Our first Rhode Island snowfall

I'm posting these pictures so my family can see how we decorated our new house for the holidays. We got our first snowfall today of only a few inches. Just enough to make everything pretty.

These were taken with my Droid phone's camera, with which I don't have a happy relationship. I've been a good boy this year so I'm hoping Santa will bring me a Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 12MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) with supplemental memory card.

First, here's a photo of Alanna's Brownie troop signing carols at the public library last Sunday.

We put a tree in the former potter's workshop.

Our New Home

Our new home near Wakefield, Rhode Island. We're only 10 minutes from our daughter's house. The house was built in 1938 and was extensively remodeled recently. There are new maple floors (we put in cork floors in the bedrooms), skylights, and an additional room at the back.  The rooms and ceilings were reconfigured, too.

Living Room with gas fireplace

Dining area

Kitchen (we love the skylight!)

Bedroom



Bedroom for grandson Ian

Bedroom for grandaughter Alanna. They've stayed overnight already and had a great time.

Back room for dogs and computer opens onto a small patio.

Pergola covered with wisteria connects the deck to a former potter's workshop on right. The 6 crank-out windows had been painted shut. We're still deciding how we'll use this building, but one wag suggested that, since I'm retired, I could, um, take up pottery.

The deck features an outdoor shower. These are popular in this area for washing off beach sand.

We're using this outbuilding for a workshop and storage.




We're in a rural area and the backyard is partly bordered by wetlands.

Mary saw wild turkeys crossing the driveway one morning and last night this deer was snacking on fallen apples.

The property was very overgrown. Here are before and after pictures of the front of the house.

This 500 gallon propane tank was completely hidden by bushes and trees.

Our neighbors tell us that this garden was beautiful once. We hope it will be again soon!

Iceland

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was accidentally formed in 1976 during operations at the nearby geothermal power plant. People started bathing in the lagoon and noticed that it had beneficial effects on their skin, especially for those with psoriasis. Public bathing facilities opened in 1987, followed by the full spa in 1999. Blue Lagoon has become the single most popular tourist attraction in Iceland.

Reykjavik Public Library

A beautiful day for horseback riding. Developed from ponies taken to Iceland by Scandinavian settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, Icelandic horses are the size of ponies. They are good natured and have few diseases. Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the country and exported animals are not allowed to return.





Downtown Reykjavik


The Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church. State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson's design is said to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland's landscape. This landmark towered above the city and helped us navigate as we walked.

Due to the lack of trees, early settlers lived in sod houses. Most of the buildings date from the 1940's and later, when poured concrete became commonly used.

Library Cat

"I am the library cat," from LOLCats (tm).

One of these things is not like the other.

I've always had good experiences shopping on Amazon.com and especially like the recommendations it offers based on my previous purchases. I learn about new material from my favorite musicians and authors as well as being exposed to new things.

But once in a while something odd happens with the recommendations. Sorry, but I just don't see the connection here.

Flying may not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.

The quote is from Amelia Earhart.

Southwest lived up to my expectations. There were no delays or snags, and the staff was flawlessly efficient in helping my mother with the wheelchair at every stop. The flight crew had a refreshingly edgy attitude, too. There was an impromptu song and dance routine on the flyway and Captain Mike came into the cabin for quick trivia game. "Why is the sky blue?" he asked us. "How many wings does an airplane have? Don't think the obvious answer." As she finished the mandatory safety announcement, the flight attendant quipped, "For those of you not paying attention, good luck to you." Another flight attendant teased his partner, who was demonstrating the safety vest, saying, "If he can figure it out, you can figure it out." All in all, things went very well.




My sister volunteers at the Tucson Wildlife Center and gave us a fascinating tour.




Here are some photos from the Tohono Chul garden in Tucson. It was well worth the visit.




























Finally, the folks at the Pittsburgh Airport have their priorities straight. Next to a statue of George Washington is Franco Harris making The Immaculate Reception. All's right with the world!