And now, an honorary entry and exciting announcement from my sister, Kristin.

I’d like to introduce you to the new member of our family:  Gelly.  Gelly. Like Jelly. But Gelly, short for Magellen. Named such due to his adventurous spirit and his strong desire to explore his world. I thought perhaps it might be a bit of an adjustment for Gelly to move into a new house with a new family he just met, but he simply headed right out on an expedition that lasted most of the evening, and then settled down happily for a nap, and now you’d think he’s lived here forever. Craig is hoping that Gelly will soon learn that despite the mystic draw it has, he cannot explore the depths of Craig’s desk and office equipment. 

Gelly has enjoyed his safari this afternoon and has checked out both the kitchen cabinets and the upper shelves of my bookcase. This morning he had to be rescued though, because he got stuck - wedged between the back of my credenza and the wall - and couldn’t get himself out.

More about Gelly:  Gelly is a delightful 4 month old who loves to give sweet kisses.

Gelly was abandoned at a farmhouse when he was 4 weeks old. He was in bad shape when he was found and rescued, but he was given tender loving care and was bottle fed and he grew in “strength and stature”.  He is now a sweet, playful, content little kitty who is happy to go wherever you go, whether he follows you down the hall, or you carry him in your arms, on your shoulder, laying sideways or upside down.

Gelly seems to like sleeping in high places.  He will often find the highest comfortable place he can get to, and that’s where he’ll take his nap.  He likes the top of the couch quite a bit, where he can nestle into the throw blankets, and from his happy vantage point see the action going on in the kitchen, the family room and the TV all at the simultaneously.  Last night Gelly spent a comfortable night sleeping in the laundry basket on top of the dryer.

He has the sweetest little squeeky voice. Almost like a little peep.  If he wants to be with you, but can’t find you, that’s your clue.  Little soft squeeks as he wanders up and down the hall.

Gelly likes to play and he loves feathers.  They are his favorite, although he had a fabulous time batting around a “crunch berry” on the hardwood floor this morning, and he decided he need to teach the rubber band he found on the carpet the afternoon a thing or two about who is boss.

Athough he is being outvoted, Craig would like to call him Ernie’s Mother.  This is because he sucks his toes (a reference to a Bob & Doug MacKenzie skit where they talk about their friend Ernie, who had frost bite and so “Ernie’s mother sucked his toes…”)  Gelly likes to suck his toes, probably because he was prematurely parted from his mother and did not nurse long enough.  Sucking his toes is a comfort.  Or now just a habit.  Or a fetish.  I don’t know which.  But in order to prevent him from sucking the fur right off to the point of damaging his skin, we’re taking some action to correct this uncommon behavior now, before he’s totally addicted.  He’s been getting a taste of hot sauce today…  Doesn’t like it so well. 

So meet Gelly.  He’s a sweetheart.

Who doesn’t like snowflakes?   Here’s a cool new twist on an old passtime - cutting paper snowflakes.   My sister, Kristin, introduced me to “Make-A-Flake“  - no paper or scissors needed.    I made all the flakes in my post (copying them into Photoshop to edit).  Aren’t they pretty??

Click here to make a flake and then post it for us to see!   After you cut your flake, select “Save my flake” - and enter your name/submit.  Then, in the next window, choose “Download my flake.”    Choose “view image” - a new browser window will open that shows your newly created flake.  Copy and URL and paste it in a message to us.  It will look something like this: 

http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/viewflake.php?id=16425221

Can’t wait to see your flakes!

I have the best daughter in the world.  Look what beautiful suprise she sent me this week (not my Christmas gift) - accompanied by a note that made me cry (in a good way, of course.)    She said they are “just because”…   

They arrived as buds and have been opening one by one since Friday morning… and they smell delicious.  I love flowers.   Thank you, Ashley!

Religious and family customs shape many holiday rituals, but the beauty of Winter Solstice is that it excludes no one and touches everyone.  After all, who is immune to the changing season, the earth growing cold, the days of dwindling light?  

Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year - and the promise of the earth’s re-birth in the spring.   Modern day traditions, including mistletoe, yule logs, lighting of candles, exchanging gifts, decorating evergreen boughs and caroling are all rooted in this beautiful, ancient holiday.

In Ireland, many gather at Newgrange, 1000 years older than Stonehenge, who’s unique construction captures and directs the morning sunlight on Winter Solstice down a long corridor.  

In fact, for the first time ever, the 2007 Winter Solstice illumination at Newgrange will be available live on the internet and by free to air satellite broadcast - TONIGHT!

The live stream will begin at 8:30 am on 21st and 22nd December 2007. (That’s tonight and tomorrow night at 12:30am PT, 1:30am MT)

Click here to access the webcast

While you’re waiting for the webcast (or if you missed it), here is a  brief quiz about Winter Solstice

Happy Solstice!

I just returned…  well recently returned from a brief trip to Salt Lake to visit my kids/grandbabies….  photos forthcoming.  However - before I forget, I just had to share some cute Kennedy-isms.   She is so entertaining.

On a visit to Aunt Kathy’s house, we were chatting while Kennedy (age 3) played on the floor near Kathy’s feet.   After awhile, Kennedy looked up at her and said, very earnestly, “Your feet smell like roses!” ….   to which a bemused Kathy showered her with hugs and kisses.

I slept at Kathy’s that night - and the next day when Kennedy & Ashley came to pick me up, Kathy walked out in her nightgown and blue/flowered housecoat.    Kennedy poused only a moment and then said, “I like your pretty dress….”     and was rewarded with more hugs and kisses.

Later that day we had lunch with my mom.  During a break in our conversation, Kennedy looked up at my mom and said, I like your eyebrows.”   LOL. . .       
That one had to be my favorite.

Great version by men’s a capella group, “Straight No Chaser”….  
Makes me miss my madrigal days….