Red Rose

New Year's Reflection

Day 143: Gold Belt!!!!

Today I had a surprise!!! At the end of karate this morning, Sensei Shaw gave me a gold belt! He said I earned it. I did work hard . . . but there's SO much more to learn and SO far to go with my fitness and skill level. Now I'm afraid I'll be a remedial gold belt after six weeks away from classes. But . . . the plan is to work hard while I'm abroad -- running, sit ups, push ups, stretching, fencing lessons, practicing as much as I can . . . I had better keep on top of this. I just get nervous when I'm not completely in control of my own schedule, which will be the case much of my time in Oxford. Wow! But this is wonderful. I guess I'll just have to work extra hard upon my return!

Day 142: Cats

The cats are looking pensive. I wonder what they are thinking!

Day 141: Cats

The cats seem right at home together. Lucy loves the cat tree, Caol Ila sits in the tree or on the back of the couch, and Talisker sits anywhere. Here he is scratching away . . . not sure why . . . there are no fleas or mites. I guess he just likes to scratch. <^.,.^<

Day 140: Cat Tree and Christmas Lights

Lucy fits right in and seems perfectly at home here in Epworth. She is really enjoying the cat tree! And . . . tonight I stayed up a bit too late working on photos . . . and saw this reflection on one of the panels in my kitchen.

Day 139: Three Happy Cats

It has been a wonderful treat having Lucy stay at Epworth! Here are all three cats at their food bowls. Lucy, Talisker, and Caol Ila seem at home together.

Day 138: Books from Dr. Wyman

Thank you so much, Dr. Wyman! These are fantastic. How exciting and what perfect timing for these with my trip on the 27th! You are very thoughtful to have given them to me. THANK YOU!!!

Day 137: Cats at Home

The cats have been excellent company today when I was curled up at home sick! Caol Ila and Lucy kept me warm and looked after me well.

Thanks also to Rick for bringing me supplies! And apologies to him for being cranky. I was in pain, but that's no excuse.

And thanks to Brandi for excellent conversation!

Day 136: A No Photo Day!

Oh, dear! Another day without a photo. My only excuse is that the day ended badly . . .

Jennifer left this AM -- right at the start of karate (nothing either of us could do about this)
11:25ish Karate -- it was awesome, but I hated being late. :(
Home for lunch/breakfast and trying to deal with TMobile and AT&T to get just ONE phone -- both companies were a pain.
3PM Memorial service for Mrs. Wyman. I miss her!
Dinner with Rick.
Home and SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And honestly, this was when I was going to take a photo -- but I BARELY got done going over my classes before they closed at midnight. It was a really rough evening. Bleh . . .

Day 135: Butterflies!

We took a 1-hour break from work (at last!) and went to the butterfly house at the Museum of Life and Science. It was very relaxing -- and colorful! A great way to end the work week!

Day 134: Cat Nap!

The cats enjoyed having Jennifer's "bed" on the couch! >^.,.^<

Day 134: Final Shadow Submission for PH225

Shadows on the upstairs porch at Epworth. Typical for the whole semester, I had no comments from my classmates on my final bit of work. This was the most frustrating shooting class I've had to date. Thank heavens PH107 (Photoshop) was fabulous! It more than made up for the lack of discussion on the boards in 225. Chrissy, why oh why were you not in this class? I am so grateful to you for your help outside of class all semester. And to family and friends who helped as well.

Day 133: Shaw's Karate = AMAZING

Sensei Shaw is the BEST!!! Thanks for letting me take photos. I really will get them processed for your website. Here are a few examples.

Day 132: Cats in the Tree

Caol Ila and Lucy enjoy the cat tree. They look like they could be sisters!