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My 6th grader grandson has been a big help to me lately. He refused to let me pay him for his hard work. So yesterday after school we went to see this movie. I was not sure I'd like it but I must tell you it was amazing! We saw it in 3-D and the special effects were outstanding.

The story line has a great message too,... all about respect and honoring diversity. It shows how greed can cause heartbreak. If you haven't seen this film yet I highly recommend it, especially in 3-D.

Winter Saturday,...

This morning it is bright and sunny, a bit "crisp" at only 8° however! What does a person want for breakfast on a cold winter day? Why waffles, of course! (yes, I know that butter and bacon aren't that healthy,... but it's only once in a while!)

Looking Ahead....

As we sit here looking out at snow covered back yards and snow covered mountains my thoughts go to spring. Spring,... out in the woods the trillium will be blooming again! I am thinking about my 40' long flower box along the side of my house and the hardy flowers that grow there year after year. I think of what choices I will make for annuals to add bright spots of color. I think of the smell of the soil, the breeze in the pine trees and I can almost hear the birds singing!

What prompted me to think about spring? Jenny Matlock! Jenny's blog post today is about gardening and where she purchases much of her seeds and gardening supplies. To get us all in the mood she's hosting a "give-away"... the prize is a $50 gift certificate to The Tasteful Garden.

So visit both The Tasteful Garden and Jenny Matlock. You won't be disappointed. Thanks Jenny for visiting my blog. I followed the trail back to your blog and am now a follower, -- Just in time to join you as we both look ahead to spring!

Re-birth...

We've started a new year,... a re-birth.


And here at home I've been enjoying a re-birth of a different kind. On Columbus Day this past fall I lost my beloved camper in a freak accident on the interstate. No serious injuries, but both the tow vehicle and the camper were totalled.


December 28th I brought my new 2010 Rockwood camper home. It's the same floor plan and interior colors but overall it's nicer with more options.


For those who enjoy camping you will know what you are looking at... a full size frige! All the more room for ice cream!


The sofa-bed is much more comfy. This view shows the slideout in the "in" postion. After towing home on snowy roads I didn't want to abuse the mechanism which was covered with frozen slush.

I even bought a new rug and towels that match.


Now all I have to do is wait for spring. First camping trip will be Memorial Day weekend. Until then I'll just look at her and wish...

New Year Wishes for You,...

This New Year's Eve here on the hill is quiet and peaceful. JenJen is napping on the sofa hassock, I'm here in the recliner. Outside the daylight has faded into night.
My wish for you and all of yours, for my community and for our country and planet is peace, good health, and happiness. Welcome, 2010!

Bang, Bang,...The Bridge is Dead!...

Which 'ole bridge, ... the Champlain Bridge!

Shortly after 10 a.m. this morning the 80 year-old bridge descended into the history books. In 1929 the NY governor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was on hand to share in the dedication of the bridge. There was a parade with bands, floats, and many dignitaries. Until this past October the bridge continued to link the two states of Vermont and New York.

Vermonters drove to Ticonderoga, NY, to work at International Paper and New Yorkers drove to various jobs in Vermont. One farmer on the Vermont side owns land on both sides of the lake. The bridge closing has been a hardship on everyone. Kudos to those that have worked so hard to keep ferries going as winter deepens upon us.

So with a bang that was heard at my home miles away, it is now gone. If you want to view the demolition visit the NYS Department of Transportation website.

Goodbye old friend, you served us well until you were just too unsafe to continue. We look forward to the replacement due to be open for the summer of 2011.

Merry Christmas to Everyone,...

JenJen rests after opening her gifts!

From my home here on the hill to all of you, may you find peace, happiness and good health on this Christmas Day and in the year to come!