Of taking down the halloween decorations~~~

Well Darklings,

In between the rain and such we slowly took down the outdoor decorations, mostly we first moved the ones that were in the front to the back area where we could dismantle them or let them dry out from the rain and we are not done, it's going to take all week.

But I do have Brian to help me and sometimes Doyle, mostly I put things into the plastic bins, and relabel the bins and they move them into the basement into the Holiday area.  

Inside the house I've taken down the spiders and spider webs, but I haven't really tackled much inside except when it was raining, the focus has been outdoors.

A dear friend of mine came by today with 400 tea lights, in huge bags, it seems she had plans to use them for an event but that didn't happen and asked if I had any use, I thought they would be perfect to use in the fireplaces on the no burn days, so I took them and have them in the cool pantry for now.

I'm by myself right now, Doyle is in the City working on a case, Brian is busy with his job and Sis has a late afternoon client who couldn't come any earlier. 

Belladonna and Wiener Dog are snoozing on the blanket that I have covering the couch here with me.   The house is so silent that I can hear the tick-tock of the old fireplace mantle clock and it just gonged the half hour. 

I have stew cooking in the crock pot and doing rice won't take long.  Sour dough french bread and butter, a simple salad, followed by individual hot peach cobblers for dessert.  Sis is going out to dinner with a colleague of hers tonight and Brian has a date. 

It's moments like this when I'm alone with my thoughts and memories that I feel that I could almost fold into the very walls of this wonderful old house,  one of my painter friends has offered to a portrait of me for the family parlor in the same style as the one of my Great-Aunt, I think it would be appropriate for this house, the picture hanging in the place where it would go is a landscape which I can put into the entrance hall there is a wall just right for it.

She studied with a number of artists, and do a number of styles so it would be with a proviso that she could exhibit it for a period of time as an example of her portrait work, I've been thinking why not.

But now my mind is too tired to go beyond thinking about it.   Doyle will be home soon and I still need to chop lettuce.

Later Darklings

Of a Quote about being Goth or Gothic~~~~

Hello Darklings

I came across this quote and of course it also includes Morticia, and I realized that in all my experiences I had to be in tune with and  explore my dark side, even researching morbid subjects and understanding the evil convolutions of the human mind.

And having gone through horrendous tragedy, I know I've come out stronger.

I even celebrate my dark side, revel in it, but also to maintain some sort of balance I will also splash the light side into my soul as well, with a touch of kitties, puppies and butterflies. 

But by knowing and understanding the dark side we then are never fooled by statements that are made to sound truthful but are lies, we are never fooled or are foolish.  

THAT is what makes a person a true Elder Goth.

We don't have to wear black all the time or do our hair or makeup in bizarre styles, we don't have to do horrendous bizarre piercings to indicate we're Goth.  That is simply outer trappings to appear outrageous, we don't even have to be into what ever music style the Goth community is into.

We can truly be independent and not feel that we have to follow the Goth Crowd,  because It is what is in our minds, our hearts,  our lives and our souls that makes us Goth.   And we can let it out to play and privately laugh.

I'm just lucky that I have a lovely "playpen" for it.

So if you can My Darklings, take this quote, make it larger, frame it, put it where you can see it every day and know that this is true Gothicness.

Later Darklings

Of Rain glorious RAIN!!! ~~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

  I woke up early to a very rainy morning too.  but my head was foggy, and I had a slight headache, sinuses acting up.  Took forever to go away,  I didn’t want to get out of bed my head hurt so bad, but I forced myself, because I felt staying in bed would be worse, so took some Tynoldo (on an empty stomach, never do that again) and sought to get coffee, maybe I was having a caffeine withdrawal, I didn’t know, but I opened the door to the back porch deck and breathed in the wet air and began to feel better in my head although my stomach was begging for something warm, which I had with the coffee.

I listened to the rain and watched it as it came down, just listening to it, there was no other sound except the plink, plink of rain on things, a xylophone of sound, and how fast the tempo told me how fast and hard the rain came down.  I saw droplets on the thin branches of the plum tree  in my garden like crystal ornaments, and then the breeze moved the branches like a shaggy tree beast but no sounds until I heard a mournful robin issue a short song, perhaps trying to find its friends.  No freeway sound, no street sounds, no dogs barking, nothing, until a passenger jet flew overhead to land at one of the airports and then it was quiet again. 

Finally with the coffee and Tynoldo my headache and growling stomach quieted, and I breathed in the air again to wake up, took me long enough to do it.  As I watched the rain coming down I decided that today we would Not go to the grocery store nor would the dogs  get a walkie, much too wet, and the dogs do not like getting wet even with their rain coats on unless we insist they have their walk but it's very heavy rain so down go the doggie pads on the back porch for them.   I was glad I got the pot roast and milk yesterday between storm fronts, but either Monday or Tuesday we’ll get the rest.

Hmmm it may have to be Monday if the rain tapers off as we have a Doctor’s appointment on Tuesday in Concord for Doyle and I have one on Wednesday in Oakland to check my back --- Maybe Wednesday, we won’t be tired from a long drive during commute time.  Oh well, just have to see what the weather dictates, as long as it doesn’t rain on our medical appointment days.

Now the rain has stopped for a bit, so I've taken a check on my underground water cisterns that I use to water the garden during dry spells and they are full, not over flowing but nearly full one more good storm will do it, and I still have another to open up if more rain is promised.

I had a chance to talk to my brother this afternoon and he says that there are no leaks from the roof but he thinks a gutter or maybe all the gutters will have to be replaced, he was able to determine that a faulty gutter caused some leakage in the master bedroom, but once we're past the rains, he'll have the roof and gutter's replaced and the ceiling painted with a oil type based paint that will cover the stain.  No basement flooding and the garage does have a bit of a roof leak that will be attended too as well but at least livable for now.

I became restless last week and did a mid-week daytime road trip, it had been ages since I've gone to Half-Moon Bay so I traveled over and took note of the different nurseries and artist studios on Hywy 92, and discovered that Half-Moon Bay has sort of grown up a bit, feeling like a jaunt I turned south on Hywy 1 and decided to go to the little hamlet of Pescadero, there is a bakery there that makes the most wonderful sourdough French bread, and I felt the need for it. 

Although the sky was grey indicating the coming storm, I felt refreshed looking at the green grass and the mustard yellow of the fields,  the low coastal hills and fields on one side and the ocean on the other,  I stopped at several beaches just enjoying watching the waves rolling, frothing and crashing down.  The roar of the ocean was strangely soothing to me, almost hypnotic, it was only me and a immature gull as a companion, but mostly looking for possible handouts which I didn't have.

I was even joined by some red-winged black birds hopeful that I had something to toss to them, sorry darklings, not even a drop of crumbs.

And even my stomach began to growl and I remembered there was a deli in the bakery and possibly a small café open, and I continued on down until I saw the sign announcing Pescadero, est. 1858.

Going past  a few houses, a small farm with sheep and goats, a place that builds barns I came to Stagecoach Rd, that intersected the road, on one side a post office, a church a house or two, and on the left the one block long town, consisting of a bank, a bakery, a grocery, a tavern, houses, a craft store or two, an auto towing service and I knew there was a B & B beyond, but that was not my destination, the bakery was.

Choices of bread, honey, wine and tomato sauces greeted me and I needed to make my selections carefully, honey, tomato and marinara sauces and wine would keep but fresh bread never and making my purchases I happily stowed them into the trunk of my car, I walked over to the grocery store that I knew had a café in it and it was open so I had clam chowder and bread with tea for my lunch and found it filling.

I knew it was not the season for their small Farmer's Market nor for their crafts festival, but I walked the one and a half block length of the town just to enjoy it's quirkiness, and its peacefulness, and was surprised that there was a 2nd church at this other end of the road, I knew if I took Stagecoach Road it would take me to San Gregorio but I decided not to chance it alone, maybe sometime with Doyle.

Maybe stay at the B & B as well, I knew I had to bring my camera next time just to photograph this place before in time it too becomes part of Lost Americana, but I think with the efforts of the 600 plus folks in this community they will do their part to keep it just the way it is and preserve it as well.

I knew that with the frequent fog it would take on a sort of Dean Koontz, Steven King quality to it, but now it felt like a bit of forgotten England pre-world war 2.   It's moments like this that I wish I was a painter or a writer or a photographer, somehow being able to capture it how it felt part of now and part of "then".

But looking at my watch I knew I had to get back before the commute traffic made driving a frustrating task.  So drive back the way I came I found myself at the lower half of Hayward and taking back roads found myself home jiggery, jig picked up the 4 legged dynamic duo from my elderly neighbor and gave her a loaf of bread, honey and marinara sauce which she was happy to have as she was planning to make spaghetti for her visiting nephew that evening.

And I decided to do that as well since I had fresh ground round that I bought the day before.  Sis was grateful that I made dinner that evening as she had several difficult clients, Doyle said he was going to be late, so I held up starting it as Sis relaxed her toes and drank a glass of red wine, I decided to spoil her with Vampire Wine, I had picked up two bottles at the bakery Deli and since it was not going to be a problem cooking dinner we relaxed and then I started cooking while Sis made the salad.

I told her about my little road trip and she said she'd like to go with me next time, yes it is a far distance for bread but for clearing one's head, it's worth it.

And now I'm relaxing as laundry is being done but I hear in the distance siren and the blare of the horn of a fire engine, I hope it's not too serious for whom the siren screams.

Later Darklings

 

 

 

 

 

Of Happy Thanksgiving~~~~

Dear Darklings,

The pies are baking for tomorrow, the Jell-O desserts for those that like wiggly things with fruit inside are chilling.

The table is set with glass and plate wear upside down to keep the dust off.

Scented candles have been burning and are set to burn tomorrow.

Sis came across a recipe for German Chocolate cookies and baked them, heavenly.

The yams have been boiled and peeled and are ready to bake tomorrow, the Turkey is thawed, the stuffing (home made) has been made and ready to go into the bird.

Veggies are washed and waiting in the Refrigerator to be cooked, pans and pots for each dish to be prepared are labeled.

Doyle has been doing yeoman duty keeping the dogs amused and getting for us any thing we need,  Louise came by with her friend and have been helping with anything that needs to be done for tonight. 

Doyle has set candles in the fireplaces to be burned as it maybe a spare the air day tomorrow.

My contractor has called and said he can start on shifting the location of the gates next week.

The wines have been chosen, the soft drinks chilling.

Everyone has called and confirmed when they will be here and what they are bringing.

The house is sparkling inside and out because Doyle decided to put up the white lights outside last weekend, everything is warm and cozy and Doyle has gone to get our "go-to" Chinese Dinner which we will enjoy. 

Right now as we wait, Sis, Louise, her friend Carol and I are going to relax with some tea as we listen to 1920's jazz playing on my old fashion looking radio that plays C.D's 

And then we all decided that we need to watch an old-fashioned Sherlock Holmes movie, maybe two, with Basil Rathbone.  It's that kind of evening.

We feel thankful for the blessings we have received, we've had our ups and downs, our joys and grief's,  we've been luckier than most, but we don't take it for granted. 

Part of our thing is we took 4 fresh turkeys yesterday to one of the vital soup kitchens to serve food for those not so lucky, we've donated to the Food Pantry as well, there are some charities that will be needing financial help this Holiday Season and we'll contribute to them, Toys for Tots, a program for wounded warriors and others. 

But we don't do it just during the holidays, but all year long, its just that this time of year is when things are becoming at its darkest and we must continue to shed light to drive darkness away, we must bring love to take away hate, we must give healing to take away pain, we must give courage to replace fear.

And we must Give Thanks for that which we are about to receive, and in doing so we must share with those who have nothing.

Our history has been convoluted, secrets are being revealed, old beliefs are breaking down in the light of truth.

And there for we should Give Thanks that is happening.

But we must not give in to greed, and selfishness, but replace it with compassion and sharing.

We must not think of ourselves but of those around us, all of us who are so imperfect, for in our imperfections we create uniqueness and in doing so we see many different facets of the lives around us.

And therefor we should Give Thanks for all the Blessings that we receive whether we know of them or not. 

For if one person does a kindness it echo's on to the next and the next and the next, even if we do not know where it came from, We Should Give Thanks.

Later Darklings

Wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving

Of feeling as if I was in "Sherlock Holmes London"~~~~

Hello Darklings

 

Well I was up early this morning as per usual and while waiting  for the  coffee to perk I went out onto the porch and watered my herbs, I don’t cook with them or anything I just enjoy the scent of them, the sage, basil, thyme, oregano and Rosemary, and I was surprised to see that the leaves and such were damp, a wettish damp.  When I looked up I saw that we had a sort of fog, now that’s really low cloud cover, but it felt just right and perfect for such a day.  I felt as if I had gone back in time to old San Francisco or old London, expecting to see Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson looking for clues in my garden or perhaps Jack the ripper emerging from the fog, it was refreshing really.

The birds were busy as per usual, but what really surprised me was a fat squirrel with a fluffy bushy tail, he was walking on the edge of the fence and came close to the house, then jumping to the plum tree, and looking around, he  saw me and just looked at me with his bright energetic eyes, totally unafraid, I think he was judging if I had any walnuts or unsalted peanuts for him, and if I did I’m sure he would have come right up the steps for them as well.  But I do not try to encourage them, they carry fleas and such so I just watch them from a distance.

The dogs were not with me, preferring to sleep in with Doyle and when they did get up it was like watching sleepy, grumpy children not wanting to get up to go to school, almost comical in a way, their yawning as they go to the back porch with  drowsy looks on their faces. 

Doyle is enjoying the comfort of his pajama’s he says he’s sleeping better at night which is good, tomorrow Belladonna and Weiner Dog will be getting their monthly bath  and flea treatment and then I’ll have to make an appointment for their nail trim.

The bird’s did get startled a bit later, and there’s a tree trimmer on the end of the next block cutting down branches of a tall tree, well there’s about 3 or 4 tall trees, I don’t know if they are cedar or redwood but I felt unhappy about that, we need trees and such for oxygen and they look so refreshing to see, but then it has been a terrible drought, they maybe diseased or so dried out that their roots are endangering water and sewer lines, it’s sad really, I hate to see a tree cut down, but if it does endanger property one then has no choice.

 I have been asked by Street Maintenance if I wanted another tree planted in the front, since the old one fell over a few years ago and I said “NO!”  I didn’t need to deal with tree roots!   I have enough problems with the trees in the back yard.  As a matter of fact I’m thinking of having a shut off value put on one of the water lines that feeds water to the far back garden faucet, we  use it only rarely and I prefer a drip line, but since I do have trees out there if the roots are entangled with the pipe line it could become a problem should a tree fall over.  But I don’t want to remove it either, so a shut off value under the house and accessed through the basement would be best.  That way if I need to use it I can open up the shut off valve. 

I got together this afternoon with my cousin Louise, she wanted me to go with her to Dress Barn to find a nice fancy but not too fancy dress for a special event she and a friend are going to, she thought she had something to use but when she went through her things she found she couldn’t fit into them any more, she hadn't worn them in years so more donations to charity,  I told her Dress Barn carried nice dress for women from size 4 to 24.

So we went there and found a lovely dress and shoes to match, and a very nice dressy but inexpensive watch, she did have a very nice light wool shawl that would work very well for warmth, so she was happy with her finds, so then we decided to grab coffee and a pastry at Starbucks. 

When I returned home after dropping off Louise I found that Doyle had done his small project  today but he had to wait until the garbage bins were dry from the damp and spray paint our street numbers on them so they won’t get stolen again.  Cost $54 dollars to replace each bin, unless they are broken.

Yes Darklings some one stole our Garbage bin and our Recycling bin 2 weeks ago after the pick up, since no one was home to pull them in they were stolen, our Green recycling bin was still there, Thank goodness, and we were able to get them replaced for free, but one can only do that once a year, otherwise $54 dollars per bin.   I don't mind paying for things but not when someone thinks they can get something for nothing.

Doyle thinks its "Crazy Joe's" doing, yes he came home after his last escapade, they (the head doctors) deemed him not a danger to himself or to others.  Oh if they only really knew.  But with our street number on it, it should discourage him, we hope.

And tomorrow will be an easy day even with the dog bathing, and I can take care of a few things odds and ends.

 

But I feel sort of twix and tween, sort of down, like I can’t do anything but that’s wrong because part of me does feel positive.   I was wondering if the Full Moon from last night had anything to do with it.  It was a beautiful Full Moon, but no we did not howl at it this time. 

Thanks to crock pot cookery dinner is almost done, but I think I will do some reading tonight, even if Doyle wants to watch "Blue Bloods" (he loves that show---and Tom Selleck is still handsome to look at) No I think I'll pull out a murder mystery to read. 

Last night we were watching the news and they talked about an event that I had nearly forgotten, Doyle was saying something to me  then he became quiet to listen as well to the news story. 

Every one has heard about the Zodiac killings, the Hill Side Strangler, the Manson murders, but hardly anyone ever speaks about a killing spree that was labeled the "Zebra Murders".  This occurred in 1974 in the City.  I remember Mother and Dad were grateful that the job that I had at that time was on this side of the Bay.

It's hard but what it was, was a group of Black Men who were labeled as the "Death Angels" were killing white people a total of 16 murders, either shot or hacked to death.  Former Mayor Art Agnos, before he became mayor was one of their victims. 

But I remembered the fear with that and for that year I refused to go to any events in the City, one never knew when the next killing would take place, it was a terrifying time.  Some groups were saying that the S.F. P.D were racial profiling but the descriptions of these young men fitted a lot of people, not until a composite picture of one of them was printed did the police finally get a break.

40 years ago, had it been that long ago?  The memory of that fear at that time never left me and left me very cautious.  And are we anywhere closer to being safe, now with drive by shootings, and violent robberies. 

The "Zebra Murders" are not well covered only two books have come out over the years one of them is now out of print but you can read it on line, the other one came out in 2006 but some people say that the authors are looking at it not as a police procedural but as a race question.  I don't know but since I do have several works on the Zodiac on my shelves I think I'll see what I can do about this subject as well.  It is San Francisco/Bay Area history as sad, violent and tragic as it is.

And yet, I will pull out a mystery to read, but I think it will be an Agatha Christie and I'll sip a cup of chamomile tea with it.  I know Belladonna will snuggle next to me as Weiner Dog will snooze in Doyle's lap, yes we are a pair of homebodies. 

Later Darklings

 

 

Of a Vintage fashion show~~~~

Dear Darklings,

I'm on my lunch break, but I'm Soooo excited, there is a Vintage Fashion show at the old NAS base in Alameda tonight and Tomorrow!!!

I can hardly wait.  The big question is do I go tonight or tomorrow----well it's going to depend on how things work out in the next 3 hours---DANG!!!

But it's like that song "I'M SO EXCITIED"  

I know why should I be?  Well it's like a treasure hunt you don't go in with any expectations and you'll never know what you'll find.  Just enjoy the moment.

Oh Dear---here come da Boss. 

Later Darklings

Da Boss

Of Musings, thoughts and the whys of my blog~~~~~

Hello Darklings,

Well I thought we were going to the movies today, but Coralline seems to have come down with either allergies or a Summer cold, her parents are taking her to the doctor tomorrow to be on the safe side.  Poor thing, she called me last night saying her throat itched on the inside, and she kept sneezing, coughing and her nose would not stop running----the fever her mother told me was mild, not even 100 I told her I suspected pollen allergy but we both agreed the Doctor would know, so for now a children's allergy cold tablet to see how that goes. 

In a way I hope its not a summer cold, and that if it is allergies that its mild and controllable.

I've had several people ask me why I do not comment in greater depth about world issues that are happening.

Personally I prefer not to, I do have my opinions, some of them are quiet strong and might offend my blog readers, and I have no wish to do that.

I prefer that my blog be a sort of diary, silly, stupid, funny, sad, slightly opinionated, a bit Gothic, a bit strange, maybe even a bit crazy.

Oh I do comment on things---but more from how it affects myself or my family, or from what I've seen or read, and if it's on the dark Gothic side or strangely bizarre, all the more fun.

But there are things that do horrify me and sometimes I cannot help but express it from my point of view, sometimes it is the only way to mentally clear my mind.

I've posted family things that have happened in the past, mentioned sad and funny things in relationship to family members, both personal, religious, frightening and sometimes angry.

And yes, I have put them out here to "dry" as it were on the wash-line of a blog, but in a way I'd like those who are not from where I live, to get an idea of the fact that some people are not all alike

And I must be popular because I was startled to discover that I've had over 22,000 viewings on my blog, that might not be much, but since I don't advertise it, it is a lot to me, with people from all over the world, even area's where I would think my blog would be banned.

But if through my peramutations my random thoughts or opinions it gives to those who are restrained from seeing the outside world at least a glimpse of over here, then I MUST be doing something right.

I may seem self indulgent, selfish and self-centered, I'm not, but now and then it is relaxing to take sometime for one's self.  I may even seem wealthy, overly wealthy---I'm not Bill Gates----I've managed to save, invest, got lucky with my Great-Aunts Trust to maintain her house and to do adventures---but I don't travel to Europe or over seas, I pretty much stay in my back yard.

I watch my budget and I do things to earn extra money, recycling for instance, buying 2nd hand, yard sales, saving money to buy as needed large purchases.  And there have been times I've worked 2nd jobs to get what is needed or desired. 

I am more than aware of those who are not as fortunate as myself, I take that into account.  That is why I give to charities that help battered women, the homeless, the sick, and to services for animals that are abused and abandoned in the hopes they will find loving homes or santuaries.

I have helped friends, co-workers and family members get back on their feet without thought of re-payment.

Ahhh now I know it sound like I'm being like that person in one of Jesus's parables of the Rich man and the Tax-collector, it may seem like I'm bragging---I'm not, I'm just explaining myself as best as I can---because more than once I've felt like the Tax-collector who says "Lord I am not worthy to be in your presence for I am a sinner."

And I guess God has heard me, for despite my losses of family and friends whom I miss dearly, I have been fortunate.

So I will not comment on the misery of the world, at least not in depth, not on this blog, I intend to have it as a form of escape for folks or something to enjoy vicariously in some way.

A little bit Goth, a little bit Film Noir, a healthy splash of Adams Family and the Munsters,  a little bit "Leave it to Beaver" and a touch of "I Love Lucy".   Because that is just how my family was and is.

And now I'm going to see about finding a Monster High Doll for Coralline to cheer her up.

Later Darklings

Of Easter, Blood Moons and exhausted!!~~~~~

Hello Darklings!

I am SO glad that I am taking next week off for vacation, frankly my Dears I need it!

Well I shouldn't be so bad about it, but things at work have been a bit crazy, people out ill with allergies, Easter Break so spending time with their children, and one of my co-workers being in a car accident, not too bad but has a broken leg and cracked ribs, so it is obvious we are short handed, long hours, working late, shouldn't be working so late, and Doyle being so lovely picking me up and driving us home.

I was seriously tempted to stay for a few days at a near by hotel but they are charging Holiday rates, no, no I'm not getting caught in that trap, cheaper to pay for gas.

But next week a number of people will be back, so there will be a certain amount of sanity.  But I do think that last Monday night's blood moon might have affected some people.  Doyle came to pick me up and was waiting for me,  we had only a quarter of a block to walk to his car, when suddenly a naked man came running up to us, only wearing a smile and tennis shoes.

He was dancing back and forth mostly in front of me, and Doyle was ready to belt him one but instead I pointed at the man's pitiful wanger, laughed at him and said "Is that all you've got?" and proceeded to walked passed him as the smile on his face and his wanger fell. 

Doyle still wanted to belt him one but I reminded him that it wasn't worth going to jail for punching out idiots, took his hand and made him walk to the car, leaving the naked fellow just standing there.

As we settled into the car I remarked "I hope he doesn't catch a cold",  Doyle just gave me a look, and then laughed as we drove through the night lit streets of San Francisco,  across the bridge and I looked at the skeletal remains of the old bridge highlighted by the rising almost full moon.  As I looked at the metal work of that old work house I found myself sadly nostalgic for the old Beast, and as always,  I mentally said "good night" to it, an old worn out faithful friend.

It was just past midnight when we got home and I looked up at the moon as it was going into eclipse, did I want to stay up late and see this astronomical wonder?  Yes I thought, it would be one of those few times when the time was nearly right, so bundled up with a blanket and with a glass of dark red wine, I sipped and watched.   Doyle decided to stay up with me and we used the moment to quietly talk about things, Wiener Dog and Belladonna were curled up in their daytime nap beds in the kitchen, they thought humans staying out side in the chill when there were nice warm beds inside, were being silly. 

Then the Moon was in full eclipse, turning a copper color red of dried blood. How wondrous I thought, how mystical, how Gothic and a bit evil, I was almost tempted to howl but stopped as Doyle and I hear softly in the distance dogs doing mournful howls in the near silence, there was something almost agonizing about it, Primitive, primeval.   I heard a soft growl at my feet and there was Weiner and Belladonna, doing low warning growls, and then the mournful sounds stopped, and our dogs stopped growling.

Doyle gave a bit of a shake of his shoulders and said quickly, "Let's go in, lock the door."  The dogs were quick in the lead.  Doyle locked and bolted the kitchen door as I put our glasses in the sink,  then Doyle told me to go upstairs and he would re-check the windows and front door as well as the door that led into the basement, since the basement also had an outside door for convenience.

I did as he told, almost glad to get into the imagined safety of the bed, with both Weiner and Belladonna jointing me, and waited for Doyle.  A few minutes later he entered and assured me that all was secure.  As he turned out the light I asked him "What did you feel?" and he paused and then said "I really don't know but it didn't feel right" then he kissed me and said "Morning will look good".

And I woke up the next morning opening one eyeball to see the nose of Weiner dog in close up checking me out and being reassured when I said "I'm fine, I'm fine".

The good thing is that I could sleep in late and go in later in the morning, last nights' experience during the eclipse seemed un-real, but we did have an eclipse,  as I went out to catch the bus into the City I ran into one of my neighbors who asked me if I too heard the dogs howling, at least it was not mine nor Doyle's imagination.

So with free moments I and Sis have been able to get the house ready, and this morning we did the final bit of shopping for the Easter Dinner and managed to go to Good Friday Services, a period of mourning and to remember those whom have gone on before, now I am relaxing and typing. 

Sis will be back later she had an appointment with a client, Coralline called me last night to tell me she received your card Trisha, she hope you received yours,  she knows of the "Easter Beagle" as her Dad has been teasing her about it, but she hopes you like the Easter Pickle. 

Last night she told me a joke "What happens when you go out and plant Jelly beans in your Garden?"  I told her I wasn't sure and she said "You'll get your hands dirty."  And when you think about it, it is so true.

Doyle pleaded with me if we could skip the umpteenth showing on T.V. the "Ten Commandment's", and I said "Of course, no one can say 'Their God is God' like Yul Brenner, and that is the highlight of the movie, along with the parting of the Red Sea."   But I also said I was not going to watch "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"   no matter how much my Brother insists that it too is a religious movie. 

And now at this moment, inside and outside the house is quiet, not a bird, not a car, no neighbors calling out to each other, silence, almost expectant silence.  As if something is being anticipated.

Redemption??  Re-Birth?? Renewal??   I don't know, but I feel the need to go out into the garden and wait, I don't have these moments very often, but when they happen I take them and wait to see what will develop.

Later Darklings

Of "Funeral Preperations"????~~~~

I know Darklings,

What a very strange heading!  But its true----but not for someone who just died, but more for getting things taken care of without having the family have the headache.

How this discussion came about was because of my sister,  poor thing.  This morning she was just so miserable, blowing her nose, sniffling, coughing, even with the cold meds.   I got her pretty much settled in Sunday, a large paper bag next to her bed to catch the used tissue, the night stand with a tray to hold the cough medicine and cough drops, a carafe of water and a glass and a large cup so she can gargal.

I managed to get ahold of her clients and get them rescheduled,  I'm so glad my Sister set's her calendar well ahead, espeically for any other events or confrences she wants to attend.

But today it was a dash to the drug store to get more supplies for her cold,  and get more soup and saltines, at least she can drink camomile tea, even peppermint tea is soothing to her. 

She was a bit awake this afternoon before her misery forced her to sleep again, so I had her eat, and I went over the adjusted schedule with her, I did warn her clients that they may get another phone call to re-adjust their schedules again and apologized for the problems.  Fortunately they were very understanding.  No one, but no one wants to catch a cold, nasty miserable thing that it is.

But just as we finished going over her appointment calendar she made an interesting and yet strange remark to me "Sis, have you thought about making funeral arrangements?"   I said to her that she was not going to die and I certainly did not have any plans.

But she went on and what she was saying that at our age as Elder Goths, we should have in advance funds set aside for funeral expenses and a directive of how we would like our funeral to be carried out, what type of coffin, what cemetery, what type of tombstone, what location for the burial plot, what kind of funeral service, who to do the preperations, anything speical to be done, etc., etc., etc.

As she was saying this I thought to myself she is so right, of course no one wants to think upon the ending of one's life, but I am of the belief that although our physical shell ends, that essence or soul energy continues, even if science has a hard time proving it, there have been annedotal stories about spirit survival.  Which is another reason why I like ghost stories.

I said to her that what she suggested was a good idea but it would be best for us to consider these things when one is in a more healthy frame of mind and body and we could plan our funeral arrangements.

Planning a funeral----most people would prefer to plan for a wedding or a birthday party even a baby shower, but planning for a funeral?   Well Darklings that is really not so morbid, but something an Elder Goth should think about.

Alright you say, how am I going to go about this?  Well one way is to pay for Whole Life Insurance, Not term life but Whole Life--there is a difference.   Term life is only for the term of the insurance, you cannot cash it in nor can you borrow on it, most of them only go to age 75 and then end, now some can be renewed but at a higher rate.   Whole Life however goes on until you die, with some companies the monthly rate remains the same, you can borrow against it, you can cash it in and receive back the amount of money you paid into it as premiums,  some companies hardly require a health exam such as Colonial Penn, some do require a physical exam---It does depend upon the company and at what age you are getting the insurance and of course the amount.

On Life insurance policies check with the company on them and any restrictions. 

But with a whole life insurance policy you have to set aside money to go into that to pay for funeral expenses,  but you cannot miss a payment or you forfit.

Now there is another way of doing it as long as you are strong willed enough to not dip into the fund, and that is to set up a savings account and put into it the exact amount of money that you would if you were paying for a premium,  either way Darklings the cost of a funeral traditionally done is at least $7000 on up, not including the cost of the grave and burial costs---that is just for embalming and coffin.  

Yes Darklings just like Weddings, a Funeral can be expensive, but the whole idea is to go the way you want to go, even Elizabeth Taylor use to tease that she'd be late to her own funeral and it was planned that her hearse carrying her coffin was late to her own funeral, who says you can't have fun after death.

I mean with a really great wake you can put the "Fun" into Funerals  (oh I know bad pun)
Now Doyle has his planned a long time ago---take him from the hospital to the cematorium, reduce him to ash and bury him in the back yard,  I said we'll have him on the fireplace mantle in a box or a jar and dust him off every week.  After all I think there are some restrictions now adays about being buried in one's back yard, even if we do have a pet cemetery in the back of mine. Hmmmm maybe I could.  (thinking about it)

It's what we did with Grandpa, he was cremated, even if at the time the Catholic Church wasn't thrilled with the idea, although they have come around to that,  Yes Grandma just could not bring herself to bury him, so she didn't embalm him just had him cremated and put into a nice wooden box with his name and dates of birth and death on it.  He sat on Grandma's fireplace mantle for years, Sis and I dusted him every weekend with an apology, we even apologized if it "tickled" him or made him sneeze, and we polished his box with Lemon Pledge.  It looked just lovely all polished up, espeically when the sun came through the living room windows and shined on it,  on occasion we had to use a metal polish to polish the metal plate on it that had his name.

For Christmas we had one of those little fake trees, with tiny glass colored balls glued to it's branches and we'd put it next to his box, or an Easter Bunny, no matter what Grandpa was included in all the celebrations,  for birthdays we had a little birthday hat to put on the box.  Grandma just looked at what we children would do and simply nodded her head in approval,  Dad would just shake his head and say to Mom "They're your children"  but I think they liked the fact that we accepted Grandpa that way.

One of my Uncles and his pinched mouth wife (he married late in life--never did like the woman) always complained about us children being disrespectful, but Grandma would tell them in no uncertain terms that she approved of it.

Of my two other Uncles, one would just shake his head but Uncle Mannie would smile and say "I think Grandpa is enjoying himself"  and would sneak a tiny shot glass of wine next to Grandpa's box, Sis and I swore that the wine in the glass would slowly disappear as if someone was sipping out of it.  Our Oldest brother thought so as well.

We buriend Grandpa with Grandma when she died and included all the information on the tombstone, together forever we thought and so right, Mom insisted that their names be entwined within two hearts over lapping, they were that much in love,  we did the same with Mom and Dad too when it was their time.

Things in terms of funerals did take a dark turn when our oldest brother died, but that was under horrible and tragic circumstances, with Grandpa well he became ill and he did talk about dieing, and as sad as it was it was expected and we recovered from it.   But my brother's was a long time in recovering for the whole family.

Now my other Grandpa and Grandma they had the traditional Catholic funeral,  with all the pomp and circumstance of the funeral rituals (Pre-Vatican 2) and although sad I loved the ritual in the old style Gothic Church, the rosary, the blessing, the prayers, the incense, well call me old-fashion but that is exactly how I'm going to have mine,  and the coffin I want will be black with silver colored handles and fixtures. I want the Pomp and Circumstance,  I know exactly where I want to be buried, and I want my headstone to be black polished stone, and although expensive I want it to include my picture on it,  I have a picture taken of me when I was younger, and I looked Sexsay!  And have on the tombstone the words "I-Be-Back"  shake them up a bit, none of that "In God's Care" stuff, oh no, I'm coming back in a new body and livin' life to the hilt and doing it all over again.

That's the only way to go.

As a matter of fact Darklings did you know you can buy your own coffin ahead of time at Cost Co??  Who says they don't sell everything---Hmmm coffin, wine and food for the wake....I think I'll plan my funeral.

Later Darklings

Of "The Black Queen" and other thoughts~~~~

Hello Darklings,

Oh my!  Did anyone see "Criminal Minds" this last Wednesday (U.S.)?   The Character of Penelope Garcia as the hacker "The Black Queen" in all her corested Gothic Beauty.   Doyle called me during a commerical break for a quick check in with me, he said even his eye's popped out when he saw her. 

I did enjoy the episode, it gave more background to the character as well as solving a case, but I loved what Penelope wore as "The Black Queen".

It gave me thoughts on clothing----I've on occasion receive e-mail news letters from PINUP GIRL Clothing, and I decided to see if they had anything I'd be interested in, and I have to say if you are into Retro Goth, or even Retro, this web site has a lot to choose from, and if you are plus size you can look sexy and wicked in their clothing. 

They have a couple of evening bags that I like that I'm going to order, but I love some of their lipsticks in their retro cases, all cruelty free and made in the USA. 

Early last evening my niece Coralline called me, it seems that her parents let her and her older brother watch "Criminal Minds", but not the twins,  Monica was supervising the viewing.   I asked wasn't that past her bed time and she replied that as long as she has done her homework and has her clothes ready for the next day and completed her chores she could stay up till 10 p.m.  not every night, but if something was special like "Sleepy Hollow"  Coralline likes the Penelope Garcia character so her mother gave in, unless it got too gruesome.  

Coralline asked me about the two sides of the character and I said everyone has two sides a light and dark, the trick is to balance the two, but in Penelope's case she is more light but since she has seen the dark she uses it to her advantage to help solve crimes.  The main trick is to not fall "into the abyss", which I said some people unfortnately do.  

Coralline asked her Mother if she could stay with me this coming weekend, since the "Boys" are going to be focused on the 49'ers game, I said it was fine with me but I wanted to talk to her Mother, Monica said it was fine, so Coralline will be coming over later this afternoon and we'll do our ususal things,  Sis is looking forward to seeing her too.

But I have an idea that Coralline is going to be asking the both of us a lot of questions.   It will be interesting to see what road it is taking.

Later Darklings  

Of "Hell Freezing Over"~~~~

Hello Darklings,

I'm quickly posting from work, I know, I shouldn't do this, but I'm on my coffee break, so there....and my sweet co-worker has brought me another cup of Hazelnut Latte with extra whip cream.  He is sweet.

Last night I was numbly watching the news, I'm afraid that the news appears to be repeating itself, with robberies, bycicle riders not riding the correct way and running into trucks, fires, murders, horrible traffic accidents all agony stores...I know Darklings it seems that I do not care, that I'm numb, but the truth is I do care, it is at times, sad, tragic, horrible and in the case of some people a totally stupid thing to do.  And it is LIFE, just like the psalm and the song says "To Everything There Is A Season".

But last night I heard it, I couldn't believe it, I laughed at it and said to myself "If I have an excuse to use it I will".

Well this morning I got my excuse----

Our Great and Glorius Fearless Leader, aka The Boss, was a little bit ticked off, he was asked by certain powers that be,  to look into something, which really is a part of his job but he hates to do it and tries to delegate it, if he can, but he said  in front of me, the other staffers and in a fit of pic to the representative from the Powers that be--- "I'll do that when Hell Freezes over!"

And I remarked  "Hell has frozen over, Dear Boss."   He looked at me as well as the other staffers and the Rep. and I continued   "Hell, Michigan that is,  said so on the news that Hell has been frozen over, showed pictures of it too."  And I smiled sweetly at him. 

He looked at me, and fortunately started to chuckle and surrendered. 

So now, thanks to the Polar Vortex that slipped down to our upper states, I can honestly say that I know the day that "Hell froze over."

Must go, I am at work.

Later Darklings

Of post Christmas celebrations~~~

Hello Darklings,

The Christmas Party was a success!   And I had more than enough food, all served buffet style, so people had a choice of goodies to nibble on, the idea of wearing Victorian or Dickens type clothing was well received and everyone got into the Dickens Mood, including my Brother's 3 boys the "3 stoogies".

I had several artist friends show up including our "ghostly" ones, one of them brought her pastles and sketch book and easel and did quick portraits for those who wished one.   Of course my Brother and his family, Marissa and her folks and her brother from college, my Policeman friend and his family, and several others, it is so interesting to bring together a group of people who have never met each other before and then get tossed into a social mix.

I had several CD's that played Christmas Music from old time Music Boxes, and kept them on rotation, no modern music last night.

Of course several areas were open for each group of people to settle into, the Formal parlor, the family parlor, dinning room, Library and of course the kitchen.  And it was a "Spare the Air" night so candles in the fireplaces. 

Once people had their fill and were relaxing I suggested several group games to them, the children were settled in the large entrace foyer playing Mexican Train Domino's which they enjoyed with relish, I'm glad that Marissa's Brother was the games master for them and help the two youngest which was the Officer's children, but my Brother's oldest Boy hung around the adults mostly, just taking it all in and watching Anita draw her portraits, she even did impressions of our games in the Formal Parlor, giving it a Victorian look.

I was a bit puzzeled by Steven's actions, not hostile but curious, so at one point I asked him to come help me get some more food from the kitchen and while we were there I asked him what was going on in his mind.  He was at first reluctant but with gentle prodding and of course saying to him that I knew something was "perking in his brain", he admitted that he had never thought of how people from the old days use to celebrate things, and he finally was beginning to see my home as something different. 

He told me that his parents house is always his parents house but for him it was a place to eat, play, sleep and do his home work, but now he was thinking.   I looked at him and said "You're growing up Young Man.  You still will do your Sports and be who you are but you are finally seeing beyond your nose."   He also admitted that Coralline's pranks on him woke him up, and now when ever his sister complained or "got happy" about something he'd listen to what she had to say.

I said that he was beginning to think like an older brother becoming concerned about his siblings.  He admitted that he didn't like growing up, but I told him all young people have to grow up, but to take in as much childhood experience as possible, to photograph it, write it down in a journal to never forget.  And to work with his parents on things, "Learn as much as you can from your Dad and Mom as possible, help them out with projects or taskes, if you are with your friends and they, your friends suggest something that sounds risky or illegal or harmful, avoid that, your friends may challenge you or say you're scared but just reply that you don't want to hurt your chances for college or a good job or do anything to hurt your body or shame your folks, if your friends still challenge you then tell them they are not good friends and leave them even if they taunt you, make fun of you.    Don't be afraid to tell your parents what your friends wanted you to do, it will be up to them to tell your friend's parents what they are doing.   Ask your parents for advise if you have a question and never be afraid to ask questions of them or us your aunt's, if we have the answers we'll give it to you or guide you to where to look."  

Then as we gathered up the serving platters I told my young, now beginning to grow up nephew to speak with Officer Roberts.  "Make him a friend as well, he can tell you what is legal or illegal, but never presume on that friendship."  Steven asked me what 'presume' meant and I said "There is a big dictionary in the Library look it up after we get these platters into the dinning room"    He did and came back to me and said he understood. 

I looked on the children as they were playing and I could see the changes from last Christmas, the girls and boys were taller and beginning to lose that "baby fat", I saw more seriousness in Marissa's brother's eyes although he was enjoying himself.  I saw my oldest nephew talking to Officer Robert's deep in conversation, my brother's hair was a little thinner and grayer, so was my sister-in-law's. 

Sis came up to me and said "You look very thoughtful" and I admitted I was and said "We're all growing up and growing older"  and she admitted she felt the same way but at Christmas time to continue to have a certain amount of child-like wonder and enjoy life and what we are blessed with.  With that I looked over at Doyle who was having a spirited conversation with Brian and Marissa's Dad and one of my artist guests. 

Then I heard someone playing on the piano in the Formal parlor, I realized that it was slightly out of tune but not badly, a string here and there, the piano is an antique and it's been a few years since anyone had checked it, Sis played it occasionally but it's been a year, so I made a mental note to have it checked out but right now I was enjoying the husband of our female ghostly artist play "Girl with the Flaxen Hair" and then the "Flower Song" from Lakme, he then launched into a lively redition of several Christmas Tunes and everyone joined in singing,  and laughing, he continued playing the piano softly so I turned off the CD player as he continued with some gentle Debussy, Chopin, and even Brahms, nothing intrusive. 

Sometimes one does get surprised.

But then the night was late, and even though the children were out of school it was past their bedtimes,  by midnight we bid the last of our guests goodnight and Sis and I put the leftovers away, and to leave the dishwashing for tomorrow, but at least with plates and cutlery that was all paper and plastic,  Hmmm the garbage man is going to have a lot to take but at least my Sister's garbage can will help out.

And now with letting everyone sleep in late to day I am going to start the wash up, the cleaning service will be here in an hour.  And then on to the next thing.

Later Darklings

Of Ice cicles and Jack Frost~~~

Yes Darklings!

Icecicles!!!  I thought that was something you'd find in the mountains in winter but there they were hanging from the back eaves of my back porch.

It seems there was some run off of sorts, and then we had a deep freeze and voila! Icecicles!  I had to wake Sis and Doyle to show them, and then I looked into the garden and there was deep frost over everything, like a frozen white blanket.

I have no idea if any of the plants, even the protected ones are damaged or killed by the frost, but there it was.

Poor Belladonna and Wiener Dog they did NOT want to go down to the patio and do their business,  we had to gently persuade them and then quickly warm up their paws, and we had their heavy coats on them too. 

But looking at the frost and everything I was reminded of that line from that song "...Jack Frost nipping at your nose..." 

So Sis and I were out in the back garden looking at things and then we looked up and saw a white frosting of frost on the roofs, almost like a very thin layer of snow that one would see in Christmas cards.  The front yard also had a coating of frost as well, in a strange way we were enjoying it, as cold as it is, it does feel like a Christmas should. 

Eventually the sun will melt it off and it's wetness will go (I hope) into the ground.  Doyle finally called us in to get warm with coffee and just as I was walking up the back stairs to the kitchen one of the ice ciles fell off with a serious sounding "thunk!"  Belladonna and Wiener Dog had to check it out, the looks on their faces..."What is this cold wet hard thing??  It smells strange.  Why are our humans so excited about it?"  Then Wiener Dog solved the matter by raising his back leg and marked it in his own male doggy way and Belladonna seemed to approve and they both trotted into the warm kitchen looking for their breakfast as far as they were concerned the situation was under control and food was on their collective mind.

Dogs and little children seem to know the situation best.

I have today off, which is good so I can make plans for the Christmas Party, we know what we are going to have, and the date is set, invites have been sent out with the suggestion of Victorian Dress. 

Mostly I'm just making sure everything that will be needed is in place and also to see if there is anything else that needs to be added.  I've made arrangements for my cleaning service to come in the day before for a quick brush up.

We are going to have Coralline again this weekend starting on Friday, my Brother and Sister-in-law are going to send the Boys over to my Sister-in-Laws mother's house so they can do the Christmas Shopping for the children's gifts.  Mine is already done, the advantage of being able to go to work and have good stores to shop in nearby, and mail order, although I had to hide them in the upstairs storage room with the door locked so they won't find it.

One thing I started years ago, but I also got permission from my Boss was to have packages delivered to where I work, that way it avoided the possible front porch theivery that has been happening especially lately.  It is something I do suggest to all you Darklings if you do mail order and to let the mail room know about it as well or whomever receives mail or materials from Fed Ex, UPS or DHL or other couriers.  It does save headaches and heartaches.

Christmas is both an exciting and quiet time of year, exciting if you are a child or a harrassed parent, and quiet if you live alone and family is far away.   It is what one makes of it, but it should never be a sad time.  I know a couple that are about my age, maybe just a little older.  They had no children, and each were only children themselves (that is their parents did not have other children),  they met, both sets of parents had passed away so they were alone, they both worked, have a nice modest house, but the Holidays when they were first married was hard on them until they resolved to not have the holidays be a lonely time for them.

They looked for seasonal events to enjoy which perked their spirits up, looked into things to do and eventually joined several organizations that were into historical and period events and preservation, they told me they had to look outside of themselves and their personal lives, to reach out, by doing that they found that the holidays did not have to be a lonely time.  But I asked them "What do you do on the actual Holiday?"  Meaning Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years.  

And they told me "We start the Day with the exception of 4th of July, with Church, we go to a service to help put us into the proper mood,  being Catholic we will do with Easter and Christmas several services,  There is a late night Easter vigil mass that we attend, and then the next day Easter Sunday we attend the daytime mass as well,  we know of several places that have breakfast, and we have already made reservations for Easter Dinner too, but the Missus also has desert waiting at home.  Depending upon the weather we go for a walk at one of the formal gardens and enjoy the blooms to revive our spirits.   And then in the evening with desert we'll watch a film that has religious meaning,  last time it was "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"  a fun film.

For 4th of July, that is picnic time, but we dash early to see a 4th of July parade, we have our chairs and such and coffee and donuts, and it can be chilly in the morning so a blanket,  then a picnic on the beach followed by a tour at one of the historic military sites or we may reverse that depending upon time.  Dinner is always out at one of the nicer places. 

Thanksgiving (he told me) well that is very speical, we decorate the house with little things for Fall and then we volunteer at one of the charitible Food Kitchens and help out,  as a matter of fact we do it on a regualr basis but on Thanksgiving we make sure we're there.  Then later we have our dinner and watch "Miracle on 34th Street".   The days following we go all out to decorate the outside for Christmas, our neighbors son helps us.

And during the Christmas season we'll over the the years we've come across various events to attend the organizations we're members of offer speical events, but on Christmas Eve we attend Midnight Mass and then the following Morning a morning Mass, and once again we volunteer at the Food Kitchen, we're never alone.  
There are little things we do, Toys for Tots, Dickens Faire, and then the October fests and Harvest Festivals, all kinds of little things. 

But New Years, we'll that is speical for us as well New Years Eve if there is a Dance on the USS Hornet we attend that in period attire, and welcome the new year in,  The following Day we go to morning Mass, we have breakfast out and we have made reservations for dinner, again depending upon the weather we see what might be open to see, sometimes its a speical event at a museum, or something.  But we alway keep ourselves busy and do things so we are always never alone, even helping out at charity events.  We're older now so we do have to pace ourselves but even though we don't have family or children, sometimes the world needs folks like us to just be there."

I was surprised by their sense of purpose but then I could see what it is that they are doing,  to never look inward but always outward.

Later Darklings 

Of a Quick Holiday Update~~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

The Christmas Holidays are here!  Hooray! Hooray!!!   I know why should I an Elder Goth be cheered by the Christmas Holidays?

Well, Dear Darklings, the days after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the modern Christmas season. A time for Shopping, parties, cooking, buying foods that one usually never eats during the year but must try, going to the theatre, decorations, visiting and most importantly giving thanks to a small child who was and is The Light of the World.


Yes for those here in the Northern Climes, by Dec. 21 to 25 we do enter the darkest period of the calendar year, if you live south of the Equator it is the lightest period.

But it is during this time, of winter cold, of possible hunger and freezing temperatures where we have to put forth every effort to beat back the darkness and the cold, with remembering those who are less fortunate than ourselves, the elderly, the sick, the homeless, and the helpless who are alone and forgotten. It is a time when we should never forget these lives who need help not only during the Christmas season but all year long.

For an Elder Goth, for any Goth, it is this darkness that we must delve in to bring in one candle of light and hope.

From collecting Toys for Tots so those unfortunate children can have at least one gift, to the donating of food for the food banks and meals for those who are down on their luck, to working in food kitchens to feed the needy, of putting into the kettles our dollars and cents for Salvation Army to help during this especially hard time of need. Of putting out food for the birds and small animals, of helping at the local animals shelter so those who do not have a voice will find a “forever home”.

For some people there is a form of unspoken ritual, such as selecting the right Christmas tree, writing out cards to send to friends and family, of planning a party or making something special to take to a party.

For others it is doing the Advent wreath and going to church to remember why we celebrate this season. And it is important to remember the true reason why we celebrate, it’s called the “Season of Giving” but not of presents but of one’s self, either of time or money or doing little things so those who feel forgotten are not forgotten.

Frances P. Church in his letter to a child, Virginia describes what the season really means, a man who really was disgusted with organized religion, was disheartened by war and by the mean spiritedness of people dug down deep into his own soul to produce the most iconic description of what Christmas should be, but using the iconic image of Santa Claus or old St. Nick.

I have an acquaintance of mine who on her own blog some years ago did a wonderful posting about that letter and the people involved in it. I’ll ask her if I can reprint it here on mine.

But for my family, well we are going to select a tree, most likely several trees, for the house, already bit by bit we’ve started putting the lights outside on the house to give it a festive air. And the indoor decorations are already dragged out and ready to be put up, something that we’ve been doing bit by bit, with this Friday for the tree selections, there is a Church operated Christmas tree lot, the sales will help with their educational programs.

We will, with Coralline and Marrisa, take in the Dickens Faire, The Nutcracker, “A Christmas Carol”, the holiday lights at the Oakland Zoo, and see what celebrations at Dunsmuir House, as well if possible any Christmas craft shows; we already are planning to see “It’s a Wonderful Life” playing at a local theatre. And somehow we will squeeze in shopping, but we’ve decided to give gifts to only to the children, and I’m grateful that I’ve had my flu shot.

We are checking the pantry and wines and spirits (the drinking kind) and making a list and checking it twice. The “Spare The Air” hot line is on speed dial to see if we can or cannot burn a fire, but with the freezing chill we’re having I hope we can burn a fire for the next few evenings, if not well I’ve laid in a lot of tea lights and candles to give the impression of a fire.

And now I must finish this post, I’m going in to cover the afternoon and help with some catch up. This is going to be very busy for me.
Later Darklings.

We have such fun at Christmas Time.

Of Foggy Mornings and Mystery Novels~~~

Well Darklings,

I still feel miserable and achy, but the Alka Seltzer is helping,  Sis got me something for the runny nose, but she says it is important to drain the sinuses to prevent headaches and any infection, my fever has come down a bit which is a good sign, but I'm still eating lightly, although I think a little appitite is coming back.

I've been sleeping mostly, taking a good hot shower helps even though it tires me, Sis, Louise and Doyle have been doing a lot of hard work picking up what I can't do, I appreciate what they do.

Everyone had to leave this morning and left me to my own divices, which I understand completely, Doyle and Sis call every now and then to check on me, which I have done when they've been sick and yet I had to work.  In a way the peacefulness is good, because all I did was sleep, except when I had to sign for a Fed Ex package for Sis.

Louise to see her lawyer and her friend who owns the complex and then I think to buy a few things for her place, I told her to use my car, when she left her husband she called a taxi because they only had one car, and she said she certainly didn't want it.

Sis with clients, Doyle with several assignments.  But I told them to be careful driving for it was foggy this morning, Doyle said there was no fog in last night's forcast, so it was unexpected, but I wondered why I heard fog horns faintly this morning, now I know why.

Poor Belladonna and Wiener Dog were puzzled by it, they thought it hides the Boogins.  Doyle had put out the portable metal fencing to keep the dogs in an area where I can see them when they go out side until all the work is done on the fence and the gates installed.


I stepped out onto the back porch with my cup of hot tea and just enjoyed the fresh feeling of the air, that foggy dampness that is not rain but surrounds you like a shawl, in many ways I like fog better than snow or rain.

It's mysterious, it creates mystery, its the stuff of old Film noirs and horror movies, it hides the imperfections of the city, it makes even my back yard mysterious, spooky,  unreal and creates a hidden distance into nowhere, from which a mysterious figure could emerge, like Sam Spade, Philip Marlow, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, the hound of the Baskervilles or Heaven Forbid! Jack the Ripper.

It's the atmosphere of ships at dock, abandon wharfs, fog horns in the distance, gloomy castles, lonely cemeteries where strange beings rise up from hidden depths, and it's just perfect to enshroud your home, press against your window with tendrels that cling with wet damp foggy fingers, the atmosphere of claustrophobia, to make you want to curl up in front of a fireplace, with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book to read in the evening, in the hopes that the flames from the fireplace will keep back that which is hidden, unseen in the dark.

The down side of this romantic outlook on fog is dangerous driving conditions, slippery sidewalks, catching cold. Oh well one can't have it all, come to think of it I do have a good murder mystery to read this evening if I feel up to it. 

Doyle will record Grimm and Dracula for me should I fall asleep, mouth open and snoring, not at all looking beautiful or romantic but just an elder goth with the flu and I know he'll tuck the blanket around me and quietly get into bed to not distrube me, and hope that I do not have another retching attack and pay homage again to the toliet bowl god.

He's a good man.

Later Darklings

Of sniffles and body aches~~~~~

Well Darklings,

I think I have the flu, my body aches, my tempeture is up, headaches, I don't feel like eating but Louise, Bless her, temps me with a bit of fragrant tea and saltines,  I drink water to keep hydrated, and I'm taking asprin to lower the feaver  and sleep, sleep, sleep.

I'm up because it aches to be in bed and it aches to sit up.  I do not like being sick.  PooH!!!

I just talked to Coralline and she feels bad for me, but I told her to stay well and her brothers are being nice to her, her older brother has even helped with her Monster High doll house, fixing one of the wheels on it.  And she's learning all about spiders and snakes from her friend a young boy next door to her house.  This terrifies her two younger brothers----a girl not afraid of spiders.  Although she did confess to me that in the wild she's not to keen on them.

Doyle is going to pick up some Wor Won Ton soup for me, although Sis has in the smaller crockpot some homemade chicken soup, which can be frozen and heated in the microwave.

But she's has in the bigger crockpot minstrone soup slow cooking,  that and a salad and french bread for everyone else.  

Now I think I need to go lie down again, my head hurts so bad, Louise is getting a knitted cap for me to wear as I sleep to warm up the upper sinuses,  as I said I do NOT like being sick.

Later Darklings 

Right now this is how I feel.  Pooh!

Of Monday, Aviator cocktails, and a possible BART strike~~~

Hello and Good Morning Darklings,

Yes, Moi up early in the A.M.  who would have thought.  But it seems that when I wake up although the clock says 7 a.m. it Does feel like 6 a.m.  I will be so glad when Daylight Savings Time is over.  Of course Belladonna did not want to leave her nice warm bed, I still have her in her sweater and she was under her bed covers (yes doggie bed covers) so I have not forced her, she'll get up when she wants to.

I am so glad I do not work on Mondays and Fridays anymore,  I've been following the news and people thought that BART unions were going to strike today, but not----at least for 24 hours.  This whole thing is so silly and the public is fed up with the unions holding out, it seems anything to do with transportation is not sitting well with the general public.

BART management has given their best and final offer, which is more than before, and BART unions are acting coy hinting its still not enough, but from what I can detect between the verbage, I think the unions are wary of public opinion right now, the public is not on their side....AND there is a move up in Sacramento to design and pass a bill preventing state wide any kind of transit strike, I do believe that New York and at least two other states have a simular bill.  

Both Unions and Management do not want that kind of bill, but I have a feeling it will pass, anything that interfers with the economy, creates chaos and grid lock now a days is not looked upon favorably.   So BART and possibly AC Transit Unions may have shot themselves in the foot.  Well that is what happens if you become too greedy.

Doyle and Sis have left for their respective offices early today,  Doyle muttering about doing background checks,  and Sis saying she'll be glad to have her house done so she can get out of her lease on her office.  And I will be making dinner.  Good Old Fashion Monday Meatloaf.  But I came across a dessert called Pumpkin Crunch, such a good alternative to pumpkin pie.  So I'll be a housefrau today, which is good, my maid service is coming in today.

And meal planning, bill paying all those wonderful mundane things to do. 

Last night Doyle made Aviator cocktails, they have a sky blue color, and it is not made with Blue curaco but Creme de Violete very hard to get I understand but Doyle has his sources, it is a cocktail from the 1920's and such a floral taste almost refreshing----now Doyle said if one uses Palma Violetes or another liquor it tastes different, but he wanted to try this,  I fell in love with it, now there are a lot of receipes out there but the original is best to follow.

I asked Doyle why he wanted to try it and he reminded me of an earlier episode of "The Blacklist" where James Spader's character introduces the heroine to the Aviator cocktail---this is sort of a Hannibal character but with a slight difference, unfortunately it runs the same time as "Castle" so we record it and watch it on Tuesday right after the 6 p.m. news,  I find Spader's character devious, a manipulative, but why is his character getting rid of those he's done business with and who are very evil?  What is his motive?  It is far more enjoyable than "Revenge" which is just a fancy Soap Opera,  and "Scandal" is fine but I am not intrigued by that program as much. 

What we have found is that if there are programs that run at the same time we Tivo them and then watch them during "blank spots" in the regular T.V. programing---"Blank Spots" being programs we're not interested in, since we try to have dinner at 6 p.m. if possible, one blank spot is the 7 to 8 p.m. slot. and on weekends it can extend to the 8 to 9 p.m. slot as well.

And I must confess I've become hooked on "The Good Wife" now the plot line is getting very interesting, before it bored me, but Sis liked it.  But now we have "Sleepy Hollow" "Bones", "The Originals" and our favorites, "Castle", "Blue Bloods", "Supernatural", "Big Bang Theory", "NCIS" "NCIS-LA", "CSI", "Criminal Minds", "Person of Interest",  sorry but "Elementary" has lost me,  "Hawaii 50" is still interesting but I don't think it will survive this season.  We've been checking in on "Vampire Diaries"  Sis watches it because of some of her younger clients, but its still too juvenile for me, although I think the Damon character is interesting, he reminds me of a young man I dated many years ago, always acting like a bad boy, but secretly had a good heart and did kind and helpful things for people without their knowing it.  Same green eyes--mmmmmm.

But what has Happened to "Hannibal" and "Nikita"  I didn't hear of them being cancelled.  Unless "Hannibal" is one of those 13 weeks mid-season runs.  Doyle insists that we buy the series "Foyle's War" I agree I enjoy the degree of research into the history of that program and its set design.

But now I understand there are still a few more programs to premier, oh decisions, decisions.

Now I must go, Belladonna finally rose from her bed and has done her thing and is barking at the squirrels, I guess I'll have to go and referee and the Maid Service will be here in the next half-hour, and I still have to get the inside of the house decorated for Halloween, not that I have to do much, just to get out a few things and plan the menu for the party.

Later Darklings

Of a Weekend of events, and thoughts~~~~

Hello Darklings,

Well Sis and I had a wonderful day on Friday! Of course we had our mani-pedi’s at this Salon that she knows in the City. I went with “Devil’s Lure” by Revlon, I’m not sure if it’s made anymore as it was a limited edition, but sometimes it turns up on E-Bay.

Anyway I chose it as the color is much richer, Sis decided to go with “Ginger” by Essie as it goes well with a lot of her clothes and she doesn’t want to off-put her clients by going with a strange color. But it was so nice to be pampered.

For lunch we decided upon salads as we didn’t want to be heavy and sleepy, and then to shopping, Nordstrom was our choice, but we did go into Tiffany’s, if nothing else just to drool.

I love how the staff treats its clientele even if you are window shopping. Sis saw a bracelet she fell in love with, she knew it would be perfect for her daughter. It was simple in Sterling silver and she wanted a heavy flat sterling sliver disk that was sort of thick with rounded edges to hang from it and to be engraved with her daughters’ initials in a flowing script, it was for her daughter’s birthday in November and since she would be up there to visit her at that time she wanted something very special. Her daughter had remarked how she’d like to have something like that but had been putting it off for a while; this would be very nice and classic.

At Nordstrom’s I found a lovely silk blouse in a deep camouflage green but not a boring green, with long sleeves and a shawl type collar, what dressed it up nicely were these gold buttons, and it came with three extra’s. And we had to check out the Channel counter, I was almost out of Channel #5 and purchased a bottle, trust me Darklings, I made my last bottle last for nearly 2 years. Sis found a pair of black Coach shoes that were extremely comfortable, considering that she doesn’t buy many shoes and always has her shoe repair man keep her old pairs going, buying a new pair for her is a treat and an investment.

We took a side trip to another store, I think it was Macy’s, sometimes these stores seem to run together, but we went down to the fine wares clearance area and here Sis indulged again, she found these glass starfish in 4 graduated shades of blue designed to hold things like mints, nuts, or other little goodies, and they were on sale.

Of course I had to ask her why and she said for her Tropical room, that I call her Tiki Lounge or 1950’s Hawaii, her idea of paradise. Frankly I think she was affected many years ago when she saw the singing parrots in the Tiki Room at Disneyland and of course her honeymoon many years ago to Hawaii. She told me many times “The Marriage may have failed but we’re still good friends and the honeymoon was wonderful.” Some day she’ll go back to visit, she’s been thinking of the Alanie Resort, I asked her “do you want to relax or hear the joyous sounds of children?” She replied “The place that will pamper me the most.” And something like that Darklings you should save up for, remember you’re worth it.

I found a nice little treat in the clearance section, a jar that says blood bath salts, complete with a small skull on the lid and a bat on the front of it, at the bottom it says take a relaxing bath in blood red. There were no salts in the large jar but it would be perfect to hold either Epsom salts or my own preferred bath salts. Sis teased me and said it would go perfectly with the “Bates Motel” bath towels that were given to me as a Christmas present last year. I’m putting them out in the guest bathroom for Halloween; I think I’ll put the jar there too.

But all too soon we had to leave, it was going to take forever to get home over the bridge given that it was the last Friday of the Month, and the bicyclists would be out doing their boring monthly “Critical Mass” protest, yes Darklings booooorrrrring, (someday I’ll blog about it), fortunately we didn’t encounter them, I guess we left early enough.

Still it was slow, and we decided upon Chinese take out when we got home, Doyle called and said he had a surprise and was obliging to pick up the food; I sent off several e-mails and went to pick up Belladonna. I bought her a little present, a new sweater with skulls on it as well as a brand new carry all bag, as the old one was wearing out, and it looks very stylish, at first glance one would think it was a large Michael Kors Tote bag, and then you see the mesh for the dog. Belladonna fitted perfectly into both items.

The surprise that Doyle brought home was a conglomeration of Beers, Angry Orchard’s Hard Apple Cider in a special box of 12 bottles consisting of 3 of each Crisp, Traditional Dry, Apple Ginger and Cinnfil Apple---all hard ciders. Doyle also had Pumpkin Ale by two different Breweries, and a special box packed of various Harvest Ales by Blue Moon Brewery.

Then there was Speakeasy Beer from San Francisco’s Speakeasy Brewery, this included the Tallulah pale Ale, Big Daddy, a bottle of Prohibition Porter, (I understand they are not making it anymore), and several others with that 1920’s mobster theme.

I asked him how he got these beers and he replied “A gift from a very happy and very grateful client, and he wasn’t the only one, other staffers who worked with Doyle also got beer as well all as a bonus.

I am not a coinsurer of Beer but Doyle said “we are ready for October fest”. Late September is when the micro breweries come out with their seasonal and specialized beers and ales and Doyle likes to stock up for the Fall and Winter season, I know he’ll be buying more.

So into the spare refrigerator they went in to be properly chilled and ready for that special occasion, although during October and November Doyle will occasionally indulge in the Pumpkin ales when he is relaxing on a Saturday or Sunday late afternoon, but never more than one bottle, too many spoils the enjoyment he says.

We decided to relax Friday evening and watch an old favorite “Perry Mason and the Case of the Fatal Fashion” both Sis and I remarked how we loved Barbara Hale as Della Street, so professional and confident.

In checking the mail after dinner I discovered we’d receive an invitation to an Artist showing for Saturday night, one of my art friends’ friend was doing a presentation of the ghoulish and ghastly works of art in oils and sculpture designed to be “thought pieces”. Sis of course moaned, and Doyle rolled his eyes and I said, “Well it would be interesting to see what depravity goes on in people’s minds.”

And with that remark Sis and Doyle agreed to go, provided said Sis, we all go to see “Rear Window” playing at a nearby historic movie theatre---Hitchcock in October? Perfect Timing!!!

Saturday we were up early, doing the usually grocery shopping and planed to eat dinner early, if we were still hungry when we came home I had things in the freezer that could be heated up. Not being sure when we’d get home and how perky we’d be, I decided to record Svengoolies’ presentation of that 1959 classic “The Leech Woman”, I have to say that it is a story with two morals in it, one that as men grow older their gray hairs seem to give them honor and distinction but for women as they grow older they are cast aside and pitied, the second morality tale is vanity thy name is woman, but I’ve also said you may have woman’s vanity but it is caused by man’s blindness.

Sad to say even if women are more liberated, we still have those same old idea’s running around, and women have to fight even harder.

The art show was by a friend of an artist acquaintance of mine and Sis’s and although the sculptures and paintings were very well done with a lot of thought to the subject matter they were morbid, and unsettling, dealing with the theme of horrific homicides not by shooting but by sick minds, up close and personal, emphasizing the psychopath and how they are being allowed to be free to terrorize us, we are always afraid of the terror without, but forget the terror within.

I don’t think I would have a single one of those art objects in my home, neither would Sis but some people were buying them, as investments I think, although I felt they would be better suited to a chamber of horrors in a wax museum, the gallery had to be very cool as some of the works were done in wax.

Doyle confessed that he preferred the anatomical art exhibits in which dead people were shown with their skin removed and showing the inside of how our bodies worked, those were done with injected plastic for preservation and I remember thinking how informative that exhibit was, but this was something totally different, going into the minds of psychopaths. Sis got the artists’ card she said she like to interview her (yes her) for a paper, perhaps combine it with the interview that she did with our previous ‘ghostly’ painters whose exhibit we’d seen some time ago.

And we were surprised by the artist, a short, rotund, cheerful lady, draped in purple, with a lot of silver bracelets on one wrist that jangled as she moved her hands, her hair was close cropped with natural ringlets, I looked at Sis and remarked “You’d think she’d be baking cookies for her small grandchildren” and Sis replied, “Hansel and Gretel’s old witch may have looked like her and she was going to eat them up.” I could only agree.

We did run into our ghostly couple, she just as pale as ever and he looking like he could disappear into a dark corner, her gallery show in New York went very well, almost all the paintings sold and she is embarking on a new series. “Tombstones” she said, “I’ll have it so they project out of the canvas, some will be physical installations as we are looking for old gates, and things, some will be small studies and some almost like sculptures but with a painting they will emerge from, in some ways I’m being inspired by the Night Gallery stories”. After they drifted away, I asked my Sis if she remembered how they supported themselves between showings, knowing that it does cost money to survive, she couldn’t remember, but said I might have mentioned it in my blog, now I’m going to have to look back to see.

Doyle insisted we go to an ice cream parlor that stays open late that he knows of and indulge in Ice cream, saying “I want to see something that makes me think I’m a kid of 10 again” And considering the huge banana split he ordered and devoured I’d say he got his ‘kid fix’. Sis went with just plain strawberry ice cream and I with rainbow sherbet, we too felt we had to get a strange taste out of mouths.

Sunday dawned cold and a bit overcast which eventually gave way to sunlight, we’d made plans to go to the cemetery to put flowers on our late eldest brother’s grave, something we do every year. This was one of those times when we’d be able to do it together at the same time, given how her work previously would have her traveling.

We decided to go in Doyle’s car and as we were driving to the cemetery like a vision out of the past a parade of 3 vintage cars crossed our path, 2 were from the mid to late 1930’s and the last one was from the late 1940’s, seeing those car’s I screamed “Daddy I WANT!!” Yes Darklings even tho I have my own vintage car, just seeing them was exciting, since we had to go in the same direction we were able to catch up before they turned off in another direction. On the back rear window of each car was a logo in gold lettering “Bay Bombs”, it seems they are a local vintage car club that does fund raising events with their vintage cars, including offering their cars as transportation for weddings and special occasions. What fun!

But on to the cemetery, we’d pack a picnic lunch since our brother’s grave is near a nice shade tree, and although the cemetery does an excellent job of maintenance we pulled a few weeds (good thing we brought gloves) and made sure to have cans to hold the flowers so’d they would last a few days. We ate, talked reminisce of old times, and found ourselves missing him even after these many years, Doyle had brought his Sirius radio and was using the portable to play music, we were rotating from 50’s to 40’s and back.

Suddenly Sis stood up, she looked at our brother’s tombstone and said “If there really is an afterlife, I’d like you to give us a sign! All these years, and it still hurts, I should be able to deal with it, I’m trained to but it still hurts. Do we exist after we die! Show us!”

I was shocked by my sister’s outburst, I knew our brother’s murder had affected her, it affected me too and our younger brother, but I hadn’t realize she was still is so much pain, even with her telling me I had to still work it out, she did too.

I looked at her, then stood up, she continued to look at the headstone and then after a moment we heard Ray Charles singing “Hallelujah, I love her so”. Why that song? Years ago our brother and us performed a pantomime dance to that song at a armature talent show at the Elks Lodge, we did it for fun, we were kids.

Sis looked at me and I started doing the dance moves to the song as best as I remembered it, and Sis joined in. At the end of the song we were laughing and sat down on the picnic blanket. I looked at her and asked “Did you get your answer?” She smiled with tears in her eyes and nodded, maybe it was just a coincidence but at that moment? Right after she asked her question? I was not going to question it and let it lay. Doyle looked at us with his mouth agape, shook his head and said nothing but smiled.

Then on the spur of the moment, Sis took a napkin and wiped some dust off of the smooth surface of the tombstone, put on her red lipstick and kissed it. I did the same. O.K. Darklings we were being silly, but can you imagine someone else coming along and seeing those two lipstick kisses on that headstone and what they will think? I’d like to think they’d be a bit puzzled or something.

For the rest of the day we just relaxed out in the garden, Belladonna had gone with us for the picnic and was glad to be in her familiar territory. And we each had a bottle of one of the harvest beers to relax with.

Later Darklings