Saturday, March 24, 2007

It's Christmas Morning!

This is a grand day! We have received presents! Piled on our doorstep! This occurrence is unprecedented! Our mail lady must have been bemused by the appearance of two cartons with our names on them.

(We also removed the propane bill from our doorknob, but we're not counting that as a gift.)

We'll give thanks alphabetically, because the gifts are of equal value to us, and our thought processes have yet to flow as smoothly as might be wished.

First, many thanks to you, Debra, for the absolutely astounding quantity, quality and variety of tea bags that caused our sleepy eyes to spring wide in shock and awe. Many of the flavors we have never before tried, and you included among the enormous selection some old favorites that you know we enjoy. We plan on having a good old-fashioned Penfield Tea Party! We haven't the words to express how we feel about this, so we will just give thanks for having met you.

And Kathy, many thanks to you for the piles of newsprint that you sent (Bonnie is at this moment happily ensconced at her command center, poring through the pages in search of intriguing tidbits. I myself am wondering if this is your fiendishly clever way of reducing your recycling load   {;~)>   ) You must have chortled to yourself as you enclosed the small bottles, knowing that we would ask "What are these?" After struggling with the ziplock, stripping away the plastic seal (who would want to contaminate that solution, for heaven's sake?), and prying off the cap, we discovered the tiny wand and exclaimed "bubble solution!" I am so far from my childhood beginnings that I began to wave the wand about in the air, to no effect. Bonnie finally said "Blow through it." With a mental slap upside the temple, I said "Oh. Right." and did so. And lo, there were bubbles! 

We both want to say "Thank you, dear friends, for being who you are. We can ask for none better."

Peace.

Bonnie and Walt

 

 

 

72 comments:

Anonymous said...

Newspaper, bubbles, enticing hot drinks.  I'd never leave home.

Anonymous said...

tea!!
tea from me!
and the furrbees!!

I'm so very glad that you received it on such a great day with reading materials that will bring lots of snickers and chuckles and chortles and such.

oh happy day!
grins, debra

huggles too!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, lucky you! How nice -- and how thoughtful of your friends to send such a great pick-me-up. I can hear you smiling all the way to Indiana.

;-)
Vicki

Anonymous said...

Bubbles and tea... what more could a person want!  Sounds festive and happy over there where you are!  Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!!!!  Hugs,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Well, if you must know, My Lovelies, the newsprint is not part of some diabolical plan to lower my recycling load.  I do recycle at the curb and at my friend's dog kennel!  She has puppies in residence just now.  Ah, but I save the BEST for you two kittens ... thinking that you'll be so intrigued you'll say "a road trip is in order!"

Well, now that I think about it, the recycling bin is a bit lighter.  And I don't have to fret over brown paper bags ....

You're entirely welcome.  Make some bubbles for me!  :)  Oh and today the Police Chief saga has come to fruition.  You must wait for this edition to arrive to find out who finally 'got the job' and who finally accepted!  

Anonymous said...

The tea must be delicious!     Scads of newprint with bubbles floating all around paints a picture of bliss!     I would write more but I am off for my Sunday grocery shopping and visiting at my artist friend's in town.    mark

Anonymous said...

Woe is me.  WHERE are you?  

Anonymous said...

Found him!  Well, C and I found him.  We did a conference call to Walt's house and with Bonnie's permission -- we're letting you know Walt is temporarily out of commission ... and in the hospital.  He should be home mid-week next week and back on his feet in no time.  

Keep those good thoughts and prayers going their way.

Thanks!  Kathy

Anonymous said...

All these wonderful puzzles - shows how long I've been away, could've been enjoying them!  But more importantly, glad to hear you two sounding so contented.  xoxo CATHY

Anonymous said...

Hoping you're feeling better & thinking of you. Onward to a speedy, speedy recovery! Hugs, ~ Lori

Anonymous said...

Miss you! Hope you're feeling better soon.

Vicki

Anonymous said...

Oh my precious friends. I had no idea that you were under the weather Walt.  I hope you're home and feeling better than ever.  I haven't been round sooner as life has been prevcenting me from doing as much journaling as I desire. I just stopped round tonight to say I hoped you darlings had a joyful & blessed Easter. Is there anything you need? Take the best care of yourselves and post when you can.  Miss you all.
Hugs, Barb

Anonymous said...

I did not know you were sick.
Please let me know how you are.
Marti

Anonymous said...

Walt, just found out about your bypass surgery!!  Thanks to Kathy for sending an update!!  I was just here in your journal today wondering how you guys are!!  Bonnie, you take care too!!  Prayers and hugs for both of you!  Get well soon and come home to us!  We miss ya!!  Don't worry, we will be here when you get back!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

folks, bonnie isn't computer literate, and i know that many of you don't read my journal, and this is the only way i can think to let folks know what is going on with walt...(i think kathy is posting, from reading the comments here, but the last time i checked, her journal was private, so some of you might not have access, like me).

walt is very sick at this point, he feels at peace though.  he and bonnie have discussed this and have opted to receive hospice care in the nursing home that he has been in.  they are medicating him heavily to make him as comfortable as possible, and they are treating both him and bonnie with respect and kindness.

bonnie is hanging in there, tho there are huge changes and adjustments; they've been together for a very long time.  they are loved, debra

Anonymous said...

Walt, I hope this message finds you resting comfortably.  Prayers for you and dear Bonnie.
Love you both, Dorn~

Anonymous said...

Hey Deb!  This is becoming somthing of a message board???!!!!  Anyone who is interested in sending a snail mail card or message to Walt and Bonnie or Walt or Bonnie ... just e-mail me.  I have the address of the hospice center and will e-mail it off to you.

Spoke with Bonnie today and as Deb wrote below, they are comfortable with Walt's decision and now our prayers are what they need.

Kathy

Anonymous said...

Goodnight and safe journey, Walt.  CATHY

Anonymous said...

Walt passed fairly peacefully this afternoon.  Bonnie takes great comfort in this and so much more.  He has touched so many lives and as his journals are here, online, he will continue to affect folks.  Bonnie reminds me that Walt is now my guardian angel and is truly spiritual and surrounds us all.  Hello, my friend, and welcome to a carefree existence!

http://www.beate-epp.com/gfx/Mouse7.jpg

"Goodbye to you, my trusted friend...
Goodbye my friend, it's hard to die,
when all the birds are singing in the sky,
Now that the spring is in the air...
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun.
But the wine and the song,
like the seasons, all have gone..."

I will miss talking with you in the traditional way, but I'm glad that you surround me still.  Love you.  Debra

Anonymous said...

'It's how you fashion your life, not how you let other people fashion it for you.'  That is precisely what I loved about you Walt.  You fashioned your own life.  You shared your own brand of humor and you gave your compassion and love willingly.  Thank you my friend.  Although I will miss you, I will carry you with me wherever I go.  `Kathy`

Anonymous said...

I didn't know Walt but I've heard so much..... my thoughts and prayers are with you.  
hugs
d

Anonymous said...

Like Donna, (Nightmaremom) I didn't know Walt but had heard about him from others always with good things to say.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sam

Anonymous said...

Sending thoughts and prayer.
Gem

Anonymous said...

Walt was a wonderful person, a kind and generous soul. He touched so many of us through his journals and e-mails. His humor, wit and friendship will be sorely missed.

Walt, my friend, go in peace. And Bonnie, please know that our hearts are with you.

Hugs always,
Vicki

Anonymous said...

I came here hoping for a positive update.  I suppose in a way this is positive, at least for Walt.  For me I am left empty hearted and speechless.  The sadness I feel is selfish, I know, but I shall miss Walt.
Until we meet again....
Dorn~

Anonymous said...

Walt will be missed by us all. He was such a warm and wonderful friend. My thoughts are with you Bonnie at this difficult time. He'll always be with you in your heart. Love & hugs, ~ Lori

Anonymous said...

Hugs Bonnie! Miss Chatn so much thinkin about both of you. xoxox Pistol

Anonymous said...

As he makes his much-awaited journey, know that we are never gone if someone is thinking of us, if we live in someone's heart.  CATHY

Anonymous said...

Oh Bonnie, please forgive me for not reading journals much this past couple of months. Had I been diligent about it, I would have learned that Walt was ailing. I am so very sorry.

And, yes, I am crying. The two of you were the embodiment of wedded bliss, and I was always deeply touched by the love you held for each other. You showed everyone that marriage can be a loving and cherished haven for a lifetime.

Walt was so brilliant that his writings, even short ones, would amaze me. His way with words so perfect. His humor very clever.

God has a gentle, sweet, and kind man beside him now. Our great loss here, but Heaven's gain.

You are in my prayers, Bonnie.

::hugs and much love::

Nikki

Anonymous said...

Bonnie,

I can only hope that you're doing well.  I will miss Walt's gentle humour and gentle soul.
Thank you for sharing him with us.

Anonymous said...

Bonnie, I`m so sorry to hear of your loss. What a fine caring man he was. And a beautiful writer.
V

Anonymous said...

Still missing you Walt.  But doing my best to keep an eye on Bonnie.  

Anonymous said...

Still thinking of you... how's it going?
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Missing you both...

Sending all my best thoughts to you Bonnie. You are not alone. We are with you & I know Walt is too. Love & hugs, ~ Lori

Anonymous said...

Still missing you, Walt. And still thinking of you, Bonnie. Sending love to you both every day.

Vicki

Anonymous said...

How beautifully, painfully short is our time in this dimension.  When a person's life is celebrated this much it's a comfort I know you must feel Bon.  Imagine ... xoxo CATHY

Anonymous said...

Walt, my dear friend, I think of you every day and I miss you.  Honest.  You are missed more than you would ever have guessed in your life time.  

Anonymous said...

Hey, Walter.  Looks like nobody's been by in a while.  Just wanted to let you know you're in my thoughts and I miss you.

Hugs
Vicki

Anonymous said...

I wonder if a day will go by that I don't stop to think of you and laugh at some of your silliness.  Chickadee of Cheer.  Who wooda thunk?

I haven't spoken to Bonnie in a while now and I'm feeling a bit guilty about that, but I think you would understand how busy and full life is.  I also think you'd tell me to call when I can.

She's been on my mind every day lately so I know it's time to stop, sit and call -- to catch up on how she's doing and what's going on in her life.

Rest in peace Walt.  I still miss you.  ~k

Anonymous said...

Dropping in to say hello and in the hopes that some activity here now and again will keep this journal up and alive in AOL J.

Oh, and that Bonnie will, WILL learn to e-mail and journal and join us.  

Thinking of you still and always.  KZ

Anonymous said...

i've been missing your constant presence in IM.  i too hope, as kathy does, that bonnie eventually will learn to 'net about.  i am so very glad that the journals stay up so i can go back and read at will and leisure.  grins, debra

Anonymous said...

Walt...  Missing you particularly bad tonight, my friend.  We are all sharing a virus...I see you grinning you stinker.  I'm awake with a fever...mleh.  I want you to know that I've said prayers for your Bonnie.  We all love you, you old curmudgeon.  And miss you bunches. ;)  C.

Anonymous said...

I never got the opportunity to read your journal Walt and I am sorry about that.  Any loss in J-Land is felt by all of us.  Rest in peace.  My condolences to your family.  You have been added to J-Land Angels journal where all our blogging friends are remembered.

Anonymous said...

I feel sorry that I've never gotten the chance to know you. I'm sending my condlances and many prayers for the family.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

I've never read your journal before, and feel I have missed out.
I learned of Walt's passing through Sunny's J-land Angels blog, and want to extend my condolences to Bonnie and all the family. All strength in the times ahead.

Guido
http://journals.aol.co.uk/pharmolo/NorthernTrip

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you all.

Sandra x

Anonymous said...

May perpetual light shine upon Walt RIP..I never knew Walts journal, a,but J/Land is a community who care, no matter what.Please accept my deepest sympathy to all of you Walts family,at this very sad time.Prayers being said.Take Care God Bless Kath astoriasand
http://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLRHYMES

Anonymous said...

I never read the journal before but I wish I had, it is very well written  My condolences to all.  Joni

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathies to your family.
Lori

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for you loss. I will be keeping your family in my prayers on the smoke. (Hugs) Indigo

Anonymous said...

May your soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to your family
Vish

Anonymous said...

I came over via Pharmolo's journal entry.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I can't say that I knew Walt through his journal (and I'm sorry I didn't- it is very well written!).  But J-Land is a loving, caring community and we might not get to KNOW everyone....but no matter.  When a J-Lander leaves us, most drop by to pay respects, so to speak.  So, from my heart to yours....your family is in my prayers.
Hugs,
Gina

Anonymous said...

I come by way of Pharmolo who let me know ouf your loss.
Please accept my condolences at this very sad time.
God Bless You.
Jeanie xx
http://journals.aol.co.uk/kirkbyj05/DaytoDayLifeintheLakes/

Anonymous said...

Was sorry to hear of Walt's passing. Know that J-Land is expressing their conndolences. J-Land Angels made mention of Walt, & there's a Memorial tag of him there (with a little mouse on it), along with all the other J-Landers that have gone on ahead. God bless & keep.
In my prayers,
Sugar
http://journals.aol.com/sugarsweet056/SUGARSLIFE/
private but may email for admittance


Anonymous said...

Oh Walt, nearly a year gone and you have been added to J-land Angels where I would have asked you be placed had I known about the journal.  Leave it to me to be totally 'out of the loop'.  Like you.  I'm so glad so many stopped by to offer condolences to Bonnie and your family -- I could have only wished that more folks knew of you back when.  Because ... as many wrote, your journal was well written.

Miss you!  Miss our chats.  My rants.  Your opinions on my rants.  Bonnie & I remain in touch through snail mail, but maybe, just maybe, if she was touched by an angel (hint, hint), she'd turn on that laptop and just you know, mess around.

Love ya!  KZ

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear of your loss.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Deepest sympathy
Carolxx

Anonymous said...

Ah, Walt. I don't think I'll ever see another Saint Patrick's Day when I don't think of you. It's been almost a year since you went away and, like so many others, I  still miss your kindness and intelligence. It's a rare combination, that.

By the way, Walt, my mom will be crossing over soon. Any day now, I think. She loves small creatures too, and she loves puzzles, and she loves to laugh. I know you'll like her. Keep an eye out for her, OK? And I'll check in on Bonnie for you.

Hugs,
Vicki


Anonymous said...

Hi Friend.  You've been on my heart consistently for over a week now...what is it?  I miss you, Sir.  I know...hush...contrary to what I expressed about missing those who've passed...thing is...you're exempt...I didn't get to love you enough Methuselah...;)  Tell Gramma hi for me...isn't she as precious as I said? ;)  Smooches,  C.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you today.  And Bonnie.  May this one year anniversary of your death find you wrapped in God's love and keeping watch over Bonnie.

You are missed, Walt.  You are missed.
Kathy

Anonymous said...

Working on bringing you with us Walt.  Never fear!  Bonnie gave me permission too.  Phew!

Anonymous said...

Still missing you my friend.....

MyMaracas said...

St. Patrick's Day again, so soon, and I still miss you. Just wanted you and Bonnie to know you are not forgotten.

Kathy said...

Ah Walt ... I think of you more often than anyone can know. You were so much a brother to me ... I miss you. Still. Keep watch over all of us and you know, gives a push now and again when we need it.

Kathy said...

Well Walt, I was thinking of you the other day and Celeste was too, 'cause she asked if I was missing you. And I said, "All the time."

Today, I had a conversation with my friend Barb who grew up in Beverly where that silly jazz club used to be on upper Cabot Street. (to me it's really lower) And she said, "Sandy Berman's Jazz Club
"!!! and I thought, "WOW! I can go tell Walt the name of that club now." So here I am Walt. Her to tell you the name of that jazz club that we chatted about in AIM, oh, gosh, three years ago now.

Spoke with Bonny a couple of months ago. She's okay, but struggling a bit. Good thing is, she and your aunt keep in touch.

Miss you.
K

Unknown said...

Online Obituary :: Add a condolences and express your regret!

http://www.4lovedones.com

MyMaracas said...

Happy Saint Pat's, Walt. Are the clouds all green in Heaven today? That would be a sight to see.

Kathy said...

Hey Walt, been thinking about you a lot lately. You're never far from my thoughts, but there are days when you are just there with me. I laugh sometimes because C and I will be chatting and something will come up and one of us will inevitably say, "What would Walt think of that?"
Miss you.

Kathy said...

Hey Walt,

It's nearly four years since you've been gone. Bonnie and I don't keep in touch as often as we should, but we do get in touch with each other.

I think of you often and like to believe you are watching over your flock of blogger girls the way you did when you were here with us.

Miss you.
Kathy

ADB said...

Calling round to a blog I had not previously followed, but am aware that you have been gone some 5 years now. Just to say you were not forgotten.

MyMaracas said...

Hey Walt. I missed visiting on St.Patrick's Day, but I was thinking of you and Bonnie just the same.

Just stopping in to let you know you are still missed and not forgotten.

ADB said...

You are not forgotten, Walt, since people remember you. We'll never let you slip from our memories.

KayZee said...

Popped in today to have a read and although you are gone many years now, you are thought of often and remembered fondly. I lost touch with your Bonnie, Walt, and I truly wish I hadn't. I hope she is well and happy. KZ