Rabbit Run Cottage: 2006

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Belated Wishes For Leona

I hang my head and then I say, Oh Leona, I must pay..

my dues for being very late, to send a greeting on the date...

that you were born, yes it's true. Still, you're a kid compared to Sue!

She crafts and sews and decorates, cooks up a storm and fills the plates...

of 3 cute kids and husband Len, then blogs a bit, with us again!

Happy Belated Birthday Leona!

Happy New Year To You All

From all of us at Rabbit Run Cottage, to all of you, may

this be a year filled with good health,

laughter, friends and family. We wish you work that

satisfies you, time to relax, a warm home, love &

hugs by the dozen. We hope you find

great pleasure in life's simple things & the

ability to always believe in yourself.

We will pray that you feel peace of mind,

a calm spirit and pure joy of heart.

See the magic that surrounds you.

Life is filled with moments to

savor and remember...

Be good to

yourself, be good to

those around you

and enjoy your year

in all it's wonderous glory!

Happy Birthday RaNae!

Today RaNae is 42, she says that's old but she's younger than Sue!

Her husband Doug is mighty neat, he can blog pretty well, that's no small feat!

They have 2 furballs, oh so cute. Bless their hearts! They're sweet to boot!

RaNae can knit most anything, thrift like a demon, cook and sing!

I'm hopin' she will see this ditty, down Texas way folks say "She's pretty!"

So happy birthday my blogging friend, may your celebrations never end!

Have a happy day RaNae!

One of the things that I love best about the Christmas holidays is that we always get together with our friends and family. A LOT! It is a mardi gras of lunches and dinners and sharing and talking and laughing with so many friends and our families...

Today we met our dear buddies Terri and Rick for lunch. Good food, good chatter and lots of smiles. As you can see, Grace and Terri like each other just a little bit!

Terri filled a wonderful basket with goodies, sweet angel things and her handmade candles for us. Everything was wrapped up so pretty in a neat Americana basket! Very special...just like her!

After lunch we headed back home and picked up one of our four legged sons. Kipper LOVES going to Grandma's and we were all invited for dinner. We ran a few errands, took a little drive and then headed to Mom's.

My brother, sis in law and The Booman were there too. More great food, laughs and chatter.

I think that Grace ate enough for 4 girls her age! She loves her Grandma's cookin' that's for sure!

This is our Kipper helping Bill drive "over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go!" Okay, so it's more like "down the interstate and around the condos" but you get the idea don't ya? Mom has the cutest Santa and Mrs. Claus set and Boo thinks they are pretty keen. He always brings them into the family room with us. He set them up in his Grandma's chair & I caught him giving Mrs. C. *the eye*!

A happy Kip

Mom's doggie, Abby. She is so sweet and loves Kip. They are great friends.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

The End Of The Year List...

End of the Year List

I have been challenged. Never one to totally run from

a challenge (Okay, I usually squeal and flee as quickly as possible but...)

Let's see....

1. What did you do in 2006 that you had never done before?

Had a real, no kiddin' pedicure. Very cool. Sorry, were you looking for something profound?

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Not totally and no. I am just going to work on being the best

person I can be, continue to trust easily, love deeply, give all I can to others

and to be kinder to myself. Oh, that and getting another pedicure. It was WAY cool!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My hairdresser had twins girls in October!

Our neighbors had a little girl in October

and beginning in late January, I have the pleasure

of becoming her daytime caregiver!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully no. Oh wait. There was this one

Peace Lily plant that I had grown rather fond of. Still, she and

I were not all that close when I think about it.

5. What countries did you visit?

England, France, Italy, Ireland, Russia...huh? Oh. Dreaming doesn't count?

Aw gee...

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?

Bill working locally! Driving me crazy

and under foot all the time! Losing his keys and

leaving his socks on the floor...okay,

maybe NOT the socks on the floor...

7. What dates will remain etched in your memory and why?

Well, Bill took me to this fabulous restaurant...oh. Not THAT sort of date.

Hmm...I am really bad at remembering dates. And figs.

Grapes and pomegranates I remember but dates? Never.

8. What's your biggest achievement of the year?

Not falling apart when Bill left to work in VA

and being able to juggle home, family and

life while he is away. Yes, I had some experience in

that prior to this year thanks to the US Navy but I

never expected it to happen in the civilian world.

Oh well...stuff happens right?

We bend...we morph...we adjust.

We whine, we fuss, we curse. Then we adjust again.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I lost at Wimbledon, crashed at Indy and struck

out at The World Series. Other than that...well, I normally

would have quite the list to rattle off but

guess what! I have learned to be kinder

and gentler with myself recently.

If I try something and it does not

go my way, at least I tried.

Each day is a new learning opportunity right?

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing important. Oh wait. My ego was bruised quite

a bit this year but I feel much better now!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My camera.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My nephew's continued improvement with his motor

skills. We are still working on speech but he is amazing us each day!

Dan's excellent work ethic and Grace's new found ability to trust us completely.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?

My table manners could use a tweaking...are you

trying to tell me something? Huh?

14. Where did most of your money go?

College fees and kid's clothes and airline tickets

to bring Bill home every 3 weeks. Well, then there were all those

fake Rolex watches I bought from street vendors.

15. What did you get really really excited about?

Beginning my blog and re-kindling my love of art and

writing and photography. Well, that and being chosen

the winner of this season's American Idol.

Huh? That wasn't me?

Sheesh...are you sure?

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?

The entire soundtrack to "High School Musical" which

Grace plays ad nauseum...but hey. It's fun!

Didn't I sing those songs on American

Idol? No? Are you SURE?

17. Compared to this time last year are you more hopeful?

Yes, of course. As long as the sun rises each

day, there is reason to have faith. Am I right or am I right?

18. What do you wish you had done more of?

Read just for pleasure & been easier on myself. My self esteem took

a big hit this year but I have pulled myself up by the boot straps

and shook most of it off. I ain't too bad after all. Feel free

to remind me of that occasionally! Not that I am groveling or anything...

19. What do you wish you had done less of?

Listening to criticism and allowing it to make me doubt my own heart.

20. How will you be spending New Year's Eve?

With good friends and family, dining at our favorite

Chinese restaurant, then back home to snuggle, watch

a movie and just be together.

21. Did you fall in love in 2006?

Again and again...with the same man. Just don't tell Bill. Okay, so he knows.

I passed him a note after study hall.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

If it was not on the Disney Channel, I never saw it!

Okay, I will admit to being an HGTV/Food Channel

junkie. It's just about all I watch!

Well, that and That's So Raven/The Suite Life Of Zak

and Cody/Hannah Montana...have I mentioned Grace's

adoration of all things on the Disney Channel?

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

What an awful question! Who writes these lists?

I do not hate *anyone*, this year or last.

Yes, I have had some dealings with people who

made me uncomfortable

or who hurt my feelings or sheesh! Hate? This old world

is far too full of that already...

24. What was the best book you read?

Marley and Me

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

IL Divo and The Ten Tenors

26. What did you want and get?

A new van, which, by the way, has been nicked

and dinged and is not so showroom fresh anymore! But is oh so

comfortable now that *she* is broken in...

27. What did you not want and not get?

An Oscar? An Emmy? The win on American Idol?

Darn that Paula...she had it in for me.

28. What was your favorite film this year?

The Queen

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

I was 50 this year and my birthday month was

full of sweet celebrations both small and large.

Did I just admit to turning 50? Argh...

30. What one thing would have made your year more satisfying?

More time with my husband...but you

take what you are given and squeeze

all the joy you can out of that time.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion in 2006?

Shabby Chic with emphasis on the shabby. Comfortable and shabby.

32. What kept you sane?

A team of psychologists at my disposal 24/7...nah...my

friends, my blog, my blog friends, my pets and my family.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the least?

Oh, where would I begin...that list would be overwhelming to undertake.

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.

That God is in total control and will not lead me astray! Giving up total control in some areas of my life are easier for me than others but I continue to work hard at allowing Him to lead me in the direction He feels is best. Not an easy lesson but I am learning and listening. With an open heart.

I also learned to trust myself, my heart. Listen to your

inner voice. Do not allow yourself to be unduly criticized and made to feel as if your choices are not best. Only YOU know what is best for YOU.

Clifton Mill

If this magical spot does not bring out the inner child in a

person...well, it just has to! Even old Scrooge himself would

dredge up a giggle or three here.

It's Only 360 Days Till Christmas! Start Your Planning Early!

Okay, okay. But it DID get your attention didn't it? Now, calm down and breathe. You still have time...359 days to be exact! Now, get crackin'! Or not. Yeah, I'll hush about it for now! But you just wait! 350 days from today I will be warning you! Soooo, how was YOUR day? I hope it was a sweet one. We had a fine one here in the Midwest. The sun came out and it was warm! Well, by late December standards. Really enjoyable. We had neighborhood visitors at Rabbit Run Cottage this afternoon and we always enjoy that. Then Grace's best friend, Miss M, came to play. Those 2 girls can just giggle and twinkle and sparkle for hours. It is a hoot to listen to them. At 4 pm we picked up Mom and she, Bill, Grace, Miss M and I headed to our favorite pizza place, Marion's. There waiting were 3 of my oldest (no age cracks now) and dearest friends. We shared pizza, Cokes, laughter and stories. Sadly, someone was missing! My sweet buddy M's husband was really feeling ill today and had stayed home to rest. We all knew she was concerned but did not wish to disappoint us. (I told you she was sweet!) She checked in with him and he was feeling worse...she left to be with him and called later to say he was still quite ill but did not wish to see a doctor. We gave her assurances that we were there to help if needed (I think they already knew that!) and would be thinking about them. C. is not a complainer at all (Like my Bill) so for him to say "I feel ill" means he is feeling horrifically rough. We are thinking about him tonight and praying he will feel better for New Year's Eve. Heck, just feel better as soon as can be dear C.! Now, why is it so hard for some to admit they are ill? And why are these people usually men? Hmmm? Just asking dear Bill...yeah YOU! He and C. are so much alike. Bill will never admit to feeling bad. He soldiers through when he should just wave the white flag and stay in bed. Silly man. Even with worry about C., being with M., P., and T., is always so special to me. I never take these times for granted. I am so lucky and am blessed that they love my family too. Heck, they even like me, warts and all. After we made our plans for New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day (Yes, early I know but we needed to check dates and times with everyone) we all headed out. Our little group decided to take a drive and ended up in Yellow Springs and Clifton, Ohio. Oh how I love Yellow Springs...always have. Some of the greatest little shops filled with unique treasures and delights. Superb restaurants and a fantastic movie house. Oh, and Uncle Fub's Toy Shop. The smallest store filled to the brim with all manner of fun and frolic! Just beyond Yellow Springs lies Clifton. A tiny, sweet place that has an amazing old mill. During the holiday season, it magically springs to life. Thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights, a tiny, animated village, a stupendous Santa Claus collection, hot chocolate and apple cider. Not a bad combination eh? The girls had the best time...that animated village alone could keep you busy looking for hours! Well, it's late and Bill, Kip, Lucy and Henry all have a huge head start on snoring so I need to catch up! Stay well and enjoy your Saturday.

Friday, December 29, 2006

Thursday Busy-ness With Family & Some Pig

My brother and sis in law's home. It is an old farmhouse on what was once a large dairy venture. The land was turned into a subdivision years and years ago but this house remains. Really pretty inside and out.

Something else that is pretty inside and out...

Go ahead Boo! Whack that Mole!

"Haley" always runs to greet her *Uncle* Bill. She is a kissing fool! A boy and his dog...

Grace and 2 of her biggest fans

"Some Pig" and his devoted friend

We had a busy Thursday but a nice one. Errands and drips and drabs that needed to be done.

We picked up Mom at 2 pm and dashed over to see "Charlotte's Web". How delightful is this film!

I am a great fan of E.B. White and this charming book is an absolute favorite.

E.B. White once wrote..."in real life, a spider doesn't spin words in her web . . . But real life is only one kind of life—there is also the life of the imagination. And although my stories are imaginary, I like to think that there is some truth in them, too—truth about the way people and animals feel and think and act."

This film, like the book, is so sweet and pure. Loyalty, devotion, kindness, friendship, keeping one's promise...all are here to be savored.

We can believe in miracles. As Farmer Zuckerman says in his speech at the fair, we need to have eyes that are able to see miracles when they happen in the midst of our ordinary days.

"Darkness settled over everything. Soon there were only shadows and the noises of the sheep chewing their cuds, and occasionally the rattle of a cow-chain up overhead. You can imagine Wilbur's surprise when, out of the darkness, came a small voice he had never heard before. It sounded rather thin, but pleasant. "Do you want a friend, Wilbur?" it said. "I'll be a friend to you. I've watched you all day and I like you."

—Charlotte's Web

We met Bill's brother and his family for dinner. It is always nice to get together, talk and visit with the boys. Our youngest nephew helped Grace learn some of the *finer* points to her new Nintendo DS Lite!

Unfortunantly, forgetful Sue left her camera behind! Take my word for it, the boys are getting so tall & handsome!

Then it was off to visit my brother and sis in law. Our youngest nephew, "The Booman", was concentrating on one of his new toys, a "Whack A Mole" game! He was really getting the hang of it!

Where was old Dan? On a date! You didn't expect him to pass that up did you? We did all have breakfast together this morning. French Toast and sausage was the requested meal. No photos allowed! Bed head was rampant! Really! It was shocking!

Just an ordinary day...but filled with the miracle of family.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

5 For Friday Fun Quiz

5 For Friday Fun Quiz

1. What TV show have you seen every episode of?

2. What show makes you laugh until you cry?

3. What show do you wish had not been cancelled?

4. If you could have just one television show running constantly,

which show would it be?

5. Who is your favorite TV character, either past or present?

1. I Love Lucy

2. I Love Lucy

3. I Love Lucy

(Hey! I would still watch! Can't you just

picture Ricky and Fred and Ethel and Lucy

in a home for scrappy seniors? Okay.

VERY senior seniors.

VERY, VERY, VERY seniors?

Well, it IS possible isn't it? Well?

Okay, lie to me, humor me!

I cry very easily you know.)

4. I Love Lucy

5. Lucy McGuillicuddy Ricardo

I know, I know. You think I am a tad bit obsessed? Really? Nah. All I want to do is hop a train to NYC and visit the folks at 623 East 68th Street.

I want to go shopping with Mrs. Mertz and Mrs. Ricardo. We will look for hats! Hats that will impress even Carolyn Appleby! Ricky and Fred and Bill will complain about the prices we paid but they will soften by the time the credits roll. In fact, they will escort us down to the Tropicana wearing those hats! Oh what an evening we will have.

Dinner and dancing and listening to Ricky serenade us with "Babaloo"....

I just hope that Mrs. Trumball doesn't mind watching Grace while she sits for Little Ricky.

Tag! You are it!

New Year's Mice

Grace and I need to make something sweet for a little get together on Monday. I think this will be fun to do...

With their little chive tails, radish ears, and olive eyes, our hard-boiled eggs will be transformed into whimsical mice (that like to be served with wee wedges of cheese, if you please).

RECIPE INGREDIENTS: 1 Egg 1 Black olive 1 Radish 2 Fresh chives 1 Tiny Swiss cheese wedge 1. Place the egg in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 1 minute, then turn off the heat. Cover the saucepan and let the egg sit in the hot water for 12 minutes.

2. Once the time is up, run the egg under cold water to cool. Then ask your child to roll the egg on all sides to crack the shell. Peel under running water.

3. Slice the egg in half lengthwise. Place the halves yolk side down on a plate. (Alternatively, you can slice off a bit of the bottom of a peeled, hard-boiled egg so it can sit flat on a plate.) Slice tiny black olive "eyes" and radish "ears." Then make small slits in the egg halves for the eyes and ears and push in the olives and radishes. Add chive tails.

4. Serve the pair of egg mice with a wedge of cheese.

Makes 2 playful little mice.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

The Holiday

Okay. So I like sappy movies. Shoot me. But I do. And I liked this one. It is sappy and makes you feel good, and has just the right sort of peppermint tinged sweetness to make it perfect for the annual "Day after Christmas Flick" that my friends and I love. Each year we go see a movie. Some choices have been better than others but this was just fun. No heavy thinking,

no gore, no gut wrenching. Ahhhh.... 8 of us went, including my Mom and 2 husbands. Yes, to a sappy, romantic piece of fluff! And they did not complain. Major Brownie points were earned huh? But oh! Is it just me or is Kate Winslet absolutely luminous? And that house of hers. Oh my. Yeah, yeah. The one Cameron Diaz's character lives in has every bell and whistle known to man and is huge and glamorous and grand and knocks one's socks off. But Rosehill Cottage (as Kate's character's home is called) is just the sort of precious and perfect dream home I think about on snowy, sleepless nights.

Drafty? Probably. That's what fireplaces and down comforters are for!

I could curl up in it and stay there for ever...right there in that tin bathtub.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Christmas Comes But Once A Year

Santa was so very good to everyone here...

Grace made all her gifts this year. We got a hand painted plate and these sweet tree ornaments.

Kip seems tired. I wonder why? Oh! It was that 6:30am wake up call! Right!

Grace made Grandma a necklace and the bag to keep it in.

Gracie made a scrapbook of Boo's life (up to now!) for Jim and Lisa! Aunt Lisa said it was her favorite gift!

Boo got a new Thomas book....

Grace gave her brother a picture of her in pink (in front of that VS window!) with a signed mat..."You say I wear too much pink, this is some pink for you!" He loved it!

Mom loved her watercolor pictures of Santorini, Greece.

I love this...we were watching a new holiday movie and Boo reached over for his Dad's hand. The same gap mouthed looks? Must have been quite the flick!