Wordless Wednesday - December 30, 2009

Wordless Wednesday
December 9, 2009

My first time doing this, but now that I have anew digital camera I might join in more often.




This is one of the feral cats we take care of. He got tired of waiting for the birds while he was on the ground so he climbed the feeder pole. Now he is teaching the others to do the same thing. But what they don't know or haven't figured out is that the birds are smarter than they are and won't come around.

Random Dozen - December 30, 2009

Random Dozen
December 30, 2009


1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends?
Yes, but I am such a wimp that I have done it just not to hurt feelings. However, I do look at the person's mouth before doing so. I don't want some icky germ thing coming my way.


2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)
I learned how to blog. I started sometime last Spring. I can't remember when exactly and don't feel like looking right now, but it is new and fun and wonderful.
Plus, I learned that sometimes my 25 year old son is wiser than his mother.

3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations?
Whenever the mood strikes me. I have been known to leave the village up until February. The tree comes down usually the second week of January, after the feast of the Epiphany, which this year is January 6th. As a kid that is always when we took the tree down. I think because that was our gift. But because we have not had Christmas with our son yet we will leave the tree up longer.

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is:
I would like to get the last of my Christmas gifts in the mail this week.

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)?
I don't like winter before Christmas so there is no way I am going to like it after Christmas. I want Spring and I want it now!!!

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales?
I have shopped some online sales. I just don't feel like venturing out this week. I love the sales though.

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
Kind of sort of. Husband and I are having chicken wings for dinner. That's it nothing else. We allow ourselves New Years Eve to really junk out on things like chicken wings or frozen appetizers. We might watch a movie or something but it will be pretty much like nay other night.


8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January?
I am hoping for a trip to Minneapolis soon. I have not been down there since October and need a city fix.

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)
I guess maybe a dramatic suspenseful thriller comedy. If you could see my house sometimes you would agree. Sometimes my husband and I talk for a long time before we realize that we are talking about two different topics.

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know.
I wouldn't dream of lying. I don't know how you would know, but I believe you. It takes me a few hours to read all of the blogs that I follow. I don't post at my own blog daily which is something I would like to change but don't know if I have something worthwhile saying everyday.

11. Who runs your household?
I do. I do the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping, the bill paying. I take the animals to the vet if they need to go. I make the doctor appointments. I do all the driving. That is not a complaint really, well maybe, but my husband has agoraphobia and is not able to do most of these things. And it has become increasingly difficult for him to do easy household tasks without an anxiety attack.

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010.
I don't normally have hopes or dreams. I just want to get through each day. But for 2010 I think I do have a hope/dream. I would like to write the story that got be started blogging in the first place.

The Simple Woman's Daybook _ December 28, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
December 28, 2009

Outside my window is a winter wonderland. The snow started last Wednesday and didn't really totally stop until Saturday. I think we have about 20 inches. Is it Spring yet?

I am thinking of the Christmas celebration we will have when my son comes. I am looking forward to having his family here. It is a new experience for me to have children in the house and having to deal with an ex-husband. The ex could put a snag in our all day plans.

I am thankful that my company had a good time while they were here. I am thankful that my company went home and go there safely.

I am wearing red thermal jammies, and of course slippers.

I am remembering the wonderful Christmas we had with my aunt and cousin. I love them so.

I am going to the grocery store tomorrow to buy chicken wings for New Years Eve.

I am currently reading a book by Sue Henry.

I am hoping for time to go to the city in the next few weeks to visit with my friend and her family.

On my mind is my brother. He is a weird sort of guy but I love him.

I am noticing that I really like the after Christmas sales online better than in the stores.

I am pondering the words from the song "Mary Did You Know?". I wonder if she had any idea at all what was coming for her future. Did she understand all that the angel told her? I guess I will have to ask her when I meet her.

From the kitchen we had leftovers from Christmas and after Christmas dinners. Tomorrow I guess I will have to cook again.

Around the house the cats have settled into their usual sleeping spots now that the company has left.

One of my favorite things is peace.

From my photos (I hope)

Friend Makin Monday - December 28, 2009

Friend Makin Monday
December 28, 2009

New Years Resolutions

I don't normally make resolutions. I don't because I have so many years of not following through on the promises to myself. I generally try to say, "I hope to achieve these things this year." What that amounts to is not doing anything about anything.
I thought this sounded like a good way to get started on a New Year, New Life.

Here they are :

Lose weight. Maybe not all because there is so much to lose but half would be a great start.

Form a better relationship with Jesus Christ. Do this by spending time with Him daily, no matter what.

Be a better housekeeper. The house is tidy now but to be deep down clean is the new goal.

Write the story that started your idea of a blog in the first place.

Six Word Saturday - December 26, 2009

Six Word Saturday
December 26, 2009


Gifts turn grown men into children.

Give a man a gift with what he thinks is too much tape what do you get? A temper tantrum worthy of a two year old.
Give a man a sarcastic answer what do you get? Stony silence, and pouting.
Give a man a swat on the butt what do you get? A happy woman.

Nancy Drew 2010 Challenge

Nancy Drew 2010 Challenge
Yellow Bound books 1 - 56

Yes I will join this challenge. I already own most of these. I try to read a few each year.

Friend Makin Mondays - All I Want For Chrismtas

Friend Makin Mondays
All I Want For Chrismtas
December 22, 2009

I am late to the party. I didn't see this until today (Tuesday). It is my first time participating.

All I want for Christmas:

1. I would like to find a church that I can grow to love and become a member of.



2. I would like for my family to arrive safely tomorrow before the snow storm hits. They are coming a day early but I worry still.


3. I would like to participate in the Read the Bible in 90 days blog.

4. I would like the Bible, Read the Bible in 90 days.

5. Misc. Books, CDs, DVDs, a gift card for a massage.

Merry Christmas everyone. Thank you for this fun way to spend an early Tuesday evening.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 21, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
December 21, 2000

Outside my window...it was a bright cloudy day. High was 25. Nice day.

I am thinking...that I am glad to have ALL of my shopping finished and that I do not plan on going into another store until after the New Year.

I am thankful for...my husband who is helping me around the house more than ever. The doctor told me that if my hips don't improve I will have to get a cortisone shot is each one. That means no vacuuming, no dishes (standing), not much cooking, no lifting, and things like that. He has really been a help.

I am wearing...fleece jammies with purple kitties and of course my slippers.

I am currently reading...a book I just got today. It is a mystery by Sue Henry. She writes about dog sledding.

I am remembering...all the things left on my to do list.

I am going...to bed very soon.

I am hoping...that the pictures I am going to try and post with this come through OK. And that any bad weather holds off until after Saturday. And that this headache does not become a migraine.


On my mind...is my messy house, family, friends, the Lord Jesus, and how and why someone would send spam to my Facebook account.


I am noticing...that cats are basically crazy beings. As the picture (hopefully) will show. The cat decided he didn't like waiting for the birds on the ground so he climbed the feeder to wait.

I am pondering these words... "God bless us everyone." Tiny Tim...Scrooge

From the kitchen...tomorrow cheese enchiladas with beans and rice, Christmas Eve ...ham, potato salad, harvest salad, Swedish rice, buns, pickles, lots of sweets. Christmas Day...Leftovers plus cheese and crackers, herring, pie, and coffee cake.

Around the house...tidy things, maybe bake a cookie or two, laundry maybe, .

One of my favorite things... decorating for Christmas. I am hoping that the Christmas village pictures come through. I would really like to share them with you all.

Well, after many times trying to get the right pictures to upload I give up. I am too tired and my head hurts too much. I will try again tomorrow on a separate post.

Six Word Saturday - December 19, 2009

Six Word Saturday
December 19, 2009

I am starting to feel OVERWHELMED.

I have a messy house, no cookies baked, a messy house, a whole day Monday away from home running errands, a messy house, no cookies baked, a messy house.
Did I mention I am overwhelmed?

Friday's Fave Five - December 18, 2009

Friday's Fave Five
December 18, 2009

1. I am so pleased to be rid of the mouse condo in my heater. It was very cold on Monday when I drove the hour and a half to the dealership for a fix. I could not turn on the heater and had to have a window open to keep the windshield from frosting over.
Turns out it was not just a mouse house but a 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo the rascals had built. They must have gotten hungry because they had also chewed the spark plug wires. They had to be replaced. But I do have heat again.

2. I finished all of my wrapping yesterday. I got all of the paper snippets cleaned up. I found my coffee table again. I knew it was under there somewhere. While I was wrapping I needed a new tape. So I opened a box to put into the dispenser, but it wouldn't work. My husband then took over. He tired to get the tape to unroll but it kept breaking. I finally got tired of waiting and opened a different roll. He had more fun trying to get that tape to work. It never did work correctly. He ended up with no tape on the spool and a whole lot of little pieces in his lap. We had lots of laughs.

3. I am finally far enough along that I can bake tomorrow. I am going to make Peanut Blossoms. Then I am going to make Paula Dean's Ooey Gooey Cake. If you have never tried this please do a Google. It is well worth the search. If I knew how to provide a link I would do that for you. But alas I do not.

4. I heard from a cousin yesterday that I had not talked to in about 10 years. She and her brother were adopted by my aunt. For whatever reason when my aunt died they thought that no one in my family would want anything to do with them. They were so wrong. I got all of her information and her brother's . I sent off an email right away. This is like a Christmas present. I have great memories of them.

5. I do not have to go into any store from now until the week after New Years. I feel so lucky. Almost guilty. Almost I said. I never thought it would happen, but I am shopped out. I don't even want to shop online. This is a new phenomenon for me. I will enjoy it while I can. I think.

Merry Christmas everyone.
May God shine all of his blessing down on you and yours.

Random Dozen - December 16,2009

Random Dozen
December 16, 2009

1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss.
Yes. I don't especially care for ginger cookies but I do like a gingerbread house. I have never made one but they are sure cute to look at.

2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family?
It is very important. These are the people who love me unconditionally.

3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed?
Mrs. Claus. I would have her over to do my baking. Christmas is little over one week away and I have no cookies or fudge or anything baked. I could use Mrs. Claus.


4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life?
Scrooge is the way I am feeling right now. I love Christmas but I am really starting to stress out. Nothing is going right. Or maybe it would a Charlie Brown Christmas.


5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of?
I love the classic Christmas songs..."What Child is This?", "Do You Hear What I Hear?", "Away in the Manger", and "O Come All Ye Faithful". I never get tired of hearing them, I would like to hear them on the radio all year.

6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime?
I can't afford to do much but I always drop a few coins in the Salvation Army kettles and I try to buy something for Toys for Tots, and I give to the local food shelf.

7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?"
Yes it offends me to see Xmas. It has removed Christ for the celebration. Happy Holidays is OK because it could encompass the new year.

8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month?
None. I don't know anyone who is in one.

9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality?
No I am not dreaming of a white Christmas, brown is fine with me. However, living in Minnesota we will probably get some snow.

10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice.
I remember my first Barbie. She was beautiful. Well she's Barbie so of course she is beautiful. But she had the first positionable legs and arms. OHHHHH! She had short dark hair cut in a very attractive bob. She came with Ken and with Skipper, and with Midge. I was so excited. I do have pictures but no scanner at the moment.

11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month?
Just the one at my house next week. We don't party much.

12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas?
I pray a lot right now. I try to listen to more traditional Christmas hymns than contemporary songs. I look at my manger often.

Ten on Tuesday - Dec10. Do you prefer classic old movies or new?ember 15, 2009

Ten on Tuesday
December 15, 2009

1. What is your favorite recipe using ground beef?
That would be spaghetti sauce. Love it. In fact we just had it for dinner the last two nights. I don't make it though, it is my husband's specialty.

2. What was your favorite book as a kid?
Any Nancy Drew book. When I was growing up the covers were yellow. That just about tells you my age. I still have all of my old books and about once a year I read them.

3. Did you work as a teenager and if so, where?
I tried to work, but no one wanted to hire me. I was very small for my age (which I could still say that). I did babysit though. I liked getting paid to raid the fridge , and the kids were always great fun too.

4. Did you work while in college and if so, where?
The first time I was on college I worked as a teacher's aide at a day care center. I was hoping to be a teacher. The second time in college I worked as a teacher's aide. Funny I just now realized that. But the second time I worked for an office skills teacher.

5. When you go to sleep do you like total darkness or semi? When you go to sleep do you need quiet or is some noise ok?
Total darkness and no noise at all. Even a sliver of light will keep me awake. Good thing I live in the woods, no street lights here.

6. When doing laundry, fabric softener or not?
I have hard water. I use a fabric softener in the washer. If I didn't my clothes would stand up by themselves.

7. Would you rather be blind or deaf?
I would rather be deaf because I could still be totally independent. I mean I could drive myself to where I needed to go. I would miss the sound of music and of the rain but I could see the music of the rain.

8. Bottled water or tap?
I use tap water. I try to remember to take water with me when I leave the house so that I don't have to buy any while I am gone. I don't like to drink from plastic. It always tastes funny.

9. What do you put on pancakes?
My first helping I only have syrup and butter on them. If I still have room then I have peanut butter and syrup. This is a must try for everyone.

10. Do you prefer classic old movies or new?
I don't know. What I do know is that I do not like re-makes of classic movies. I don't think the actors of today bring the same thing to the characters as the original players.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 14, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
December 14, 2009


For today:

Outside my window...very, very cold today. High at 8 degrees. Blue sky of course with that kind of cold.

I am thinking...how grateful I am that my car works again. That the mouse house is gone and I have heat.

I am thankful...OK maybe this is part of the last one but different. I am thankful for honest mechanics who don't take advantage of a woman. And feel bad when it costs more than they had at first thought.

I am wearing...lavender jammmies with pink flowers (flannel of course), warm cozy socks and slippers.

I am remembering...how the kitty from outside was tonight as we tired to bring groceries into the house. He was underfoot all the time. He rolled over on his back and pawed the air. Then he chased his tail. The he climbed into the car. The silly guy.

I am going...to bed very soon but tomorrow to the pharmacy, to get a B-12 shot, picking up something my aunt needs, grocery shopping (again), and to the chiropractor.

I am currently reading...a magazine I just picked up today. I think it is called Victorian. Or something like that. It is great fun anyway.

I am hoping...for good weather next week for all of the holiday travelers.

On my mind...all of the things I have yet to do. I have too many lists so maybe it is time to condense them down to one workable list. Yeah right.

Noticing that...the longer I sit at the computer the tireder I get. Tireder? Is that even a word? See I am tirede.

I am pondering these words...Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold everything is softer and more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale

From the kitchen...DH made spaghetti for dinner tonight. For tomorrow
leftovers.

Around the house...Are still many bags filled with things from the store today that are waiting to be put away...tomorrow

One of my favorite things...Right now is sitting back with satisfaction and looking at the Christmas decorations that are up. They are all so pretty.

From my photo journal...my new camera came today, but I didn't even open the box. I am too tired to read directions and instructions. But I will be posting Decorations later this week.

Friday's Fave Five #66 December 11, 2009

Friday's Fave Five
December 11, 2009

1. Getting all of the Christmas decorating finished.
As much as I love to decorate for Christmas, I feel really stressed until it is all up and beautiful. I did that this week.

2. The winter birds coming to the bird feeders. We have a different variety of birds now than we do in the summer. Except of course for the Chickadees.

3. Time for baking. I have time tomorrow to start my baking and I am excited about that. I love to bake and Christmas is the perfect excuse to try new recipes.

4. Medication that works like it is supposed to. My husbands new med is doing it's job. He sleeps well, is in a good mood (always). He almost seems like the man I married.

5. Battery chargers. They are a wonderful, miraculous invention. You hook them up and turn on the car. Oh what a delight. My 7 year old battery really loves this machine. I know I need a new battery, but I was hoping to put it off until after Chirstmas, with a battery charger I just might make it.

Ten on the Tenth - December 10, 2009

Ten on the Tenth
December 10, 2009

With Christmas just 2 short weeks away, I am goingto try and make a lits of my 10 favorite Christmas things. I said try because to narrow the list down to just ten will be a challenge.

1. The birth of Jesus.

2. The shopping...my favorite any time of year.

3. The movies

4. The songs

5. The cookies

6. The hysteria of excitement

7. The joy

8. The cards (no family newsletter thank you)

9. The tree and ornaments

10. Santa (he is real you know)

Random Dozen - December 9, 2009

Random Dozen
December 9, 2009


1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?
I have finally accepted that my hair will never be thick and wavy. It is the opposite, it is very thin on top and board straight. If I could take some of the hair from the back of my head, I would have thick hair on top. As it is I have to do a comb over, much like Trump's (well maybe not that bad).

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?
I guess the best TV mom would have to be Carolyn Engels from Little House. She just epitomizes mother of any era. Or maybe what we want our mom's to be like. But she was a great mom.

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?
No, I do not speak any foreign languages. I can't even make sense of pig latin. I think maybe I would like to learn German. Just because someday I would like to go and see where my family originated from.

4. Who is your personal hero?
That would have to be Senator Edward Kennedy. He is my hero because with all of the personal family tragedy that he faced, the personal ramifications from Chappaquidick, he still was elected into office time and time again. He stood by his beliefs. He fought for the average American. Even with family money he did not forget about us. I am only sorry he did not live long enough to see the fruit of his service, health care reform.

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?
I have a real problem with the cookies, the breads, the candy. Anything sweet automatically has my name on it.

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.
When I was a child we had these two little elf like stuffed things. I had named one Dinky and the other's name I can't remember. I still have them and set them out every Christmas. They are kind of thread bare now but I would miss them if they were gone.

7. How do you feel about snow?
If I lived somewhere where I didn't have to deal with it, I would like it. However, because I live in Minnesota and living 22 miles from town, I have to take it into consideration when making any winter plans. I really really dislike snow.

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.
I usually get about 7 hours of sleep (sorry), if I sleep past 8 AM I think I have wasted the whole day.

9. Tell me about your first crush.
It was in ninth grade. He sat in front of me in Social Studies. I had it bad. I kept writing Mrs. and his name over and over again. He didn't even know I was alive. LOL

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?
I would have to write very tiny, but I would start a story that has been floating around in my head for a while. I keep putting off writing it but stuck in a room for 2 hours I would have no excuse.

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?
I am always too warm so I dress for comfort. However, I keep emergency warm things in the car for the just in case scenario.

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?
It isn't Christmas until I have seen "White Christmas", it is my all time favorite. Followed with a close second of "Holiday Inn".

The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 7, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
December 7, 2009


FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...Mostly sunny with high clouds. Cold though with a high of only 17 today. Is it spring yet?

I am thinking...about all I have to do before Christmas. I have many lists, but if I can't get the work done on the lists the lists are useless. Things keep getting in my way of accomplishing anything.

I am thankful...that even though my car smells like burnt leaves, it didn't actually catch on fire. The mouse house inside the heater only started to smoke. Wednesday I can take the car to the shop and have them remove the house so I can use the heater again. Another delay.

I am wearing...navy blue sweats, magenta T-shirt with pink pull over, and socks and slippers.

I am remembering...or trying to remember my recipe for Swedish Rice. It has been requested for Christmas and I can't find my recipe. I remember rice, whipped cream, almond flavoring, and raspberries but not the entire recipe. I may just have to wing it.

I am going...no where until Wednesday morning. I have to be at the dealership by 8 AM which means I have to leave the house by 6 AM, which means I have to be up by 5. I am also going to do some shopping after my car is fixed. I might as well take the opportunity to shop where I don't normally get a chance.

I am currently reading...the book of Luke one chapter each day until Christmas. Tomorrow I am starting a book titled "Letters from a Homesteader"

I am hoping...that the snow storm they are predicting for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning does not materialize. If it does I won't be able to take my car in on Wednesday morning.

On my mind...is my husband's comment this afternoon. He said that I was chewing too much gum and wanted to know why. I told him it was either gum or cigarettes, which did he want? He still doesn't understand why quitting smoking is the hardest thing I have ever done. And if I need to chew a whole TON of gum then what is the big deal?? It makes me want to smoke. He complained that I smoked too much, now that I have quit (2 months) he complains I chew too much gum. Geesh.

I am noticing that...my patience is growing shorter with each passing day. See all of the above LOL.

I have learned...that I have to learn how to relax and go with the flow.

Pondering these words..."I try to void looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward." Charlotte Bronte

From the kitchen...venison roast with potatoes, carrots and gravy.

Around the house...is such a mess that I want to hire a bulldozer and start out fresh.

One of my favorite things...is my family. As frustrating as they are I do love them all. Eccentricities and all. Can a 25 year old young man be eccentric?

From my photos...my little girl Ozzy


I have ordered a new camera. It should be here any day. I can't wait to have more pictures to share.

Six Word Saturday - December 5, 2009

Six Word Saturday
December 5, 2009


I hate mice in my car.

The mice have decided that the heater area of my car would make a special place for their new home. It caught on fire today. I hope they got smoked out. I know I did. The car still stinks. Did I mention that mice have no place in my car?

Friday's Fave Five #65 - December 4, 2009

Friday's Fave Five #65
December 4, 2009



1. I have a great hairdresser. She has done my hair for about 10 years. I just let her do whatever she wants with my hair. She knows what works and what won't work. This week she gave me a new do. It looks great. She is definitely on my fave list.

2. The woods have a dusting of snow. At this time of year the woods can look forlorn and bleak. All browns and grays, not much variation on colors. With a dusting of snow the woods comes alive and is very enjoyable to look at and watch.

3. Bringing out the Christmas decorations. I like to have time to sit and remember when each ornament was purchased and the reason that particular one chosen. It makes me all warm inside.

4. I discovered a new flavor of Coffee Mate this week. It is called "Italian Sweet Cream". It is so good. I don't really care for a bunch of flavors for coffee. I prefer my coffee black but once in a while I like a little bit of sweet. This fills that need.

5. I placed an order with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in November, it has not been delivered yet. This week I called their customer service number. After waiting on hold for 20 minutes on Wednesday I was told that they would look into it. After waiting on hold for more than 20 minutes on Thursday they told me they would call me later in the day as soon as they had something to tell me. Today, after being on hold for over 30 minutes I was told that the original order had been sent but that they did not have a tracking number and that a second order would be going out today...priority. I told them that their customer service really was not so good. That their follow through was horrible. That I would not be ordering from them again. They apologized for any inconvenience. Later this afternoon my original customer service rep called me, she told me of the second order being sent out today and that it would be here on Monday. If not I was to call immediately and let her know. She also mentioned that the shipping and handling fee would be refunded. This is one of my favorite things this week because it shows what patience and perseverance can accomplish. I spent a lot of time on hold and I told them my opinion of their operation, without getting nasty, and they showed me their appreciation.

Friday Fill-Ins December 4, 2009

Friday Fill Ins
December 4, 2009


1. You get too many cookies in the tummy you get a tummy ache.

2. I have the right to sing Christmas carols at the top of my lungs, even if I can't sing well.

3. It's almost cookie baking time.

4. Forgetting to hang the winter windows is ridiculous! My husband reminded me late Thursday night that our screen windows were still on. This job usually falls to me and I forgot this year. Our windows are changed from the inside so this won't be too bad tomorrow.

5. I feel more stressed this year than other Christmases.

6. As he flew out of sight he said, "And to all a...goodnight."

7.7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having a good night's sleep, tomorrow my plans include hanging storm windows and some decorating and Sunday, I want to do some baking.

Food For Thought Friday - December 4, 2009

Food For Thought Friday
December 4, 2009


Breakfast
Are you a "real" Christmas tree fan or "artificial"
We had a real tree for years. But I got tired of finding needles in July. I bought our first artificial tree without telling anyone I was getting it. We have downsized since then and now have a table top 3 footer. We have a small living room. To get the fresh scent of pine I hide a pine scented candle behind the tree, unlit of course.

Lunch What is the earliest and latest you have ever sent out your Christmas cards?
One time and one time only I sent the cards out before Thanksgiving. One year I had all of the cards addressed and stamped by the 2ND week in December but they did not go out until after the new year. I don't send cards out now. The price of stamps has gotten too high.

DinnerDo you decorate the outside of your house?
I decorate the inside windows so that they can be seen from the outside. All around the frames with lights. There isn't any way to hang lights on the outside of our house, so I make due. I would have a house that looks like the Lampoon's Christmas Vacation house if I could.

Midnight Snack
How close are you to being done with your Christmas shopping?
I have one more gift to buy. I know what I am buying so this should not be a big deal. This year I only had 7 to buy for so my job is easy.

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)

For this week the recipe is : It will get done when it gets done. I have been under the weather and was panicking for a while of all the things not done. But I am only one person. So, it will get done when it gets done.

A Special CHRISTmas Memory - December 3, 2009

Dawn over at Dawn's Cottage Corner has an idea to devote Thursdays in December to writing abut a Christmas memory. This is to be a way of getting to know the readers. I know I don't have many followers, not like some of you, but I do cherish each of you.

Whenever I log on and see a higher number of followers than before I get excited.
This will be my first contribution of this type. If you want to do a memory of your own please let me know. I will gladly follow you to read it.

One of my memories of Christmas is not from when I was a young child but as a young teenager. I was about 14 and my brother about 9.

My mom worked for the county as welfare caseworker. She took her job to heart. She gave it all she had.

One year one of her clients' house burned down. She had 5 or 6 little children. Younger than my brother or I. She had lost everything. Not just her house, which was certainly the worst part, but because this happened just before Christmas all of the kids gifts had burned up also.

My mom came to my brother and I and told us her idea. What would we think if instead of getting gifts ourselves (meaning him and me) we bought gifts for this client and her family. My brother and I did not even hesitate, we agreed to this plan.

The three of us went shopping. My mom knew the ages and sexes of the children. We had a great time doing the shopping. We had dinner out that night, a very rare treat indeed. We helped mom wrap the gifts. Mom called the client and made arrangements with her for us to visit.

The three of us went to where the family was staying. We shocked into silence when we arrived. This home, and it was a home, was just a shell of a place. There weren't any inside walls in place yet. There were curtains up between rooms. We were humbled.

There was such joy in that family who had lost everything. They still had each other and their love was apparent even to us kids. When they saw the gifts that we had brought their love enveloped us.

That CHRISTmas left an impression with me that has lasted all of these years. When I have had a bad year, and may not be feeling very CHRISTmas-like all I have to do is remember that year. My brother and I learned a valuable lesson that year. We learned what the season is really about.

Random Dozen - December 2, 2009

Random Dozen
December 2, 2009


1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like? Sometimes I am like the wicked witch from the west. I try hard not be that way but sometimes it just comes out. Most of the time I am like Aunty Em, sweet, loving, kind, and bossy.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why? I usually pick out my pants first. Because they are easier to get out of the dresser drawer than any top I have.

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without? Are spiders considered part of the animal kingdom? Are snakes? Are any creepy crawlies? I think the world could live without anything that has more than 4 legs or no legs.

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home? This year there will be only one tree. Most years there are 2. One year there was 3.

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak? Wow, that is a hard one. If I am emotionless then I could not feel joy. I could not laugh. But then on the other hand I would never know the pain of loss, the pain of failure, or of betrayal. I don't think I could trade one for the other. I guess I have to have the ability to feel pain so that I might feel anything at all.

6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?
I used to feel a sort of let down feeling. But I recognize now that it was part of mourning my mom. She loved Christmas. I tried to keep her traditions going long after she died and they never reached her standards. I have since learned to make my own traditions and to adapt her's to my way of doing things. Also, if I do get a little down, I remind myself of the real reason for this lovely season. In all the excitement and preparations I think we forget what the real reason is. I always feel better after a gentle prompting from the Holy Spirit as to the Real season.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music? What's to like? No, I do not.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma? I think it is because teeth are one of the first things you see on a person. Personally, I think there is nothing wrong with getting any kind of procedure done that you can afford to have done. Believe me when I say that if I could afford to, I would have it all done.

9. Enjoy horseback riding?
When I was a kid I did. I have not been in over 35 years, not since I was thrown from a horse and landed on the hood of a car.

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?
Pretty much practical these days. Up until I was 35 I never wore flats, I never owned a pair of sneakers. I wore stilettos most of the time and the rest of the time just very tall shoes. My ankles gave way and now my shoes are flat.

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic. My first pet was a black Cocker Spaniel. His name was Teddy. He knew his treats were kept on top of the piano. When he wanted a treat he would jump up onto the piano bench and pound on the keys.

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done? 99.99% is finished. Just one more to buy.

ABC Wednesday round 5 - T is for...

ABC Wednesday Round 5
T is for...
December 1, 2009


At this time of year of course T is for tinsel. There are 2 schools of thought for tinsel. One school says yes to tinsel every year, every tree. The other school says no to tinsel every year, every tree. It can be a problem if a household has both schools of thought.

Personally, I think tinsel only belongs on a real tree. It is too hard to remove from a fake tree. I do not like colored tinsel. If tinsel is going to be used it should be the old fashioned silver kind. No colored tinsel for me.

If a garland is going to be used instead of tinsel then any color goes. Except maybe purple and day-glo pink. Those just don't seem very Christmassy. Garland can be used on either a real or a fake tree. It's removal is easy.

If a household does have both schools living there then the only alternative, short of having a major blow out or two main trees, is to alternate years. Share the experience of tinsel and garland. Maybe the other school will become a convert. It could happen.

But whatever school of thought you are from just remember one thing...tinsel should be place on the tree one strand at a time. No clumps! And a garland should be wound from the top down. Or did I just start another debate on each of these issues?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - November 30, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
November 30, 2009


Outside my window today it was sunshiny one minute and cloudy the next. I think this afternoon I saw flurries but they came and went so fast that I am not sure.


I am thankful to my husband's doctor. We went in today to see the doctor. My husband has been having some age related issues and I was getting quite concerned. He was given a new medication and taken off of another one. The doctor didn't seem as concerned as I was by some of the problems, I am hoping that is a good thing. But all in all I feel relief. At least someone now knows what is going on with my husband.

I am thinking that I am glad Christmas is still 3 weeks away. I am behind schedule. I have not baked anything. I have not put up one decoration. BUT I am all through shopping. So maybe it's not all bed.

I am wearing navy blue velvet lounge pants, lilac colored sweatshirt, socks and slippers. Comfy clothes.

I am remembering that I didn't set anything out to wear tomorrow and my husband is already in bed. Oh dear.

I am going to get my haircut and my eyebrows waxed tomorrow. After that I am picking up two Christmas hams and then off to Wal-Mart.

I am currently reading don't laugh...it is called "Rush to Judgment" by Mark Lane. It is a book about the Warren Commission. Mark Lane maintains that they didn't take into account all of the relevant facts in deciding about the assassination of President Kennedy. I am not a conspiracy theorist but this topic has always fascinated me as have the Kennedy family.

I am hoping of a white Christmas, no wait that's dreaming, hmmm hoping? Nope, I am hoping for a white Christmas. Just a little dusting is all. No big blizzard, not even 2 inches, just enough to make the woods look beautiful.

On my mind is my husband. I guess because he was just at the doctor and I keep going over the appointment in my mind. By tomorrow morning when he wakes up he won't have a memory of the appointment. He takes such heavy tranquilizers to get out of the house that they often leave him without a clue. I wish it were different for him. It is nice to him softly snoring though. He has had so many sleep issues lately that even a drug induced sleep is better than none.

I am learning that there are so many blogs available and not enough time to read them all. I got into blogging as a way to satisfy a creative urge in me. I have since discovered a whole new universe.

I am noticing that eating dinner alone is not as much fun as eating with my companion. He was sleeping at dinner time. I have his keeping warm in the oven but think I should take it out and put it away. There was wasn't any conversation over my food,no comments on what was on TV, no laughter, and no one to thank me for a good meal.

I am pondering these words from Psalm 150... Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

From the kitchen came baked chicken, dressing, and green beans for dinner. My husband is eating his now.

Around the house is the smell of baked chicken because his just came out of the oven.

One of my favorite things is talking on the phone to friends I don't get to see very often.

From my picture journal this was taken last year. I had to take it through the screen that is why it looks out of focus. It is two pilliated woodpeckers.

Six Word Saturday - November 28, 2009

Six Word Saturday
November 28, 2009


Almost all the Christmas shopping finished.


Yep, I have 2 more things to pick up. But I have not wrapped anything. And I have not done any baking. And I have not shopped for any of the food. And I don't have any decorations up. I feel like I am behind.

Friday's Fave Five November 27, 2009

Friday's Fave Five
November 27, 2009


1. A freshly made bed. I love getting into the bed at might when I have just changed the sheets that day. Something about them being all crisp and in perfect place is really very satisfying to me.

2. Warm socks right out of the dryer. I like to put on socks as I fold them. I only do this in the winter. When the socks are still warm they make my whole body be warm.

3. Good books from the used book store. I think sometimes that I keep the used book store in business. On the way to the bookstore to turn in books for trade credit, I think to my self that I will not buy any that day. I have yet to live up to that vow. I always come home with more than I brought in.

4. Getting ready to decorate the house for Christmas. I get giddy just from the anticipation of this activity.

5. My cats when they sleep on me at night. One sleeps on my hip and the other sleeps on my feet. I don't have to ad extra blankets because of them or turn up the heat at night.

Friday Fill Ins - November 27, 2009

Friday Fill Ins
November 27, 2009

1. Wait! Wait, don't forget to give thanks.

2. Winter is followed at once by SPRING!!

3. The trouble is my husband is a big tease.

4. The North Pole is many miles away.

5. With a faint pop the champagne was opened.

6. Nightmares are shadowy and ominous.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being online and reading all the blogs, tomorrow my plans include setting up the Christmas village and Sunday, I want to give more thanks and set up the Christmas tree!

2nd cup of coffee - Random Dozen 11/23/09

2nd cup of coffee
Random dozen 11/23/09


1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?
We were going to have a chicken dinner, but after talking it over we decided to go with burritos. We will also have rice and re-fried beans. I will make a pie though because I have to.

2.Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")

I am thankful for my family and oh geez what a pat answer. Of course I am thankful for my family and friends and health and blah blah blah. But truthfully if you want a concrete answer I am thankful for my cats. They make me laugh even when I am crying. They comfort me when I cry. They keep me warm on cold winter nights. They play like kittens but both a getting old. They are cheap entertainment and I love them.

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.
I am thankful to live in a country where we are allowed to have different opinions and to be able to share those opinions with one another. I can't imagine living in fear of having the wrong opinion.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.
I remember one Thanksgiving as a kid there was a lot of snow on the ground. My brother and I pleaded with mom to let us go sledding before the company came for dinner. She let us go but told us not to get wet. How does one go about sledding without getting wet? We got home and not just our outside things were wet but we were wet down to our undies. I don't remember what happened then. I don't even know why this one sticks in my mind but it does.

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?
The Christmas movies make a come back!! YEA! It is the special day of the year I get to drag the movies out and start the Christmas movie marathon. Yea! I like Christmas movies. Yea!

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?
Not in a million years. They don't like people food. Unless it is tuna.

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?
I pray to myself. My husband is not a believer. I first pray a formal prayer then I pray a few words of my own thanks.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?

No football in this house. We will be watching Christmas movies. (See #5)

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?
Not in any stuffing I make. It won't happen no way no how. Never.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?
The basics. I know that the Pilgrims shared with the Indians (or is that folklore?) because the Indians showed them how to plant. I know that the Pilgrims didn't cook or do work from Friday until Monday because of their religious beliefs.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?
I am going to make an apple pie and home made cinnamon ice cream.

12. Do you feel for the turkey??
Nope, I am a meat eater.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Week of Thanksgiving 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
Week of Thanksgiving 2009

The time now is 8:35 central time. I decided to start adding the time so as not to confuse anyone who might read mine. I am never on the computer during the day, so for me the Daybook really is a night book.

1. Outside my window it was raining all day today. Very Non-November like.

2. I am thinking about Thanksgiving day without turkey and all the fixings. We decided to not do a big deal dinner this year because it is just the two of us. We will have a chicken but not all the fuss. I am also trying to figure out how to buy the microwave Wal-Mart will have on sale come Friday.

3. I am thankful for good friends. Friends that even when they are sicker than sick call to see how you are feeling.

4. I am wearing pink plaid pajamas. I have socks and slippers on my feet. The floor is cold tonight. I also have a shawl around my shoulders.

5. I am remembering the day after sales of past years. My mom and I always took the day off from work to hit the stores in downtown Minneapolis. We would have lunch at Dayton's and go through the auditorium display. We often even got our hair down while downtown. We did most of our Christmas shopping that day. It is a very special memory to me.

6. I am going to finish cleaning the house tomorrow (I hope), so that I can start to decorate for Christmas.

7. I am reading four books right now. I can't seem to settle down to any one.

8. I am hoping to make a list of things that I want to bake for Christmas. Right now I would like to bake everything in my cookbooks so I need to narrow it down a bit.

9. On my mind today is my brother and his wife. Like many other people they are having financial problems. Most of their problems because they have had physical problems this last year. He started a new job but I am worried that it ended before it really had a chance. My brother tends to have be hot headed. So I worry. But at the same time I know, even if they don't, that God will meet their needs and hold them in the palm of His hand.

10. I am learning to ignore and let go of things that used to bother me. It is hard thing to learn.

11. I am noticing that it does not look like Thanksgiving around here. We usually at least have a little bit of snow on the ground. I am praying that we don't have a muddy Christmas, which we will have if it doesn't quit raining.

12. I am pondering these words: (in part) The St. Francis Prayer...Lord, let me be an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love.
ANd so on.

13. From the kitchen: tomorrow we will have a pork roast with potatoes, green beans and rice for dinner.

14. Around the house the cats are playing tag. I think they just like to slide through the kitchen on the floor and then run into the living room onto the carpet. They take turns on who is it. Silly guys.

15. One of my favorite things is having those silly guys on my lap and feeling their warmth and listening to their purrs.

Friday's Fave Five November 21, 2009

Friday's Fave Five
November 21, 2009

1. Warm flannel jammies on a cold autumn night. I was so cold the other night that I had to put on the flannels. They were so cozy and warm that I went right to sleep when I got into bed.

2 Bald Eagles in my woods. The other day when I drove into my yard I heard the squawking of the carrion birds. The woods is full of them at this time of year. With all the birds that I see I have never seem not even one bald eagle let alone two. That day there were to of these majestic birds flying around my woods. But of course by the time I got back out with the camera they were gone.

3. Shopping online. I am almost done with my gift shopping. I have done all of it online. This is such a saver for me. I live 22 miles from town, 40 miles from the closest discount store, and 95 miles from the closest mall. I love the internet.

4. Good friends. Good friends that can make you laugh even when you aren't feeling well are the best kind. It is even better when you can make that same sick friend laugh. And even better yet when both of you are sick and you can laugh together.

5. This is harder than I thought. I know that there are other things I like this week, but I am drawing a blank. Maybe for next week I will make a list.

Friday Fill Ins November 21, 2009

Food 4 Thought
Friday November 21, 2009


Breakfast
My favorite Thanksgiving feast food is the dressing for those of us in the north, or stuffing for those in the south. Thanksgiving and turkey would not be the same without it.

Lunch
What I am most grateful for at this moment is a full tummy. I was so hungry before dinner.

Dinner
What will be different about this Thanksgiving is that we are not having a turkey ( I know...gasp). But it is just my husband and I and he doesn't like turkey so I am making a chicken.

Midnight Snack
Where I am spending Thanksgiving is at home. I am preparing the whole meal.

Recipe for the Week
Store clerks seem unusually cranky this year. I am determined to give them a smile and a thank you no matter how rude they might be. Maybe my kindness will bring a change in them that they can pass on. I guess this is more for the entire season and not just this week.

1. We need to focus on loving each other.

2. An old memory from my past just popped up and it made me laugh out loud.

3. If you want to be loved, then give love.

4. I love Thanksgiving because it is a time for family. And because of the next day sales.

5. Massachusetts has a proposed 5% tax on elective cosmetic surgery; I think that it is an unfair tax. Legal taxes are something that everyone is charged. It is like "taxation without representation", one of the reason the colonists came to this country.

6. Family all gathered together is the most special time of all.

7. And as for this weekend Tonight I am just doing online things and relaxing Tomorrow I am going to try and clean house and do some holiday baking. Sunday I have not yet decided what I will do.

The Simple Woman's Daybook November 16, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
November 16, 2009

Outside my window:
Earlier today I heard shots off out in the distance. Hopefully, that means that dear hunters are successful in their endeavors.

I am thinking:
That I don't like it when my house becomes as messy as it is right now. It overwhelms me.

I am thankful for:
My husband who helped me change out summer for winter clothes today.

I am wearing:
Not very color coordinated today. Green pants, orange sweat shirt, brown slippers. I put on the first thing I grabbed this morning.

I am remembering:
My brother just became an over the road truck driver. He called today to tell me that he just drove through the town our dad lived. I have been flooded with memories of my dad. I only got to know him in the last 2 years of his life. But I am ever so grateful for having had that.

I am going:
To see a pharmacist this week to talk about my prescriptions. Maybe there are some changes that can be made. My doctor thought this was a good idea. This next Saturday I am going to a craft fair. Or maybe two or three.

I am reading:
I am still reading Ted Kennedy's memoir, "True Compass". It is not a book that can be read in one sitting. I also have books in the bedroom that I read at night time.

I am hoping:
To have the no sew pillow finished soon. I will never make one again. It just confuses me. But I WILL finish this one. I also hope to have my other Christmas gift projects finished before Thanksgiving. No wonder my house is a mess.

On my mind:
I got a call this evening from AARP. They were doing a town hall meeting over the phone. It was my chance to ask questions about the health care reform. I have not felt well most of the day and declined. I wish now I had just stayed on the phone and listened. We need this reform so very badly but I am worried about what it is going to cost us. My husband and I can not afford not even one more payment. I actually believe that it should be free of charge. I am so tired of insurance companies having more say in my health care than my doctor. I know that I have an opinion shared by the minority but it is mine. My eye doctor agrees with me. He belongs to a group of health care professionals who also agree that it should be a national health care. I can't shake the feeling that the Republicans are going to screw this up for everyone just so they can make a black mark on President Obama's record.

What I am learning:
I changed From the learning room to this. I am learning how to follow a crochet pattern but to change it so it works for me. It is challenging to make a winter cap for an adult with a small head.

I am noticing that:
I just noticed that I don't like getting IM's while I am trying to post in the blog.

I am pondering these words:
From Hebrews 13 (sort of) Do not forget to show kindness to strangers because they may be angels from above.

From the kitchen:
Soaking lentils for soup tomorrow night. Will have soup and corn bread for dinner. Also, I am making a cookie and treat list for Christmas.

One of my favorite things:
Is listening to my husband play with the cats. He is a large man but becomes cat size when he rough houses with them. He is just an old softy. He call them "the kids".

I will do more from my picture journal when I get a new camera.

Carnival - If you came to my house 9/13/09

If you came to my house on Saturday 9/14/09 you would find the woods filled with wet, weary, and frustrated deer hunters. It is the second of three weekends for our deer hunt season. I have yet to hear any shots. Not a good thing for these deer hunters who live for this time of year.

Inside my home you would find:
1. A mountain of books that I don't know where to put. I hit the jackpot at the thrift store.
2. The coffee table littered with fleece for a pillow I am trying to make but got frustrated with and left it in a pile.
3. The living room in transition. I am in the process of putting away summer clothes and bringing in winter. I am late.
4. On the stove is wonderfully fragrant chili and the absolute best brownies ever made.

Please come for a cup of something warm, a bowl of chili, and a fantastic brownie.

Food 4 Thought Friday - Friday Fill-Ins 11/13/09

Food 4 Thought Friday
Friday Fill-ins
11/13/09

1. The last band I saw live was...
Does the high school band at my son's graduation count? If not then it would have to be Neal Diamond in 1987. Oh dear, I need to get out more.

2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving...
It will be my husband and myself this year. He doesn't like turkey. So I decided that rather than make a big bird for just the 2 of us I would bake a chicken. Now that I have the pressure of a huge meal out of my mind I think I can enjoy Thanksgiving. I also am looking forward to the annual start of the Christmas movie season in my house.

3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is...
Almost finished. But that statement is misleading because I still have gifts to make. I have a set of flour sack towels to embroider, 2 stocking caps to crochet, and a no sew fleece pillow to make.

4 Thoughts of a mild winter, a warm spring day, a fun Christmas with children in the house fill my head.

5. I wish I could wear my hair in a different style. My hair is very thin on top and I wear a traditional comb over. Not like D.Trump's but close. My hair styles are very limited.

6. Bagpipes are a terribly lonely sound.

7. And as for the weekend I am driving tomorrow to pick up some food that I have ordered. It is an 80 mile round trip. I might take in a craft fair while I am in that town. It is a small town. It has a nice homey feeling to it.

I don't know what I did to make the last 3 all bold but I can't undo it.

Food 4 Thought Friday 11/13/09

Food 4 Thought Friday
11/13/09

BREAKFAST
I wouldn't be caught dead...
on a roller coaster. It is way too high and way too fast and way too scary. I am more of a merry go round type rider than the high fast rides.

LUNCH
Was I ever frightened for my life?
Yes, in my misspent youth I got in with a very bad crowd. I didn't know how bad they were until I woke up one morning and didn't know where I was. I didn't remember how I got to where I was and I didn't know anyone that was there with me, but I was the stranger. I left that house and hitchhiked home. I never went back to see those friends again. I was scared that if I continued down that same path I would end up dead.

DINNER
What am I passionate about?
I am passionate about , hmmm.... I don't know. Honesty is the first thing that comes to mind. I hate liars. I mean really hate lying. But then I think too I am passionate about reading. I try and read all sorts of books. Even if at first it doesn't interest me. I hope it broadens my outlook on a variety of topics. But my favorite will always be fiction.

MIDNIGHT SNACK
Have I ever won a trophy?
Yes. When I was in high school I belonged to a bowling league. I received a trophy for most improved average. I think the leader just felt sorry for me and gave me something because he knew how hard I had tried. I think my beginning average 30 and maybe the ending was 65.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Not for life but just for the week.
I am trying to not get so overwhelmed with all I have to do that I come to a stand still. When that happens my brain stops to function. I call my BF and she breaks down all I have to do into manageable tasks and that allows my brain to work again.

Seven Days Seven Answers

It seems that my answer for one of the 7 days has won the prize for that day.
You can find this over at Cate"s blog here (I hope) :



Here is my award (again I hope)



Thanks Cate!

Ok this is the 3rd time I am trying to add Cate's link. I don't know what I am doing wrong.

Ten on the 10th

My first time doing 10 on the 10th.
Just a list. Maybe good, maybe bad.
I think for the first time I will try to devote my list to 10 good things, so people don't get the wrong idea about me.

1. It is very good to get away for a few day.
I just spent 4 days with my 88 year old aunt and a dear cousin. We had such a grand time. I am always happy when I can get away to spend time with my aunt. I know her time here is becoming limited and I treasure all that I can spend with her.

2. While visiting it is important to remember to help out whenever possible.
My aunt always refuses my help in preparing meals or cleaning up after them. But she is ever so grateful when I insist and help anyway. It feels good.

3. Thrift stores in different towns than your own are a great adventure.
It seems like the thrift stores offer way more than mine ever does, which I am sure is not accurate. It is just that everything is new and different.

4. When visiting an elderly relative remember to have them take a nap.
My aunt would just go and go and go. But she needs to have an afternoon nap for about 20 minutes or she doesn't sleep at night. It is hard to remember to remind her so I did what came naturally to me. I wrote a note to myself as a reminder and then I set a timer.

5. When driving through a strange parking lot, remember to look ALL ways more than once. And when you think it is clear, look again.
I almost hit someone yesterday because I forgot to look, even once. I was too busy talking to Aunty about lunch. This is not a good thing. But I did find out that I have very good brakes.

6. When driving around a beautiful lake, remember to look occasionally at the road. Drivers in the other lane appreciate it.
I have to drive around the most beautiful lake that I have ever seen. I always get immersed in it's beauty and drift over the middle line. It is not unusual for me to hear the blare of a car horn. I have always been very lucky this way. It happened again today. I am thankful to God for giving me such beauty to see. I just need to learn to watch the road and admire the beauty.

7. After being away for a few days my husband appreciates my return.
He gets excited when he knows I am getting close to home. I call him when I leave my aunt's and then when I am 20 miles away from home. He puts the tea kettle on and keeps the water hot until I am in the driveway. He understands that I have to go, but hates to see me leave. I tell him that my leaving makes my return that much sweeter.

8. Tomorrow (Wednesday 11/11/09) starts heavy duty cleaning for Christmas.
I can not decorate my house for the holidays until it is spotless. I can't clean while the house is decorated so it MUST be clean before the decorations go up.

9. Just the two of us for Thanksgiving is a lonely feeling.
It is my husband and I for dinner. My son's GF is returning to work that day after surgery. He didn't think she would feel like coming for dinner after work. I agree. That would be too much. But the selfish part of me would like a houseful of company.

10. This was a hard list to make.
I am glad I made it to 10, except this one is like cheating. But it was harder than I thought it would be. Wheew.

30 Days of Thanksgiving Day 4 - November 4, 2009

30 Days of Thanksgiving Day 4
November 4, 2009


I am thankful for my son. He is the love of my life. He is joy.
Yes he has at times stretched my patience but overall I would not trade him.
He is my beautiful boy.
He would hate to hear me call him boy because he is 25, but he will always be my baby.

Carry on Tuesday November 4, 2009

Carry on Tuesday
November 4, 2009

In the arms of an angel

The story of a man named Pete.

Pete came here from Switzerland just after WWII. He farmed the land. He married. He had a large family. He had many grandchildren and even some great grandchildren.

Pete did volunteer work for the county that he lived in. It started out as a part time thing after he gave up farming. He was driving his wife crazy. He was probably bored. His job was to go to the home of a shut in and visit. Just talk. About anything. He was good at his job. His "clients" really enjoyed their time with him. I know because my uncle was one of them.

Pete also served the residents in his local area by being a volunteer driver. If someone need to go somewhere but could not drive Pete would do it. It might be a doctor's appointment or grocery shopping. Once he even drove 150 mile round trip to take someone to the airport.

In July Pete's granddaughter got married. Pete went out the day before, supposedly for a quiet drive alone. He has never been seen or heard from since. His car was found. It was stuck in the mud on a low maintenance road. Searchers were out in the hundreds. The Army National Guard helped for a few days. There were helicopters. There were people on horseback and people with their dogs.

Pete has never never found. The hope now is that with hunters taking to the woods some sign of Pete will be found.

The people whose lives Pete touched miss him. Not for what he could do for them but for the way he enriched their lives. His family misses him. It is especially hard for them to go forward without knowing what has happened.
I fear that Pete is in the arms of an angel.

30 Days of Thanksgiving Days 2 & 3 11/2/09 &11/3/09

30 Days of Thanksgiving

November 2, 2009

I am thankful today for good friends.

I had lunch with a friend today that I had almost totally lost touch with. We had such a good time. We laughed and got all caught up. Our lunch lasted 4 hours. It was such fun.

November 3, 2009

I am thankful for a well working car.

I am going to be driving 4 hours half way across the state on Friday to visit my 88 year old aunt. If it weren't for a car that runs well I would not be able to make the trip. And she needs me to come for a visit before the snow flies.

The Simple Woman's Dayboook - 11/02/09

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11/02/09


Outside my window: It is night now. However, today outside my window it was lovely. The skies were blue, there was a light wind, and the squirrels were busy building their winter homes. It was so fun to watch them go up the tree and a few minutes later go back down. Only to repeat the process again, and again.

I am thinking: that have light in the morning is not a fair trade off for it getting dark earlier at night. I like to have light all the time. At least until bedtime. I think day light savings time should be a year round thing.

I am thankful for: good friends. I had lunch with an old friend today. I haven't laughed so much in a very long time. It felt really good.

I am wearing: pale purple pajamas with pink cats. And toasty warm slippers.

I am remembering: Or trying to remember the things I have to finish getting ready for the winter. Covering the A/C, adding anti freeze to my radiator, changing the oil in the car, buying sand for the front stoop, etc.

I am going: to visit my aunt and cousin this weekend. She is 88 and I try and get to see her as often as possible. It will be a fun weekend.

I am reading: "A True Compass" Ted Kennedy (still am, it's a big book) and Roamans

I am hoping: To finish my Christmas shopping very soon. I am half way there. But I keep thinking of things that I may have forgotten.

On my mind: is my brother who started a new job last Friday. As an over the road semi truck driver. It has always been my job to worry about him. And even though he is 47, I still do.

I am creating: a stocking cap for my cousin, and an embroidered flour sack towel set for a Christmas gift.

From the kitchen: I am think tacos for dinner tomorrow. But I don't know if i have enough burger, might have to add some ground turkey to it. I am making pumpernickel bread to take with this weekend, and some whole wheat.

Around the house: Lots of laundry left to do. I didn't get it finished over the weekend. Two people just shouldn't make so many dirty things.



From my picture Journal. One of my cats. Her official name is Ozzy. She comes when called Baby.

30 Days of Thanksgiving _ 11/01/09

30 Days of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for something EVERYDAY in November not just on Thanksgiving.

November 1, 2009

I am thankful for my warm home.

Halloween Memories

I do remember Halloween from when I was a kid. We always had such a grand time. We didn't have the fears that are present today. However, most parents did have some rules.

One rule was not to go into the home of someone you didn't know. One Halloween we broke that rule. Why? I don't know, caught up in the excitement maybe. Two women of an indeterminate age lived in this house. We had to pass their house on the way to and from school each day. It always looked kind of mysterious. Not haunted just a weird sort of place. Anyway, there we were, 6 or 7 of us looking for our handout. They invited us in so they could get a better look at our costumes. Once we were all inside the door, one of them closed the door. And locked it, gulp. Then the lights went out. We let out a collective squeal. We heard the tow women laughing. Some of us started to cry. After what seemed like an eternity the lights came back on. The women offered us hot chocolate. We declined and scampered out just as fast as we could. I doubt we ever broke that rule again.

One of the best places to go for candy was the Nun's house. All the nun's would come to the door. There were 12 nuns that lived there. Each one handed out her own piece of candy. She had to Ohhh and Awww over our costumes. Imagine, 12 pieces of candy in one stop!.

The really best place to stop was the local Ben Franklin. The owner was always there and let us pick out our own candy from what he normally sold. It didn't even have to be from the penny candy. It could be 5 cent candy bar. Wow!

I remember one time the person came to the door and told us it would have to be trick before he gave us a treat. We explained to him that the trick was of the TPing variety. He told us no that we had to preform some sort of trick for him. I think we did somersaults across his lawn. We did eventually get our treat but we had to work for it.

Our streets were in alphabetical order. We started at M and went to U. The we went back to M and went to A. We didn't go to Z because that would have meant crossing the highway and that was the BIG rule. We started on 39Th and went up to 34Th. We worked both sides of the streets. The alphabet ran north and south, the numbers were east and west.

One year someone attacked my brother's bag. Slit it right down the side. Fortunately, we were under a street lamp. We could see most of the candy and were able to pick it up. We were only a few blocks from home. We went home and traded out the bags. Then we got a fresh start.

I don't see anything wrong with organized Halloween parties but I do think the kids miss out on the actual trick or treating. I mean it was just so much fun to run wild, without adult supervision, and be crazy for a few hours. Kids today don't get that same chance. Either they are at a supervised party or there is a parent waiting curbside for them. Not a chance to go a little crazy.

Now as an adult, I don't have to wait for Halloween to act/get a little crazy. It is one of the perks of being a parent.

Six Word Saturday - October 31, 2009

Six Word Saturday

October 31, 2009


Trying to get laundry caught up.

Too many things have been going on and the laundry piled up. I knew I was in trouble when the only clean towels in the house were the guest towels.
How do two people have so many dirty clothes?

All Hallows Eve 2009

I remember the excitement of the night before Halloween. There was so much to do and really so very little time.

We had to finish the costumes. We had to make sure that we had the proper make-up needed. We had to make sure that our traveling strategy was correct. We had to make sure that we had the proper bags (usually pillowcases).

When I was a kid we had no boundaries for trick or treating. We never had a parent go out with us. Sure, there were rules. Like never go into the house of a stranger, and never eat any candy until we got home.

We traveled miles away from home, only returning home to empty the bag to go back out. I don't think we went out for so long or so far from home because we were greedy, although maybe we were a little. But, I think we went out the way we did because we were having so much fun. We were breaking all of the regular rules. We were scaring each other silly. We were having a grand time. We got to stay out way past curfew and up way past bedtime.

I remember my mom went through the bags before we even had a chance to eat a piece of candy. First all of the homemade treats were tossed. Then the gum was taken out, we weren't allowed to chew gum. Then the candy bars were divided up into their respective types (snickers, Kit-kat, etc). Next were suckers, smarties, and things like sweetarts they all went into a pile. We would put the sensible things into piles, things like tooth brushes, coins, small toys to be divided later. This was almost as much fun as the tick or treating, almost. When this was all finished, mom would put the candy all into the freezer. She would dole it out to us. We were still eating Halloween candy at Easter time.

When my son became old enough for trick or treating I eagerly anticipated the yearly event. It was good in the beginning. I helped home plan his costumes. Most of which were my idea. He went as a bear, a bee, and one year as Waldo. In the later years he didn't want mom's help. He wanted the help of friends he would be going out with. I told him it was OK but he was not to do any monsters or anything gruesome . He followed my rule fairly well. Except one year he and a friend went as conjoined twins.

We don't get trick or treaters where we live. I guess 22 miles from town is too far to drive just for candy. Now that my son is grown (he's 25), and I have no reason to celebrate this fun childhood custom, I am missing it.

I think tomorrow I will write about some of the most memorable Halloweens that I had as a child.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - October 26, 2009

This is my first time joining The Simple Woman's Daybook.
I decided to do this because it might help me to refocus my days/weeks. It might help me to see what really is important. It might help me make the transformation into a daily blog.

Outside my window: It is night. I guess I should do this Monday morning. It is cold tonight and rainy. I can hear it on the windows.

I am thinking: About my son coming home tomorrow to help his dad put up "No Trespassing" signs, and to change the lawn tractor into the snow blower. I am wondering if he will be here for dinner.

I am thankful: That God loves me. No matter how bad I mess up.

I am wearing: Light blue hoody, navy blue pants, socks, warm slippers.

I am remembering: A friend that is no longer a friend.

I am going: Many places this week. I live 22 miles from town. I try and get all my errands done in one day. This is the line up so far: get new lenses for glasses, get B12 shot, Wal Mart, thrift store(s), dollar store, library, grocery store, fabric store, Ben Franklin, and the pharmacy.

I am creating: I am going to start tomorrow on a crocheted rug made out of fabric with a size Q hook. I am going to start making a set of embroidered dish towels after the trip to Ben Franklin. I need to buy the flour sack towels. These will be for a Christmas gift.

I am reading: "True Compass" by Ted Kennedy and "Hinds' Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnaurd

I am hoping: That the snow holds off until after the 8th of November. I want to go visit my aunt who lives 3 1/2 hours away the weekend of the 6th, and don't want to have to brave the weather. I will brave the weather if I have to because I love her madly. She is 88 now and I have not been to her house since last February. She has been here but I have not been to her house.

On my mind: My husband's health. It is not good. Not physically or mentally. He is agoraphobic. He has to take strong doses of Adavan to leave the house. He had by pass surgery almost 10 years ago and does not take care of himself and won't let me help him. I am making a doctor's appointment for him because now I am also afraid of signs I am seeing might be dementia. He is 72, I am 54.

From the learning rooms: I wish I knew what this was. Maybe by next week I will.

Noticing that: I have been online 3 hours and am still doing blog things. Reading the ones I follow first and now writing in mine. I have never been here this long. I am enjoying it.

From the Kitchen: Bread dough that needs to be put in the fridge. I use the recipes from a book about making bread in 5 minutes a day. (I don't want to use the title in case that is against the rules) Tomorrow we will have fresh bread. I never buy bread now, I always have dough available.

Around the house: Is a mess. I am in transition. Half in the summer clothes, half out. I am still unpacking the winter clothes, and until I get all of the summer ones washed I am no where to put the winter ones. Plus big black garbage bags getting ready for the thrift shop. If I didn't wear it this summer it goes.

Please join us at The Simple Woman's Daybook. To follow along or to do your own.
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2009/10/simple-womans-daybookedition-october.html

I am not sure if I provided the link correctly but I hope you can make it there. And I don't know how to put the beautiful picture of the woman writing on here either. I hope I have not broken too many rules my first time out.