In Full Bloom for Epiphany!

While Walking Over a Bridge

McAleer Creek was rushing today, bringing down the blue of the clear afternoon sky.

Winter Fruit

She knew it was blooming long before she saw it. The scent of witch hazel wafted up the hill and greeted her as she descended. What a welcome fragrance even in such a mild winter.

Upstart Winter

The keeper is committed to walking and thinking these early days of winter before she begins her new work. The afternoon was perfect for a 90 minute paseo down to the lake. The finches are out feasting, the streets are quiet even though school is not in session, and people her age are also out walking. It seems the winter cherry trees will blossom soon and the lilac, camellia and rhodies are gearing up. As Denise tells us, "So much is in bud."

More Blooms

The Paper Whites are slowly blooming, and its still Christmastime, so they are right on schedule!

A New Year Visit With Reverend Mother

We stayed home yet again and were grateful for a chance to sleep after our wild doings last night.  On the other hand, the keeper left for yes, church, again. She was reading. After Church she met her friend MKD and they drove to West Seattle to visit the Reverend Mother who was in rare form. After 90 minutes of laughing and relaxing, they headed for home. But first they had to pose with the stuffed reindeer greeting everyone in the lobby.  There was a debate about whether this was a moose, a caribou, or a reindeer, but they learned that a reindeer is part of the caribou family, and in fact, this is a reindeer. We are happy that she didn't bring him home. 

New Year Gala

While we broke into the catnip and invited friends in, the keeper ended up back at church  for an incredible New Year's Concert. We understand that she and J got so involved in a conversation about poets and writers that they lost track of time.  But they arrived with the minutes to spare, with incredible seats waiting for them--full view of the guest pianist's hands.  It was quite a beautiful night, ending with dessert and champagne.

She was very late in returning to us, which gave us ample time to clean up after our guests left.  She didn't even seem to notice when she arrived home at 2:30.