Merry Christmas . . . . .

It was a nice Christmas this year.  Christmas Eve at our niece’s home with family.  Christmas day spent at home with Holly (mom), Aaron (son), and, of couse me.  And our 2 dogs.  ■  Our friends Cheryl and Bill and their daughter and son-in-law came over for Christmas dinner.  No turkey this year.  Ribs on the grill, corn casserole, baked potatoe, and flan for dessert.  ■  The  picture to the left is of Holl and Cheryl sitting on the couch with our 2 dogs and her pooch. (just look for the glowing eyes of the dogs)  The dogs played for hours.  Maybe not hours, but for a long time.  ■  Tomorrow our son leaves for a month going to Naples, Italy.  Which means his car goes in the garage and mine stays out.  Maybe I should get a remote car starter.  Hmmmm.  ■ 

It’s the morning before Christmas …..

And all throught the house; folks were still sleeping; thank goodness no mouse.

I’ve purchased some things; to give as for gifts; I’m not sure I can find ‘em; my head’s in a tiff.

Flashlights and letters; candles and flame; if I can’t find these gifts; it’s only me to blame.

I’ve got bacon to smoke; a salmon too; got to get busy; there’s so much to do.

Got to get flowers; to pretty our table; that’s a quick run to Jewel; when I’m able.

Got a drawing to redo; it just didn’t turn out right; only one more; before I turn out the light.

I need to jump in the shower; and put on some clothes; pick up some dog stuff; that doesn’t smell like a rose.

We’ve got a new dog; Fern is her name; this is her first Christmas; will anything be the same?

She slept with us last night; curled up by my side; my arm around her for protection; to make her feel safe inside.

Abby slept with us too; she’s a sweetheart, you know; a bit big for the bed; but goes with the flow.

And now I must end; this missive for the year;  got shopping to do; before that first beer.

More later – maybe.

Back again . . . . .

I used to use “Windows Live Writer” for writing these blog posts.  All of a sudden it didn’t work anymore as Microsoft has apparently stopped supporting it.  However they gave it to the open source community.  Very nice of them to do that.  I’ve liked the software for blogging and from the reviews I read on blogging software, most everyone gave it top marks.  At any rate I went off on a search for a replacement.  At the start of my search I didn’t know they had turned it lose to the open source community.  I read many reviews and even downloaded a couple of replacements, but none came close to “Windows Live Writer.”  Then I found that it was now open source and going by the name of “Open Live Writer.”  I’ve been saved!  ■  Busy Christmas season for me.  One more drawing I absolutley must finish before Christmas.  First some drawing and then to bed.  ■ Oh, the four houses above belong to four children of my client.  I’m sure the kids will love the gift.  ■

A little snow,

but nothing to shovel -   Thank goodness.  ■  Kind of out-of-breath today.  Some days are easier than others.  It’s strange that when I used to go up a flight of stairs it was no problem – not out of breath at all.  Now it’s different.  And having to come up from the basement and then go upstairs to the 2nd floor  -  it’s time to sit for quite awhile.  ■  Got our Christmas cards printed.  Holly wasn’t here so she had to trust me not write anything crazy.  I’ll leave it at that.  ■  Abby and I have been on a little road trip going to the bank, UPS, and Dr. Wood’s Guitar Emporium.  She gets a dog treat at the bank, but has to sit in the car at UPS and Dr. Woods.  ■  Had a little breakfast, but no lunch.  I’m thinking of Lou Malnati’s pizza for dinner.  Great pizza.  I know I shouldn’t have any, but a couple of small pieces should be fine.  ■  Time to get back to drawing.  ■

Down on the farm . . . . .

Just a quick painting from a photograph of a farm someplace in New York.  It was fun painting it.  ■  Still have more pen and inks to draw.  Got to keep busy and get them done.  ■  Holly’s off on a business trip tomorrow.  ■  Still kind of looking for another dog.  Abby needs the company, I think.  ■

No new dog today . . . . .

No new dog today.  We took Abby out to the animal shelter to look at Ellie.  Abby snarled at her.  Not good.  I’m thinking that maybe Abby likes the attention that she gets at home being the only dog.  I’ll take Abby back tomorrow to give it another try, but I’m not hopeful.  Bummer.  And apparently there’s still one German Shepherd puppy that the wife of one of our guitar players still has left from a litter of 8.  I just don’t know if I can do a puppy that turns into a large dog.  ■  Nice Christmas card painting, huh?  Time for bed (TFB)  ■

Busy . . . drawing still to do ……

I need to get to bed.  It’s 1:45 am and here I am still up.  Got to go and kick Abby out of my spot so I can go to sleep.  ■  Finished a drawing today.  (why is this blog software putting in chunks of space between sentences?)  This is a beautiful home in North Carolina.  I did a Christmas card for it just ‘cause I wanted to and my eyes needed rest from drawing.  ■  Tomorrow Holly has a test at the hospital and in the afternoon I’m driving out to an animal shelter with Abby to take a look at a dog, or maybe more than one dog.  We’ll only get one dog, but might look at several.  ■  Ok, TFB.  ‘Night.

Here comes winter . . . . .

Our first snow of the winter season this year – November 2015 – March 2016).  Started last night and looking out the window now I can see it’s still snowing.  And I’m forbidden to heft a shovel and help clear my sidewalks and driveway.  The sidewalks are a bear as I live on a corner.  Seems like acres of sidewalks.  The drive way slopes somewhat steeply from the garage down to the street.  It’s hard to shovel because it’s on such an angle.  I can’t ever remember slipping and falling on it, but I’ve come close – as has my neighbor and Holly I know has slipped and fallen a couple of times.  Not a good driveway for winter conditions.  ■  We’re redoing the “kid’s bathroom.”  While I’m not physically helping (probably a good thing for the guy that’s doing it, I have been running errands for stuff we need for it.  It’s been keeping me busy.  ■  I forgot to post this last night/early this morning.  ■  Got to get the snow shoveled. 

Pen & Ink, Paintings, Paris . . . . .

I’m starting over on a pen & ink I’d been working on.  The roof lines just weren’t working in the view I had.  ■  On another note, I’ve finished (I think) with a Christmas card for a customer.  That’s it in this post.  Got the lights on in the house, the snowman with the builder’s footprints; the snow covered trees; Santa’s sleigh marks on the roof; and Santa flying away to his next stop.  ■  And Paris. 150 dead. I don’t understand people. ■

Crossing Pearl River on the way to NOLA

Steve Randahl
www.shrandahl.com
847-769-6285

Sent from my iPhone

Flight cancelled to Gulfport.

Steve Randahl
www.shrandahl.com
847-769-6285

Sent from my iPhone

Tomorrow–Bay St. Louis . . .

Tomorrow, actually today, we head to Bay St. Louis, MS to visit some friends for a few days.  Hopefully it’s warmer down on the Mississippi gulf coast.  It’s 48° here.  Colder than I want it.  ■  I’ll try and do some blog postings while we’re down there.  ■  Think warm weather and sunny skies.  ■  TFB.

Another yucky weather day . . . . .

Yup, it’s 42 degrees out, overcast and just plain yucky.  ■   Went to feed Abby this morning and she wouldn’t eat.  No Zoe to keep her company eating.  I laid down on the floor by her bowl and she just nestled into me.  Wasn’t interesting in eating.  Wasn’t interested in going outside.  She’s depressed and my eyes still have tears pop up now and then.  ■  I’m going to take Abby to the bank with me in a little bit.  We have to get some papers notarized, so I’ll take her inside with me.  ■  And the tissue paper is still on the floor….

Zoe: Aug, 1999 – Oct, 2015

Zoe, sweet Zoe.  I can’t believe you’re gone.  At night you’d use your head to poke my office door open, stick your head in looking at me until I opened the door and let you in.  Then it was the stare-down until I caved in and gave you the dog biscuit you desired.  After that you’d turn in circles for some time until you finally curled up on the floor.  This was our quality time.  Just the two of us together – our hour of quiet companionship.  You’re with me and I’m with you.  As I look around at my office floor I see a piece of Kleenex that you dug out of the waste basket.  Couldn’t keep your nose out of the garbage.  I think I’ll leave that paper there for awhile.  I’m not in any hurry to pick it up.  I remember that you used to sleep with us every night on the bed – until your poor back legs wouldn’t let you hop up anymore.  After that you slept on the floor on one side or another.  I can remember dropping my hand down from the bed and feeling you curled up on the floor.  You always wanted to be close to people.  Always wanted to please.  Oh, Zoe, I miss you.  This has hit me much harder than I ever thought it would. 

Out of breath . . .

Any exertion tends to put me (is that right) out of breath.  Walking up one flight of stairs – two is a killer.  ■  Rain today.  Maybe tomorrow we’ll be able to cut the grass.  It needs it as well as mulching up the leaves.  No more raking.  ■  Watched The Godfather tonight with my son Aaron.  Great movie.  Godfather Part II is on now, but not for either of us.  It’s time for bed.  ■