3rd Annual Poetry Reading...

As my friend, Sandy, reminded me ... today is Third Annual Poetry Reading. This is one of my most favorite poems!

ANNABELLE LEE

Author: Edgar Allan Poe

It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea;
But we loved with a love that was more than love -
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her highborn kinsman came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulcher
In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me
Yes! that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we
Of many far wiser than we
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling, my darling, my life and my bride,
In the sepulcher there by the sea,
In her tomb by the sounding sea.

A is for...Alpaca...

Of course, A has to be for Alpaca! How could you not love a little face like that? The Alpaca farm where this darling lives is not even ten miles from my house over in Vermont. I love the way they look and their gentle ways...the sounds they make are so soft! Then there is the yarn...well, sheer joy to knit with alpaca yarn!!!

Really must get back there soon and see how this little guy is doing. If you've been reading my blog for a while - you know that he was less than 24 hours old when this photo was taken.
Love this sign...it just says so much about them...
Just think, can you imagine having some fleece spun into yarn from these award winning alpacas? And, this was only one side of the area that had ribbons on it...there were three other sides just as full.
Thanks for letting me vent yesterday - today is much better! And, hopefully the first few days of the new year that were so trying are behind me...and I can look forward to a great year!!!

Yesterday's Poem: In A Rose Garden by John Bennett

Today's Poem: Sleep Sweet by Helen M. Huntington Gates

Kitchen/Dining Room Finished...

Yes, that would have been me you heard screaming shouts of joy! My kitchen/dining room is now fixed to my satisfaction! YES! I will post some photos this week - Have to go get batteries for the camera (I've been at the store twice and forgot both times- but it's on the list this time!)

Friday's Poem: Midsummer by Sydney King Russell

Saturday's Poem: Billy Boy by Unknown

Today's Poem: If You But Knew by Unknown

Garden Meals Returns...

After a few weeks off, Garden Meals is returning for the month of October. Suzanne (L) and Stacy (R) are the ones who run the program. Only Susanne will not be there for these last few weeks and I will miss her. She runs the garden part and takes the kids or whoever is with us into the garden and teaches them about the foods that grow there.

Below is the house Suzanne built with the help of others that live in the land trust community. You only own your home and a few yards around it - the rest of the land belongs to the trust and you rent land for your garden and animals. Her home is very cozy and has (for now) no electric or running water and is surronded by woods.

Last year Suzanne began to build an outdoor brick oven...she completed it as well as a great out-door kitchen and living area. We spent some time there this past year cooking pizza in the oven. It was great fun!

Below are Suzanne and her buddy, Baxter. They live a quiet simple life off the land...and love every minute of it.

Monday's Poem: Love by Roy Croft

Tuesday's Poem: Her Answer by John Bennett

Today's Poem: In A Rose Garden by John Bennett

Sunday Ramblings...

Sunday Ramblings...my way of posting about small things that have happened during the week that don't warrent their own post...

1) The weather finally settled down by Friday evening...and the city is cleaning up the downed trees. Saturday and today have been just gorgeous...even a little on the cool side!

It was so nice that Mother and I took a ride. We started out going somewhere special (I'll tell you all about it tomorrow when I can post photos)...and took a side trip to check out where the big "pick your own" Apple farm was. I thought about it - but, it was packed!\

2) I've never liked cucumber or the smell of it - so would you please tell me what was I thinking when I got some shampoo and conditioner that has cucumber in it and smells of it so much! I almost re-washed my hair today! Now I'm on a mission looking for anything in my cosmetics, bath products, and shampoos that has that in it...It's outta here!!!

3) Reading time has been at a premium this month - only read 271 pages - when I usually read over 1000. But the book I read was really good...From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, The War, and a Dog Named Lava by Lt.Col. Jay Kopelman with Melinda Roth.

4) Am having a wonderful time reading a poem a day! That seems to be about as much poetry as I can handle in one day...and it gives me time to reflect on the poem.

5. Okay, what gives with the new tv show: Journeyman? I'll tell you I felt like I was at a tennis match watching the ball go over the net - only it was him back and forth and back and forth. I felt like I was going to get whiplash!

6) The other new show I was looking forward to was Life - but I got so tired of him talking to himself or mumbling and always having a mouthful of food - he just plain got on my last nerve! Guess I should have logged on that night and chatted with the executive producer...

Yesterday's poem: Any Wife or Husband by Carol Haynes
Today's poem: To My Unborn Son by Captain Cyril Morton Thorne

"The Drool Factor"...

Ever since I was given the right to vote, I have always studied the candidates and the issues and really worked at making an intelligent decision!

This coming election I am thinking that maybe I should change my way of voting - think it's about time to go for "the drool factor".

The requirements are simple enough:

1) Must be handsome or beautiful - depending on the choices.
2) Has to look good in a tuxedo or evening gown...after all there is a lot of entertaining that goes on at the White House and I don't want to be embarrassed.
3) Great smile - dimples are an added bonus.
4) Must be able to speak intelligently.
5. Having social graces would be nice - it's doesn't look nice when you can't remember people's names or how to act among the leaders of other countries.

So here are my choices and being one to give equal representation to both parties - you get one of each...(party - that is)

What's not to like about John Edwards - he has a great smile, nice and fit, speaks well and has a lovely soft southern accent type voice. His eyes crinkle when he laughs. He is nice to women - you can tell by the way he acts around his wife and seems to be quite the family man. He is intelligent...and would look nice in a tux...

What's not to like about Mitt Romney - He is an extremely good looking man. The gray hair makes him look a bit distinguished and some women would say "sexy". He has a nice smile. Seems to be a family man who enjoys being with his wife, kids, and grandkids. His ads show him running or jogging - so he seems to be in good physical condition and has the type body that would look good in a tuxedo! Tall and stately. And, he seems to have good manners and don't think he'd bungle it if he were introduced to international leaders.

So, there ya go! My thoughts for the day...(please take this in the tongue in cheek spirit it was written in)

Today's Poem: Love's Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Quiet Evening...

Spent a quiet evening last night. Did a little knitting on the Red Scarf and am wondering if the second one will be done in time to mail. If not, I will be ahead one for next year.

Watched "Mrs. Henderson Presents" with Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins. It made me laugh in places and cry in others. One of the interesting things was the special features which brought together some of the women who were the original Windmill Theatre Girls. It was interesting to hear them talk about the time. If you haven't seen it - it's worth it.

Thank you all for the compliments on my boy, Killian. He was named for a character on a television show...Jack Killian played by Gary Cole on a show called Midnight Caller.

Today plan on unpacking a few things (the stray things are always the hardest)...knitting and watching a few more movies...The Queen, CSI: Miami - Disc 1 Season One.

Today's Poem: Love Me Little Love Me Long by Unknown

Took the little quiz below and was surprised that it is so like me...

More lovely flowers...

The car is really sick...but, they were able to find the parts...and we'll ignore the amount it is going to cost to fix...because it's a lot cheaper than a new car...and it will be fixed next Friday. Plus we will be grateful to know that we can drive it around town but not on any highways until it is fixed.

So, since I needed something to brighten up my day...I present...

Again, more lovely flowers to brighten the day! Please enjoy!




Today's Poem: If I Had Known by Mary Carolyn Davies (Both verses are listed in the second post of the link)

Busy Day, Again!!!

Such a fun day...started at 9:00 a.m. and ended up at home at 6:00 p.m.! Headed down to Keene, New Hampshire and we took I-91 getting off at Brattleboro, Vermont. Of course, we turned the wrong way and as we started to turn around there was a sign that read "Not Just Yarn"! Well, guess who had to stop. It is a delightful yarn shop...and yes, I bought some stuff...but, you can't see it...later. (I promise)

Headed for Pier 1 and Bed, Bath and Beyond...nothing of note to speak of...then my yearly lunch at the Olive Garden. Usually, I have the Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks - but, today I changed to something new. Started with the new cheese fondue type appetizer...oh my. it. was. so. good! Had the grilled chicken with grilled veggies and roasted potatoes. It was really good, too. Let's just say - it is almost 8 p.m. and don't want to hear the word food!

Spent the most amount of time at Target - stocking up on my cleaning supplies...and just browsing. Then we headed for home...

Today's poem: The Lake of The Dismal Swamp by Thomas Moore

(You will note there is now a link to the poem - makes it easier for you to go read if you so choose - thanks to whomever suggested that in a comment recently!!!)

Ducks...

Taking better pictures has become an obsession with me lately...so, I find myself practicing a lot! These are some photos I recently took of some ducks...



Hope you enjoyed them...

Today's poem: To Althea From Prison by Richard Lovelace

Photo Site...

Sometimes you run across an artist whose work you really enjoy...such is the photographer over at open air. Hope you drop by and encourage her...she really does nice work. By the way her photos are available as note cards or prints...just e-mail her...and ask.

My car is being yucky...and not driveable until I take it in to the shop on Tuesday. Lucky for me Tammy (our old roommate) is going to drive us on my annual trip to Keene, NH to Target and Olive Garden on Monday! Also want to check out a couple of the fabric stores...looking for some special fabric to make a vest out of.

Well, that's about it for today...

Today's poem: Walk Slowly by Adelaide Love

Fall Quilting...

Fall seems to be the time that my quilt quild becomes more active. Most of my quilt guild friends own farms and live in the country...as one friend put it -"I depend on my garden to feed me the rest of the year." So, between gardening, canning, and take care of outside things - there isn't a lot of time to do much quilting.

Once September rolls around there is much to do with the guild. We organize Saturday sit and sews at the school where we regularly meet. This is the perfect place to work on big projects.

But, the best part this year is that we are going to work on a block of the month quilt! We've all talked about doing one...but never have. So, this is the year! I am thinking about finally doing my black and white quilt. I think it will depend on what the patterns look like...

In the other news department: We finally found a home for Flood - my other outdoor cat. She has moved to a ten-acre-farm in Springfield, NH and will be the barn cat in a big heated barn. So, far she seems to be doing well! I am happy we found her a good home.

Poem of the day: Said the Rose by George H. Miles

The Boat Trip...Part 2...

This is Petey, a very special friend to everyone who goes to Day Out. At eleven years old he has just the right temperment without losing any of the Jack Russell characteristics. His day is spent going from person to person getting treats, sitting with them, or sleeping next to them. Oh, and lest we forget going everywhere with them...but, he especially likes it when there is water involved.

Petey is looking over the side of the boat searching for a good place to jump in and go for a swim. Fortunately for all of us he did not jump in and waited until the boat landed to go for his swim.

This is Carla holding Petey. She is his mom and is the director of the day out program. She is also a state representative. In addition to Petey, she has another Jack Russell who is Petey's mother and is 16 years old. Mother seems to be quite relaxed after a nice lunch. She really did enjoy the trip. Even though she doesn't see as well as others she can tell that there are houses on the shore...and likes the breeze that comes off the water. She has already told me that she wants to go again next year!!

Today's poem: Jenny Kissed Me by Leigh Hunt

The Boat Trip...

Monday through Friday Mother attends a program called Adult Day Out. She leaves home on a bus at 7:45 in the morning and returns home around 4:30. This year for the third year in a row, they received a grant to take the Lake Sunapee Boat Trip. The trip lasts two hours and includes lunch.

This year I was invited to go along and I was very excited as it was something that I have been wanting to do since I moved here...plus this was the first year that they would be using the larger boat and could afford to rent the entire boat.

The boat is totally enclosed and has a nice deck in the front and rear for sitting and enjoying the view...although there are plenty of windows to look out of also.

Here we are pulling away from the dock. Lovely area. Lake Sunapee is a small town but is just lovely to walk around in and see the shops. Plus to add to the shopping, I heard they just opened a new quilt store!!! Hmmm...guess that is going to call for a little trip up there soon!
A view of the lake as we head out. The day was perfect for a boat trip. Sky was beautiful and clear and the lake was just so blue. Not many people were out on the lake boating. I think we only passed one other boat during our trip and very few people were home at the "cottages." Yes, they do call those gorgeous homes "summer cottages"...
Here we have Mother and I...
And, this was the fabulous lunch they served. One of the best stuffed chicken breasts I've eaten in a long time. For dessert there was carrot cake...I do not like carrot cake...but, I would eat that carrot cake anytime. It was soooo good!

Today's poem: She Walks In Beauty by Lord Byron

Yarn Lust...

Ever since the woman sitting next to me at Border's during the Yarn Harlot's appearance showed me the sock she was knitting with Mountain Colors Painted Yarns there has been lust in my heart.

Actually came pretty close to buying some when I was in Portsmouth on my little trip with Cheryl and Julie. But, I had already bought three different socks yarns...and while treating one's self is nice - going over board is not.

Then imagine my surprise when I received a thank you gift for watching our dogs during an unplanned time and on the spur of the moment. Seems someone hit The Yarn Basket in Portsmouth and got me some Mountain Colors Painted Yarn! (And, I never said anything about this yarn or wanting it...)

The color is Sunburst and it is beautiful!!!!

Yesterday's Poem: A Woman's Shortcomings by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Today's Poem: A Woman's Last Word by Robert Browning