Thursday, December 31, 2015

the year's end

My second full year in Wilmington is coming to a close in a few short hours.
It has been wonderful. I have no complaints.
What have I enjoyed the most? Probably the people.
Since I knew only four people here before I came to stay, everyone is new to me.
I have found that many people have "discovered" Wilmington and love being here as much as I do. They have nothing but appreciation for the history, the beaches, the huge number of things to do, the weather, and the general vibe.
I have loved the many conversations I have had, hearing people's stories, not just from those who are accomplished, but also from people like the young guy who replaced the light bulb in my car yesterday. It seems to me that they are all delightful. Maybe it is the amount of sunlight we are exposed to, or the salt air, but everyone seems happy.
With gratitude I bid farewell to the year of 2015.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Birds

With all the beautiful birds around here, I think I could become a serious birder.
A few days ago, I rode around Greenfield Lake and saw places where there were maybe ten or more egrets and a few herons wading by the edge of the water or sitting on the bare narrow cypress limbs. When I, wearing my Christmas red shirt, parked on the road and got out to take pix, they immediately took off, their wide graceful wings and long skinny legs soaring downstream from me. Today I donned a forest green (camo) shirt and was able to stop and admire without calling too much attention to myself. There were also cormorants vigorously splashing in the water and other pretty birds in the air. I am so smitten with them. Also enchanted by the reflections in the iridescent water.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Christmas Breakfast

The traditional strata I make for Christmas morning was especially delicious this year, possibly due to the nice homemade bread I used in it.
There are recipes all over the web I am sure, but this is how I did it.
Brown sausage and grate cheese. Beat eggs and add milk and season.
Butter the baking dish. Place a layer of torn bread, then a layer of crumbled sausage, then cheese.
Pour half the egg mixture over it. Then repeat layers. Refrigerate overnight. Bake Christmas morning.
Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 13, 2015

choir and orchestra

I like to reserve the words awesome and amazing for things that actually are - like the church's Christmas music.
Little did I know two years ago when I went to the concert that cold, rainy Sunday night, that I would someday be singing it. But I am.
It was awesome! And incredible! And that is not just my opinion.
Since August, we have been practicing the music.
We have an adorable young choir director/Minister of Worship who is a third generation musician. It is in his blood, and he hasn't strayed from it. He stood on that stage with a joyous, bright, and confident countenance, brandished his baton perfectly, and conducted the sixty singers and forty orchestra members like a seasoned pro. No one would think otherwise.
There is almost nothing more thrilling for me than to be a part of a large group of singers accompanied by a fabulous orchestra and to sing my little heart out.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

the new cats

They have been such playful, rambunctious kids, but maybe the cutest thing is how much they love each other.

on the lookout

What a slacker I have been lately about blogging.
I have even been leaving my camera behind when I go out.
But today I decided to take it with me, and got this cute shot practically in my back yard.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015