Happy 33rd anniversary Richard!
As promised–zee snow groom and bride during a rare snow storm in Austin, Feb. 4, 2011
Mr and Mrs Snow People on their 33rd anniversary, Feb. 4, 2011
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I should have knocked on wood when reporting Sunday that temps here in Austin topped 81.3 at 4 p.m. (A more typical winter Sunday would be 20 degrees cooler.) Since Tuesday, when a cold front blasted in from Siberia, our temps have stayed below freezing for about 96 hours straight. Unheard of here in Central Texas. This cold snap beats the big freeze of 1985 and I hear that was quite a doozy in terms of plant loss (including natives). We’re keeping our fingers crossed that our privacy plants (vines and bushes) don’t turn into soup when the temps barely rise above 32 later this afternoon…reportedly we’ll hit a balmy 35, and then another cold snap will bring us back into the tundra at 16 degrees. Our garage is a makeshift cold shelter for plants, additional plants too heavy (or rooted through their pots) to move have been wrapped in an assortment of blankets and sheets, beach towels and jackets since Tuesday. With all Richard and I have been through in the last year, you’d think I’d have a calm outlook on the outcome of the Popsicle plants, but there’s nothing Zen about my big freeze unease. So I’m working through my frets by researching new vines and bushes native to this area of Texas. And I’ll be prepared to replace (with baby plants) just in case. In the meantime, it started snowing at 2 am and it looks like a few rare and beautiful inches are on the ground. Sticking nicely. Dusty and Dooley already made their paw prints and dog angels in the snow, and I’m waiting for the sun to come up to catch a few pics for y’all. I’ll be back soon—happy if I managed to roll a tiny snow man and snow woman on this February 4th… 33 years after another big chill brazenly froze our wedding organ. Happy Friday y’all. Hoping you are safe and warm wherever you are.  Sunday, 81.3 degrees warmed up the butterflies for snacking  Since Tuesday, the temps haven't climbed above freezing.  Waffle blanket on a sago in hopes of avoiding sago crisp...the ornamental cabbage is frozen solid and works well as a blanket anchor in the high winds  watering can anchor on yet another sago allergic to crisp  Gardenia wrapped in my fleece jacket--most cold action this jacket has seen in 10 years  Dooley in our frozen garden  warming underneath the kitchen sink...and notice the floor is gone...whole 'nother story!  And while the kitchen floor has disappeared, the fridge has been moved temporarily into the living room. Just in time for the Soupie Bowl!
 Snow woman from flurry in 2010. Hopefully we'll have a snow couple for you later today. Stay warm y'all.  It's Wabbit Season all year in 2011 Twelve animals earned their namesake year in Chinese Astrology by accepting an invitation from Buddha to a New Year celebration party eons ago. Of all the animals in the world, only The Rat, The Ox, The Tiger, The Rabbit, The Snake, The Horse, The Goat, The Dragon, The Monkey, The Rooster, The Dog and The Pig went to Buddha’s shindig. Buddha thanked his celebratory critter friends by naming the 12 years of Chinese Astrology after each of them. The Rat was the first to the party so he starts the 12 year rotation of the Chinese Astrology Calendar that ends with The Pig. Who stayed to clean up. We’re all born in the year of one of these critters and inherit both her good and more challenging traits. The luckiest critter in the Chinese calendar is the Rabbit. And guess who was born in the year of the Rabbit? Yup. Richard! Wowzer! I knew it was the year of the Wabbit, but I didn’t realize until a few minutes ago that Richard was BORN in the year of The Rabbit. This is his 5th Wabbit year (comes once every 12 years) and we’ve both just read his horoscope. And like it. And shall work it! [Kind Horoscope credits to Moonslipper.com] “The Year of The Rabbit begins on February 3rd 2011. Most Rabbit years are quiet, positive and inspiring and 2011 looks to be heading in this direction – a refreshing change after the fast-moving and quite dramatic Year of the Tiger. Family, diplomacy and personal development will all be highlighted in 2011. Once again alternative sources of energy and green living will be under the spotlight. (I have an entertaining story for you in my pocket about our latest experience with green living, but it needs to season a bit before sharing so placeholder only for now.) The arts and culture sector of society will be very busy producing amazing works of art and staging important exhibitions throughout the year. Love, romance and family life are well-starred, with a renewed appreciation of loved ones and friends. Overall, it should be a fun and relatively peaceful year. Even though aggression, violence and war zones will still be in evidence, the Chinese Rabbit year favors peaceful solutions and diplomacy, so there will be a feeling that all is not lost and that hope is still very much alive.” Richard’s Rabbit forecast for 2011 The Rabbit Forecast for 2011: The Rabbit will have found the momentum during 2010 quite unsettling, little realizing that his accomplishments during the year will set him up beautifully for his own year in 2011. This will be a stunning and most favorable year for him, especially in regard to work and career. His ability to interact with others will put him in the lead for any promotions at work. Also, if the Rabbit is considering a completely different career, this is the perfect time to explore his options. Not only will the change energize him but he will feel happier than he has done in some time. March to May and October to November will be important times for career developments. Finances during the Rabbit’s own year are buzzing, with his luck running high! He may see a salary increase, receive a gift or make extra money from a hobby or entrepreneurial idea. [I like the sound of an entrepreneurial idea--time to let the man's genious fly!] Socially, August, September and December will be hectic! Single Rabbits could meet their significant other this year and the relationship could move very fast. [No kidding] Those with partners will find their relationship becomes more serious and important. Stress and worry over decisions may drain the Rabbit’s vitality during 2011 and it’s very important he gets enough rest and relaxation. He must also remember to call on friends and loved ones for support and advice during any challenging times. Amen to that. Thanks all! p.s. What animal year were you born in? I was born in the year of (one guess) The Dog. My Wabbit year horoscope says I will have a renewed interest in health, fitness and outdoor pursuits this year, which will greatly benefit my vitality and zest for life. “If she can leave the past couple of challenging years behind her, 2011 will be a most gratifying and happy year.” Certainly is starting out that way. Gratifying and happy.  Can you guess who peeled which cutie? Howdy all. Happy winter. Richard and I hope wherever you are that January is treating you kindly…and if it acts up, we hope you’re able to keep it in line. We’re posting a few overdue lines and some storybook pictures to assure y’all we’ve got old man winter under control down here in Austin. It’s been warm and then very cold (29 tonight) and we’re nicely handling the waves as they come. And you? How’s your hiver? oxox Patti P.  On Jan. 1 the back patio was a sun party  Boothill's vines all dressed for tonight's hard freeze  tucking in the 1st season lilies--we used to have miles of this cover in VT. Here in Austin I had to buy it by the foot. Glad it was available. The lilies are happy too.  The pansies keep winter in line beautifully, right through the frosts and sun days  We have tons of Texas Doves and they don't look lonesome...  Dusty says howdy--he's smug because he scored the best seat in the house before Dooley tonight. Kids.  For first time in 8 years I can take pictures of Dooley. The new camera (thanks Richard) doesn't make sound thus Dooley has FINALLY come out of the Witness Protection Program without fear. Simple pleasures...he's a beautiful dog.  January sky has been gorgeous in Austin, Jan. 21 Boothill  Check it out. Creepy pic. We finally cleaned out the Bradford Pear limbs to let the light in. BEFORE Jan.9  Bradford Pear after some grooming. Much more graceful, eh?  And cleaned up some more of our Tornado touched Elm. We've groomed this tree many times since the tornado. Now that the crucial limbs are removed, we've been working on the details. The creepy fingerlike downward branches were never welcomed by my camera lens. BEFORE. Jan. 9  Tornado Elm AFTER. Much better to send energy UP the branches. Makes me happy to see it cleaner. The resident squirrel was miffed by lack of notice though...he's been taking it out on my outdoor furniture. A hassock with silky tassels is now sporting only 1 instead of 4. The new nest must be beautiful. And so Mr. Squirrel keeps winter in line... But the best trees of all are the Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto on a 3-D “Kirie” card sent from Jei and Rich in Japan. Rich mentioned he and Jei previewed the card by holding it up at night against the wall with a flashlight. Sounds like Richard’s most excellent Charles DeGualle shadow puppets! Dad and lad are very much alike. Jei and I are very lucky. Check out their beautiful card photographed here in Austin. Cherry Blossoms are a great gift indeed. And have made our Hiver even more Bon!
 Kirie 3-D card from Jei and Rich with a little flashlight help from Richard. Magical!
Happy New Year to everyone. A good part of 2010 was a bit rough for me, with the chemo and radiation treatments, but I made it through with everyone’s thoughts and prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you — 2011 is going to be a great year. And special thanks and love to my wife Patti for being my caregiver. Richard |
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Copyright © 2012 Richard and Patti - All Rights Reserved |
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