The Parsimonious Pagans

Beautiful Turkey Brine for Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

Took a slightly different path for Turkey Day this year and added limes and grapefruit to the usual citrus mix. Tasted just delicious with the new additions...

Samhain Altar 2011

2011-11-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treaters

2011-11-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Samhain & All Soul's Day!

2011-11-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

Lovely Sunflower garden in full bloom

2011-08-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Lammas! (early Harvest)

2011-08-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

Star Gazer Lily my ABFAB flower of all time blooming away!

2011-07-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

Its just the most dramatic flower in the yard!

Cucumbers are finally coming in and still have more Red Currants too!

2011-07-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Summer Flowers are all blooming

2011-07-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

And a close up of this unusual fiery Canna

My daughter is going for that Bollywood look!

2011-07-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here are her CL finds from this weekend. Now all she needs to do is learn the dances....

And again...

And again....

With a little bit of frozen yogurt!

2011-07-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Perfect summer dessert!

Anyone wanting the recipe let me know and I can put it on the blog

Happy 4th of July Weekend. Time for some harvesting here!

2011-07-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a Happy 4th Holiday Weekend. Time for me to start harvesting my currants. They were a little bit of a patch when I put them in a couple years ago. Now they are immense. Here is today's photo:

SOOO. I decided to combine with my MUTANT rhubarb and make a crisp.

End result... YUM Says the Mr.

And then it rapidly disappeared...

Tomorrows project is Rhubarb Currant Jam!

This week's gardening project. Pond is finally up and running!

2011-06-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

Pond project is finally done! Adopted a dozen goldfish, purchased some aquatic plants and now its a great dog watering station! Hubby even made me a small rock sculpture!

You Talkin' to Me?

2011-06-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

And now for the People of Walmart entry

2011-06-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

The toothless fairy!

Is this YOUR family member???

Poor Chihuahua mix dog after children have had their way with her....

2011-06-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

And here is Miss Cookie normally...

Here is what happens when you bring in the outside cushions due to rain...

2011-06-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Best buddies

2011-06-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Can you tell these guys are BFFS?

I CAN HAVE TOAST! YUMMM

2011-06-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

This ever happen at your house after a trip to Joann's?

2011-06-12T08:46:00.001-07:00

Am I the only one this happens to????

Mr. Patches the Cat & Mr Jasper dog

2011-06-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our even sillier Mr. Cat & Mr. Dog moments...

Living with a blonde Lab

2011-06-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some funny Blonde Labrador pix for everyone to enjoy...

Gardening time here FINALLY!

2011-06-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

Here is my lovely pot of lettuce. Ready for the salad bowl and looks so pretty too!

Happy Yule to One and All. See our Yule Log!

2010-12-22T23:32:00.000-08:00

Here is our Yule Log in a traditional style all decorated with fresh greenery from our yard. Before and after candles burned a bit

Happy Samhain to all & Blessings Be!

2010-10-30T22:18:00.001-07:00

13 pumpkins all ready for Samhain Celebration enjoying a few minutes in front of the fireplace before they head out to guard the front porch!

$5 Wicker chair + spray paint + Overstock cushion = Happy Cat!

2010-08-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

Wicker Chair salvaged off Craig's + a couple cans of white spray paint and a cheap Overstock.com cushion = Happy Cat. Gee here I thought perhaps a human might like to use it!

More pix of our repainted house

2010-08-02T14:37:00.001-07:00

Old siding gets a new coat of paint to refresh

2010-08-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

AFTER & BEFORE pix of our old siding. Looks great after a full repaint. Used regular exterior VELSPAR from Lowes. Took 3 weeks after a good power washing. FIRST PIX IS HOW IT LOOKS NOW... Used a historic color for main blue.

Happy May Day & Beltane to one and All!

2010-05-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a great May Day Weekend and a bountiful harvest this fall.

Here is our meager Beltane Altar...

Kids had great fun helping to set it up!

Close up of those busy gnomes

2010-05-01T07:08:00.001-07:00

Here is a close up of one of those busy gnomes hard at work...

Gnomes a guarding my mutant rhubarb transplants

2010-05-01T07:05:00.001-07:00

Almost time for some Rhubarb cake what do ya think? Those gnomes been hard at work getting the rhubarb ready for eating.... or should I make some rhubarb pie?

Its 79 degrees and my bargain Craig's List Gnomes get a redo!

2010-04-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Classic garden gnomes from a Bargain Craig's List posting get a redo today as the weather is so lovely.

Before and after pix.... or rather after and before pix.

LOL.

Yeah spring is here at last! (Even if it is for 1 day.)

LAB PUPPY BRINGS HOME DINNER!

2010-01-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

OUR BIG BLONDE BABY BROUGHT HOME DINNER LAST WEEK. LOOK WHAT SHE FOUND IN OUR YARD AND LEFT US OUTSIDE THE DOOR!

PRINCESS ALSO LOVES TO LISTEN TO HER OWNER'S TRUMPET.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-10T08:40:00.001-08:00

HOLIDAYS ARE FINALLY OVER AND TIME FOR SOME PEACE. HOPE EVERYONE ELSE SURVIVED THE STRESS. LOTS OF SNOW AND A DREADED SNOW DAY THE PAST FRIDAY. HERE IS A PIX OF OUR HOUSE AT THE HOLIDAYS...

Simple Easy Crochet Halloween Witch Hat Pattern for Adults and children!

2009-10-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

I couldn't find a decent crochet witch hat pattern ANYWHERE... so I created my own. Here are some pix of the purple version with flowers. You can purchase my pattern for $4.95 and I will email it within 24 hrs per PDF format. It is an easy beginner pattern done in worstled weight yarn in SC in the round. Very forgiving as most mistakes will look intentional! Make in a weekend. Pattern includes adult and child size and pattern for attached flowers.

Another timeless classic from E6!

2009-10-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

Winner sexiest Abe Lincoln impressions!

Our winner for best male package!

2009-10-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

It even lights up!! WOO HOO!

Where the Hell is Matt? One of my utube all time favorite stars

2009-10-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Gotta love this guy. Everyone gets into his dance act... His website wherethehellismatt.com

Mutant 10 ft tall sunflower in bloom!

2009-09-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 pix of Ro's Mutant 10 + foot sunflower in full bloom. Looks like a Jack and the Beanstalk plant! Her brother is about 64" and he looks short next to this tall flower.

Princess again

2009-08-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

More pix of Princess being silly

2009-08-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Here are more pix of our blonde Lab being 5 months old..... Passed out, after too much fun. under the kitchen table

New Windows by fireplace being enjoyed by the wildlife

2009-08-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the new Octagon windows we installed to the side of the fireplace being enjoyed as a cat perch and peephole by our extra blonde cat. Had to make sure and leave her a cat sized space for lounging. Do love those new windows...

New Family Member - Big Blonde Baby Girl!

2009-08-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some pix of our newest family member Princess. She is one big blonde baby. She is glad to be here with the rest of the circus. And for all of you that are thinking I paid big $ for a pedigreed animal she is a rescue.... and needed a place to live. Since our big dog passed away in June kids have been wanting another larger dog. She will be a wonderful dog once she is past her puppy must chew everything stage. LOL

Yummy Currant Jam time!

2009-07-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

Currants are ripe and we made some Wicked good spiced Currant, Blueberry Cherry Jam. Have a look!

Cold and dready day here but great for makin Jam!

2009-07-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

Currants are ripe and ready so it will be Jam making time here tonight. I have 5.5# of fresh currants that are ready to be tossed in the pan and some blueberries to go with them. But first, I made Decadent Dark Chocolate Brownies with lots of fresh Walnuts ala mode with Chocolate sauce to keep the little people here satisfied. YUM TAKE A LOOK.....

Lovely clematis in full bloom next to currants

2009-06-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here is our lovely Clematis!

2009-06-16T10:49:00.001-07:00

Here are 2 other pix with the Novalis Naturale Copper Slate Vinyl Tile in front of French Doors.

I love the colors and hope it wears well. Does have a lifetime warranty so we will see...

Dining room floor remodel w/ Novalis Naturale Copper Slate Vinyl Tile

2009-06-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

Decided upon a Novalis Vinyl Tile for the Dining room. Here are some preliminary pix as we are installing... Here is icky old linoleum that was hid under carpet

Miss Cottontale update!

2009-06-10T11:55:00.001-07:00

Miss Cottontale has been relocated to the front yard away from the eager jaws of our carnivorous cats. She had a near miss and was caught for a couple minutes but Mr. Cat was relieved of his catch and we moved her safely away from his area of the yard. After doing some research it appears baby bunnies are on their own at a month of age and she should be able to manage for herself.

Baby Wildlife in the yard!

2009-06-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

Here is Miss Cottontale in the yard hiding near a Peony bloom. Don't know where her mother went but I am sure she will come get her later...

Old Shabby Garden Bench

2009-05-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

Rustic Garden Bench Craig's List $20 "treasure" that has found a new life on my patio as a tropical plant stand... Pictured with Solar Tiki God to watch over them.

Currant bushes and rapid growth...

2009-05-19T04:13:00.001-07:00

Purchased a couple currant bushes from a local lady and here are pix from 4/27 when we got them home and planted and from over the weekend showing the rapid growth AND the berries coming!

Planted these with some sheep manure compost and does it ever work well!

Free pets in our Tropical plant!

2009-05-19T04:09:00.000-07:00

Purchased a few tropical plants for outside decoration and found a small rider when I was repotting yesterday. He was determined to stay in this particular plant...

Mutant Rhubarb transplanted

2009-05-19T04:03:00.000-07:00

Last year we acquired some rhubarb from the local freecycle group. It took off our old house and after we moved last fall we transplanted some with us. Here are pix from 4/27 & 5/12 for comparison.

Mushroom time!

2009-05-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and with our new home I am still finding and locating new things every day. I found 3 of these lovely mushrooms just this morning. Not alot but expensive to buy

2009-02-17T17:16:00.001-08:00

Best Banana Bread Ever Recipe!

2009-02-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

Here is my best Banana Bread Recipe:

Preheat oven to 350 and grease pans w/ olive oil.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 Cups of mashed Extra Ripe Bananas
1 stick of margarine
2 Cups of Flour (I used 1 cup white, 1 cup Whole wheat)
2 eggs
3/4 Cup Brown or white sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 cup dry Oatmeal
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Mix together Eggs, Bananas, & Margarine. Mix in spices. Mix salt & Baking soda w/ flour. Add dry to moist ingredients and mix well. Add Oatmeal & Walnuts last.

Bake at 350 degrees for approx 45 min - 1 Hour depending upon size of pan.

Recipe makes one LARGE breadpan, 2 smaller bread pans or 4 Little bread pans

I frost w/ some homeade vanilla butter icing before serving.

Here is a pix of 2 of the 4 baby loafs as kids ate the others ASAP.

Happy New Year 2009!

2008-12-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all! No Holiday Postings recently as it was a very busy Yuletime Season. Wishing all a Happy Safe & Prosperous New Year.

I have been busy crocheting various silly winter hats from patterns found on the web, and will start posting pix and links later this week.

2008-11-12T09:48:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox recipe

2008-11-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

helpful book hints

2008-11-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Greetings,
over the years I and many others have found it difficult to find a good book.So I give you my suggestion to read my favorite book Skulduggery Pleasant by: Derek Landy. To find out more about this book visit http://www.skulduggerypleasant.com/
thanks,
Ro

NOVEMBER

2008-11-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

"November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring."
- Clyde Watson

Economical Recycled Porch Goblin w/ Directions!

2008-10-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

We have our annual porch goblin assembled on the front porch to greet visitors. He is made from a couple of bags of clothing from local Church Rummage sales an old pair of Rubber Boots and an ugly face mask. Stuffed and placed in a plastic chair. Our cost this year $2 for 2 bags of rummage sale clothing. We keep the hands, mask & rubber boots for use the next season. Here is an image of our glamorous Samhain Goblin just in time for the Holiday! AND he is made from recycled clothing and reusable accessories!

Halloween is in the Air!

2008-10-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Halloween will be here in less than 3 weeks! The air is crisper and the trees are changing color. Children are planning strategies to make the most of the Holiday! Pumpkins are on the porch awaiting carving into scary Jack O Lanterns...

Happy Fall!

2008-10-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

Fall is here, and here is a picture of our pets after a long day in the new yard. Pretty tired out they are.

Kitties enjoying their "Garden" window

2008-06-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Here are my daughter's two cats enjoying their "Garden Window" and you can see my last blooming lilac outside. All the outside plants have been enjoying the rain.

Strawberry pot

2008-05-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Scalped a strawberry pot from one of the Rummage sales and gonna try this as well. Drilled some holes in the bottom. Used a small piece of PVC with some holes drilled in it and some fish tank gravel (uncolored) in the middle for watering. Got some HUGE strawberry plants and hoping for the best!

Small 3 ft area that needed help

2008-05-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Here we redid the small area on the north side of the house. Looks MUCH better... Now no need to mow on this side of the house. Shady area so hostas and some more impatients.

Patio completed images

2008-05-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

Busy busy here as always here are the finished patio images...FINALLY!

However it was getting dark and sprinkling so they are a big hard to see.

Mutant Rhubarb I planted last summer

2008-05-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a pix of my Mutant Rhubarb I got off freecycle last year. It liked the spot it was planted in... obviously! Soon to be Rhubarb cake, and I will be using the leaves as a mold for XL concrete stepping stones. Happy Spring all!

Cowbird pair having some seed

2008-05-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

Here they are....

Cowbirds in the grass

2008-05-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

We have new visitors to the birdfeeder. Haven't had this particular bird here before. Probably looking for a nest to leave their eggs in of course.

Better view of Fairy door on our old Willow tree

2008-04-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a better image of the scale of this Spring's Fairy door and patio:

Kids have created new Fairy door/patio

2008-04-20T13:37:00.001-07:00

NEW Fairy door & patio constructed and christened today by our Fairy fans! Door is handpainted of course as is the patio. Fairy marbles also included!

Pavers almost done on Sunday

2008-04-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Waiting to see if the rain will get us. Cloudy overhead. Last 8 blocks to place!

Pavers almost done on Saturday!

2008-04-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here's where we ended on Saturday nite:

2008-04-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot from Friday when we started laying out the pavers. They are 16" square 2" thick and 42# each!

Yard after tilling prior to leveling.

2008-04-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the after tilling phase. Today we remove excess dirt and add sand and level. Purchased some of the new concrete Patio Blocks which are approx 46# each and on sale for 2/$5. Gotta make 4 or 5 trips or will damage suspension on the truck as I will need at least 81 of these dang things!

Another view of our pitiful yard and 1 of its inhabitants

2008-04-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

Here is the 2nd view of yard pretilled:

2008-04-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

Spring is here at last! Yesterday we started a new Patio. I have included a couple pre Patio Pix. We tilled to get dirt loosened to make it easier on ourselves. Tiller Rental approx $50.

2008-04-01T11:48:00.001-07:00

Welcome spring! The snow from Easter is finally gone and hopefully will stay away this time! Finally got a pix of our baby girl cardinal in the birdfeeder. She's such a pretty green girlie...

2008-03-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

March Poetry Anthology

"March roars in like a lion so fierce,
the wind so cold, it seems to pierce.
The month rolls on and Spring draws near,
and March goes out like a lamb so dear."

"The cock is crowing,
The stream is flowing,
The small birds twitter,
The lake doth glitter
The green field sleeps in the sun;
The oldest and youngest
Are at work with the strongest;
The cattle are grazing,
Their heads never raising;
There are forty feeding like one!
Like an army defeated
The snow hath retreated,
And now doth fare ill
On the top of the bare hill;
The plowboy is whooping—anon-anon:
There's joy in the mountains;
There's life in the fountains;
Small clouds are sailing,
Blue sky prevailing;
The rain is over and gone!"

Its February! A short poem by: Super Elise

2008-02-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

Its February!

Rhyming words:
Cary
Fairy
Mary
Sherry
Cherry
Hey, I can think of some names too!

End of the poem

February is Dental health month, Black history month and Lincoln's birthday!

If you know more words that rhyme with February I would be more than pleased if you say so in the comments below!
Blessings!
Super Elise
( :

2 Snow Days last week and I'm Still Alive!

2008-02-04T05:26:00.000-08:00

Two snow days last week and we survived! Not sure that we would make it through unscathed as three children make one giant mess when school is canceled. They sure were disappointed that there wasn't another day today. Boo Hoo!

However, they did get to do some crafting over the weekend and worked on a Valentine's wreath for the door.

We took an old grapevine wreath and whitewashed it and then glued lots of pink and fuschia roses on one end. Not sure what ribbons will be going opposite of the flowers as yet but its pretty striking as it is.

I'm back & a quick recipe for Taco Seasoning!

2008-01-26T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

Sorry it's been a busy couple weeks. Back to school after Winter break for the monkeys and then a week of the stomach flu this past week. Just a quick line or two and a promise to be more diligent to post more frequently.

Anyway on to the promised Taco Seasoning recipe!

Tastes almost exactly like store bought but fresher and lower sodium!

Ingredients for approx a lb. of ground meat (Beef,chicken, or turkey)

1 Tbs Chili Powder
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Onion Powder
1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (decrease to 1/8 tsp for kid's recipe or for those who don't prefer a little zing)
1/4 tsp Oregano (dried)
1/2 tsp Paprika
1 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
1/2 tsp Ground Sea Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper

I grind up sea salt & the crushed pepper flakes in a Molcajete (Mexican Mortar/Pestle) before combining.

Tip: easier to make a double batch and store 1/2 for your next batch.

Enjoy!

This week's frugal crafty project. Simple Knit Harry Potter Scarf w/ Pattern

2008-01-06T19:44:00.002-08:00

My Harry Potter fan just HAD to have a

Gryffindor scarf. Here is the finished project and

simple directions/materials for you to make your own.

I used Red Heart Super Saver 7 oz skeins (as they were on sale for $1.99) in the following colors:
Claret & Gold. You may use whatever colors or 4 ply yarn you wish with this pattern.

I will post pix/pattern for hat as soon as I can find time to make one.

Knit Harry Potter Scarf Pattern:

US size 7 double point needles
1 Crochet hook size J or thereabouts for affixing fringe when done
4 ply worsted weight yarn in 2 colors approx 4 oz each color, or 7 oz of each if you wish to make matching hats/mittens to accompany your scarf.

Gauge 5 stitches = approx 1" in width.
15 rows = approx 1 1/2 inches in length

Finished dimensions: 4" wide X 56" long (plus fringe)

Final materials cost: $3.98 plus tax! I even have yarn enough left for a hat and mittens!

Start w/ darker color (claret.) Cast on 40 stitches, join and work in the round.
Work 20 rows and change color to gold. Continue 20 rows in each color block. I made a total of 19 sections. Cast off. I used a 3 needle cast off so I had a finished edge. You can find directions to do that here: http://www.knitpicks.com/content/index.php/cat/binding-off/
Sew Cast on side neatly together.

Optional: fringe. I used a 12 inch ruler and wound yarn around 5 times total and then made 5 fringes per side. 3 of the dark (both ends and middle) and 2 of the lighter color in between.
You can find how to for fringe here: http://www.ehow.com/how_14822_knit-scarf.html

Tips: Always start and end in the darker color. You can make your color blocks larger or smaller and scarf wider or narrower if you prefer. This was sized this for a 10 year old.

Pattern is offered free for all to enjoy.

So, please no reselling of this pattern.

Happy knitting!

Lilly and the Kingdom of theThree Purple Moons - an ongoing story by Super Elise

2008-01-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

Chapter One

My name is Nina, I am 8 years old and I love all school activities.

This is my story…

There was a school play today.

I was cast as the most magical fairy.

The play was a great success.

Then, after I went to sleep that night following my performance…

“Wake up protector of the forest.” said a voice in my ear.

“Who are you?” I said, certain I must be asleep.

“My name is Lilly, and I am the Guardian of the Kingdom of the
Three Purple Moons.”

“This must be a dream!” I said, to which Lilly said “No it is not!”

“Well then, tell me more.” I said, as I sat on the edge of my bed.

Lilly said “You are one of three protectors of the Kingdom.
Without your help we could be gone forever, Nina!”

“I was in a play today and I was a Fairy.
The teacher said there was something about me that
made me perfect for that role."

Before I could open my mouth Lilly said "We must hurry to the kingdom as time is running out.
I will tell you all about the forest as we are traveling there." Lilly took my hand and away we flew out the window into the starry cold night.

To be continued...

Jasper my trusted sidekick

2007-12-31T16:46:00.001-08:00

Here is my dog, Jasper fooling around in big sister's costume. Naughty Jasper! He always plays around in everything! His super dog catch-phrase is Moo... moo... moo... moo... bark! Silly puppy!:)

Super Elise dressed for battle!

2007-12-31T16:42:00.000-08:00

Here I am ready to battle those evil-doers. Better watch out bad guys!

Extra blonde cat moments

2007-12-30T23:12:00.001-08:00

New Year... New Blog Launched!

2007-12-30T21:06:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a Merry Yule & Happy New Year to all!

Welcome fellow travelers. We have decided to launch a blog to document our journey to live well economically and earth consciously. Hopefully, we can all share some tips and help save the planet at the same time.

We reside in cheery REPO HELL or, Mid-Michigan, home to the highest unemployment rate in the USA... Where the smart folks are all abandoning ship and heading West. Hi Ho!

First, let me introduce ourselves. We are a typical economically challenged family for this area with 3 dogs, 3 cats, & 3 kids. Budget is always tight, and we have learned how to take advantage of some of the local recycling groups and resale businesses to accomplish our projects. New is always nice but free is better.

We will be posting some tips on recycled products and where to locate them for remodeling or restoration of your home. As owners of a lovely 1920's home with children and pets there is ALWAYS something to paint, fix or replace here.

The New Year arrives in less than 24 hours!

The weather is a crisp 27 degrees and another inch of so of snow is on the way.

Party fixin's are all purchased and ready to go. The children are excited to have their "champagne" chilling, and may even stop playing Guitar Hero III long enough to watch the ball drop in New York.

Even our cardinals are back again after a short exodus and I will try and get a pix of them soon.

May you all have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Mary