Friday Roundup

Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived

Anonymous

(The courtyard outside my kitchen window)

Gee, is it Friday already?  Time is passing by so quickly that sometimes we forget to cherish the moments. Another week has come and gone.   Another snowstorm has blanketed the grounds with snow and ice.  As I sat in my chair watching the flakes fall, I was reminded of only a few months back when I was anxiously awaiting the first snow.  It doesn't seem like so long ago.  Now, I am awaiting the first buds of Spring.  Why am I always WAITING for something and not cherishing the moment?

(My bedroom and bathroom window via kitchen window view)

 (Look how dirty and yukky New York City snow is.  Nothing pretty about that)

(Yesterday afternoon this crosswalk was a slushy watery mess.  This morning it is a sheet of ice.)

'It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood'.  That's the excuse the school chancellor used for keeping the schools open yesterday.  'If Macy's opens, we open.'  Now, mind you, the pictures above were taken late afternoon.  They show nothing of the treacherous conditions in the morning when children were trying to make it to school.  Very dangerous. Teachers and parents are in an upright. And the mayor chose to blame the National Weather Service. He claims he heard them forecast only 3 inches.  I don't know what he was listening to.  Added to all this was that just the other day our mayor made a call to get a friend released from jail, and he is being called out by people and constituents all over the city.  In my opinion, this guy is totally unfit to run this city.

And, I have to admit, I accomplished NOTHING this week.  The form for the union arrived on Wednesday, late afternoon, and with the storm hitting, I was unable to fax it. I DID hit the supermarket on Wednesday before the storm hit.  At least we have plenty of eats in the house. Perhaps too much.  Did I really need those new Pepperidge Farm Caramel Apple Pie cookies? 'Yes, you do,' I told myself. 'After all, you are seeing the nutritionist for a diet next Friday.  Might as well splurge while you can.' Oh, how I rationalize for my guilty pleasures!  

When I was in grammar school, I remember how much fun these Candy Hearts were on Valentine’s Day. It always felt good when someone professed their 'love', even if only on a sugary candy.  Another tradition we had was buying those packs of cheap little cards and passing them out.  And our teacher always told us that if we didn't bring for all, we should bring for no one. In that way, no child was ever slighted. 

According to legend, the first Valentine was a love letter the duke of Orleans sent to his wife when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Love and joy are in the air.  Red hearts, flowers, and chocolate truffles are everywhere.  Today is a day to spend time with our family and friends, a time to honor and give thanks to our loved ones. 

Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day, dear friends. May your weekend be one filled with love, peace, and joy.  See you on Monday.