Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Random Dozen - February 24, 2010

Random Dozen
February 24, 2010

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?

Yes, I have. I used to go deer hunting.

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?

No,I don't. My closest childhood friend (after a 20 yr friendship) accused me of stealing money from her aunt. End of friendship. The other friends were into things that I decided I needed to leave behind.

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?

Maybe 10 minutes early for doctor appointments. Otherwise on time.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?

Definitely New York. I can't sit still. And when I do sit I have to be doing something.

5. Do you have a special ring tone?

Yes, it is Drift Away by Dobie Grey. Loved that song then and still do.

6. What is your favorite type of chip?

Plain Ripple.

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....

On television it would be "M.A.S.H.", or "Everybody Loves Raymond" for obvious reasons.. In a movie form it would be "Grumpy Old Men" probably because it was original. Maybe "One Fine Day" too.

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"

Yes, I have and do cut my own hair. My hair dresser says that I add texture to my hair and give her a challenge. I can't afford to go as often as I should for a hair cut so I resort to self-help.

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?

Both need so much help that I can't give a definitive answer.

10. Are you allergic to anything?

No.

11. Why is it so hard to change?

Because (1) we get comfortable in the way we think or act.
(2) change means breaking an old habit and making a new one
(3)change is an adventure into the unknown and the unknown can be scary.

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.
To be vulnerable is to open your heart to someone when you don't know what their response will be to you. Vulnerability leaves yourself open to possible hurt. Children, the old, and animals are the most vulnerable.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook - February 23, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook
February 23, 2010


For Today… Monday, February 22, 2010

Outside my window...
it was sunshine all the way. The air was crisp but oh so very fresh. It was a day that made my heart sing because the sun was so bright.

I am thinking...
about my mom this week. It would be her birthday on the twenty-fifth. She always loved to celebrate her birthday. On her birthday she would smoke one cigarette and have a couple of glasses of wine. That was always part of her celebration. She has been gone since 1991 and I miss her still. She was such a large part of my life. I feel fortunate to have had her as my mom.


I am thankful for...
my small belssings. Yesterday I needed to remind myself of all of the things I DO have in my life not of the things I DON'T have. One of the blessing I reminded myself of was God's love. I often forget that this is really the greatest blessing of all.


I am wearing...
navy blue pants, a blue and white hoody, slippers and socks.


I am going...
to the library and the pharmacy tomorrow. The doctor has given me two new medications to try and rid myself of pain especially my hands and thighs.

I am reading...
I got a great deal on several books from the Grace Chapel series and am making my way through them. I love this series about the three sisters who set up a bed and breakfast in their family home. I am also reading a legal mystery and a Nancy Drew mystery.


On my mind...
my aunt. She had a death in her family over the weekend. I worry that she is not coping well.

I am hoping...
that the new meds make a huge difference in the way I feel each day. I don't like pain. I am also hoping to get to my aunt's in the next couple of weeks.

I am learning...
patience when learning a new crochet pattern. It seems that every two rows I have to rip out because the pattern doesn't end correctly. Before I would have just given up but I am determined to see this pattern to the end.


Pondering these words...
a bit of humor. "I am only as strong as the coffee I drink, the hairspray I use, and the friends I have."

From the kitchen…
tuna casserole, green beans, and salad, tomorrow chili with cornbread, Thursday baked chicken with dressing, beets, and a salad.


Around the house...
laundry, and dishes need to be done. I need to mix up some bread dough also. I haven't made bread since Christmas and my husband is groaning.


One of my favorite things...
good friends.


A few plans for the rest of the week...
trying to get the house clean, thinking ahead to Easter plans, and calling my aunt.

No picture to share this week.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Random Dozen - February 17, 2010

Random Dozen
February 17, 2010


1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?

If competing meant that I was good at this sport I would be a figure skater because it means I am graceful. In the summer Olympics I would be a swimmer because it would mean I knew how.

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?

Not a specific one because they are all so special. I am terrible with names but I do remember when that young man's sister had died but he went on to compete anyway because he thought he would want her to.

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?

I don't know this girl personally, but she was on the last winter Olympic women's hockey team. She comes from a little town of less than 2,000. I met her mom who of course was as proud as can be.

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?

I could make gold in reading. I read many books at a time. I could also gold in salad making. I make fantastic salads.

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?

Yes. My cousin has traced our family back to the 1500's in Germany. And some of our family still lives in the same town.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?

Late for me would be 10 and no I do not. I think that the day is almost over and nothing has been accomplished.

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)
No I have not preformed CPR on anyone, but yes I do know how.

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.

Does our own country count? I would like to visit all of our states. I would like to learn more of our own history. After doing that then I would consider going to another country.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?

Yes. It was horrible for all who watched.

10. What is the last book you read?

Nancy Drew Mystery of Phantom Hill. Just finished it.

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??
Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery?

Yes. If I could afford to have my eyes done I would have them done in a split second. They have bags, and hang over onto my eyelashes, and the lids are very crapey

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?

My favorite meal at any restaurant is a big salad. I could eat salad everyday of the week, but it always tastes better when I don't have to fix it.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook - February 15, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook
February 15, 2010


Today is: February 16, 2010

Outside my window...
the sun was shining all day. It looked warm outside, but it wasn't. The air had a chill that went right through to my bones. I don't know if that means it is going to get colder or not. I pray not.

I am thinking...
about my sweet aunt. I meant to call her today and forgot. She had a son die 12 years ago this week and I need to reach out to her. She had another son die 1 1/2 years ago. I worry about her as these anniversaries come around.

I am thankful...
for my brother's sense of humor. He sent me a long note without any punctuation. None! At the end he told me that I was now out of breath and that it was time to breath. Cracked me up right when I needed to.


I am wearing...
navy blue pants, green fuzzy sweater, socks and slippers.

I am remembering...
my cousins funeral 12 years ago. It was at his funeral that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I went into the funeral heart broken, unable to stop crying. I came out a new woman. My friend was sitting at the back of the church, and as soon as she saw me she knew what had taken place within my soul.

I am creating...
a baby blanket to send to the hospital with the hat, socks, and mittens I have made. I decided that a blanket was needed to round off the outfit. If the hospital accepts these then I will make more sets. Or I will make whatever they have a need for. I finished a pet blanket for the local animal shelter last night.

I am going...
to an afternoon movie this week with a friend. Before that we are going to go to a couple of thrift stores.

I am reading...
The Bible in 90 Days (I just got my copy), Nancy Drew and the mystery of Phantom Hill, and one of the books of the Chapel Hill series.

I am hoping/praying..
the weather turns warmer soon, that my brother finds a new driving partner quickly, my husband's shaking doesn't get any worse. Thses are not in any specific order.

I am hearing...
the television. My husband is watching a tape from the original television series The Avengers with Dianna Rigg. He has almost the entire series on tape.

On my mind...my hearing test coming up on Friday. I don't know what to expect. I know that it is a painless test but still the unknown is taxing. I also am thinking about my son as always. He is never far from my mind. His birthday is in March and I have no idea what to get for him.

I am learning..
.more patience when I try a new crochet pattern. I just realized that I can't possibly know how to do it correctly the very first time.

Pondering these words...
Good looks catch the eye, but a good personality catches the heart.

From the kitchen...last night tortillas with melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, guacomole, and sour cream. Tonight was pork ribs, sour kraut, potatoes, and carrots. Tomorrow hamburger hot dish. Thursday leftovers.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
movie with a friend, trip to library, laundry, making bread dough, and a trip to the post office to mail the set to the hospital.

Around the house...
too much clutter. We didn't get the snow plowed away from in the front of the shed door before it turned to ice. I still have Christmas decorations around because we can not get the shed door open. I never thought I would start to really dislike the decorations but I think that their eyes are following me around the room. I need the sun to melt the ice so I can put them away until next Christmas before next Christmas gets here.


One of my favorite things...
is springtime. I love the earth coming back to life. I love to see in the distance a green haze on the trees. It signifies to me that the trees are greening up. It is a time of excitement for me.

From my picture book...my aunt and me.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Not Me Monday - Febraury 15, 2010

Not Me Monday
February 15, 2010

I would never accuse my husband of purposely sabotaging my trip to the city. I would never say the words, "You purposely broke my car." Never, because I know better, even if he did seem really happy once he knew I was staying home. Nope not me.

I would never eat a dozen cookies at one time because I was pouting that my trip to the city was canceled. Nope not me.

I would never lie to a friend and tell her she was supposed to call me instead of me call her. I would never be too tired to call a friend. Nope not me.

I would never run out of suet for the birds. I would always have some extra on hand. I would never fry up bacon to put outside for them. Nope not me.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Sunday Stealing: The Clown's Meme 1 - 02/14/10

Sunday Stealing
The Clown's Meme 1
February 14, 2010

1. How old will you be in five years?

59

2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today?

My husband

3. How tall are you?
5 feet 1/2 in

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?

Hopefully Springlike weather.

5. What’s the last movie you saw?
At the theater: Something about 911.I can't remember the name, but it was very good.
At home: Gorrilas in the Mist.

6. Who was the last person you called?
My son

7. Who was the last person to call you?
My son
8. What was the last text message you received?

9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail?

My friend

10. Do you prefer to call or text
?
I don't know how to text.

11. What were you doing at 12am last night?

Watching the movie.

12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced?

Divorced and deceased

13. When is the last time you saw your mom?

1991

14. What color are your eyes?
Greenish blue

15. What time did you wake up today?
8AM

16. What are you wearing right now?
Jammys

17. What is your favorite christmas song?

What Child is This?

18. Where is your favorite place to be?
A bookstore

19. Where is your least favorite place to be?
Dentist

20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?

Maine

21. Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years?
Probably right here.

22. Do you tan or burn?
Burn

23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?

Whatever lived unde rmy bed.i never knew what IT was, just that something was under there.

24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh?
The little baby kitten, he was climbing all over my husband while he was fixing the car.

25. How many TVs do you have in your house?
2

26. How big is your bed?

Full

27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer?
Laptop

29. What color are your sheets?
Maroon

30. How many pillows do you sleep with?
3

31. What is your favorite season?
Spring

32. What do you like about Autumn?
Cooler temperatures

33. What do you like about winter?
The stillness of the woods after a snowfall.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Six Word Saturday - February 13, 2010

Six Word Saturday
February 13, 2010

No trip to city. Car broke.

Yep. I was supposed to go to the city to watch the Olympics but the car broke. Or maybe my husband sabotaged it. I don't know. He was putting in a new battery and something shorted out. I have no lights (serious), locks (very Serious), radio (minor), and no horn. The radio and horn I could go without but not lights or locks. So there are no Olympics in my future, but a trip to the dealership is.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

10 on the 10TH - Febraury 10, 2010

10 on the 10Th
February 10, 2010


Valentines being Sunday I am going to list (I hope) 10 romantic songs.

1. First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack

2. Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

3. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers

4. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston

5. Always On My Mind - Willie Nelson

6. I Can't Help Falling In Love With You - Elvis

7. When A Man Loves A Woman - Percy Sledge

8. I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher

9. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

10. You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker

Wheew I did it. Didn't think I would for a while there. I had to reach way back for some of these.

Random Dozen - Februaury 10, 2010

Random Dozen
February 10, 2010


1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?
I would say I am grumpy, because I just want to be left alone. My husband wants to take care of me and tell me which medications I need to take. I listen and groan inside. I know he is trying to be kind but I just want to scream. So, yeah grumpy.

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?

It doesn't affect me any more, but when my son got a snow day we loved it. We spent the day sleeping or coloring or baking. I liked the time together.

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?

Keeping my kitchen clean.

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?

Nope.

5. What song is on your mind today?
I don't know the title. It is by Patty Lovelace. It is about a mom teaching her daughter how to say good-bye. That it is OK to hurt, and that it is OK to cry. Sad song but feel good too.

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

I have all time favorties in both catagories.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.

I am really very good at it. One time some one I was working with cut his finger off, and I was able to keep him calm while I walked him to the nurses office. After he was taken care of I passed out. I don't like blood. Another time my husband had hurt himself, but I didn't want to upset our son so I was just oh so cool. It wasn't until later that I went to pieces.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse?
His chivalry. He treated me like a lady. After some really bad guys, he was just so perfect.

9. When was the last time your heart raced?
From physical exertion? When I brought the groceries in today. From romance? I can't remember.

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?

I went to Catholic school, we didn't do Valentines Day.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?

Dove or Bliss. Dark or regular. Chocolate is chocolate.

12. Red or pink?

Definitely red. Yes definitely.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Curious as a Cat Week Number 205 2-9-10

Curious as a Cat
Number 205
February 0, 2010


1) Tell about a snowball fight you had.

I was in my twenties when this fight happened. It was late at night, at the end of a date. My boyfriend and I were sitting in the car saying our good night. As I got out of the car I reached up to the roof and grabbed a hand full of snow. I threw it in at him. He got quite the surprise. He then jumped out of the car, ran around it, and rolled me to the ground. And of course smeared my face with snow. We laughed. We got back in the car to catch our breath. He partially rolled down the window and threw in some snow. I did the same. As they say, the game was on. His car was so wet by the time I finally went in the house. I thought about him in the morning, having to get in it in dry clothes and drive to work. But I didn't lose any sleep because I was very wet myself.

2) Where is the best hiding place you know of?

If it is for gifts then I would have to say the front of a piano. Unknown to most people the front panel of a piano comes off. If the piano is played I wouldn't recommend this place, however, if like my piano it has sat silent for years it is the perfect hiding place. I didn't know of this place until I was an adult and my mother told me. She always hid our gifts in our piano.

3) What extracurricular activities did you do while at school?

Warming a chair in the Principal's office, skipping out of class, smoking, and sassing the hall monitor. Do those count as extracurricular activities?

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

I am not sure why, but it reminds me of the monkeys hear no evil, see no evil, and hear no evil.

Monday, February 8, 2010

A Simple Woman's Daybook - February 8, 2010

A Simple Woman's Daybook
February 8, 2010

For Today:

Outside my window...
it was blustery cold today. A little bit of snow fell, just a dusting really. The cats loved to chase the snowflakes. They never seemed content with the one they were chasing and had to quickly turn to find a better one.

I am thinking...
about the coming weekend. I am going to the city to spend time with my brother and SIL. I am also going to spend one day with my best friend. I will also watch the Olympics. YEA!

I am thankful...
today in the mail I received the book Read the Bible in 90 days. I qualified for a scholarship to receive this book free of charge. I AM so very thankful. I am excited to start this new journey.

I am wearing...
black pants, moss green sweater, pinkish turtleneck, socks and slippers.

I am going...
as mentioned to the city, grocery chopping for my husband's food while I am gone, chiropractor and to the book store this week all before Friday.

On my mind...the smell of burnt leaves in my car. Yes, again. I fear that the mice have moved in again. I hope I was imagining it today. I don't have another $500.00 to get the car fixed again.

Pondering these words...
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
I love this sentence. It sums up all that there is to say about God's love for us.

From the kitchen…
Pork roast, mashed potatoes, and green beans for dinner tonight. Tomorrow chicken wings and salad. The rest of the week is up for grabs so far. I am going to make a dessert to take with me to the city. A chocolate something.

Around the house...
I am considering hiring a bulldozer to come and push the house over. It seems easier than trying to clean it all. It looks like a bomb went off. If thieves came here they would not rob us because they would think we had already been robbed.


One of my favorite things...
chocolate chip cookies with ice cold milk. Warms the heart this does.

I am working on...a baby blanket to send with the hat set I finished. I will send them all to the local hospital.

No photos to share this week.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Heads or Tails Tuesday _February 3, 2010

Heads or Tails Tuesday
February 3, 2010

It is a Tails week asking us to make a list of 3.

Three businesses I would like to own:

1. A bookstore

2. A yarn store

3. A yarn store with used books too.

Random Dozen _ February 3, 2010

Random Dozen
February 3, 2010

1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?”

Guilty. But, I figure I didn't ask them to send them to me and they always say that the labels are a gift. I would be at fault if I didn't use them.

2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching?

That's a tough one. However, I think it has to be the night sky. I have memories of time with my son looking at the night sky. It was a rule in our house that if something exciting was supposed to happen during the night in the sky we would either stay up late or set the alarm to wake us up to watch it. We watched Halle's comet go by, many Northern Lights, and I remember another comet but can't remember the name. After he started to work/date he was under orders to wake me if something were taking place while I slept. Even now he will call me to keep me informed.
So yes, it would be the night sky. Sorry about the length of my answer.

3. What is the most adventurous you've ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please
)
I had squid. I tried it deep-fried with a light batter, sauteed with onion,pickled, and raw. I have to say I will never eat it again.

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there's a reason for this one!)

I believe I have. At a river, after a rain the rocks along the shore sing a song. Also rocks that are hot sing.

5. If you could learn a language you don't presently speak, what would it be?

I'd like to learn American Sign Language. I think I could learn that language and put it to good use.

6. Al Capone's tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?
"She loved life and the Lord."

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like.

TAM, because those are my initials. I like that my initials are also a word. A word that is a hat and I adore hats.

8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show?

In recent years it was "The West Wing" but I could always record it to view later. In the 70s it was "M.A.S.H." the world stopped spinning when that show was on. In the 80s it was "Dallas", a bunch of us would be out together and leave where ever we were, race to a home , watch the show, and then go back out for our evening.

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about?
I have a loud a-chuw with the w sound going up on the scale. Someone I had not seen in a few years heard a sneeze come from a different aisle in a store. He knew it was me just by the sound.

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere?

I do a little bit of both. I read our local paper but find it lacking. Lacking in even local events. It is a biased paper and I get frustrated. I read online the national news.

11. Are you a good speller
?
I think I am. The problem with spelling online is a person just doesn't take the time to make corrections. And sometimes the correct spelling of a word doesn't look right and then I misspell it. Then that doesn't look right so I don't know what to do. I usually substitute a different word.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about Lost lunch?

I don't eat lunch.

Monday, February 1, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook - February 1, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook
February 1, 2010


For today:



Outside my window...
today was full of sunshine and blue skies. The birds were out in full force feeding at the feeders.

I am thinking...
about the cardinals call I heard yesterday. In the twenty years that we have lived here I have only seen 1 cardinal. I keep hoping to see and hear them more often. Hearing one yesterday renewed that hope.

I am thankful for...
my son who knew how to fix my computer. Last week it was infected with a vicious virus. I knew who to call. And now my computer is almost as good as new.

I am wearing...
blue pants, blue sweater, turtleneck with yellow flowers, socks, and of course slippers.

I am remembering...
my dad. For some reason he has been on mind a lot today. I miss him.

I am going...for a haircut this week, to the city with a friend, and grocery shopping tomorrow.

I am currently reading...
"Mystic Lake" by Kristin Hannah and a Nancy Drew Mystery.

I am hoping...
to get a hat, mitts, and booties for the hospital in the mail.

On my mind...
our propane tank. I called today to remind the propane company to come out and give us a fill. Last night we were at 6%. They did not show up today with gas. I hope we make it through the night.

Noticing that...
my feet are really really cold. I need my wool socks tonight.

Pondering these words...
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1John 4:12
Perfect love is a huge thing to contemplate. I always thought the only perfect love was God's, but this says that God's love through me is perfect. Amazing. I am filled with wonderment.

From the kitchen...
tonight we had grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Tomorrow chicken and rice. Wednesday mock chow mein.

Around the house... it is quiet. The cats a resting up for a night of frolicking.

One of my favorite things~
discovering a new author. Kristin Hannah is new to me. So far the book I am reading is so so good. Another favorite is finding a new to me quote from Scripture.

Curious as a Cat - February 1, 2010

Curious as a Cat
February 1, 2010

1) Did you wear hand-me-downs as a kid?

No. I was the oldest and the only girl. No one to pass clothes to me.


2) If you were to have the voice of any media personality, whose would you choose?

I would like Barbra Streisand's voice. She can really sing and her speaking voice is great also.


3) Would you be willing to have horrible nightmares every night for a year if you would be rewarded with extraordinary wealth?

Yes. I am strange but I actually like bad dreams. It is like watching a horror movie or reading a scary book. Plus, I know that I will wake up so nothing really bad can happen.

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.


https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkxNcjoOOjMkXM8ftBxVDMW-hi2KPa_fWKf-6bDA20vefpO_P8NPxYB5KSRln3prFz55x3hhplE1mzqGxLvEI5mB52VXQfW8H0XRHPcyNi3j53qwRf4DzLycYJyshR6bdwBr3WU15Cb8/s1600-h/Skye+at+sunrise.jpg

Well I can't get the picture to come up here. However, I think it is a picture of Roswell NM. I think I can see in the rays the space craft that so many people believe landed there. I don't personally believe that one did land but in this picture I can see one.