Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY - November 28, 2011


Outside my window...  very cloudy and breezing and about to rain at any moment. A cold front coming in and the air is cool and refreshing.

I am thinking...  about the December budget - trying not to worry about it.

I am thankful...  for my church family and church. It is so wonderful to be with people of like faith.

In the kitchen...  steel cut oat cereal for breakfast. My favorite is Bob's Red Mill but I'm using up my Quaker first. Not sure about dinner yet.

I am wearing...  black pants and a blue t-shirt. And the usual flip flops although I'll be trading those in for sneakers probably tomorrow.

I am going...  out for a Starbuck's coffee tomorrow and maybe a browse at a book store for my birthday. Was supposed to meet up with my friend Marge and have a nice lunch but with money being tight, we've postponed until January.

I am wondering...  again about the budget for December. My first social security check doesn't come until January and my savings is just about gone.

I am reading...  A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - one of my favorite Christmas stories.

I am hoping...  to make some progress with my mother's Christmas gift this week.

I am looking forward to...  my church's Christmas party on December 17th

I am hearing...  birds up in the trees and the occasional car going by

Around the house...  it's looking festive and pretty.

I am pondering...  my relationship with my mother - things have been a bit strained lately

One of my favorite things...  listening the my wind chimes outside my window and later the sound of rain on the roof.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a little outing for my birthday and working on Christmas gifts.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Mandy in  her birthday sweater. She was one year old on November 20th.

Thank you, Peggy for hosting this!

Let the Christmas season begin!

I guess that the Christmas season officially begins the day after Thanksgiving. But for me, it began weeks ago. I fought the urge to put up the Christmas decorations at the end of October only because I didn't want people to think I was too strange. I lasted until the 3rd week of November. I admire my restraint.


Of all years to be in the festive mood, this was not the year financially to do it. In this year - the "YEAR OF LIVING OFF SAVINGS UNTIL SOCIAL SECURITY KICKS IN" - I want to buy more lights, more garland, more Christmas bulbs, more everything. But for the sake of paying bills and eating, I'm settling for what I have.

Next year should see my mother and I settled in our new home in Tennessee. I already have started decorating in my head for next year. Next year I see a real tree of undetermined size. I see some home made ornaments on the tree. I see greenery, garlands with clear lights all over. I see a little tree in my bedroom and a Christmas quilt on the bed.

As these visions of sugar plums and lights dance in my head, I have to remind myself not to set aside the present in favor of the future. This year, although money is tight, the spirit of Christmas is alive in our home. I am reminded of Jesus, our Savior whose birthday we celebrate on December 25th. He is the reason that we celebrate. All the tinsel and lights in the world do not begin to compare with the light in my life since I came to know Him.

It's going to be a good Christmas.

Thanksgiving is a state of mind.

I've heard this comment multiple times this month -

"I just can't believe where this year has gone!"

And I agree.  It seems like just yesterday it was November 1st and now we're looking at December 1st next week. I put the Christmas decorations up early this year just because I wanted to. And this is the first year that I will not be working during the holiday season.

This year has seen a lot of changes - not the least is taking early retirement and learning to live on considerably less money than I did when I was working.  I've had to learn to negotiate the stresses of not only a financial crunch but melding my life with that of my mother who is living with me.  And if truth be told, no matter now much you love your mother, it is not always easy to again live with her when you are an adult.  I've seen the addition of a new family member - Mandy, my silky terrier who is both a delight and a challenge (more delight than challenge, I'm happy to say). And on top of all that, I'm contemplating and working towards a move to Tennessee sometime next year.

I have to confess that in all this, I've had a difficult time maintaining a grateful attitude.  Stopping work early has been a blessing because it took me out of a very stressful career and allowed me to be with Mom now that she needs me more. But, tightening the financial belt has not been something I was very grateful for.  I could go on but you get the picture.  My attitude for some reason has been to look at the negative in the situation instead of what is there I can be thankful for.

But, it has hit me the last couple of days that even in challenges, health issues, big changes on the horizon - there is so much to be thankful for. And I've overlooked those things in favor of only seeing the things I wish were different.

So, even though this may make for a long post - here are a few things that I am grateful for.

~~Even though money is tight, we have food on our table, our bills are paid and the car has no mechanical issues.

~~Even though I can't be with any of my children and their families for the holidays as I had planned, I can still spend it with my brother and SIL and nephew.

~~Even though I have health issues, I am beginning to see some improvement in some of them and I have a God who heals.

~~Even though the stubbornness of raising a silky terrier can be very frustrating, Mandy has brought laughter and love into my life and I treasure her.

~~Even though I would love to own a home, it is very nice when something happens like a leak under the kitchen sink this week is promptly taken care of by conscientious owners. With that in mind, renting isn't so bad!

I am slowly learning something that I've known all along but chose to forget . That gratefulness is not always overt and spontaneous. Sometimes you have to reach out and grab it or at the very least realize that it's there.  When you begin to look around you at what you can be thankful for, it is suddenly very apparent that you are very blessed.

My wish for all of you readers is that your Thanksgiving Day be extended to a year-long event, that you begin to whisper prayers of thankfulness to our God for what He has done for you.  For some of you, that will come easy. Others may look at that as a challenge.

I'm somewhere in the middle.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Mold problem solved!

Okay to catch you all up to speed.......

Last week, I noticed a wet area on the indoor-outdoor carpeting in front of my kitchen sink.  Why the owner of the home put carpeting in the kitchen is beyond me but I digress.  Anyway, upon investigating, I found water in the cabinet under the sink coming from an obvious leak at the elbow connection as water drained out from the sink.  I put a pan underneath, called the property management people the next morning and by noon the leak was fixed. I should have been more aggressive with the wet carpet to get it dry but since this had happened before without mishap, I didn't think too much about it.

However, Saturday, I began to notice a "moldy" smell coming from the dining and kitchen area. The rug was still damp and I thought for sure that mold and mildew had set in.  I consulted my son who used to work for Stanley Steemer and knows about all things "carpet". He suggested using a vinegar and water solution and spraying to kill the bacteria.

That evening, I began to spray the area and also use a box fan to finish drying the carpet. Sunday morning - still the same but when I came home from church and walked in the door and into the kitchen, no smell!  I was elated. However, later on, when I walked to the kitchen area past the dining room table, there it was again as strong as ever.

I was very puzzled! I felt the carpet and it was dry. I sniffed my hand after rubbing it over the affected area and smelled only vinegar. Why wouldn't I smell mold on my hand?

I kept spraying the vinegar solution since I was told it could take several days for the smell to be gone. I lamented that I might have to call a professional since my sinuses and nose had began to also feel the strain of the odor.

Then on Monday, I began to put two and two together and used the functioning part of my brain. I discovered to my delight and embarrassment that it was not the carpet at all!

The culprit????

Okay so before you think I've entirely lost my mind - this is what happened.

On Saturday, my mother, too anxious to wait until my birthday next week decided to give me my gift then - a very nice brown, leather purse.  I was very pleased, because I needed a new purse anyway and it had that nice leather smell - although a bit of a different leather smell than I had encountered before. I changed over to my new purse and put it on the chair near the dining area table at the entrance to the kitchen. On Sunday, as I picked up my purse to go to church, I thought to myself that it was strange that my purse had a "similar" odor to the moldy carpet!  Upon coming home, I flung my purse on a living room chair and then noticed no odor in the kitchen. It was later after the purse was returned to it's customary resting place near the kitchen that I again noticed the odor.

Long story short, the light bulb went on yesterday morning and I thought...

"Wouldn't it be funny if it was not the carpet all along??"

So, I put my purse in the back room and guess what.

No more "moldy" smell in the kitchen.

Now the smell is in the back room. But at least my mind is at ease and I'm not breathing in mold spores.

I wonder if I spray the vinegar and water solution on my purse, if that would help?

Happy Birthday, Mandy

It was one year ago today that little Mandy was born and 10 months ago today that she flew into Tampa from Tulsa to live with me. What adventures we've had! It's been fun to see her grown and watch her personality come out. She is sweet, affectionate but also stubborn and strong willed - much like her human Mom!

I despair of getting photos of her because she's constantly moving and busy. But once in awhile I get lucky. Here are some lucky shots I got.

Here she is at about 5 weeks old still in Oklahoma.

Today on her birthday. She has grown into a beautiful silky terrier! Look out Westminster Dog Show!

Her new sweater. Yes, it does get cold here in Florida.

Another sweater pose.

Her new Mickey toy. The body holds a small disposable water bottle. She loves playing with those so I figured this would be perfect. She had the bottle out of the body in no time at all!

I'd say she had a very nice birthday!

Looking like Christmas around here.

Well, I finally caved! I've been wanting to decorate for Christmas since the end of October. My usual custom is to wait until the weekend after Thanksgiving but this year I moved it up a week. Just 'cause I wanted to!

My Christmas decorating tastes have changed over the years. When my kids were home, the tree was very traditional with family ornaments and multicolored lights. Later on when I was alone, I completely changed the look. The multi colored lights were traded in for clear one and most of the traditional ornaments were gone - given to the kids as they married and moved away. I did the "crystal snowflake, icicles, angels" sort of thing for awhile. Then, a couple of years ago, I moved to reds and plaids and more "Christmas colors" as I think of them. Last year saw a bit of a transition to more the more natural look - pine cones and pine boughs. Of course, there was my snowman collection and nativity scene.

This year is a mish mash. I feel a bit in limbo this season - planning a move to Tennessee next year where my family and heart is and not really feeling at home any longer here in Florida. My tree is a small one with a combination of the crystal angel-icicle thing and the red plaid. As I decorate this year I'm already thinking about how I will do things next year.

With all that said, my home is looking very festive and warm and cozy.

Here are a few photos.

Closeup of the tree with my Cinderella ornament.

My snow family.

I love this figurine!

Decorating with pine boughs and pine cones. The flat iron is an antique that belonged to my great-great grandmother.

My table top. Candles always make everything so cozy. I really like the Slatkin & Co candles I get at Bath & Body Works.

The angel on my bedroom dresser.

Tomorrow, I'll try to post some ideas I have swimming in my head for next year. How's that for planning ahead?

A favorite Christmas memory

I've been thinking a lot about Christmas lately. I'm especially excited to begin the season this year. Maybe it's because I'm not working now and I have the time to do more. For whatever reason, my usual custom of decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving is being moved up a week. I'm ready to begin Christmas!

Darylynn commented on my previous  post about her animals taking the tags off presents under the tree which made things a bit confusing.  This took me back a number of years to a Christmas when my 40-year old children were little.

As kids do, Jim and Jill were always under the tree as Christmas approached checking out what new presents were added while they were in bed. Their thing was to count and see who had the most at the time. By Christmas morning, I made sure each had the same number of presents under the tree but the weeks before the big day could find one child way out in front with the number count.  So, one year I decided to thwart their daily investigation.  Instead of names, I put a number on the package.  Then on a piece of paper I made a list of the number of the gift and who it was to.  This, of course, stopped the counting game but they still would touch and feel and try to guess.

Very proud of myself, I decided that this needed to be a yearly custom.  And it very could have become one except for one small detail.

On Christmas morning, the kids were all ready for Dad to hand out the presents but Mom couldn't find the list anywhere!  I had carefully put it away and was sure I remembered where - but try as I may, it was gone!  As Dad handed the gifts out, some I could remember what they were and so were delivered to the appropriate child. But there were some that, even after feeling, I was clueless as to what they were. Those were given out as guess work. 

And it turned out that a lot of my guess work was off quite a bit. Luckily I had bought very gender specific gifts to it was easy for the child to know if it was not theirs. Jim was quickly able to know that the Barbie he had unwrapped was not intended for him.

It was really a fun, hilarious time and we were all laughing until our sides hurt by the time all the gifts were  unwrapped. It made for a fun Christmas memory. 

But I never did that again!

Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY - November 14, 2011


Outside my window...pretty and sunny. It is supposed to get up into the 80's today.

I am thinking...that it's unbelievable to think that Thanksgiving is next week!

I am thankful...to be retired and look forward to the holiday season without having to factor work hours into my celebrating.

From the learning rooms...still trying to learn more about the home security business so that I can answer calls for my son's business and actually sound like I know what I'm talking about!

In the kitchen...soft boiled egg and oatmeal shortly. This evening, tacos and a salad.

I am wearing...blue capris and a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. I have on slippers now but the shoes will come on later.

I am creating...a knit scarf for my grand daughter Kaitlyn for Christmas

I am going...to the post office today or tomorrow to mail a package.

I am wondering...where to put the 3 foot Christmas tree I just bought to keep it safe from my dog and cat. You can label this "improbable"!

I am reading..."The Blessing" by Kenneth Copeland and my Bible. I am on a Bible reading schedule this year and it's wonderful for keeping me accountable and on track.

I am hoping...to get the house clean and begin decorating for Christmas by this weekend. Yes, I know it's early, but I'm chomping at the bit!

I am looking forward to...the coming year and the changes it may be bringing.

I am hearing...my mother preparing her breakfast in the kitchen.

Around the house...the need for some good cleaning before I begin to decorate

I am pondering...all the changes that may be coming and how Mom will handle them

One of my favorite things...a cup of flavored coffee first thing in the morning with stevia and half and half. This morning, it's Santa's White Christmas by Barnies

A few plans for the rest of the week: a post office run and perhaps a visit with my brother and SIL to discuss future plans with Mom

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This was taken a few years ago by my daughter in law Stephanie. She has such a gifted eye for capturing the uniqueness of God's creation. She is currently taking photography classes at their local community college and if possible, her photos are even better!


My thanks to Peggy for hosting The Simple Woman's Day Book. For more information, just click on the link!



Jesus loves the little children.

You've seen them on TV - advertisements for child sponsorship from a foreign country. The video tears at your heart - at least it does mine and I usually have to turn it off.  Sometimes that is what we as humans do. If something is too painful to face we turn our heads. Little children drinking brown water, looking through garbage dumps for food, flies crawling on their faces and mouths brings tears to my eyes. No child should have to live like that.

There are several organizations out there who have sponsorship programs. When I decided I had to do something, I began reading and investigating. In the end I chose Compassion , a Christian-based organization.  It was a strange but exciting experience to "shop" for a child. There were so many countries and so many little ones to choose from. I had decided on Ecuador because my son, Mike had taken an 2 week missions trip there in 2000 and had fallen in love with the people. That narrowed the location down at least. I looked at dozens of photos of needy children waiting for a sponsor. It's very difficult to choose, you know!

Then I saw a photo of a little girl with big eyes and such a sweet countenance. Her name was Lizeth Katherine and she stole my heart.  I almost felt pregnant waiting for my information packet to arrive.
Lizeth's packet arrived with another photo and more information. She lives in a mountainous area of Ecuador, was born in September of 1997 which made her 6 years old at the time I "adopted" her. According to her profile, she does errands in the house such as caring for children, running errands and making beds. She has 3 siblings and both her mother and father work.
She enjoys singing, playing with dolls and listening to music. At the time, she was in kindergarden and her performance was "average".

This year in 2011. Lizeth turned 14 years of age last month. I get updated photos of her and letters from her translated into English. She is turning into a lovely, young lady who is doing well in school and loves to go to church and Bible school.  I can't believe that since 2003, when she and I began this journey, it's been 8 years. Financially it's not always been easy but it certainly has been rewarding. I pray that I have made at least some difference in her life.

This month, Compassion is conducting a trip to Ecuador for sponsors. I so wish I could have come up with the money for then I could have met Lizeth face to face and hugged her. But, instead I've had to read all about what's going on through bloggers who are there right now.

You can click on the above graphic to learn more.

Sometimes, when I am feeling discontented I think of Lizeth and others like her.  I have been so blessed by God - how can I not give back?

Simple Woman's Day Book



FOR TODAY -  November 7, 2011


Outside my window... It's cloudy and occasionally misty. Lots of little twigs down on the ground from some wind this weekend.

I am thinking... about some decisions I need to make and what the best one is for me and my mother.

I am thankful... for cooler weather and that this year, as holidays approach I don't have to be concerned with a work schedule and if I'll be able to celebrate these holidays with family.

In the kitchen... Some smoked turkey sausage and potatoes for dinner and some steamed cauliflower.

I am wearing... blue pants and a red 3/4 length sleeved top and my flip flops.

I am creating... a knit scarf for one of my grand daughters for Christmas

I am going... no where in particular this week except maybe to the bank.

I am wondering... if people would think I was strange to begin decorating for Christmas now.

I am reading... "The Christmas Mouse" by Miss Read

I am hoping... to get my silky terrier completely house broken before I move. She's a stubborn one!

I am looking forward to... the holidays and the Christmas specials on TV.

I am hearing... the hum of the computer and my mother in the kitchen

Around the house... the cat is sleeping, the dog is trying to wake her up. The usual things.

I am pondering... the changes that I have gone through in the last year and a half and the ones yet to come.

One of my favorite things... a day away - just me and my thoughts and pretty scenery to look at.

A few plans for the rest of the week: some house cleaning, some knitting and then a house dedication to go to on Saturday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Mandy - my silky terrier. She will be one year old on November 20.
Thank you, Peggy for hosting The Simple Woman's Day Book. If you would like to participate, please click here

The Mother Earth side of me.

Lately I've been steering my eating along a more healthy line. To start, that meant more fresh vegetables and fruits and less Ben and Jerry's. Since retirement, money has been tighter and I'm always looking at bargains and using coupons. Bargains and coupons are certainly plentiful but I find a lot of what is on sale or what I find coupons for are processed, boxed or packaged foods. That's just not been very helpful to me.


In my healthy quest, I've been investigating organic and natural foods. To me it is no contest as to what is better for my body - produce grow naturally or those grown with chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

And when it comes to meat - my understanding is that free-range beef as better for you than those in enclosed pens that eat only corn or other stuff that we don't know about. Chickens are certainly healthier for them and for us when fed free range, allowed to peck the natural way and not fed growth hormones or antibiotics to keep them from getting sick in such close quarters.

I've always said that if I didn't like chicken or fish so much, I could easily become a vegetarian if for no other reason than to not participate in industry that is so inhumane to cows and chickens. My son when he was a boy made me promise never to eat veal simply because of how those calves are raised. If you don't believe me - read the books out there such as Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser.

Or watch the DVD Food Inc

Both are available at Amazon.
It took me ages before I could walk into a McDonalds again.

Anyway, thank you for allowing me to briefly get on my soap box.

I'm done now.

With all that said, a decision to go organic I've found is a bit pricey. Walmart now is offering more certified organic now - still more expensive that the other produce but better than other local grocery store. I've recently found another alternative which I am seriously looking into.

A few weeks ago at a local farmer's market, I visited the booth of an organic farm -
Green Acre Organics  This have quite a nice thing going there. Not only do they produce certified organic produce for sale but also give tours and classes on how to organically farm. They have a coop program that for $25.00 a week, you can buy a large basket of an assortment of fruits and veggies. I saw a sample of what they offered and it was way more than I probably could even eat in a week. You are not obligated to guy each week but you do have to pick it up at a health food store which is about 30 minutes away from me. They communicate by email each week with that week's offerings and you email back if you want it. Quite a system and I'm very tempted.

It is said that eating healthy is not cheap. I'm not too sure I agree yet. By not buying desserts and processed packaged or frozen foods, I'm saving quite a bit. When you look at $7.99 for a Stoeffer's frozen family entree, not including a vegetable etc to go along with it, I think I could cook a fairly good meal with that amount of money. Of course, I'm talking about two people and one (Mom) doesn't eat that much.

It's all a learning experience and I plan on sharing here how it's going.

More Changes

Well, as you can see, I'm at it again. I've wanted a more polished look to my blog with page links and so on and so forth. I started playing around with Blogger's template customer designer and I was amazed at what I could do. The end result is what you see here and I'm very pleased. It's got the warm colors I like and I just like the feel of it.

I've been questioning in my mind for quite awhile on what direction this blog should take. I really don't have that many exciting moments happening to make good daily reading so it made posting here tedious, trying to come up with something interesting or witty or just plain not boring. There are blogs out there that after visiting, I felt like I had just "met" that person. That is what I want to accomplish here. If it means getting out of my comfort zone to be more open, then that is what I'll do.

My life has changed in oh so many ways these last few months.  Retiring from a nursing career of over 25 years, learning to live on a greatly reduced income and caring for an aged parent has been a challenge to accept. I no longer go on pricey Disney World vacations and if I want a book on Amazon, I have to put it in the budget. My stash of Bath & Body Works soaps is dwindling and instead of buying what I want, I'm selling what I don't want in a yard sale. But in all this, I'm finding the real me - who is content with simple things and finally has the time to do things I've wanted to do for years. 

I've also decided to link my devotional blog - Dwelling in the Secret Place to here. You can find the tab under the header. I do this with fear and trembling because this is my heart - my faith in God and my love for my Savior - Jesus the Messiah.   Other tabs are a work in progress but keep checking back.

So this is the long version of what's going on. The short version is.......

I'm changing my blog!

Feeling the holiday spirit

Maybe it's because Halloween is over. Or maybe it's because we are now in November, but I'm feeling the holiday spirit building. It could be because one of our cable channels was running "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" several times over the week and I kept running into it. Whatever reason - I'm wanting to dig out the Christmas DVDs and break out the hot chocolate. Some people wait to the last minute to decorate but I've always been eager and ready. My time to decorate is usually the weekend after Thanksgiving. To me, it's a nice beginning to the Christmas season. I have a son-in-law who would decorate in October if my daughter didn't talk him out of it. That's probably too early for me. In Florida, we're just beginning to feel temps that hint at autumn.

I'm not sure what to do about a tree this year. Last year, I bought a 5 foot artificial tree instead of the 3 foot one I had in the past. It was Mom's first Christmas with me and I thought it would be nice. Unfortunately, we also had Tabbie, our shelter kitty who was about 6 months old at the time and loved to climb the tree. She broke some of the branches and there was no hope of them ever returning to their previous glory. So, I gave it to a thrift store and was undecided what to do the next year. This year, I have Tabbie and Mandy so a tree standing on the floor is out of the question. I may again get a 3 foot one for the table because I can't find the one I had used previous to last year.

The other "holiday" on my mind is my birthday at the end of this month. I have for years planned a Disney vacation for this birthday because it marks my 62nd one and my retirement. Although I did officially quit working at the end of July, this date marks when I can collect on all the money I've been putting in all these years. Unfortunately, living on savings since August has made finances tight and there's no way I can swing what I wanted to do. But I'm meeting my dear friend, Marge there for lunch and that will be special. Marge is a friend I just happened to meet on the internet and we've gotten together a few times already to chat over lunch. Our chance meeting makes her even more special.

This November 20 marks Mandy's first birthday. It's hard to believe that she's a year old! I haven't had her with me for that long. She arrived on January 20, such a cute little bundle. Now, she's a dynamo of energy and adventure. She has brought a lot of fun as well as challenges to my life!

I'm praying that all those without power in the northeast are getting it restored very soon if not already. I remember trick or treating in upstate NY on Halloween and having to wear long pants (which totally destroyed the ambiance of the costume!) but sure never had to trudge through snow to do it!

Hope you all are having a wonderful week. Until later....

Meanwhile, I'll leave you with a photo of my friend, Marge and my last lunch trip together.