songbird's crazy world

It’s called a “bomb cyclone”, a winter storm with hurricane force winds.  And with it, lots of snow. Yesterday my boss told us to take our laptops home, to plan to work from home today. By late afternoon most of the schools made the decision to close today. Last night Drew and Marc prepped the new snow blower for its inaugural run. And so my laptop and I headed to Drew’s house.  I’ll be spending today warm and cozy in his den.

Once again, Joyce asks the questions. 1. It's that time of year again...time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words (or phrases) they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, or genera uselessness) in 2018. You can read more about the decision making process and word meaning here, but this year's top vote getters are- unpack, dish (as in dish out the latest rumor), pre-owned, onboarding/offboarding, nothingburger, let that sink in, let me ask you this, impactful, Cofefe, drill down, fake news, hot water heater (hot water doesn't need to be heated), and gig economy Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add? The only word on that list that I would banish?  Cofefe, and only because I want to banish the originator of the word.  If he's not relevant, the word won't be used anymore. 2. What's something you need t...

So it occurred to me that 2018 is a milestone year, that I have been blogging for almost 10 years. Ten years ago, my life was so different. Jen graduated from high school in 2008 and began her freshman year of college.  Becca was in high school, and I spent a lot of time driving "mom's taxi" as she explored extracurricular activities and her social life. My parents were healthy and enjoying their well-deserved retirement. Drew and I had ceased hostilities and become friends again, but hadn't truly reconciled yet.And I was worried about my job and my future, because the company I worked for at the time was asking the government for a bailout. And yet, someone who knows me now would find so much in the older blog posts that is familiar.  Politics, song lyrics, cultural references to TV shows and movies.  Photos of my neighborhood. Pet photos and stories.  My involvement with the synagogue and with charity work. And my fascination with Christmas decorations. ...

A new year, full of new ideas, new possibilities. I'm not making resolutions per se, but I am trying to look at the world with a different perspective. New chances to explore, to learn, to grow.  New opportunities to focus on areas of self-improvement.  And on how to improve the world around me. There is a sense of excitement at this new beginning. And yet a sense of sadness as well.  Sadness for all that was left behind in 2017.  Sadness of what I might lose in the coming year.  I am far too aware of growing older. The bitter and the sweet.  Bring it on, 2018.  I am ready.

Ever notice how many New Year's Eve songs are nostalgic and melancholy? Seems to suit my mood today. Let's start with Barry Manilow: A little Harry Connick Jr.: Not specifically a New Year's Eve song, but one that fits the mood: A classic Scottish tune, sung here by a Scotsman, Rod Stewart: And let's close it out with ABBA: Happy new year.  May the coming year bring us health and happiness.

Special holiday light show at Jones Beach. It's meant to be viewed from your car, you see the display on either side of the road. Christmas trees Foreign locations Snowmen Even planets Dragons Beach scenes There's a concession stand, of course. Outside you'll find fire pits, and you can buy ingredients for s'mores. Inside is "Santa's Warming area" where I bought hot chocolate. One of the neatest effects was the tunnel of lights, found at several spots on the route.

#skywatchfriday