Waiting Out the Storm

This afternoon we all watched with dismay as the BIG FAT SQUIRREL bested us yet again and dismantled the "squirrel -proof "suet holder and took the remaining quarter section in his teeth and scampered away. This is a highly gifted family of squirrels, we would say. But we had hung another suet holder over our non-existent deck, where the only way the squirrel could approach was by flying. But the winged creatures didn't seems to approach it either. Imagine our delight this afternoon to see this lovely little winged creature not only stopping for a bite or two, but also waiting out some of the wind gusts. He seemed happy to ride the feeder as it swung back and forth.

Swedish Field Trip

Today the keeper left us in the late morning,not for the gym, but for what she called a field trip. She wanted to find the shelves she needed to redo her bedroom. She was sure she would find them, order them, and come home quickly. Ha! She told us that she was almost giddy with anticipation driving into the mecca's parking lot. But after about 30 minutes inside she was wishing she had brought someone with her--someone who is handy and who is creative and who is practical. She didn't even order any shelves, but brought home a whole bunch of other stuff. She said she decided to order the rest from the sanctuary of our cottage where she can think more clearly. But she said she was so hungry by the time she checked out several hours later, she had a slice of pizza which didn't seem particularly Swedish, but tasted pretty good anyway.

Sabbatical Soup

The keeper is on a Sabbath break between positions for several weeks. She is hanging around with us a lot more than usual.  She reads a lot. And writes. We hear we will have some inside home improvements soon which will involve a trip to IKEA. Stay tuned. She also did something she never does except when there is a long snow holiday--she made soup! Tonight's soup involved kale, squash, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese rinds, and  wheat berries.  It was delicious, we hear.  We weren't interested in it--no fish or fowl in it.

Fare Thee Well, Yule

Tonight the keeper brought in the boxes from the garage. They were all labeled "Christmas" and we realized she wasn't waiting for the weekend. So, file this photo for Christmas 2013. The living and dining rooms look like Ordinary Time already. However, we all decided that it indeed was a very fine Christmas 2013. Good night, Yule. 

The Deluge

The keeper had just returned from the gym when the skies opened and dumped a whole river on our heads. We decided this was not the day to take our tree and outside lights down.  We might make it to Baptism of the Lord before we dare take anything down. We reminded the keeper that we should be grateful that we are not with our family and friends in Minnesota where it is too cold to step outside.

Because I love you....

It's the beginning of Downton Abbey season. We were perched on our chairs, ready!
We loved the Dowager Countess's conversation with Mary that helped her walk out of her dark place.

Why We Love Living Here

This morning the keeper presided at a funeral on Queen Anne Hill. It went well, we hear. When she came home she left us for a long walk to the lake where she just beheld beautiful sights in the chilly sun.  We were happy to stay inside and behold the squirrels and little birds fighting over the suet from our bedroom window perches. Mount Rainier was mysteriously wrapped in blue.

Later she headed downtown to the Cathedral for Epiphany.  She almost was late because she wanted to stop and sigh at the sun setting  and the sights of the city wrapped in gold and purples. But made it she did, and she was so happy to hear words about the undocumented, the poor, the migrants. It was a very lovely liturgy, she said. She has missed seeing her 5:30 crowd.