This has been a difficult holiday season with losing my Cinny. I was still mourning my Holly. Yet I know that as long as I give my heart to boxers, that time will always be too short. Boxers have a shorter life span than many other breeds; nine years is a good lifespan. But I would never ever give up the love that this breed so freely gives. I will always be a boxer girl. It has been tough on Bruno and I have been in touch with NW Boxer Rescue to find him a new companion and another sweet love for us. I love this rescue group! I was sorely tempted when Kim let me know they had some puppies; after several days of waivering I knew that at this time I could not really meet a puppy’s needs. So I am still waiting for the right fur baby for our home. I leave it in the hands of the rescue group to find the best fit for Bruno, Jimmy, and me.
Before losing Cinny we kept busy preparing for Christmas. In November I took five days off work. It was glorious! I kept so busy and accomplished so much! Jimmy had a few days off and we concentrated on finishing the last of our shopping. We did a part of our shopping at Portland’s Saturday Market. Every time we head into the city we try to find new places to explore. It is such an amazing city.
I also decorated the house, knitted, sewed, and played in the kitchen.
Infinity scarves are really fun, fast, and easy. I have made an additional two since these pictures were taken. With the hubs working swing shifts, my evenings consist of curling up with my sweet boxer babies, turning on my favorite Brit TV shows (a second watching of Foyles War is my current choice), and knitting away. I also pulled out one of those weaving contraptions I found this summer at yard sales. I was hooked, it is totally mindless yet turns out a great looking scarf. All of these projects are from the bits and bobs of yarn I collected secondhand for pennies.
You all know how much I love Pinterest. When I saw these chocolate spoons I just had to make some. I wanted a little flavor so used a chocolate orange and combined it with a Hershey bar. I found the spoons at Goodwill and Walmart.
Got out for near daily walks. Always new places to explore at Minto-Brown Island.
One one of my last days off we headed to the beach. I am so grateful that we did. Cinny was more active than usual as she ran and played. We never would have expected that within 72 hours a brain tumor would take her from us. Look at that happy face!
I received this in the mail from my sweet daughter after losing my Cinny.
How special is that!! RIP my sweet Frassy and Munster.
Here is another sweet gift I received in the mail. Every year for the past 7 or so, a dear friend Louella sends me a home made ornament. I treasure every one. Louella also includes a goodie for the fur babies to. She has two handsome fur boy’s who like to be included in the giving.
Aren’t those just too cute!!
Inadvertently several years ago I started finding a focus word for each year. 2012 was balance as I learned to balance work/health/life. 2013 was adventure as I got married, left one job, moved states and started a new job. 2014 really did not have a word as it has been loss and imbalance again. In perusing Pinterest I happened upon Susannah Conway susannahconway.com and her wonderful workshops. I immediately signed up for this one
There is a facebook page where participants can share ideas and work together. I love it!
Her next workshop is
I am considering this one as well. I am pretty confident I have my word and will sharing it after the first of the year.
Here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful and blessed Christmas and New Year!
Patricia
And now off to mix up some delicious pumpkin bread! Autumn is the perfect excuse to make yummy loaves of sweet breads!
During construction, two different boats met their doom on Yaquina Head's shores trying to deliver supplies. After much labor, the lighthouse was lit on August 20, 1873. There was a large dwelling built for the three keepers that manned this lighthouse station. Because of this lighthouses proximity on the coast, there were a number of storms and high winds that caused surface damage to the tower and the keeper's dwellings. Fences were built to ward off rocks and other debris from destroying the property. However, this didn't stop the tower from being struck by lightning in October of 1920. Luckily, through the years, the lightening and severe storms haven't really hurt this lighthouse. In fact, to this very day the structure of the lighthouse is within one inch of being perfectly straight.
If you would like a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding area, be prepared to walk circles up a number of lighthouse stairs! Also, it is worth the time to talk with the volunteers at this lighthouse; they are all very nice and have a number of interesting stories and facts to offer. At the top of this lighthouse you will get a good view of the lens that magnifies a blinking 1000 watt light bulb."
Unraveling a Life 