Stargazer

Halloween 2020-revamped

I'm impressed by how creative my neighbors are with candy chutes, and Halloween goody bag scavenger hunts in the yard for the trick or treaters. I did get dressed up and put on lipstick. Is that enough? :)

I am in my black leggings and red Star Trek shirt. No jokes that I'm a goner on any away mission, OK? It's a Next Generation shirt, as any true ST nerd knows. 

Here's how I'll actually look if anyone even comes to my door. Any of my local readers like Twix? (I do not)

I realized on my walk that only the red(north) side of the street is done, but the orange (south) side is still glorious. I love the light and shadow! 

The word "dappled" comes to mind, doesn't it? It looks like someone has lit the trees on fire. Today Sir Sean Connery died at the age of 90. Although I thought he was a great actor and very easy on the eyes (even in old age), I wasn't particularly sad. 90 is a good age and a long life. I lost two younger brothers at the ages of 16 and 24. My husband died of cancer at 59. So, 90 sounds like quite a gift. On the other hand, I have been weepy about the loss of an elderly blogger I've been following for a few years; she started her site to chronicle what it was like to age, then switched over to blogging about her gradual illness and death from pancreatic cancer. Although I generally comment a lot on blogs, I didn't on hers. I was intimidated by her excellent writing, wisdom and humor and felt like any comment I made would sound stupid or trite. I admired her for letting strangers share in such a personal and painful journey; I've always found writing to be cathartic and healing, so perhaps she did too. A friend of hers wrote a tribute to her, and at the end there were these words: I will leave you with knowing that she was ready. Just before she died, she said, "When you get here, it is really nice. I am not afraid." – Autumn  Rest in peace, Ronni. 

 

Trivialities

Last night I woke up to rain pounding on the roof; by the time I got up this morning the wind had cleared out the clouds. So, it was a blue sky day, but as I suspected, many of the colorful trees are now looking bedraggled. And bald in spots. 

There are a few maples (on the orange side of the street) that are still holding on. 

My late husband and I didn't plant any trees, but I still end up with TOO many of the neighbors' leaves. Tomorrow I'll mow the lawn, which is easier than raking!

Trivial can be just another word for normal and ordinary, which means that receiving my holiday soaps in the mail was the "excitement" of my day. Since I ordered them by description only, I then had to evaluate them by sniffing. Although none of them is my favorite, they are all decent. Vanilla bean Noel, supposedly a mix of fresh vanilla bean, warm caramel and sugar cookies doesn't smell like any of those elements. I guess it will be hiding out in the guest bathroom. ;)

When I remembered the brand new set of BBQ tools, never used by my late husband, I realized that I had the perfect way to distribute Halloween candy. With my mask on of course!

A friend sent me this photo of the admin and office staff of my former school dressing up for Halloween as the Wizard of Oz. My district hasn't allowed costumes for years, but since no students are there at the moment, it isn't a problem. While I was still working, I never got in trouble for wearing my Star Trek shirt/uniform, probably because it wasn't as distracting as these. :)  However, I do NOT miss being in the classroom on Halloween, the day after Halloween or Valentine's Day. Ugh. Update to yesterday's post: I got to watch a video of my darling grandson staring out the window at his first snowfall. Because of where he lives, I'm sure he'll see more. Undoubtedly too much more!

 

Countdown

For now, I'm trying not to wish away my days and the rest of this year; many people seem to be essentially writing off 2020 as a complete waste. I can't bring myself to do that; life is already too short, and we only get this one trip around the sun. Do others actually believe that 2021 will be magically better? Will all our issues and worries just disappear? Oh, how I wish that I could think that...

Happy National Cat Day! Mari likes to take over my chair, and wait for me to reclaim it. Lately, I've been spending too much time in this recliner watching the Great Australian Bake Off and fiddling around on the internet. Since the cat mostly adores me, she sits very close, usually on the arms of the chair. She isn't a scintillating conversationalist, but she is a comforting presence.  

My daily walks allow me to appreciate these colors while I still can. I doubt that the leaves will stay around too much longer.

This is the best my street will get; it's all downhill after this. Pretty soon, there will be a blanket of leaves on the ground and I'll need to be careful not to slip on them. They can be treacherous! Although I'm working on not counting down toward the election, Halloween is getting close; I haven't made any decision yet about how to handle it. Sigh. We also have our idiotic one hour time change (Fall Back) this weekend; twice every year I whine, vent and rant about the annoyance and futility of it. On a positive note, a Canadian friend sent me this fascinating article that compares Covid-19 numbers of their provinces to our states. In spite of my complaints about the behavior of some of my fellow Washingtonians, we are (at the moment) doing WAY better than most states. (#47) However, we really need to keep our current governor! wrings hands And it's certainly very clear that for its own safety, Canada must keep the border firmly closed. 

I'm still up in the air about the holidays, which is a horrible feeling. I wish it were easier and less risky to travel, then I could be counting down the days until I got to hug and kiss this joyful little guy. (after a quarantine of course) I love that a close friend made such a beautiful sweater for him! It'll keep Grandson nice and warm since where he lives, it's supposed to snow tomorrow. :) 

October Oranges

Finally, after those couple of cold nights, my favorite fall colors are showing, although nothing like last year. 2020 is a pale imitation of 2019 in so many ways. Hopefully, we'll start coming out of the pandemic in 2021, although it will definitely not go away "by magic." I wish. In fact, our numbers are trending the wrong direction, like most places. How is the situation where you are? It doesn't seem dire(yet) here in Washington because thankfully, we have an intelligent and science-based governor. I sure hope he gets re-elected, and NOT the deranged gun nut anti-mask sheriff from Eastern Washington! 

I was running, and looked up because a small plane was flying overhead. Then I stopped in my tracks for this picture. I often focus only straight ahead and eye level. I think it's why I'm so terrible at photos. The excellent photographers seem to change their position and viewpoint; they crouch, climb into trees, lie in the middle of the road, etc. I'm too unoriginal, and lazy. :)

Our fall palate here is mostly green and yellow. So, the flaming oranges and reds are my favorites. 

Believe it or not, there are still some blackberries, even red ones. It seems very late for them. 

(photo credit with permission: Vicki Michel) A former colleague and acquaintance took this picture from her deck. Look at those clouds! However, Mount Rainier looks much bigger to our eyes than to the camera. Why is that? Sadly, if you zoom in to make the mountain look as huge as it appears, you lose the gorgeous sky. My accomplishments lately have been few: I finished the Ellie Griffiths Dr. Ruth Galloway series. (love forensic archeology!) I talked to my brother about our concerns over Dad and wondered what we should/could do. I watched another few episodes of the Great Australian Bake Off Season 3. I attended Book Club today to discuss "Born a Crime" which was a fascinating read, and particularly pertinent for today's times. I fretted about the election and its possible aftermath. Obsessive worrying isn't really something to be proud of though, is it? 

Light and Shadow

We've come to that time of year when we're losing the light. Because we live in that space between day and night, we'll be further constricted by the limitations of the pandemic, which is (once again) becoming terrifying pervasive everywhere. Déjà vu, unfortunately. :( 

I'm grateful for long time friends with outdoor covered decks where we can catch up face to face. It almost felt normal, except for the masks and lack of hugs. 

We've been close for so long that when one of our group shared that her breast cancer was back after 20 years, and that each one of her four doctors had exclaimed about her last bout with it, "You had THAT kind of breast cancer? And you're alive? You shouldn't have survived that!" we laughed, after first saying, "Oh, SH*T!" Thankfully, our dear friend has a different and much more treatable type of breast cancer this time. Whew.

The waning light and increasing cold create beautiful colors and shadows on my neighborhood trees. 

Here is the view to the east on this road less traveled. It's generally a quiet street, and is on both my running and walking routes. To the south (right) is the development where I live. It looks like the country, but it's actually the suburbs! Due to my get together with my fellow Ram World Language teachers, I walked later than normal today, so I saw the beginnings of the sunset. Those moments when day slips into night are spectacular!

As we move into holiday time, I have several huge decisions to make. Will I hand out my Halloween candy on the 31st? Where will I celebrate Thanksgiving, and how will I protect myself while not hurting my family's feelings? Is that even possible? Should I go east for Christmas which entails another quarantine, a COVID test, and a lot of time away from home and my parents? Since Covid 19 is raging everywhere, should I take that risk? Sadly, I have more questions than answers right now.  

 

 

 

Every day is an adventure

My grandson was wearing a onesie today with that message, and I have to say that I admire the optimistic quote. However, the definition of adventure is this: "engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory."

I think my expression will look a lot like Grandson's for the next few months. Perhaps for even longer! We'll see what happens on November 3rd and afterward. As for the exploration of unknown territory, I made the Anzac biscuits, and they were a flop. They're edible, but a disappointment. That's the risk you take when you venture out and try new things. Sigh.

The Golden syrup was a beautiful color, although extremely thick. It took another spoon and some aerobics to get it off the measuring spoon. 

The coolest part of the recipe was adding the baking soda/boiling water to the butter and Golden syrup mix, which then foamed up and changed consistency. I felt like I was back in high school chemistry.

I double checked my ingredients 100 several times, but the batter still looked wrong!

And the biscuits(cookies) taste like flat oatmeal/coconut macaroons, as well as looking like they were made by a 5 year old. Sometimes an adventure can be a failure. C'est la vie. 

John got to help paint his granddaughter's bedroom from this brownish mustard to something prettier. I sure wish I lived closer to my grandson! Poor John was foolish enough to get his first shingles shot and a flu shot on the same day, so I'm wondering how his arms and shoulders held up. Ouch. 

Low temperatures (in the 30s) mean that the trees are getting more colorful...

And a brisk walk outside always improves my mood. I was shocked when a strange woman stopped her car in the middle of the road, opened her door, and told me that she loved my jacket. I can't get over how many compliments I get on this neon coat, when it's the worst color in the world on me! At least drivers can't miss me, right? 

 

Chillin'

My accomplishments have been few lately, but I'm not feeling very guilty. I'm retired, and there's a pandemic raging (re-raging?). :( I AM over halfway through the Great Australian Bake Off Season 2. They changed formats, hosts and judges, so I like it much better. It mirrors the British and Canadian versions except that some of the bakers put vegemite in their pastries. This evening they prepared pudding that was more like a steamed cake. I'm so confused. Spotted Dick? (I just became 12 years old, giggle!) I do love those unique Australian vowels, and can mostly understand their accent without subtitles. 

My new calendar came in the mail yesterday. It's been a six year tradition for me to buy this quirky calendar; I originally found it in a cafe in Seward, and I've gotten one ever since. Although I do need to censor the photos sometimes, I enjoy the quotes(don't laugh!), the grit and courage of some of the men, and the dramatic scenery. They have gay Alaskans represented, as well as a few guys with beards down to their waists. They even show older men my age who have survived bear attacks and are definitely not sex symbols.

Do you see what I mean about the meaningful words? Or are you busy wondering what's under my fingers? ;)

Mari was blissfully happy that I turned on the fireplace for the first time this morning. We both relaxed near its warmth since the rest of the house was chilly, and outside cold rain was falling. (snowing in the mountain passes!)

My bibs are supposed to be frost free, but I still put away my hoses, then covered the faucets with these contraptions. Before we had the protectors, my dad used to wrap his hose bib in a pair of his old boxer shorts, and secure it with duct tape. It made me laugh every time I visited! Speaking of Dad, his hips and feet are feeling better after a few days break from exercise. I gently reminded him that he could be taking Ibuprofen for his arthritis pain, which might help a bit. Yesterday Dad was ready to walk again, but his "youngster" (88) former colleague, friend and walking partner had fallen and sprained his ankle. I alternate between worrying myself sick about these guys and admiring their stubbornness persistence! 

The wetter and chillier weather means a return to my putrid (but comfortable) neon yellow coat, and the prospect of many not-so-great hair days in my future. Oy vey. 

 

 

Chill

In a literal sense, our temperatures are dropping into our normal winter range with highs in the 40s and lows in the 30s, which has meant some changes to my routine. Perhaps we'll also start seeing a bit more fall color? Honestly though, we're called "The Evergreen State" for a reason.

I've retired my light jacket for the moment, and brought out my thick and well-made Alaskan sweatshirts. Have you ever been to Homer? If not, try to get there some time. Visit the Salty Dawg Saloon. Go out on the water for a pleasure cruise. Admire the glorious scenery, with impressive mountains everywhere you look. 

The colder weather means that my dianthus will stop blooming. 

This cheery flower will die soon, and will end up in the yard waste bin. It's lived a great life though and was much admired. 

A few trees along my street are turning red/orange. Usually both sides of the road are brightly colored by now. Although they look like the same type of tree, the trees to the south end up orange and the northern ones red. I've never been able to figure it out. 

I love multi-colored leaves. 

I retired three years ago, but have never re-programmed my furnace, thus the heat goes off about 8; on chilly days, it can drop to 60 degrees in my house. Mari is glaring at me because she wants me to turn on the fireplace, which she worships. In the meantime, she'll bask in the sun near the sliding glass door! 

Now that I have all the ingredients, I'll be baking these Anzac biscuits; they'll make a tasty snack with a hot cup of coffee during these colder autumn days. Finally, on a more figurative note, I'm not a very "chill" person (never have been), and have come to accept that no one will ever call me easy going or calm! I'm highly social with a non-chilly aka warm personality. Fortunately, I also enjoy my alone time, as long as there's not TOO much of it. When John invited me over to watch the debate with him tonight, I didn't hesitate to respond: Huh uh, no thanks, not a chance. John is an extremely laid back person; the most he would react during the debate would be to roll his eyes or purse his lips. Yours truly would be the one jumping to her feet and yelling at the television. So, it's best that I "chill" at home with the cat. :)

Miscellany

Today has turned into a surprisingly beautiful day, but I didn't get my lawn mowed. It was probably because I was busy here...

My exciting new discovery was this British goods shop and bakery in my downtown area(about 10 minutes away); unfortunately, they won't get their next shipment of custard powder in until next week. Is everyone making Nanaimo bars? However, it wasn't a wasted trip. 

In order to make my next project (ANZAC biscuits from the Great Australian Bake Off), I needed this unfamiliar product, which has a rather gory illustration on the can. People have been wondering why I’m so entranced with the baking shows, when I barely even cook. I think it has something to do with how fascinating it is to watch the bakers create their visions and dreams(sometimes nightmares!), and how inventive and determined they have to be when things go awry. There is also the power of how kind and mostly helpful they are to their fellow competitors. In today’s world of personal attacks and seemingly constant negativity, it’s heartwarming and comforting. And when events don’t go the way they want, they tend to say how proud they are simply to be there and how happy to have had the opportunity. So, that's why! 

Speaking of creative? Another neighbor has cleverly posed this skeleton on the hill. What is the drawing on their garage door supposed to be though? Apparently, their artwork is a bit too abstract for me! 

This house near my parents has another elaborate Halloween display although I object to them hanging figures in effigy. For personal reasons, I recoil from that kind of decoration. What happened to the cute side of the holiday? Jack o' Lanterns and cartoony witches and ghosts, with a few non-scary vampires thrown in. Oh, and don't forget the black cat! (Mari says)

I didn't need my raincoat today to walk, which was something to celebrate. But sadly, things aren't all sunshine and light. I find myself increasingly concerned about my dad. For many decades he's walked five times a week with a couple friends until recently when his legs, hips and feet started to give him too much trouble. I know that he's very sad to give up his outings and his chats with the guys. A long time voracious reader of history and mysteries, he never asks me to order him books anymore; I don't think he can concentrate well enough to follow complex plots and characters. :( Without explaining why, he now wants my mom to drive most of the time. Dad has seemed like a Superman to me for most of my life although I'm now realizing that he's an increasingly feeble 92 year old with arthritis and gout. However, he's still delighted to look at pictures and videos of his great-grandson who is five months old today. He enjoys reading his "Weekly" magazine with its short and varied articles. He still sneaks candy any chance he gets, to my diabetic mom's disgust. The reality is that old(er) age happens to all of us, or the alternative...

Oddities

You can see that my calendar is packed this week, right? I feel extremely lazy (and guilty) with so many friends and family dealing with massive stresses on the home/job front. That includes my daughters who are juggling time-consuming and soul sucking remote work, as well as a baby (Older) and a move(Younger). As the saying goes, I don't have to decide between which balls are glass or plastic because I'm not juggling any balls in the air at all!

Oddity #1: My cat has a much nicer manicure than I do! Now with the nail caps on, she can't scratch me or damage my furniture...or not as much anyway. 

Oddity #2: I was planning to wear this memento shirt of our February 2019 "snowmaggedon," then started feeling superstitious. It is 2020 after all. We've never gotten snow in October around here, and rarely in November, but I didn't want to risk it. :)

Oddity #3: There are some crazy eccentric neighbors in my area; I see this elaborate display nearly every day on my walk to my parents. They must have a storage unit or garage full of decorations. My few fall decorations are looking mighty pathetic. 

The pipe organ up there is a nice touch. Do vampires play the organ?

My neighbor Chuck is a retired teacher, and a walker, so we often chat from opposite sides of the street. He used to have a huge plastic cow head on the side of his house. This is his brand new piece of art(?) and I would love to ask him about it. I have trouble with my face sometimes though, as in I would definitely telegraph my opinion of said display!

Oddity #4: Due to heavy construction on my normal road, I took a different walking route where I found large mushrooms, and...

a rather strange sign on the side of the public street. This area is heavily wooded, so there are probably some nefarious activities going on in the vicinity. However, I really don't think the restriction is enforceable, do you? 

Oddity #5: Every time I go in and out of my house via the laundry room (nearly always), I walk by this artwork by my older daughter. It was an award winning painting of her looking into a cracked mirror, with never ending faceless versions of herself behind her, which we called the "Michael Jacksons." :)  She named it "Conformity"  although I interpret it more as how many different versions of ourselves there are. Do we get to paint our own "faces" or do our life experiences do that for us? (or a combination of both?)  I'm assuming that not many people have a piece like this hanging in their garage? 

Oddity#6: No picture, but my gadget guy (John) decided that he needed to install cameras on his house like his neighbors. But after he had finished putting them in, he realized that his dryer no longer worked. He had drilled through the dryer wiring, and now has a rather complex project ahead of him. Although he can't dry any clothes at the moment, at least he can watch people walk their dogs by his house! ;) Luckily, John has a lively sense of the ridiculous, and didn't mind that I laughed quite a bit over his faux pas. And I also offered him dryer time and dinner at my house tomorrow.