Kittens named Mittens

I must be crazy. Sassy has been begging for a kitty and I've put her off up 'til now, but her BFF works at a pet store and gifted her with one of their new kittens as a birthday gift. I was in a fog from another nasty cold when she called so clearly not in my right mind. It's a he, only a few weeks old so itty bitty, mostly black and his name is Mittens (Mitt for short) because he has white paws. The name was my idea ... I have a feeling Sassy threw me a bone because I finally said yes. We introduced him to Sookie and he took to her right away, but she could not have cared less. This could be interesting.

New addition

Maximus is the name of Sassy's new car. It's too cold for a picture, sorry. "Max" is a 2000 Nissan Maxima we bought at a car auction two weeks ago. It was quite an experience - great people watching, long, fun and comfort zone testing all in one. Max is a little rusty on the outside, but a great runner and all the modern conveniences on the inside. We've had to invest in a few updates such as brake pads and CV boots - thank goodness we know people who do that stuff. Welcome to the family Maximus :) Remember Sassy, oil changes required!

Lord Philip Sucks

You know what I mean if you watch Downton Abbey. Here's a good recap of last night's episode ... click here if you watch or want to know more, else feel free to go about your life.

Friendship Friday

My friend Mrs. M and I haven't been able to make our regular NYC runs the last couple of years so we've made a few Friday Friendship "dates". In December we spent the entire day in Hudson, WI. Great shopping - my favorites were Knoke's Chocolates and Grapevine Interiors - good eats and a lot of fun. I must go back to Urban Olive & Vine - I'm still dreaming about the Autumn Salad made of romaine, spinach, roasted beets, red onion, apples, cranberries, goat cheese, candied nuts and raspberry poppyseed dressing. Yum! Last week we stayed close to home, meeting at a local pub for lunch (great fish & chips), manicure and pedicure.

We get a little silly when we're together - this is evidence from our December trip.

Wonder what we'll do next ?!

Spirited

In true Better Late Than Never fashion, I thought I'd provide an update on Christmas. I got the spirit just in time and that was a gift in and of itself. We had a wonderful time with Hubby's family ... eating, sharing, gifting and playing our new fave game Apples to Apples. Sassy had Chrismas music playing from her iPhone and the house smelled yummy. It was one of the best ever! I received two gifts from my wish list on Christmas Eve ... Rabbit wine bottle opener and Desserts in Jars book. I was super surprised and look forward to using both. I was even more surprised to receive Twirl perfume from cherubs and Kindle from Hubby on Christmas Day. Though gifts are nice, I know they are merely a material representation of love and care. I am truly blessed.

Choices

RIP Golden Dragon. Cause of death: motor fried because the driver didn't put oil in it (known oil leak).

I needed a new obsession for spending (wasting) time on my month off so started watching Breaking Bad. I'd heard good things about it and once again discovered I am late to the party. How was I not watching this awesome show for the past 4-5 years? Hubby and I are finishing season 4 now and anxiously awaiting the release of the first half of season 5 to catch up completely before the last half (and final season of the series) this summer.

Each of these has me thinking about a quote regarding consequences I once wrote down but can no longer find so don't know the source or accuracy ~

When you make bad choices, it is likely bad things will happen.
When you make good choices, it is less likely bad things will happen.

In Remembrance

Someone dear has passed. While we didn't have a deep friendship, we had a wonderful time whenever our paths crossed no matter how brief. I would describe her as vivacious, funny, sweet and courageous. She reached out to me in the midst of battling her own cancer to apologize for being "absent". She thought my strength through Hubby's accident and subsequent life changes was remarkable and all I could say back was "ditto". I posted the following poem on her CaringBridge site - it's one of my favorite poems.

In Rememberance

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am a diamond glint on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awake in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight
I am the soft stars that shine on night
Do not stand by my grave and cry
I am not there I did not die

Mary Frye – 1932