Welcome! I hope I bring a spot of calm and happiness into these uncertain times. I blog about my photography adventures, flowers, gardening, the importance of chocolate in a well lived life, or anything else on my mind.
I've always admired quilters. My mother was an excellent sewer until Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) took that skill from her many many years ago (before there were really effective treatments), but I'm not sure she ever worked on a quilt. It wasn't part of our heritage. But she could do beautiful hand sewing work before the RA took that from her, and I got a glimpse of how much skill it takes.
I did not inherit her sewing talents, although I have crocheted for over 50 years.
The quilting guild who made the following quilts is known for its charity work. They display some of their works each year at an event called Home for the Holidays, held at a local museum.
Enjoy!
What lovely work. Are any of my blog readers quilters?
Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday.
We are a group of music loving bloggers whoblog about music eachSunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.) We
have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme
and use music of your choice. Why not join us? You don't have to sing,
or play an instrument. All music lovers are welcome.
Today's optional theme is: "It’s a new
month, new year. Share a once new song from any era that you immediately
loved or share a more recent new release that tickles your fancy or
share music by an artist that’s new-to-you. The point is it’s a new
year! "
Yes, a new year, and I want to share with you several songs that have not previously appeared on my blog. A couple of these are songs from genres I normally don't listen much to, but have appealed to me.
Taylor Swift and The Fate of Ophelia, which I heard for the first time on another blog.
Not a new song, but I just love this Cher cover, which I heard on a recent Saturday Night Live TV show.
Chappell Roan and Pink Pony Club (I chose a live performance).
Finally, 50 years ago this week, this song was #1 on the Cash Box Top 100. Here's Barry Manilow and I Write the Songs. Manilow underwent surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung last week related to his recent diagnosis of lung cancer. We wish him the best.
And that's a wrap!
Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.
Earlier this week, I got a phone call from my sister in law. Did I want to go to see an event? I did, and on the way home, we drove past some buildings that were so familiar from when I used to work in a downtown office, but I rarely see as a remote worker.
I didn't expect to be in that area but it was a good opportunity for some sky watching.
Our local courthouse.
The sun came out for a few seconds. Don't blink!
Sky reflections in second story building.
Our former train station, repurposed. There is a highly regarded steakhouse in that building now, but I wish we had Amtrak service instead. We haven't had train service in over 40 years.
Hoping all of my readers had a Happy New Year. Skywatcher Yogi blogged "I am wishing all of you a peaceful, healthy, rewarding, and prosperous 2026." and I second that thought. Thank you, everyone who makes Skywatch possible.
In the spirit of better late than never, my spouse and I, along with a couple of in laws, visited a local treasure, the Roberson Museum, for its annual Home for the Holidays yesterday afternoon.
I thought you might enjoy these ornaments from a needlework based tree even though Christmas 2025 is gone and it's New Year's Eve.
We are a group of music loving bloggers whoblog about music eachSunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.) We
have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme
and use music of your choice. Why not join us? You don't have to sing,
or play an instrument. All music lovers are welcome.
This month's theme is "Whatever Christmas music moves you" . It's also the final Music Moves Me for 2025. I, for one, am happy to leave 2025 in the rear view mirror. We've lost so many people who enriched our world, including too many musicians. In fact, I will have to delay another Rock and Roll Heaven induction until January, so I hope you'll also join me on January 5.
For me, one song and one song only defines New Year's Eve. That is Auld Lang Syne, and today, I present two covers (so to speak) of this classic song.
Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians took Auld Lang Syne from a Scottish folk song with words by Robert Burns to the theme song of New Year's Eve, starting with their radio broadcasts in 1929. I heard this song every year live from New York's Waldorf-Astoria, a place this native New Yorker has never been to. This recording is from 1947. Guy Lombardo certainly earned his nickname of Mr. New Year's Eve.
The Times Square (New York City) ball drop, ushering in 1953. I was a baby (and not there). Guess the song that starts playing partway through the video.
Finally, one of my favorite all time videos. Rod Stewart's cover, for me, is just as wonderful as Guy Lombardo's. I love bagpipes so much. Here's Rod Stewart at Stirling Castle, 2012.
These are the words of the song.
First verse: Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?
Chorus: For auld lang syne, my jo, for auld lang syne, we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
Second verse: And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup! and surely I’ll be mine! And we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
Chorus
Third verse: We twa hae run about the braes, and pou’d the gowans fine; But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit, sin’ auld lang syne.
Chorus
Fourth verse: We twa hae paidl’d in the burn, frae morning sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar’d sin’ auld lang syne.
Chorus
Fifth verse: And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere! and gie’s a hand o’ thine! And we’ll tak’ a right gude-willie waught, for auld lang syne.
And that's a wrap. Happy New Year to all my blog readers!!
Join me again next year for another episode of Music Moves Me.
Winter has begun on the calendar, although, where I live, the weather was already wintry.
A quiet sunset.
The next day we saw blue sky, and then, Tuesday, we were hit by a snowstorm. We are going to have another storm later today, but our weather is not anything like what the people on the West Coast are suffering through with the atmospheric river. I hope all of the bloggers I read from that part of the United States are safe. Floods are a terrible thing.
Finally, Happy Boxing Day for those who celebrate.
