New Year's Day

There is a bit of a gloom around here today.  Last night we were watching "The Tudors" on DVD and saw Thomas More executed.  I think we should have watched something a bit more cheerful on New Year's Eve.  Now my husband is watching "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy" on cable.  It's a gloomy story with a gloomy tone.  No one smiles or laughs much in that movie.

My husband is a man with a cold.  You know what that's like.  He's in his bath robe, coughing, his usual bustling self nowhere in sight.  I am getting ready to go to the grocery to replenish supplies.  The weather is gloomy, too.  It's cloudy and colder than freezing.  I am all bundled  up, ready to go out and face it.

I am determined to lighten things up around here.  The Christmas decorations are still up, and I think it's good to leave for a while, as they are cheerful.  I will go out and soak up what little sun there is to be had.  Of course I am hoping for a happy new year and a visit to a sunny beach some time soon.  I hope it's sunny and cheerful where you are!

On New Year's Eve

My husband and I are staying at home this New Year's Eve.  We are not going out tonight because he is fighting a cold and I am getting over a kidney infection.  We are also expecting freezing rain so it's a good idea not to be out on the roads!  Rather than go to a restaurant, we are still eating leftovers from Christmas.  Exciting, isn't it?  It's going to be a quiet night here.  I think we will have to open a bottle of champagne though.

We are watching "The King's Speech".  It's an  uplifting movie, perfect for keeping my mind off what is (or isn't) happening in Washington.  Will we go over the "fiscal cliff"?  If I drink enough champagne I won't care.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2013!

A Timely Book

I have been reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.  I resisted reading it when I first heard about it because it didn't sound that interesting, with the protagonist being a quiet, simple Englishman.  I finally decided to buy it for my Nook because I was out of reading material.  I am pleased to discover that I am enjoying it very much.

I like the way the author writes.  It gives you the feeling of being inside Harold's head.  It's interesting to see how he reacts to people he meets along the way.  It's also interesting to see how his background story unfolds along the way, as his "secrets" are revealed a few at a time.  I think it appeals to me also because he is at a similar stage in life as I am, retirement age, looking back at life so far and uncertain about the future.  I wonder if it would appeal as much to a younger person.

I checked to see if there are any other books by this author so I could look for them, but it is her first novel.  I will be on the lookout for another one.

Recuperating

I'm recuperating from a kidney infection.  I went to the doctor and was given an antibiotic injection, and am now on oral antibiotics.  They must be working, I feel a lot better now.  My husband went to visit his family for a couple of days, so I am at home with my four cats.  It's quiet and relaxing around here.  I have the fireplace and all my pillows. My next door neighbors have told me they would help if I need anything.  So, I am fine.

Because my husband was laid off from his job, we have to make other arrangements for health insurance.  He is signing up for COBRA until he turns 65 and becomes eligible for Medicare.  Suddenly, the debate over Medicare in Washington has hit home for us.  It's confusing, with all the supplement plans and prescription plans from which to choose.  We are in the first wave of "baby boomers".  It's a whole new world for us!

The Day After...

Christmas was a lot of fun.  Family, food, presents.  Now I'm ready for a rest.  

Wish I could be here.  

Cats and Christmas

The tree is ready and the presents are all wrapped... finally.  My family is coming for dinner and gift exchanging tomorrow.

The cats seem drawn to the Christmas tree.  They have been lingering near it for days.  Of course, they like the windows too.  They can watch the feral cats who eat and hang out on the deck.  (If you look close, you can see their igloos out there.)

They seem to be intrigued by all the packages, too.

Tomorrow my family from Ohio and Michigan will be visiting here.  On Christmas day, we will be at my Kentucky sister's house with her Kentucky relatives.  Lots of celebrating to come!

Christmas Time at Home

I enjoy the lights and the decorations.  I spend a couple of weeks getting them all out and arranging them around the house.  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!