WHAT??????

Red and yellow peppers, growing green!!!

And you thought that my first post after moving to the ever lover-ly Colorado Springs would be pictures of the grandeur of the mountains in the morning and the majestic sunsets which really do take your breath away or the details of the plane ride out here, and how well (whew) the kitties fared, or how Edward's blood sugars were all over the place the first week we arrived, or that you really do have to drink alot of water to stay hydrated, or that unpacking is much more fun than packing (thank you Ann), or that I am thrilled beyond words to have a closet in my office. I could tell you all about that, but, whaaaat???? Yes, people I am posting pics of peppers. For those of you who go food shopping, you know that the cost of fresh produce has sky-rocketed. Especially, peppers...the orange and yellow peppers are like investing in gold. So, when I walked into our 'new' supermarket and saw red, yellow and orange peppers on sale, 10 for $10, my heart sang. I cut them from the top, like a pumpkin, shake out all the seeds which are left, then slice them open, cut out the veins, slice them into 6-8 pieces, and simply roast them w/ some olive oil until they are tender, and crisp all at the same time. It is like eating candy, they are so sweet, and 'au natural'. When I cut open 2 of the peppers, I was a-gog, when I pulled out peppers growing inside of peppers...they were so beautiful, I could not pass up the opportunity to take some pics. Hence, my first post from Colorado, peppers growing inside of peppers. There is plenty of time for all those mountain shots. From what I can tell, they are not going anywhere, anytime soon......more to come!!

Beam Me Up Scotty....

If it were only that simple...I had to buy these 'under the seat, airplane approved' cat carriers for Big and Little. Big Kitty is a relatively good traveler. But Little Kitty is a crazy gray cat and the second she lays eyes on the carrier, she screams her pretty head off. I bought her a collar w/ lavender, chamomile, and pheromones. The collar mimics the pheromone that the mother cat produces to calm and reassure her kittens. Cats recognize these pheromones throughout life. It mimics the natural way to help cats cope w/ new and fearful situations. I was skeptical. But, I have to say, I can sense a marked difference. Last night she made herself comfy in the open carrier and stayed for hours. Obviously, a great photo op, I placed BK in his carrier, and the light caught his eyes...well, you see...apparently, if they were really being beamed up by Scotty, it looks like LK was left behind....hmmmmmm.

Wordless Wednesday

Pikes Peak window from Garden of the Gods

One more week!!!!!

The Gift

Okay, it happened. I was driving back from U-haul after picking up yet another round of packing supplies, and then it happened...I wasn't even listening to any music. That sudden rush, of feeling totally overwhelmed bubbled over and I literally had to pull over. I called Jimmy and he so kindly said a prayer and calmed me down. I told him I thought about going to see my friend Claire, but I was sure that even w/ a mere 'hello', I would burst into tears. As a friend, he said, she would want me to come and see her in her antique shop. I did a blog post about Claire in October of 2009. She has what I think is one of the most beautiful and genuine antique shops in all of Rhode Island. Antique Haven. An eye full would be an understatement. I leave Rhode Island w/ numerous items from her shop, from an old and very delicate amethyst ring, to a couple of old framed prints and a large Franciscan water pitcher, just to name a few...there's more...hey we've been here for 10 years. Anywho, I went to see Claire, as predicted, I burst into tears the second I saw her, we hugged, and then we just talked and talked and talked, which is what we always do when we see one another. When we were both sensing that it was time for me to leave, she looked at me and she said, 'From my heart, you are like a daughter to me, please pick anything from the store and take it w/ you, as a gift.' I did not question her sincerity. I slowly started walking around the store (feeling the fullness of the moment I thought of Indiana Jones picking the right cup...remember that???). I picked this vase. It stands about 10" tall.

It is perfect, I love it and I love my very dear friend Claire.

Wordless Wednesday

The Armington House, circa 1868
I took this pic the night of the big storm in December of 2007....a favorite!!

Hello 2012 and Goodbye to Matunuck Beach....

Pointed in the right direction...the Pacific...really???

Getting ready to be washed away by the rising tide....just like that...gone...

Walking towards Pt. Judith...so beautiful!

And the clouds started rolling in by the time we headed back...still so breathtaking...and today, loud..

Stunning food...there's no other way to describe it...in 2 short years since opening, it has left a lasting impression....

Farming the oysters...we were more fish n' chips ( fries and salad, cole slaw and bread w/ lavender dipping oil...) and muscles ...I can still taste it all...

January 1, 2012....a mild day in the northeast. The sun was out. Jimmy leaves tomorrow, again, for Colorado, now waiting for Edward and I to fill our new home in a couple of weeks. We seized the day (much better than bubble wrap galore and tape), and went to the beach we have loved so much over these past 10 years. We have spent what can only be described as some of the most perfect days of our lives @ the shore. We took the long walk to Pt. Judith...much easier when not wearing winter garb, however, no less beautiful. Along the way we picked up a sizable rock, took it w/ us to Pt. Judith, said a prayer and threw it into the water!! It was a symbol of all that was, and all which is yet to be, as we move out West. C.B. Murray posted a scripture on his Facebook wall which says it all:“Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:2

We were starving after that long walk and had an excellent meal @ the Matunuck Oyster Bar. It was the perfect end to a new beginning. Welcome 2012.....