
The new house doesn't have the same ambiance as that drafty old farmhouse. There was a 1923 wood stove in the kitchen. The best turkey I ever had at Thanksgiving came out of that oven.
I remember one nor-easter when the snow came in through the window in our bedroom upstairs. My youngest was in a porta crib by the window and I marvelled at the snow on his comforter.
The new house has good windows. You can't hear the moan of the wind or the rain on the roof. I miss those sounds.
Our new apartment is very quiet too. I'm tempted to put an old saucepan upside down outside the window. At least I could hear the rain.
Time for another trip to Goodwill and the Humane Society with old towels. We already have two dogs, so no detours allowed.
The good part is that I get to look at the trivia I collected over the years and remember the fun we used to have in the old farmhouse across the street.
My new partner and I built a new house in 2003. Riverside Farm was sold in 2000 after the demise of a marriage and the exit of three children.
The new house doesn't have the same ambiance as that drafty old farmhouse. There was a 1923 wood stove in the kitchen. The best turkey I ever had at Thanksgiving came out of that oven.
I remember one nor-easter when the snow came in through the window in our bedroom upstairs. My youngest was in a porta crib by the window and I marvelled at the snow on his comforter.
The new house has good windows. You can't hear the moan of the wind or the rain on the roof. I miss those sounds.
Our new apartment is very quiet too. I'm tempted to put an old saucepan upside down outside the window. At least I could hear the rain.
Time for another trip to Goodwill and the Humane Society with old towels. We already have two dogs, so no detours allowed.
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