About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

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Monday, January 3, 2011

Trimming the Old

I sit here in my gym clothes waiting for 12:00.  Why?  Because I don't want to fight the "Resolutionaries" for parking space or machine time at the Athletic Club.  Yes, they'll be taking up space at the gym for the next two to three weeks; this happens every year.

We de-decorated the outside of the house yesterday.  It was cloudy and raw, but we figured we had a chance to get our work done before the lights were buried in any snows the season may bestow on us although frankly, I don't think we'll be getting any appreciable snow this year.  I also took the opportunity to cut back the lavender, trim the dead lily fronds and the lenten rose, and re-shape the boxwoods and pieris.  I'll wait to cut the liriope to the ground until March for no other reason than I just didn't feel like doing it yesterday.  It's really a messy job.  I also raked a few remaining leaves.  It was good to get outside -- even in the raw damp and mud.

Today is cold, but beautifully sunny.  A good day to take my new camera outside for a few trial photos. 

17 comments:

Jay said...

I'm going to open a gym that is named "Resolutions." But, it will only be open Jan and Feb each year. The rest of the year it will have to be a pizza joint or something.

George said...

You certainly were ambitious yesterday. We have our outside decorations down, but I still have some trimming and raking to do in the yard. Hopefully the ground will dry some from the weekend's monsoon and I can get out there today.
I hope you were able to find a parking place at the Athletic Club!

Bilbo said...

"Resolutionaries." I'm adding that to my new word list!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Kathy, We 'de-decorated' the outside at the end of last week --BEFORE all of the heavy rains came. I was so pleased that I did that --since I wouldn't want to put things away if they were wet.... This week, I am 'de-decorating' the inside.. Big JOB--but I'll take several days to do it RIGHT. I'm organized and have my own system --and I wrap everything individually.. It takes time--but makes it easier finding things next year.

George's big job is to get all of the empty boxes/containers up from the basement --and then to put them all back after we are finished....

Hope you have a great day/week.
Hugs,
Betsy

Sally Wessely said...

Sounds like a good day to work in the yard. I need to work on my lavender and such, but everything is covered in snow.

I start pilates today. Since it is for physical therapy, maybe I well still be at it in March.

Purple Flowers said...

You are so right about the newbies starting out or again at the gym. Tape your name on the machines you prefer with the word "owner" on it.
See what happens. :)

The bookend is 7w x 9h x 3d.

Mage said...

Yes, yes, photos please. Yes, I beat the resolutionists by getting there in the hours beyond early. lol

A Slice of My Life said...

I'm cracking up at Jay's comment!

I've barely been to the gym during this break. I went a few times later in the day with my girls, but it's sooo crowded. My other excuse is that it's been too icy to drive. :)

Back to routine tomorrow.

A Slice of My Life said...

Hey Kathy...

This is awkward, but can I ask you to update your link? I just noticed that you have the old blog link. I'm at http://asliceofmylife.com now. :)

Tracy said...

It sounds like you had a great day! gyms and I do not get along...good for you for going. I prefer to exercise in the peace of my own home and around the neighborhood because once I am home, I am home and there is not going out :)
It was a pleasant day here in NC as well...

happyone said...

I thought the resolutionists would be out walking but they weren't there this year!
I agree, I don't think we are going to get much snow either. Now watch, that we said that, we'll get a foot next week! :-)

Cheryl said...

I went for a little walk yesterday after all the un-decorating. It felt good!

New camera! Bring it to the salon next time you're in. I'd love to see it.

Linda Reeder said...

It's too icy still for tom to get up on the roof to take down the outdoor lights. He may do some of the shrubbery lights tomorrow. I made a good start on the inside decorations today, with Tom coming behiond me with the vaccuum. I should be able to finish tomorrow and then we'll finish the deep cleaning. We did yard clean up in the fall, but we were out yesterday picking up debris from the trees from our last windy day. We filled the yard waste bin that was picked up today.
I don't do the "gym", so I won't be in anyone's way.

TAG said...

Kathy,

Shame on you. Tease us by telling us you are breaking in a new camera, then not posting even one pic. Shame shame.

May the New Year find tons of wonderful images flowing from your camera.

TAG

jane said...

i´m with tag. where are the pictures girlfriend?

Deb from WhatsInMyAttic said...

I'm with the rest of the group on the picture thing-y...what a tease! Also, Jays comment is right up my ally...Jay, if you decide to franchise, let me know! hehehehe

Jamie said...

OMGosh, I am right there with you on the "Resolutionaries"! I could hardly MOVE at my gym yesterday, and that was at five in the blessed am!

Happy Wednesday, girl. :)