December Photo-a-day, day 2

Peace

 

December Photo-a-day, day 1

 8 o'clock

Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Or not.

Ok, so I've decided that I'll pick one picture to share on my FB page, and add a few more here on my blog.  Hey, why not, there aren't any rules, right?  So here are a few others I took right at 8 o'clock.

Leaving Sycuan...after making a sizable donation to the casino.

Mom...

December and a challenge....

Here we are in December. ALREADY.

My blog stunk in November.  I don't know why, I just wasn't motivated. I guess there were a million reasons...none of which you really want to hear. So I just say that I'll make a better effort this month. 

I saw this little challenge - a "Photo a Day in December" challenge that I'm going to take. Here is the list of what we are challenged to post.  I hope you can read it.

 

Here is how you play...

 



Playing along with photo a day is super easy:
♥ Check out the December photo a day list.
♥ Each day look at the daily prompt and take a photo according to whatever the prompt is. For example for day 1 the prompt is 8 o’clock. So, take a photo of whatever you’re doing at 8am or 8pm. It’s a great way to see what everyone is doing at that time, where ever they are in the world.
♥ Once you’ve taken the photo it’s time to share it. There are loads of places you can share it: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Tumblr, Pinterest, Flickr or where ever you like to play online.

What do the prompts mean?

There are no rules when playing along with photo a day, you can be creative as you like! Interpret the prompt as you please. For those that need a little help, some more details about each prompt are below:
1. 8 o’clock: Take a photo at whatever you’re doing at 8am or 8pm.
2. Peace: What does peace look like for you? Or take a photo of a peace sign.
3. Something you held: a child, your phone, a gift, a shopping bag – anything!
4. Black + white: Use a black + white filter on a photo of your choice, or take a photo of something black and white.
5. Looking up: Get down on the ground and take a photo from down low, looking up.
6. From where you live/your country: Take a photo of something from your country – a flag, something unique, a traditional dish, or something a little bit more common.
7. Stars: Take a photo of the stars at night, or stars you see around the place during the day.
8. Someone you love: At this time of year we’re often catching up with loved ones. Take a photo of someone you love. If you’re not seeing a loved one today – take a photo of a photo – or get creative.
9. Out + about: Whatever you do today, take a photo while you’re doing it.
10. Under: Take a photo of something {anything!} under something.
11. Sweet: Take a photo of something sweet {food or not!}
12. Hat: Take a photo of a hat. If it’s cold – perhaps a beanie. If it’s hot, perhaps a sun hat.
13. Lights: Take a photo of some lights at night.
14. Something green: Find something green in your travels today and take a photo to share.
15. Outdoors: Get outside and snap something outside.
16. Something you made: Perhaps it’s just some toast, or something more extravagant. Shoot it.
17. On the floor: Look down and shoot something on the ground.
18. Makes you feel merry: What’s making you happy today? Shoot it.
19. Something beginning with ‘s’: Find something beginning with S and shoot it.
20. Weather: In some parts of the world it will be snowing, in others it will be REALLY hot. Share a photo that represents the weather where you are.
21. Tree: Take a photo of a tree {yes, we did this last month – but try and be creative!}
22. Decoration: It could be Christmas related, or a decoration in your home.
23. Joy is______: What makes your filled with joy? Take a photo.
24. Tradition/something you always do: What’s something you always do? A family tradition?
25. Lunchtime: If you celebrate Christmas – take a photo of what you’re doing at lunchtime {traveling, partying, opening gifts, laughing, drinking}. If you don’t celebrate Christmas – share what you did at lunchtime.
26. Mess: Take a photo of a mess. Or a lack of one if you’re that way inclined.
27. How you relax: How do you like to chill out? Read a book, lay on the beach? Take a photo.
28. Cold: Take a photo of something cold.
29. Hot: Take a photo of something hot.
30. Something that made you smile this year: Reflect on the year gone by and find something made you smile.
31. Self-portrait: Take your last selfie for the year. If you’re partying, take a photo with friends. If you’re having a quiet night in, take a photo of what you’re doing. Self-portraits don’t have to be obvious. I like very abstract ones – feet are an easy way to take a photo of yourself.

If you are going to play, be sure to leave me a comment so I know to hope over to your blog and take a look - or let me know if you will be following and playing along on FB.

Since I didn't see this until after 8am this morning, my first post will be from 8pm tonight.  Stay tuned!

My Fur Babies

Just a couple of sweet pictures from this morning, cause I felt like it.

 

Jack 

 Harley

Kona

 Jill

Thanksgiving

While I have been doing my best to put on a happy face, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I've been struggling with things lately. I know it's natural, and "comes with the territory" but that doesn't make it any easier.

This November has been full of milestones, some good, some tough. The obvious first, it's the first Thanksgiving without my Dad. It's been a rough morning to say the least. This is how I remember seeing my Dad on Thanksgiving days from my childhood - apron on, carving the turkey, and giving the "snibbles" to our little dog Corky.

 This was taken in 1975.  In my mind, Dad and Corky are enjoying another Thanksgiving together today. 

 

We made a visit out to the cemetery this morning. It was a beautiful. Dad loved pumpkin pie - I couldn't bring him a slice, so instead I brought him a mini pumpkin.  It seemed somehow appropriate.

Another milestone is that this is the first time ever that I won't be seeing my son on Thanksgiving.  With his schedule being the way it is, and him being so far away, we just couldn't justify flying him home for such a short time and such crazy airline ticket prices. It sucks, big time. I'm just very happy that he has someone to spend the day with. It makes it bearable.

My Mom went to Texas to visit with my brother and his family this year.  I don't blame her - I know it's good for her to get a change of scenery. We've always celebrated Thanksgiving at her house.  Not this year, this year is different. This year we are going to the home of some dear friends who were kind enough to invite us, knowing that it was a tough year for me.  Thank you Ron and Carol, I love you both!

I can only think of one other time that we weren't "home" for Thanksgiving...it was five years ago exactly.  We were on a Hawaiian Island cruise with our entire family. We had our Thanksgiving feast on the ship. It wasn't home cooking, but it was wonderful with all of us together.  We were celebrating my parent's 50th anniversary.

It's memories like these that I find myself most thankful for today.

I hope each and every one of you is having a wonderful day, and making memories with your loved ones that will last a lifetime.

"Street Walkers"

Been wondering where I've been? I've been out with the Walkers! We cheered them on all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Wondering what this is all about? Check this out - then stay tuned for pictures to be posted of some of my favorite moments from the weekend. San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

Serious Business

Kona takes his therapy visits very seriously. Can't you tell?

He's watching intently for anyone who walks in that might have a spare hand to pet him with...

 "Kona, sit nicely for the camera..."

"Hey, can you look this way please?"

 "How about a smile?"

 We got to visit with Cheryl Cox, the Mayor of Chula Vista. Still that serious look on his face. No mess'in around when is comes to elected officials...

But it was all smiles when we stopped by G-Ma's house on the way home. 

 I don't know who was happier to see who!