Pity Party Over (for now at least)

With working long hours, overtime,  and  having some pain in the neck health issues, I've been feeling down on myself.  I've had a bit of a pity party all by myself and felt sorry for myself. I think we all have those days (or weeks) at time I'm sure.  Some times life gets to all of us some times and we feel the weight of our earthly body giving out on us.  My get-up-and-go-had-gotten-up-and-went. Thankfully, it didn't last long. Just long enough for me to stop exercising and dancing and eat a big plate of whole wheat pasta with sauce.  It was very good and full of carbs.

So yesterday afternoon I got "My Scottish Up"  and decided that I was not ready to give in so I am back on the fight.  I made myself and Hubby some Coffee Frappuccino and got back on the treadmill.

Low Carb Caramel Frappuccino.

1 cup brewed coffee

several ice cubes

Sugar Free Caramel Syrup

Heavy cream

Place it all in a blender and blend it away, pour into a tall glass and enjoy! 

Our lives here on this earth will always be filled with down days, health issues, money woes, and all sorts of reasons to have a pity party.  It's OK to have that for a little while, but each of us has to get up and dust ourselves off and begin again. God has given us the strength to conquer all of this.

How about you, ever feel blue? What did you do?

You're a Grand Old Hodgepodge

Thank you Joyce for once again coming up with the questions.  I'm always amazed at what you ask.  Join the fun by either clicking the button above or answer the questions here.

1. What can the average citizen do to honor a military veteran and/or those currently serving?

One thing is to simply go up to them and thank them.  You don't need to know them to walk up and say "Thank you for your service." Maybe even shake their hand.  Simple and meaningful.

2. Besides a flag what is something you own that is red, white and blue?

WOW you got me!  I have red and white shirts that I wear with blue jeans but I do not have one single red/white/blue shirt. Guess I need to go shopping.

3. Does love really conquer all?

Yes it does. Jesus gave his life because he loved us. He conquered sin and death for us.  

John 19:30

4. Strawberry shortcake or blueberry pie?

Strawberry shortcake any day! 

5. Do you share personal stuff with your hairdresser?

My hair dresser is my niece so she shares stuff with me.  

6. Does money lead to selfishness?

It can if you let it.  If you start to think that you earned it, it's all yours, then yes, it can lead to selfishness. If you know it is a gift from God and it is HIS, then no; it does not.

7. What piece of furniture in your home most needs replacing or refinishing?

I asked Hubby this and it's a toss up between the couch and the mattress in our bedroom.  They are both between 10-13 years old so time to get a new ones but that will have to wait for a bit since other things are more pressing that cost more right now.  

8. Insert your own random here.

As I was typing this up Tuesday night, this was our weather:

Tornado warnings were all over the TV earlier last night.  Wild NH weather for sure!  Our dogs are fine when it rains and thunder and lightning doesn't bother them, but go on Face Book and there are lots of people on there all trying to calm their dogs down.  I feel bad for them all. It's not fun having a dog hiding in the bathtub crying.  

Memorial Weekend Review

After a very busy week of lots of overtime, I really needed a quiet day to relax. It just so happened (by God's design) that Saturday was the day. It was suppose to be hot but it never really got there because of the clouds. I got to sit on the deck and finish my new murder mystery "The Lord is My Shepherd" by Debbie Viguie. I really liked it as well so now I HAVE to get book 3.

I also made some cards for people at the church with my Cricut machine that Hubby got me. Now that August is older, I can work on cards more and he will either play with some toys, or sleep in the office.  It is now a joy to work in there again.

Here are just 2 of the 10 cards I made. 

I hope the people who received them felt the love that went into them and that the cards brightened up their day.


It was a relaxing afternoon for me making cards, reading my book on my iPad and taking a nap, while hubby fought with the lawn mower.  Our mower was in the shop for about 3 weeks and in the mean- time our grass grew very tall.  Once he got it back it was a struggle to mow the grass and took a long time and lots of sweat on his part to get it done.  He worked hard, good thing it was not too hot (well if you asked him it was hot but it really wasn't - you can trust me on that one)

Sunday, we went to worship, I read a bit more of my novel and enjoyed the company of our small group in the evening. No grand girls this weekend as we shared them with the other grandparents (it's only fair after all)

Monday was a day off for me so we got together with friends for a BBQ and I made low carb Macaroni and Tuna salad. The couple hosting the BBQ has a dog and we took ours over. Another couple also brought their dog so there were 4 dogs there.  August barked for a bit outside the fence and then settled down. He met the two dogs and liked one very much but not so much the other.  She was a lot bigger and our August just decided to stay away quietly.  Good choice!

Just relaxing at the party

And no barking!  I'll take it.

I hope you all had a great time with loved ones and are ready for summer!  

Memorial Day 2012

Freedom Isn't Free

Remember those today who will NOT celebrate with a BBQ, or a parade or have a day off from work because they gave us their all!

I thank all our past and present military personal and their families.  Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice. 

You are a blessing to me.

For those still serving, may God bring you home to your love ones soon and may you learn of this country's gratitude.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Thank you Joyce for this weeks questions and I'm glad you are back to doing this. You were missed.

1. What's something you miss about the 1980's? If you're too young to miss the 80's how about the 90's?

Playing with our kids. They were both born in the 70's so they were older kids and teens in the 80's. They were fun to play with and watch movies with and be with. Taking them to appointments and talking in the car were also fun.  They are grown, married with families of their own. I get to see out daughter and SIL and grand girls often and Skype allows me to see the Son, DIL and grandsons but still, I miss them.

2. Do you have a library card? If so, how often do you visit?

Yes I do have library card but it has been a very long time since I've used it.  I can download books on the iPad and watch movies there as well if I want.  I just don't go to the library very much anymore.

3. What's the secret to success?

Define success.  Do you mean that you had a goal of becoming a teacher and you now have the job. OK that is success.  Do you mean that you want lots of money in your bank account and you just looked at your bank statement and you have lots of money in there? OK you have success.  Do you mean you are in a play and want to do well, the next day you read the reviews and they are all good? OK you have success. For me, I want to go to heaven and see God face to face. For me that will be success.

4. This is National Backyard Games week...what's your favorite backyard game?

Sitting in the sun and reading a good story, or playing with the grand kids.  That counts right?

5. If I dropped by today what would I find on your coffee table?

My iPad, a bottle of water (with flavor added), the TV remote and 2 dog grooming combs.  Real exciting right!

6. Do you own a bicycle? When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Is that something you enjoy?

Yes I have a bike, it's been years since I rode it, it has flat tires, I do not enjoy it. I most likely won't be on one anytime soon. If I want to ride a bike then I will ride this one.  I can watch a movie and ride in the rain and not get wet.  Hey! That's Success!

7. What's your favorite cheese?

Cheddar, extra sharp!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I just finished another book. I Shall Not Want by Debbie Viguie. It's a Christian Murder Mystery.  It turns out that it is part of a series - book 2.  It was so very good that I am going to get book 1 now and then book 3!
I don't usually like mysteries but this one was really good!

Weekend Review

How was your weekend? I hope you got together with loved ones, or visited someplace new, or someplace special. Maybe you got to work on a project that you have been waiting to get to. Perhaps you got some much needed rest time to take a nap, or read a good book. Whatever you did, I hope you enjoyed this past weekend. I got to do a lot of things.

Hubby got a chance to go to a men's lectureship weekend so he took off Thursday morning and didn't get back until Sunday night.

I quickly remembered what it was like to sleep without him home. 

It brought back all those years when he worked nights as a police officer and I was home alone.

I didn't like it then.

I don't like it now.

Since I lose so many things, in fact, last time he was gone I lost the remote and had to leave the TV on since I couldn't find the "Off" switch on our then new TV.  So this time hubby decided to help me keep track of the TV remote.

This is his version of a TV remote security system.

If you look closely behind August, you will the rope goes all the way across the back of the couch!

Yes, he has a sense of humor!! But it worked!  I hid the rope the entire time he was gone!

He is so thoughtful. Unfortunately, the tv remote was not the thing I lost, (because I couldn't) it was the cordless phone! I would carry it around in case he called and then put it down, walk away and forget all about it. When the phone would ring I ran around the house yelling "Don't go to voice mail!" so that I could find the phone! I called hubby to tell him it was better to call my cell because I'm wearing that! He called the home phone instead, I know just to make me run around the house looking for it! He's funny that way!

I got to do some projects that I wanted to work on like painting the trim around the back slider, finish a book and begin another, sit on the deck in the sun and eat breakfast for all 3 meals! I love pancakes and eggs and bacon and stuffed French toast. So I got to eat them all!

I also played with the grand girls and boy were they a handful this time. Most of the time, hubby and I are together and we are tired when the girls leave but it is so much fun! This time I was solo and boy was I busy! After 3 changes of outfits on both girls and countless trips outside and inside they went home and I picked up the house and thanked God for such a blessing as 2 little girls as I collapsed on the couch.

I'm looking at a busy week this week so it was nice to have to have a weekend that was fun. I feel refreshed for the week before me-I know however to NOT say I am ready for the week because I know that Satan is ready to attack me as soon as I become too comfortable. I just feel refreshed -and that will do for now.

How was your weekend?

Timing is Everything

My husband has great timing....me, not so much.

He sets the coffee pot up the night before so that I have fresh coffee in the morning. I love his coffee.

Last year, he had the garden ready in time to have a nice little harvest for us to enjoy. I love fresh peppers, don't you?

I do things early.....
I tend to show up early for appointments (mainly because I'm sure I will get lost so I start out early).
I wake up before the alarm would go off (if it were set in the first place, but since I know I will wake up I don't set it)
I do my Spring cleaning in February
My Fall cleaning in September

Hubby, however is always on time. So for Mother's day, he planned on taking me out for a late lunch (2pm) so that everyone else would be leaving while we were coming in. That turned out perfect as we didn't have to wait for a table, because others were leaving as we were walking in. Plus  that gave me was a few hours after church to sit outside on the deck and read. And have a nice ice coffee as well.

A luxury that I don't get very often.

Because I'm doing something early.

So I sat out in the sun and read.  I finished one book and almost finished the other.  I have now finished that second book.  Here is what I read.

Hubby got me this book several months ago and I started it but life got in the way and I got busy doing other things and never finished it. Reading it in the sun shine was perfect. I really liked this book. I'm not sure that I believe in near death experiences but this book was really good and it made me think about how I view the world. Life is a gift, and there is a spiritual war going on in this world.

I downloaded this book onto my iPad. I really like this as well. It's a Christian love story so there is no sex in it.  It starts off slow but it does pick up and there are several funny parts in it with one very funny character (Aunt Sophie). It was well worth the read.

Had Hubby not given me the time to read before we went out to eat, both of these may be still be waiting for me to read.

Thank you Hubby.

Weekend Review: Happy Mother's Day

August staying cool on Sunday

Becke staying cool on Sunday as well

I hope that everyone was treated wonderfully on Mother's Day and that you got kissed by loved ones.  It was finally a nice weather weekend as we had 4 days of rain before the sun finally came out and warmed up my tired, cold bones. The state is no longer in a drought so I hope the rain holds off for a bit.

Saturday I got to go see the new Marvel Movie The Avenger's in 3D!  Man 3D movies have come a long way since the 60's when the glasses were made of paper and one eye was blue and one eye was red!  That movie is amazing and it made me want to go home and watch the individual movies about each character again.

Sunday afternoon Hubby took me to the Weathervane Restaurant. It's a local spot with really good seafood. Along with Raspberry Ice tea I had broiled fish while Hubby (who is allergic to fish) had steak.

I also got to sit in the sun, work on a tan (which is really a joke since I don't tan - but I love the heat from the sun). I finished one book and continued with another. 

I love those kind of days. Slow pace, warm, sunshine and feeling loved. 

Since our daughter had the day off, she got to stay home and enjoy her mothers day with her girls. That is such a joy for her.  I know the feeling.

How about you, did you fell loved? Did you get a special card? Flowers? Did someone else do the cooking?  I hope you know just how important mothers are to the future of this country. We need God loving mom's out there raising God loving children.

Wednesday Hodgepodge: Vacationing Issue

Welcome to this weeks Hodgepodge.  Joyce, From This Side of the Pond has been busy putting together this weeks questions.  We give the answers, so join in and lets have fun.

1. What is a pet peeve you have when vacationing?

Last November we traveled down to North Carolina and we had our dogs with us. We paid extra for the dogs, we paid a lot extra for our dogs. The kids in the next room made more noise than our dogs. I wonder if they paid extra for the kids?

2. Would you describe yourself as a light packer or do you need everything in your closet plus the kitchen sink?

Well now, really!!! I don't need everything plus the kitchen sink but I will pack everything I might need plus the entire bathroom. I need light clothes just in case the the sun comes out, warmer clothes because once the sun goes down, I'll be cold.  I need curling iron, make up, hats, sweaters, open toe shoes and closed toe ones.  Can't leave without the electronics you know.... all of them.  Well Hubby says I pack like I'm mobilizing for an assault on Iwo Jima!  Don't we all pack that way???

3. What's the best lesson a child ever taught you?

Ever hear a small child pray? They are so very thankful for EVERYTHING!  They thank God for the food, the plates, the dessert, the dog, the flowers, and they mean it.  They are very thankful for everything they have.  That is what i hope I have learned, be thankful for anything.

4. Share one piece of advice you'd give a recent graduate as they attempt to enter the job market?

I guess I would say, be honest, don't try to be every ones friend, work hard, be a person of integrity.

5. What's your favorite lemon something?

Lemon Squares - What's not to love

Photo from Google

6. Flat sandal, wedge, heel...your favorite footwear?

Where am I going? A wedding, Carnival, the back yard?  What time of year is it?  Summer, Winter? If I'm just hanging out in the summer than flip flops are my favorite footwear. 

My basket of flip flops

 

7. What do you like best about a beach holiday? If you're not a beach lover (GASP!!) what do you dislike the least?

I'm not a huge beach holiday kind of girl, sorry all. I like fried dough and other fresh sea food that we get there. Something in the salt air makes the sea food taste better. I don't like how crowded the beach is. Our beach in our little state is very small so it is crowded.  I don't like the cold water, all the cars and all the people and all the stores selling whatever!  I would rather be out on a lake, in the woods away from all the crowed. 

Photo by Google

8. Insert your own random thought here.

In our state, dog owners are required to show proof of rabies whenever. Instead of carrying a copy of the rabies certificate, I take a photo of them and keep them in my cell phone. If I need it, I have it and can email it wherever it needs to go.  Easy Peasy.... That is my random thought.  

Now it's your turn. What are your answers?

Weekend Review: The Sun will Come Out Tomorrow

Tulip in our front garden

After 6 days of rain, gray skies, cool and damp  temperatures, the sun finally decided to show up on Sunday and it was a delight to play with our granddaughters and let the dogs run and play in the backyard.  I do like the sound the rain and, in fact, have many rain sounds downloaded on my iTouch to fall asleep to. However, after 6 days of it, I had had enough!!! I needed vitamin D badly.

Looking inside the tulip, don't you love the inside?

My first week back to work saw me working a lot more hours  than I normally do so I came home really tired almost every evening all week and had a bout of Migraines as well!  So not fun but Hubby really made coming home the best part of the day.  He did the laundry, dishes, picked up the house, set up the coffee pot every night so all I had to do was push "on". He watched the dogs while I crashed on the couch and often fell asleep there.  It was a hard week.  I even worked 5 hours on Saturday, teaching CPR/1st aid to the new staff.

I do love tulips and we do have a few that the deer didn't eat!  

So when the sun finally showed up on Sunday, I put on Capri pants and played with the girls outside. Have I mentioned how much I love the grand girls. I cannot tell you what it does to my heart when I hear "Grannie, play with me." Sunday, after giving both girls a cookie, the oldest came into the kitchen and said Grannie, Pepere would like a cookie and he said Please".  I gave her the cookie to pass on to pepere and she ran into the living room 'Here Pepere, here is your cookie."  What a simple sentence and yet it brings such joy to hear her.  Even the little one came looking for the "cookeeeee" as she says it and smiles at me so of course I give her one.

100 Days of Dance

Dancing 6 days this week to radio on the TV (this concept still has me baffled but yes we have some radio stations on the TV) has me up to 27 days of dancing.  How are you doing?  I hope you are moving and grooving to keep yourself young at heart.

Welcome to a new week, time for a "Do-Over".

A Dogs Dog.

Have you seen the story on the news of the golden retriever that was born blind and now has his own seeing eye dog? 

It seems that Tanner, the Golden, was born blind and as he got older began having seizures.  Blair, a lab mix was shot.  The two dogs became friends and now Blair carries around Tanner's leash and helps him gets around.  It's a wonderful story of one dog helping another. I love these stories and I believe that these two dogs are looking for a forever home---together.  I hope they get it.  What a heart warming tale.

I have a dog that helps another dog as well.  Her name is Becke, his name is August. They have a different kind of story.

August, the Chinese Crested, was just introduced to the small swimming pool in the back yard a week ago.

August kept walking around the pool and had no idea what to do.  Becke, the lab, who doesn't like to get wet,(because she is a Diva) got tired of watching this so she climbed into the pool.

Then she climbed out of the pool glad to be out of it!! 

Becke repeated this a few times while August walked around the pool and watched.

We love Becke, she really did try to teach an 11 inch, 8 pound dog how to work the kiddy pool.

 August tried.

And August tried again

And finally got in! 

He loves the pool now and Becke sits on the ground in the shade watching. She has done her job

 ----for now.  

Wednesday Hodgepodge: Teaching Moments

Thank you Joyce for this weeks questions, it's so helpful and fun for us all.


1. My daughter2 is graduating from university this month and plans to teach elementary school. What are three qualities you most want to see evidenced in a teacher?

1. She likes kids
2. She likes teaching little kids
3. She has a great sense of humor.

2. You can tell a lot about a person by_the language they use in every day life.

3. What song makes you think spring?

"I'm Walking on Sunshine"

4. May 1st is Mother Goose Day...share your favorite nursery rhyme.

   Hickory Dickory Dock

American version                                           Hickory, dickory, dock!                             The mouse ran up the clock;                 The clock struck one,                               And down he run,                                       Hickory, dickory, dock!                           England's Version  (as our son learned it)  Hickory, dickory, dock! The mouse ran up the clock; The clock struck three, It's time for tea, Hickory, dickory, dock!

5. What makes someone unforgettable?

The people that I remember the most are people that in some way touched my heart.  The man who taught Hubby and I about God, the little lady who bagged my groceries one day and touched my arm to tell me to have a good day, the woman who helped us find the right doctor for our son when he was so little and so sick. They all touched something inside of me and gave me something to believe in.  They gave me hope.

6. Should music and/or art be part of a well rounded education?

Yes! Music and/or art should be part of education. Many students have a hard time with math or science but they can blossom in music and art.  Music and art activates parts of the brain that math and science do not. They can find what touches them and in turn find a career path. They will be better rounded with music and art added to their education.

7. What social situations make you flustered or nervous?

Public speaking! I get very nervous when I have to stand up in front of a crowd and talk. I know that I am all alone in this as well!!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
My husband makes the best coffee ever! I wake up every morning and turn on the pot. I love his coffee!
He also makes a great Ice Cream Soda!

TRADITION!

No I am not going to break out in song from Fiddler on the Roof - but don't you just love that movie? Every time I think about traditions, I think of this movie.

I talking about this kind of tradition

I had already eaten my cherry when I remembered to take the photo! 

After our West coasters left to return to the west coast, we headed over to the Air Port Dinner to drown our sadness in their famous Hot Fudge Sunday. We have done this before so it has become a tradition for us. I had a double scoop of coffee ice cream while Hubby had a double scoop of vanilla.  Even though these are really good, the memories of our grand sons petting the dogs and running around the bowling alley, and playing with their cousins were far better.

Traditions are good, they help us remember and keep memories alive.  This was a good (high carb!) tradition to keep.

Do you have any traditions for when company leaves?