Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Chinese New Year



So first off- for every posting I make , know at this time there are probably 5 more in "draft" that life as I know it right now does not allow me to fully finish in order to post.  It is frustrating but it will not always be like this.  Here at Chestnut Hill we often/always try to celebrate not only the big Holidays but also the smaller, lesser known Holidays. It is something to make an otherwise dull day or week a little more exciting and is a great bonding experience. 
So last Monday was Chinese New Year.  Year of the Dragon and both Yoda and I were born in year of the Dragon.   We researched what animal each of us were born into.  Yoda had a lot of facts for us that he learned in school that day.  We celebrated with a table set in Red, Dragons and teapots and ate ordered out Chinese takeout. The most popular was steamed pork dumplings and Sesame Chicken.  It was a bit later dinner due to our work schedules that day. A fun time for all.  I think the Fortune cookies are often the best part.  The kids really look forward to that part.

Here are some of our Fortunes:

"Don't worry about the stock market. Invest in Family"
"Life is a series of choices. Today yours are good ones"
"Share your insights with close friends for rewards this week"
" Versatility is one of your outstanding traits" 
" Enthusiastic leadership gets you a promotion when you least expect it"

Friday, January 13, 2012

Winter arrives in 2012

snow on a spider web outside in the corner of the window
wind made the door look like this
stuck at teh end of driveway all day with in plows striking distance

bird bath needs to get plugged in but  the birds did get fed

love  how trees look all covered in snow.

love how snow drifts around various objects.





Tuesday, January 10, 2012

50 years young



And with a New Year is another Birthday for all.  January 2nd is the Scoutmasters Birthday aka dear husband . . . . he turned 50 this year and we celebrated on the quiet side after more than a week of holiday celebrations.  Brunch at his moms, special breakfast at home- Homemade sticky buns and Maple Bread pudding followed up at night with Brownies with nuts of course. Brunch was the day before.  Just so that you don't think we actually could consume all that in one day!!! If we did you could just roll us out . . . dinner was Sushi.  A special day for a special guy.  We are so glad he is here and that we get to spend every day with him !!! It enriches all of our lives.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Mid-Winter Sunset . . . .






This can be a rare sight in the mid-winter of Western NY when Snow clouds and snow typically dominate the sky.  Such a treat not to be missed.  So far we are not getting the snow we usually do but we are far from the end of the season so we think mother Nature still may have it in for us.  The best part is the driving and commuting on dry roads, it is really special!!!  They tell us that at the end of the week the winds of winter will be a changing . . .  . watch out! For now we'll enjoy a few more sunsets like this one.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Solstice Light post haste . . . .




THe solistice was of course last month about 12 days ago . . . hard to believe that it was that long ago, seems like just yesterday. So these are some of the light sources here at Chestnut Hill plus late day rare sunny moments.  You can see by the window greens that Hill living is very windy and makes it hard to have the green bows hang straight.  We are so looking forward to longer days and to sunny days. It can be so totally Gray this time of year. We'll take the "light" any way and any time we can get it. 

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year! Welcome 2012

Welcome 2012 we  welcome your new ideas, changing weather, new avenues that we explore. May we all be blessed with good health and happiness, work that makes us happy, good roof over our heads and food to make our tummy's full and time to help those less fortunate than we are. Enjoy your New Years day!