New Creation Cottage

It's spring!

2012-01-26T16:55:00.001-05:00

Well, not really.

However - I just received a gorgeous graphics collection from my friend Deb at Pollyanna Graphics and I just had to show them off. So, that meant a whole re-vamp of my blog which incidentally I love to do. It may be snowing in parts of the country but here it's already spring.

Actually, our weather here in Florida has been just that. We had about a week or two of really cold weather and then we're back to the high 70's. I understand that it's like that in a lot of the country. Oklahoma where my daughter and family live has been spring-like. And my DIL Stephanie in Tennessee is longing to see snow instead of the warm temps they have right now. Also, parts of the country have been experiencing tornado weather as well - very, very unusual for this time of year. Very odd.

It was Christmas all over again yesterday morning when I called my bank and discovered my very first social security check had been deposited. I can now officially call myself retired, I guess. Anyway - it was very warmly welcomed and I immediately threw on my clothes and drove to the grocery store.

I'm looking forward to having lunch with Marge, my webbie friend at a Disney resort restaurant on Saturday. We get together when we can and usually meet at Disney because it is one of our favorite places and it seems to be a good half-way point between us. I always love getting together with Marge. Her sweet personality is infectious and I always feel the better from having been with her. I also need a day out in the worst way!

Mandy went for her long-overdue grooming today. She looks every bit the lady now but has been sleeping a good part of the afternoon. I guess getting primped and so forth just wears her out. She always comes home with her grooming ribbon on her collar because she doesn't tolerate anything on the top of her head. I remember buying some pink clip-on ribbons while I was waiting for her to be old enough to come home with me. I couldn't wait for her hair to grow long enough so that I could put them on. But Mandy says - "no dice, Mom." Oh well.

Hope everyone is having a great day. We are almost out of January and into February. The time sure flies! Take care.

Simple Woman's Day Book

2012-01-23T07:40:00.001-05:00

If you would like to participate in The Simple Woman's Day Book, just click on the link. Thanks, Peggy for hosting this!

FOR TODAY : January 23, 2012

Outside my window.... foggy and wet - not raining, just mist in the air. It is supposed to be warm today. It's not quite light as I write this (an early morning start).

I am thankful.... that Wednesday is the day I receive my first Social Security check. The check book is pretty empty and the grocery list is long.

In the kitchen.... Steel cut oats for breakfast in awhile. - my favorite breakfast at home. Tonight - not sure but probably fish and potatoes with a veg

I am wearing.... grey sweat pants and grey t-shirt with flip flops. Haven't dressed for the day yet.

I am creating.... still working on my quilt wall hanging.

I am going.... to the bank, the grocery store, to Mandy's groomers Wed and Thurs and lunch with a friend on Saturday

I am reading.... my Bible, Face To Face Appearances with Jesus

I am hoping.... that I can come to a final decision about a move to Tennessee soon.

I am looking forward to.... being financially solvent again and lunch with Marge on Saturday.

I am learning.... still patience.

Around the house.... very quiet. Even Mandy, my dog is quiet.which means I probably need to check and see what she's up to.

I am pondering.... what God has in store for me this year. I want to feel settled in my mind about my move but I'm not yet.

A favorite quote for today…. "Eat food. Not too much" Mostly plants." - a quote from Michael Pollan, author of "Food Rules."

One of my favorite things.... Lunch with a friend I don't see often enough. Looking forward to it, Marge!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Bank deposit. Grocery shopping!! Taking Mandy to the groomers. Lunch with a friend. In between time, house cleaning and working on my quilt wall hanging.

A peek into my day…

This is a shot of my back yard when I lived in Tennessee in 2005. I was fascinated with the snow and how pretty it was. Back in Florida, it is only a distant memory but I may be back in it next winter!

Winter in Florida

2012-01-19T10:08:00.000-05:00

Winter in Florida is the reason many move to this sunny state. Away from the snow and freezing temps, Florida has been advertised as a tropical paradise. While it's true that there are houses in my street that have palm trees and I also have a small palmetto tree in front of my house - I'm not experiencing the tropical climes that Florida's reputation holds. But then again, I've not had to shovel snow from my sidewalk to get to my car.

When I have to put on my heavy jacket to take my dog out in the morning, I am reminded that it does get cold here in Florida! We've had several nights of high 20's. Walking down the street, you see shrubs and plants shrouded with bed sheets to protect them. News reports talk about the danger to the strawberry and citrus crops and you are reminded just how much local growers have to lose if their crops freeze.

Being a huge fan of Disney World, it is on those cold days when I think of all those tourists from northern states coming for the sun and warmth; looking forward to dips in the resort pools and wearing short sleeves and perhaps even shorts. But these people are troupers. I've been to a Disney resort on a pretty cool day when I wouldn't even consider sticking my big toe in the pool. But there would always be some intrepid visitors splashing about. Granted, the pool is heated but you've got to come out sometime!

All in all, Florida isn't a bad place to live in the winter. Those cold days don't last for weeks on end and in fact temps can go from 60's during one day to the 80's the next.

Again, I haven't had to shovel snow one time since I've been here. Though I do miss it at Christmas time.

Simple Woman's Day Book

2012-01-16T08:51:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY - January 16, 2012

Outside my window.... sunny and pretty and beginning to warm up after a very cold night.

I am thinking.... what this week will bring.

I am thankful.... that we have a warming trend coming. It sure helps with the heating bills

In the kitchen.... just fixed some steel cut oats for breakfast. Still undecided about what to fix for dinner tonight.

I am wearing.... blue knit pants and white 3/4 length sleeved white top.

I am creating.... a 9 patch quilt. I am machine quilting the top at the moment. It will be a wall hanging for my bedroom when I'm done.

I am going.... to take Mom to the doctor on Wednesday and then an appointment with my pastor on Friday.

I am wondering.... how to stretch my dollars until the 25th when my first social security check hits the bank. I can't wait!

I am reading.... my Bible and A Kiss A Day - a devotional from the Song of Solomon

I am hoping.... to get my quilt finished this week.

I am looking forward to.... a day out with a friend in the future.

I am learning.... still learning patience and to hear God's still, small voice.

Around the house.... pretty quiet. I hear Mandy chasing the cat.

I am pondering.... the future and the state of the world right now. The Lord's return has to be very, very soon!

A favorite quote for today…. "Revival is when the church falls in love with Jesus all over again." (I can't remember the origin of the quote)

One of my favorite things.... snuggling up in bed at night with my Bible and a favorite book. And then drifting off to sleep

A few plans for the rest of the week: Mom's doctor appointment and appointment with my pastor. Our church is beginning mid-week services this Wednesday and I'm really looking forward to that.

A peek into my day…

A "not very good" photo of my quilt top. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get the lighting right or get rid of the shadow.

Feeling a bit old today.

2012-01-10T11:47:00.000-05:00

It all started with making sure that all of my grandkids' birthdays were on my Yahoo calendar. I depend on that gadget even though I do have the names and dates printed up on a sheet of paper and stuck on my bulletin board. With 11 grandchildren, I need all the help I can get.

I decided to include on my birthday list my kid's and their spouses' birthdays as well as everyone's birth year; everyone's birth year except those of my daughter in laws and son in law, of course. They've not volunteered and I haven't asked. I'm not that kind of mother in law.

Somehow, you just always think of your kids as young. Even when they are married, have kids of their own and are graying at the temples, they are still young. Imagine my surprise when I saw the cold, hard facts....

This year...
~my first born will be 43 years old.
~my middle child will be 40 years old.
~my "baby" will be 29 years old.
~my first grandchild will be 21 years old.

I was a bit stunned. When did this all happen? I even used my calculator and sure enough.....I'm getting old.

But, I'm really not complaining. I have been blessed with three healthy children, all who love the Lord and are making life work in their own fashion. I have 11 grandchildren ranging from 20 to 1 year of age. I have 2 lovely daughters in law and a fantastic son in law. I have a grand daughter in law. And I'm sure in the future there will be a great grand child to add to the mix.

Then I will REALLY feel old.

Simple Woman's Day Book

2012-01-09T09:50:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY - January 9, 2012

Outside my window...
It's pretty and sunny with mild temps. From my window at the computer I can only see the side of my neighbor's house. Unfortunately, there is a lot of junk piled there so it's not very scenic. Reminds me of why I want to move.

I am thinking...
about the relationship with my mother who is living with me. She is becoming more forgetful and confused and rarely talks to me.

I am thankful...
for some warm temps after some very cold days and nights last week. Not all seasonable for Florida!

In the kitchen...
shortly going to start some cabbage soup with left over veggies to add to it. Probably soup tonight with bread or biscuits

I am wearing...
tan pants and blue t-shirt. I'm in flip flops today 'cause the weather is so nice.

I am creating...
hopefully to begin a 9-patch quilt this week.

I am going...
not much on the schedule for this week. I have to pick up my organic produce order on Wednesday. Other than that - not sure.

I am wondering...
when and if I will be moving to Tennessee.

I am reading...my Bible, Christmas Treasures (for a book club I am in) and The Blessing of the Lord. I usually have at least 2 books going at once.

I am hoping...
to get started on my quilt this week. It probably will end up as a wall hanging but at least I want to get started.

I am looking forward to...
visiting with a friend at the end of the month.

I am hearing...Mandy occasionally barking at a noise outside. She is my pint sized watch dog.

Around the house...Things are pretty much in order but I need to dust and vacuum.

I am pondering...I have so much going on in my mind right now that it's difficult to sort it through.

One of my favorite things...
being together with my church family each week.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
piece my quilt hanging, a couple of errands.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The rag quilt I made for my mother for Christmas. My first attempt and I'm fairly pleased with it.

Thank you, Peggy, for hosting this Simple Woman's Day Book. I've had several very nice ladies visit me as a result and I've made new friends.

It's been a thoughtful week.

2012-01-07T10:57:00.003-05:00

One thing I have noticed since no longer working is that I have more time on my hands - and I don't always use it wisely. Too much time on my Face Book games and too much time to think. Sometimes, it is good to have time to be able to reflect on what is going on and to add prayers to those thoughts especially when they become too overwhelming. Sometimes, too much thinking can cause confusion. This week's thoughts have been both.

Since I emerged from the other side of Christmas, I've had much on my mind. Some of my other posts have noted my indifference to New Years Day, that it is the about the same as any other day to me. But this year, I've noticed a bit of a change of attitude shift. I'm looking at this year as a pivotal change in my life, a year of new beginnings. Maybe it is the upcoming proposed move to Tennessee. I just feel that things changes are on the horizon and that it is all good.

It's a good feeling because I've lived for a few months under a ceiling of uncertainty. As relieved as I have been to be out of nursing and the stress of that occupation, I've had constant concerns about finances. Being home with Mom more and less with others, I find life a bit lonely as Mom doesn't seem interested in carrying many conversations. In some ways, I feel less like a daughter and more like a nurse for her.

As I look around at the area where I have lived for a quarter of a century, I see so many memories. Memories of times past and loved ones gone. As much as I cherish these memories, I feel at times they hold me captive. It is time to move on; time to let go of things that no longer are and begin to embrace a new challenge, a new life.

It's also time to find out exactly who Melanie is; what her passions and dreams are. I seem to have lost all that somewhere. I'm trying to find it again.

As I said, it's been a thoughtful week.

Colder than it looks!

2012-01-04T12:39:00.000-05:00

The sun is shining outside right now - it looks so warm and inviting. But once you step outside, you find out differently. When I checked the temp this morning on my Yahoo weather gadget - it was 25 degrees. I understand that it dipped to 17 degrees during the night. A bit too cool for my taste! We have one more frigid night tonight and then it will warm up a bit.

During these times when the temps are below freezing for more than 3 hours, local growers become concerned. The citrus crops as well as strawberries are in danger. They have sprinklers out in the field that they use to ice the plants and I still think they use smudge pots during the night as well. If anyone has read Cross Creek by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (who wrote The Yearling), she mentions one night when she and helpers were out all night trying to save their citrus crop.

I always think of January as a slump month. It's cold, all festivities of the holidays are over and it feels like a let down. I've gone to Disney World in the past in January and I believe that is when they hold their Marathons. The Princess Half Marathon is at the end of January and the Tinker Bell Half Marathon is in February. I remember the resort I stayed in had all sorts of pasta dishes offered as specials for the carbo loads. The day I left was the day of the marathon and the traffic congestion was challenging. I guess if I feel let down, I could run a marathon (or at least a few feet of it!)

Not much going on here right now. I'm waiting until the end of February or first of March to decided if I think I can move in April. If so, I'll begin packing in earnest. Until then, I'm not sure if I even want to begin packing even things I don't use. If I have to delay the move, I think staring at a bunch of boxes might be a bit frustrating. Part of me wants to go tomorrow, and another part is dreading the upheaval and would just as soon stay put. It is true as you age you are less and less adaptable to change.

Well, I've whined about the weather,about the after-holidays let down and whined about moving - so I guess I'll close this off for today and see what else I can whine about. I've promised God and myself to look for the good and joy in things and I really am but sometimes a little muttering and murmuring comes out.

Tomorrow will be better.

Simple Woman's Day Book

2012-01-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY: January 2, 2012

Outside my window.... sunny and very pretty but getting very chilly.

I am thinking.... the beginning of new year and what it will hold

I am thankful....that God is providing my needs and that my first Social Security check arrives this month.

From the learning rooms.... patience! That is an ongoing lesson.

In the kitchen....brown basmati rice and organic veggies for a stir fry. Steel cut oats for breakfast.

I am wearing....black knit pants and a blue and white striped top.

I am creating....nothing at the moment but hope to get started on my Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt in the next couple of weeks.

I am going....grocery shopping today or tomorrow and the bank tomorrow. Otherwise staying in with this cold weather.

I am wondering....as I'm taking down Christmas decorations, just when I should begin packing for a move.

I am reading.... The Kind Life Diet by Alicia Silverstone

I am hoping.... to get bills paid tomorrow. No bank deposits today because of the holiday.

I am looking forward to.... eventually moving and getting settled. I hate being in limbo

I am hearing.... my mother's TV in the back ground..

Around the house.... the place is in an upheaval while I'm packing away Christmas decorations.

I am pondering.... all the changes happening in my life and how I am handling them.

One of my favorite things.... a pretty, clean home with things around me that have sweet memories.

A few plans for the rest of the week: mostly getting the house back to normal,

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My son Mike. Photo was taken by his wife, Stephanie. She is a very gifted photographer.

If you'd like to join us all here, just click on here. Thank you, Peggy for hosting this!

Out with the old - in with the new.

2011-12-31T10:19:00.002-05:00

The last day of this year and I still marvel at how fast the time flew! 2011 was an interesting and challenging year. I finally was able to retire from a very stressful job and out of a profession that had left me spent and burnt out.

And, I welcomed a new little member into the family,

I look at this year ending as a transitioning period in my life with a lot of edges that needed to be refined. I am looking forward to this next year as one of good changes and opportunities.

I don't really do New Year's resolutions, but this is what I want to see accomplished in 2012.

A move to Tennessee to be near family
A radical change in my relationship with food (more about that in later posts)
Resolving some of my health issues
Simplifying my life and getting down to the basics
Reading my Bible all the way through
Praying and listening to God's voice more and talking less.

I wish you, all my dear readers and friends and family a wonderful, safe New Year!

The "In Between" Time

2011-12-28T09:27:00.000-05:00

It's a bit strange but in the past, I've pretty much considered the holidays over after Christmas. I never have been much of a New Years celebrator and so the day after Christmas, the decorations starting coming down and I was done. But, this year, I have been a little reluctant to let go of the season. I still enjoy lighting the tree in the early morning and in the evening. Since the last of the Christmas leftovers have been consumed today I will feel that the season has come to an end. Either way, I probably won't take down the decorations until New Years Day or maybe shortly before.

It was a good Christmas, better than I anticipated. I was very much into the spirit of the season early this year. But plans that I had decided on 2 years ago were not to be and that made me feel disappointed and, I admit, a bit cheated. The hospice organization I worked for had a hard and fast rule that you were not allowed to take an extended time for days off at Christmas. That meant that unless you could make a quick 2 day trip, it was pretty difficult to spend Christmas with out-of-state family. Therefore, I had emphatically stated that this Christmas since I was retired, I would be spending with one of my kids. For lots of reasons though, this wasn't possible.

This Christmas was quiet - just Mom and me, Christmas Eve with our big dinner and then riding around see the Christmas light displays in the neighborhood. Even Christmas Day at my brother's which usually was busy and noisy with people popping in and out, was quiet. It turned out to be a very nice, relaxing Christmas where I could turn my attention to her. It was not the "big family-lots of grandchildren" time that I had originally planned. but as it turned out was just what we needed.

I've included a few photos here.

Mandy with one of her Christmas toys.

Mom and Mandy

A close up of the tree.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Memories of Christmas's Past

2011-12-23T13:49:00.000-05:00

It's just part of the season to become nostalgic, I guess. This is my 10th Christmas without my husband and my 9th without a child in the house. This year, though I have my elderly mother living with me and so I feel like a "family" again. Of course there was always Thelma and Doc, my cat and dog to share Christmas with me. However they both passed away last year. A new crew has been added though - Tabbie, my shelter kitty and Mandy, my silky terrier. You can see their smiling faces on the side bar.

I thought I'd write briefly about a few Christmas memories - things that stick out in my mind.

There was the Christmas when I was a child. I don't remember my age but I was old enough to write a letter to Santa telling him what I wanted. I left it in the living room, I guess figuring that he made pre-Christmas visits to check on such things. In the morning, in place of the my letter was a hand written note from the big guy with a twig of evergreen attached to it. I was absolutely thrilled that Santa left me a note AND a memento just from him. Of course, I know now that my mother wrote the note and the twig was from our Christmas tree but then it was magical!

As I watch the weather forecast for Christmas this year here in Florida and see temps of 70's to low 80's, I am reminded of how you just never know what the weather will be for Christmas. We've had snow flakes in the air 2 days before Christmas but never a white one. The closest we came to it was one Christmas morning when it turned freezing. It had been raining during the night and the morning greeted us with a winter wonderland of icicles hanging from trees and bushes. It was truly beautiful! The down side was that our water pump would tend to freeze with ice when it became very cold. Of course, we awoke to no water. But we opened our gifts and enjoyed the morning and then Alan went out with the hair dryer to defrost the element that was caked with ice and we were okay. The kids took a walk later and saw the beautiful trees glistening. The next day, the ice was gone.

My third memory was a plan I devised that backfired. Since I wrap gifts as I get them and put them under the tree, my two older kids (then in grade school) loved to pick them up, shake them and especially keep a running account of who had more. In the end, they had the same amount but in the meantime, oh dear. One Christmas I came up with the idea of putting numbers instead of names on the gifts. On a master list, was the number with corresponding child. I was feeling very smug as Jim and Jill sat puzzled over this new system. It would have worked without a hitch except I misplaced the master list. Some gifts were easy for me to distinguish their owner but others not so much. The kids thought this was hilarious though and took it in stride - especially when Jim was given a box I thought was his GI Joe and it was really a Barbie. They just traded and everything was fine. I never did that again!

I wish you all wonderful Christmas memories this year. Each moment is a treasure to keep in our hearts and to share.

May the One whose birth we celebrate bring you joy and peace this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas to all my cyber friends.

2011-12-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

I was sent this by email this morning. So beautiful and poignant. I can think of nothing else more appropriate to put here as my Christmas greeting to you all.

May you all have a blessed, wonderful Christmas.

Simple Woman's Day Book

2011-12-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY - December 19, 2011

Outside my window.....sunny but chilly. Foggy early this am but no frost yet.

I am thinking.....about the things I've got to do yet this week.

I am thankful.....for the incredible gift that God gave us so long ago - Jesus.

In the kitchen.....a roast in the crock pot. Vegetables to be added later. Will probably make biscuits to go with the stew
I am wearing.....jeans and a denim shirt, socks and black shoes. You know it's chilly if I don't have my flip flops on!

I am creating.....finishing up a quilt for my mother for Christmas and hopefully creating some more Christmas cookies tomorrow.

I am going.....later today to meet up with my DIL's mother who is taking some furniture up to Tennessee for her visit for Christmas. She's kindly going to take some boxes for me as well to lighten the move later on. On Christmas Day, I'll be going to my brother's house for dinner.

I am wondering.....hopefully all the boxes I've packed will fit in the van.

I am reading.....The Amish Cook - a cookbook by an old order Amish lady as well as reflections of her life.

I am hoping.....for a safe journey for Debbie as she travels up to Tennessee and a blessed Christmas for her and Stephanie and Mike.

I am looking forward to.....Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

I am hearing.....my dog Mandy occasionally barking at things going outside. She's a good watch dog. Sometimes too good!

I am pondering.....what this new year will bring.

One of my favorite things.....driving around and seeing all the Christmas lights in neighborhoods

A few plans for the rest of the week: sewing, baking, cooking, cleaning - getting ready for Christmas

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My son Mike. Stephanie took this as part of her assignment for portfolio class in college. She is very gifted and can really capture the essence of what she is photographing. And it doesn't hurt to have a handsome subject too! Just bragging - that's all!

Thank you, Peggy for hosting this day book.

What makes Mandy bark.

2011-12-15T11:58:00.000-05:00

The short answer to this question is .....

Just about everything!

But if you'd like the complete list, here it is.

doorbells
doorbells on TV
the electric hand mixer
vacuum cleaner
people walking by
dogs walking by
people walking dogs walking by
telephone ringing
telephone ringing on TV
cell phone ringing
taking the garbage bag out of the can
putting a new garbage bag in the can
the garbage truck
dogs barking
dogs barking on TV
the neighbors slamming their car door (or house door)
the microwave timer going of
when she wants to go outside
when she wants me to play with her
when she wants Mom to play with her
when she wants Tabbie (my cat) to play with her

As you can tell, it's not always a quiet house. At least I don't have to be concerned about a burglar sneaking up on us. Mandy would probably hear him coming down the street.

Happy Birthday, Alan

2011-12-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

Today my late husband Alan would have been 70 years old. He died much too young, at 59.

I've noticed that this year and next year bring significant dates. Alan passed away 10 years ago this year. His 70th birthday is this year. Next year, 2012 we would have celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. Our perception of time can be very skewed. Some times it feels like yesterday that Alan left me. Other times, if seems like a very long time ago.

Alan was never much for birthday gifts. He always said that he really didn't care if he received a gift. It was the birthday card that he treasured. I still made sure he had a gift but I doubly made sure that a card came with it!

This photo was taken September 11, 1982 after our wedding.

Happy Birthday, Alan. I'm sorry I can't send a card to Heaven. But you know I'm thinking of you just the same.

Very early morning.

2011-12-13T07:34:00.000-05:00

I woke up a little after 4 am today - mostly because I had to make a potty run. Then I couldn't get back to sleep so around 5 I got up, showered and then checked things on my computer. Mandy usually has me awake anywhere from 5:30 to 6:30 and needs to go out. The regular routine is to take her out and then back to bed for a little longer. I don't always fall back to sleep but I sort of mentally plan my day or pray. So, this morning she is all excited that we are actually staying up! I anticipate though that by mid afternoon I'll want to nap on the couch.

Yesterday I made some changes to help save me some money. I still am adjusting to a lower income than what was coming in when I was working. My savings is all but gone but my first social security check arrives next month and I'm grateful for that. Even with that, though, money will be a bit tight especially with putting money aside for our move to Tennessee next year. I get my land line phone, cable service and Internet bundled into a package with our local cable company. When I got my new bill, it was almost $20 more a month and I learned that my "promotional package" was up and the price had increased. So, I eliminated my land line phone line. I mostly got telemarketers on it anyway. I have my cell and a phone with magic jack on my computer for use with my son's business so I'm all set. I also downgraded the channels on cable to basic. I really don't watch TV a whole lot now but I enjoyed The Weather Channel and Turner Classic Movies. Those channels are gone now but perhaps in a few months I can upgrade once again. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Besides being an early morning, I've noticed as the sun comes up that it's very dreary out and very windy. I didn't hear of any rain in the forecast but it sure looks like it. It's not too cold out but the wind makes it feel cooler than it really is.

I have Christmas cookies to bake this week along with some finishing touches on Mom's gift. I also am sending some boxes up with my DIL's mother who is going up to visit her and Mike in Tennessee. They are mostly things I don't use but don't want to get rid of.

Well, I guess I'll get some breakfast. Now suddenly I'm getting a bit sleepy. Since I have to get going and begin my day, this is very inconvenient! Have a great day, everyone!

Simple Woman's Day Book

2011-12-12T08:13:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY: December 12, 2011

Outside my window......sort of dreary out and a bit foggy. We probably will get rain.

I am thinking......of our upcoming Christmas. I have begun to treat each Christmas like it could be the last with my mother and I want to make it special.

I am thankful.....for my church and church family. They are all caring and down to earth people that I enjoy being with.

From the learning rooms......finally into the beginnings of a quilt project. I will begin in earnest after Christmas.

In the kitchen......mixing up cookie dough to make Christmas cookies tomorrow or Wednesday. Tonight - probably left over cheese enchiladas.

I am wearing......tan pants and a black top with flip flops.

I am creating......a small quilt for a collectible doll for my mother for Christmas

I am going......to our church's Christmas party this Saturday and during the week, probably to the grocery store and bank.

I am wondering......what things I can send up to Tennessee with my DIL's mother to save space in the van when I actually move.

I am reading......An Amish Christmas by Cynthia Keller. We can learn a lot from the Amish.

I am hoping......for mild temps throughout December so that I don't have to use the heat very much. Sure would help the budget until my social security kicks in next month.

I am looking forward to......the church Christmas party this Saturday and perhaps a day outing with a friend on Sunday.

I am hearing......it's very quiet right now. I usually do my SDB entry early in the morning before a lot is going on.

Around the house......festive looking. I really need to get my living and dining room rug professionally cleaned but that will have to be after the first of the year.

One of my favorite things......a group of ladies that I am friends with on the internet. They live in all parts of the US and in England and I feel like I have known them forever even though we've never met face to face.

A few plans for the rest of the week: cookie baking, working on my mother's little quilt, Christmas party Saturday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

These ornaments I received from my English friend, Linda in an ornament exchange. They arrived on my birthday with a few other little things tucked away just for my birthday. Thank you, Linda!

Thank you, Peggy, for hosting this day book. If you should care to join us, just click on the link.

Baby, it's cold outside!

2011-12-08T08:37:00.001-05:00

It's really not snowing outside but it sure is cold enough too! At least Mandy gets her business done quickly when it's like that. My thick hoodie didn't even begin to keep me warm this morning.

I've been doing a lot of surfing of quilting sites this week. I've wanted to get into quilting for a very long time and decided that there is no time like the present. I may not actually begin a project until after Christmas but I want to decided on what to start out with. Yesterday, I created a web site to sort of spur me on. It's called The Story of a Quilt should you be interested.

My DIL, Stephanie up in Tennessee is excited because her mother is coming up there to visit for the holidays. I'm excited about that because she is going to take up some boxes for me so I'll have less to transport when I do the actual move. It's been a challenge to decide what to pack since I really don't know when I'll be moving up next year. But so far I've got 8 boxes ready. Don't know how many more she can take.

This year has been challenging to say the least - the horrendous stress at work, co-habitating with my mother and decisions about my future. A lot of it is settling down. I'm now retired so no work stress but a lot less coming into the check book. My decision is made to move to Tennessee but the waiting gives me time to second guess my decision frequently. I biggest stress right now is Mom. She just doesn't seem happy. When we talk about it, she assures me that she is thankful and happy to be here with me. But, she shows no interest in anything. She's always been a negative person and so this is probably just her personality. The challenge with me is convincing myself that I can't be responsible for her happiness. She has to find that for herself.

I'n praying for a calmer, more peaceful 2012.

Hope all of you are staying warm and safe. Until later.

The Mouse didn't have a chance.

2011-12-06T09:45:00.001-05:00

Some of you may recall a couple of weeks ago when my silky terrier, Mandy celebrated her first birthday. As terriers go, she's pretty typical in her behavior. She loves her toys and I have to be very careful what I get for her. Anything with a squeaker in it, I try to avoid because it will be out in no time.

For her birthday, I bought a Mickey Mouse that I thought was rather unique. It came with a small plastic bottle in the body and since Mandy loves to play and crunch on disposable water bottles, It thought that this would be perfect.

Did I remember to tell you that she is a terrier?

The bottle was out within an hour. During the next week, I found little bits of fiberfill lying around on the carpet. Upon investigating each of her toys, It was discovered to be coming from Mickey. Since the stuffed part of the body was way up inside the empty body (where the bottle used to be) I was quite impressed at how she was able to get it out. I eventually just pulled the rest of the stuffing out and Mickey became a limp mouse.

Well, last week this is what I found on the floor.

My first thought was - "I can rebuild him! I can make him good as new!" And then I thought, "Why bother?" Now she plays with Mickey and then when she's tired of that, she plays with his arm. It's like two toys in one!

Silky terriers were originally bred to hunt snakes and vermin. The fact that I bought her a stuffed mouse for her birthday is entirely my own fault!

Simple Woman's Day Book

2011-12-05T08:51:00.001-05:00

FOR TODAY: December 5, 2011

Outside my window. . . . .pretty and sunny. The temps are expected to climb to the 70's today.

I am thinking. . . . .I want to make some cookie dough this week in preparation for cutting out some Christmas cookies.

I am thankful. . . . .that God is providing for Mom and I this month since money is so short.

In the kitchen. . . . .just made some steel cut oatmeal for breakfast. Not sure yet what I'll fix for dinner.

I am wearing. . . . .tan pants, blue t-shirt and flip flops.

I am creating. . . . .working on my blogs - new looks and new content.

I am going. . . . .no plans this week but I'm sure there will be the trip to the grocery store.

I am wondering. . . . .If Mandy, my silky terrier will ever be potty trained! Some days she does well and other days, it's a struggle.

I am reading. . . . .my Bible and Off The Beaten Track - Tennessee

I am hoping. . . . .to get my mother's Christmas gift almost finished.

I am looking forward to. . . . .spending time with friends - an upcoming Christmas party for church and perhaps a day at Disney with a friend.

I am hearing. . . . .very quiet with an occasional bark from Mandy when she hears the neighbors.

Around the house. . . . .I'm thinking of what to do with a string of lights that I didn't use. I should be able to decorate something somewhere with them!

I am pondering. . . . .finances unfortunately not only for right now but in preparation for my move next year.

One of my favorite things. . . . .a day at Disney World with a friend.

A few plans for the rest of the week:. . . . .catching up on things at home, to finish decorating and maybe some cookie baking.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

An unexpected surprise - a tree in my backyard was full of tangerines. I never noticed it before in all the years I've lived here. The fruit is not very sweet but I'm not complaining. It's still fairly good and a welcomed treat.

Thank you, Peggy for hosting this Day Book!

Happy Wedding Anniversary!

2011-12-03T09:42:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, my daughter Jill and SIL Kent celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary! It just doesn't seem possible that it could be that long! What a special couple they are - still madly in love with the Lord and with each other.

I remember the day they married. Jill was very young and emotionally I was not ready for her to leave the nest. I was happy to see her so happy and grateful for my new SIL. But, there was a hole in my heart and it hurt. And to top it off, they were only married less than 6 months when Kent received a job transfer that moved them 5 hours away from me. Mom was not happy! Throughout the years, they have weathered the usual storms relying on their trust in God and their love for each other. They have 3 wonderful children - Caleb who is now married to Erin, Candace who graduated from high school this year and Molly set to graduate in 2012.

So Happy Anniversary, you two. I love you both very much!

Checking in.

2011-12-02T08:03:00.001-05:00

I didn't realize it had been since Monday that I posted. I've been trying to get here more often but the days just seem to slip away and if nothing big or momentous happens, I forget.

The only "momentous" event this week was my birthday on Tuesday. This was the birthday I had looking forward to for years - my 62nd. I was going to retire from nursing, take a nice vacation and move to Tennessee or Oklahoma. I had all my plans laid out.

Then I moved Mom in with me and I ended up quiting work at the end of July to stay home with her, living off savings until my social security checks kicked in. So this birthday came and went without the nice vacation and with a delay in the moving plans.

It was a quiet birthday, but nice. One very nice surprise was a package that arrived from my "secret sister" - a friend I met through a group on the Internet. We all were assigned each other's name to send a Christmas ornament anonymously. I received mine on the big day and in the package were also some extras for my birthday. It was such a blessing and it just made my day! I'll post a pic here after we all reveal our sister and ornament in our group (in case some of the group visit here before hand).

We have had some rather chilly weather here - in the 30's at night. That's pretty chilly for Florida! I don't mind it although I'm hoping for temps to be mild most of the time to help with the electric bill. I'm tellin' ya' - that first social security check can't come fast enough!

Not much more to say here right now. I'm thinking of you all, especially friends like Darylynn who have had some severe wind weather in California. Take care. Stay safe.

Until next time.

Simple Woman's Day Book

2011-11-28T08:12:00.003-05:00

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!

2011-11-25T10:08:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-11-23T09:38:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-11-22T10:42:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-20T14:15:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-11-18T10:08:00.003-05:00

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

2011-11-15T10:16:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-14T08:37:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-11-09T10:31:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-07T09:06:00.002-05:00

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.

2011-11-04T11:38:00.002-04:00

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

2011-11-03T14:03:00.002-04:00

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

2011-11-02T08:50:00.003-04:00

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.

Simple Woman's Day Book

2011-10-31T09:21:00.005-04:00

It's Monday and time for my weekly Simple Woman's Day Book. If you would like to participate, just click here.

FOR TODAY: October 31, 2011

Outside my window... cloudy and rainy, though it looks like it may be clearing soon.

I am thinking... how fast the year has gone and that tomorrow begins the month before Christmas!

I am thankful... that although money is short with me not working, we still are paying our bills and have food on the table and my first social security check is only 2 months away.

From the learning rooms... teaching myself to quilt and am trying to get a project together for my mother for Christmas.

In the kitchen... chicken and rice tonight and cauliflower. Had a wonderful, filling breakfast of steel cut oats.

I am wearing... blue pants and red t-shirt, socks and shoes. Usually in sandals but too chilly today.

I am creating... hopefully a quilt project for Christmas.

I am going... to the grocery store tomorrow and taking my mother to the doctors on Friday. Otherwise, home - a very nice place to be!

I am wondering... on the timing of my move to Tennessee. Still praying it is in April.

I am reading... my Bible.

I am hoping... for a safe, uneventful Halloween. I don't like the holiday and I'm always glad when it's over.

I am looking forward to... The Thanksgiving and Christmas with family and not having to be concerned if I'll get the time off from work.

I am hearing... Tabbie, my cat's tags jingling on her collar as she walks. Occasionally, I hear the patter of feet as Mandy, my silky terrier chases Tabbie.

Around the house... quiet, with a Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin candle burning on my desk as I write this. I really enjoy Bath & Body Works candles!

I am pondering... have a lot of things on my mind right now and several going up to God in prayer.

One of my favorite things... the times when my little Mandy is quiet and calm and falls asleep next to me on the couch. Otherwise, she is an almost one year old dynamo who loves adventure.

A few plans for the rest of the week: mostly cleaning, a few errands, answering the phone for my son's business.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This was taken by my DIL, Stephanie up in Tennessee. She is a gifted photographer and has captured some awesome images of fall colors this year.

A wee bit of a makeover

2011-10-27T14:28:00.004-04:00

You may notice that things look a little bit different here. This poor blog has gone through so many makeovers in its life. I really would like to find one that sticks. Part of me would love to re-create things often, according to seasons etc but the other part would rather concentrate on content rather than the wrappings, so to speak.

I had at one time had a design made for this blog. You may have remembered it. This was the header.

The design was lovely and had a lot of the bells and whistles that I love. I grew tired of the pink though and my tastes have migrated to nature colors - browns, tans, greens and the like. I still have the html saved and could use it at some future time.

I'm also working on another blog that I've had on my heart for some time. It will be for devotional writings and the like. It's up and running and sometime soon, I'll add it to the side bar here for those interested.

I love it when the creative juices get going. I light a pretty fragrant candle and begin to write. I have to be in a certain state of mind to do this though and lately the state my mind is in is definitely not where the rest of my body is!

Hopefully, they are going to reunite soon! Until later....

Limbo

2011-10-26T10:30:00.002-04:00

I'm trying to get in the habit of posting every day for awhile. It's difficult sometimes to find interesting things to say. It's when I'm racking my brain for blog content that I realize my life is just not that intriguing reading! I guess I could get very creative and make up stuff but I'd feel guilty. So, here goes....

We're into a warming trend again and highs are supposed to be mid 80's tomorrow. I've enjoyed our cool weather and am glad to hear that another cold front is coming down this weekend. This cold front, I understand, will keep Hurricane Rina who is out in the Caribbean from coming up too far north and hitting Florida.

I can't believe that we are nearing the end of October. The time sure flies. I've been not working since the end of July, living off savings, so to speak. My first social security check will come in January even though my retirement age is the end of November. Money is tight right now but we're paying bills and eating and I'm thankful for that.

The "limbo" I spoke of in my post title is difficult to deal with. Not being a patient person, I like things done yesterday. This state of waiting to move to Tennessee, hoping it's April, but realizing it may be next October, is not a comfortable feeling for me. I want to pack up, order the U-Haul and get going. But factoring in moving expenses, house leases etc I have to wait. I don't feel comfortable here in Florida or where I live any longer but I don't feel at home in Tennessee yet - obviously because I'm not living there. Oh dear.

I've not as yet begun my wall quilt. I hope to select a pattern today and begin planning it. When I have some progress, I'll post photos here.

Well, that's about it for now. Hope you all are having a lovely day.

Still watching the tropical updates!

2011-10-25T09:46:00.001-04:00

Our all-news TV channel has weather updates every 9 minutes and at 49 past the hour is our tropical update. I also have the NOAA bookmarked in my computer. This year, we have had an uneventful season as far as Central Florida is concerned. Weather experts say that the months of September and October are the likeliest months to experience a hurricane on the west coast of Florida. I remember well in 2004 when we had Charley, then Francis, the Ivan and finally Jeanne all in September. I packed up essentials and evacuated for Charley. When Francis came along I had to repack again. After Francis, I stayed packed up. It was quite a time. Right now in the western Caribbean is Hurricane Rina, expected to reach a possible Cat 3. Thankfully, if she curved up to Florida, an expected cold front will take some of the wind out of her sails and won't be any big deal.

We are having lovely weather here - 50's at night and 70's during the day. The next couple of days are expected to reach mid 80's again but then a cold front comes through and we cool off. Expect for maybe first thing in the am, I haven't been running either air or heat and I'm thankful that our electric bill will be much less than the previous 2 months. My lawn had hopefully it's last cutting last week for the season. I've trimmed down some of the bushes. I'm ready for winter.

I am settling into the retirement life quite well. I have a routine down now and it feels good. I find that I thrive on routine. I answer calls for my son's home security business. I do the E-Commerce side of it and although I have sold some home security systems myself, I usually am taking names and numbers and Jim does the selling. If you are interested, his business site is Home Security 4 Life. It is a family-run business and though right now Jim is subcontracting out to install and repair home security systems, he eventually will be doing it through his own company, Kingdom Security. Sorry for the commercial! :)

I have made great progress with my scrapbooking, using albums and things that I had been collecting for years. Now, I'm at the point that I have to buy an album and probably will buy one from Creative Memories as I seem to have a lot of pages that go with those albums. So, for the time being, I'm going to work on a wall quilt. I would love to take a quilting class but right now, money and time just won't let me do it. So, it's a "learn as I go" project.

Well, I've chatted long enough. Hope you all are having a lovely day. I'll stick in a photo taken by Jim last weekend in Tennessee in the Smokey Mountains. I think he sent it to me just to torment me!

It's Monday and time for the Simple Woman's Day Book

2011-10-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

If you would like to be a part of the Simple Woman's Day Book, simple click here

FOR TODAY - October 24, 2011

Outside my window... sunny and pretty. There is a cool, crisp feeling to the air and I love it!

I am thinking... about my future, a possible move to Tennessee and how Mom will handle the move.

I am thankful... for God's provision and His faithfullness. He has never let me down.

From the learning rooms...going to tackle beginning a wall quilt. I'm a novice right now.

In the kitchen...Just had a very satisfying breakfast of steel cut oats and an egg. Chicken tonight with some potatoes and veggies.

I am wearing...black capris (although because I'm short they're more like full length pants :), grey t-shirt and flip flops

I am creating...a wall quilt - pattern yet to be determined.

I am going...to the pharmacy later this week and probably to the grocery store. Otherwise, at home and busy.

I am wondering...about my future move and making sure this is what God feels would be best in my life.

I am reading..."Close Encounters of the God Kind" by Jesse Duplantis.

I am hoping...that my new eating plan will clear up some health problems.

I am looking forward to...my birthday next month, Then I will officially be retired and I'm planning one night away to celebrate.

I am hearing...very quiet right now. I can't even hear my little silky terrier chasing the cat. I may need to check on her.

Around the house...A bit disheveled - I'm doing some sorting and I have piles of stuff here and there.

I am pondering...my future and how Mom will do with a possible move.

One of my favorite things...Feeling the cool, crisp air early in the morning after a hot, Florida summer.

A few plans for the rest of the week: mostly domestic stuff with the usual grocery store trips.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My son Jim and DIL Tina on their day trip last weekend. They drove the Cherohala Skyway and the fall colors were gorgeous. My prayer is that next year, I will be able to share is with them.

Fall...Finally!

2011-10-20T09:58:00.001-04:00

I've been waiting and waiting for this moment. I knew if I waiting long enough, it would happen. This morning we had temps in the 50's and tomorrow morning perhaps in the 40's. The air has that crisp, awesome feel to it. I feel alive! If only I could gaze out my window and see trees on fire with golds and reds and oranges! But, I can't have everything.

In Florida, our transition to a different season is subtle. We have cool fall temps that will occasionally dip to even colder. Sometimes, it's even cold enough to produce frost and ice. We call that winter. Then, in the spring, the weather warms, the azaleas bloom and then suddenly it turns hot. We call that summer. I anticipate that next year I will be residing in Tennessee. Then I will experience all four seasons in their grandeur. I can't wait.

Yesterday was an interesting day. At 10 am we had quite a bit of wind due to a cold front coming through and for a short time (maybe 2-3 minutes) we had very gusty wind and rain. Awhile after that passed, as I was on my computer, I heard a big explosion and our power went out. It sounded like it was in my backyard and I knew immediately that a transformer had blew. A phone call to my electric company confirmed that along my street, I as well as 27 others were without power. A power line had snapped back behind my house and by 2 pm our power was restored. Until then I opened windows and let the fresh wind come in. I walked the dog, trimmed the bushes and did some reading. My son was on his own with phone calls for his business since the business phone is run from the computer.

Last Saturday I went to a Farmers Market/Harvest Festival/Art and Crafts Show in a nearby town. As well as lots of produce, they had some wonderful, talented people there showing their crafts. I salivated over some quilts in one section and inspired me to get going on one of my own. There was also a lot of displays about organic farming and produce. I've always wanted to get hooked up with a co-op where I could get organic, fresh veggies and fruits and better prices than a grocery store. I found one such place at the Farmers Market but the pick up place and hours don't make it very feasible. But I did get some good info.

Not much else going on right now. Days seem to come and go. I'm looking forward to doing something special for my birthday next month. I had always planned on doing something for this birthday since it marks my retirement as well. Not sure what I'm doing yet since finances are tight but I'm sure I'll come up with something.

Well, hope you all are have a great week. Until later....

The care and raising of Mandy

2011-10-13T09:31:00.000-04:00

First let me state that I totally underestimated the trials and tribulations of having a puppy! Or let me amend that to a silky terrier puppy. With all the reading and preparing that I did while I waited to get her from the breeder, I thought I was prepared. I guess I was still thinking back to Doc-Boy who was about 7 years old and already trained when I got him. I felt confident and ready to tackle this new little ball of fur.

I had read that Silkies were strong willed and, at times, stubborn. I'd also read that they were very intelligent. Reading between the lines, this means...
"I want what I want when I want it and I'll go to any means to get it."
Let's just say, we have a battle of wills here at times. But I've informed her that I will come out the winner. She hasn't totally come to that realization yet.

But, all said and done, she is a charmer and quite the little lady. She doesn't like getting her paws wet and so if it's raining or dew on the grass, she is very hesitant to go out outside. She likes having her fur combed except the top of her head. I really think she enjoys primping.

She is also my early warning system. When the phone rings, the door bell rings, my mother comes out of her room or if a squirrel happens to come into the yard, I am notified by high-pitched barks. She also barks if she wants me to play with her, if she wants Tabby, the cat to play with her, if she needs to go outside (sometimes), and for other reasons I've not figured out yet.

She is also quite smart. She knows many phrases and I'm sure understands even more than she lets on. She's learned that if she pottys outside she gets a treat. Lately I've noticed she will quickly squat and then get up and look at me for a treat. I've labeled that a "pretend potty" and told her she doesn't get treats for that.

She's also great for cleaning up things that fall on the floor - napkins, paper towels and other things that you'd just as soon not be chewed into shreds. She loves sticks and often tries to bring them into the house as souveniers of going outside.

At times I despair of her ever being completely potty trained or no longer chewing or barking when she shouldn't. But if I look back, I can see some progress. She's precious and worth every bit of effort it takes to shape her into the mature, well-behaved silkie she will become. I keep telling her that I am the pack leader and she is the pack munchkin.

Someday, she will understand that.

The saga of the Farm Book games

2011-10-08T08:14:00.002-04:00

Ah yes, I remember it well. It was a game called FarmTown and just everyone was playing it. It looked pretty time consuming to me and so I decided to steer away from it. However, that didn't happen and I eventually joined the farming community. I had built up a substantial community, complete with a mansion, a tenant farmer (after all, you didn't expect me to manage the farm by myself did you?), a little town and my own version of a national park.

Then along came Farm Ville. Most of my friends migrated over to there and, not to be outdone, so did I. I visited my nice community in FarmTown once in awhile but my energy was now going into my little holding in FarmVille. (Did I mention time consuming?)

Now, many months later, I now have 3 farms in FarmVille - my "home" farm, my English Countryside and now a little holding in Light House Cove. No more visits to FarmTown - after all who has the time? FarmVille keeps me very busy with orchards and seedlings to nuture and crops to plant and harvest. On top of that, I have all sorts of animal babies being born - anywhere from porcupines to elephants to goats. Feeding babies all take lots of animal feed and I've had to begin begging from my neighbors for some. The begging at times even extends to water cans to water my seedlings from my orchards. I've become more comfortable with leaving seedlings for awhile until I can get more water but the day I had 4 animal babies to feed and no feed, my maternal instinct kicked in I was very distraught until I made myself remember that "it's only a game". Thankfully, my other neightbors are all mothers as well and respond quickly when I ask for more feed.

Did I mention that I also have a pub, a spa and a restaurant located on various farms. I have to try to keep my shelves stocked because friends actually come in and buy from me. Please refer to my comment earlier in the post regarding "time consuming".

Throughout these months, I've also experimented with other games such as "Country Life", "FrontierVille", "Journey of Moses", "Lil Farm LIfe" and some I may have forgotten. None of them had captured my attention as much as FV - until.......

Gardens In Time....now talk about a way to use a chunk of your time! As you look for hidden objects in scenes as a premise of travel through time, you collect artifacts and buildings known throughout time. My garden right now is quite substantial - complete with Big Ben, the Frankfort Opera House, the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa to mention a few.

Now that I'm retired, I have more time to do the things I enjoy but I've found a real problem! The other day while rearranging and decorating my Garden of Time yet once again, and remembering that I had to get to my LightHouse Cove farm to harvest my Chandler blueberries before they withered, I felt the pressure building. Even retired, it's just to much for one woman to manage three farms and a pub, babysit a bunch of animal babies and travel through time. And in a weak moment, my mind travels back to FarmTown and all the fruit hanging off the trees yet unharvested.

Repeat after me........."It's only a game. It's only a game. It's only a game".

There, I feel better now.

Finally Fall!!

2011-10-05T08:57:00.000-04:00

I have been so happy to feel the fall temps now here in Florida! Of course, some of you have already been feeling them and my "fall" temps may be more like your "summer" ones but that's okay. It feels so good to take Mandy out in the morning and have to wear a jacket.

Speaking of the lovely Mandy....she had a groomer appointment last Saturday. I really had intended to do it myself because except for trimming around the eyes and the feet and the nails, Silkies don't usually have their coat cut. But a couple of weeks ago when I was attempting to trim her nails, I cut one too close when she jerked and it hurt her. Since then she's not let me even think about doing that again. Anna, her groomer said she was very well behaved and was welcomed back any time. Here are some before and after pics.

BEFORE

AFTER

She has such pretty eyes. It was a shame for them to be hidden. She really looks so cute now!

I've pretty well got sorting done and now have a large pile of stuff for a yard sale. A former co-worker has opened up a thrift shop with her husband and she's going to come by and see if she's interested in buying the whole lock, stock and barrel. I would love that and save the trouble of setting up for a sale. We'll see.

I've also been scrapbooking all the old photos I've found. I'm not as creative as I'd like to be. Just to many photos and trying to use up the supplies I've collected. But I'm happy with the results. I've finished my heritage album and just yesterday, my travel album. Of course, the bulk of it is, you guessed it, Disney World. What wonderful memories!

The move to Tennessee has been on my mind so much that the other day it startled me to realize that Christmas was less than 3 months away. This year it will be home-made gifts since I'm having to save every bit of money I can for the move.

Time I was off and doing things. I really need to get here more often but just don't always have interesting things to talk about. Wishing you all a wonderful rest of the week.

Out with the old!

2011-09-23T09:21:00.000-04:00

In my life I've moved many times. My first husband was in the military and we moved on an average of every 1-2 years. Our frequenty military moves involved less work for me. A moving company, all paid by the government, came in and packed up our belongings, moved them to our new location and then would unpack them as well (although I usually elected to unpack them myself). My ex-husband was a pack rat so nothing was thrown away. Later on, in my second marriage, except for a move from one mobile home on our property to another one on the same property, we stayed put. And it felt good.

Three years after Alan passed away, I made a move to Tennessee and then eventually back to Florida to be near my mother. The Tennessee move involved a lot of de-cluttering. I was packing during the 2004 many storms here in Florida and so I was ruthless with my choices of what to keep and what to toss. When I moved back to Florida after only 9 months in Tennessee, you would think that any trips to thrift stores with donations would be minimal but it was amazing how much I had collected even in that short length of time!

With all that said, I have had 6 years to collect, hoard and pack away all sorts of stuff of which again is requiring some ruthless decisions. It is very cathartic to say the least! It is also very draining emotionally. This time around, I'm digging deeper into things - my storage bin of nostalgic memories, my kazillion photos that I've been going to scrap book, my book collection. This is a bit more challenging. It's one thing to ask myself if I really need that serving dish that I'd forgotten I had. It's another to look at scads of photos of precious grandkids from babyhood to teen and decide which ones to keep. The "dish" decision is easy - toss it. The photos are another story. It took me 5 days to go through my photos several times and choose the best ones to scrap book. The rest went in a pretty box "just "cause" for other family members to go through and take from.

Books are another challenge. I love books. I've heard that some of the computerized devices like Kindle are amazing. But I would miss holding that book in my hand. As I went through all my treasures, some were easy decisions. These were the ones that I'd grab if there was a fire or a hurricane. Others I hadn't picked up in years. So after hours again, I took several to our church library, some in a box for a yard sale. I've also got a substantial pile off to one side to review once again and see if I want to get rid of them. Sigh!

I've made a list of furniture I'm bringing and another of what will be left behind. Now is my chance to get a new bed and replace the couch that I'm tired of. My dresser is getting a bit beat up and needs replacing as well so it will stay. With those big pieces of furniture not taking room on the truck, I'll have more room for photos and books!

Big Sigh!

Reflecting on retirement life.

2011-09-14T07:25:00.002-04:00

I say I'm retired but I actually don't reach early retirement age until the end of November, so technically I guess I'm just unemployed. Whatever I call it, I'm finding it's wonderful!

It certainly wasn't an easy transition. I expected I would be filled with joy the first day I didn't have to go back to work. And to an extent I was. But the transition to contentment and being able to relax took some time. The first 2 or 3 weeks, I walked around feeling guilty -
"Here other people are searching for a job and I gave up a perfectly good paying one!"
"Others are out there earning a living and I'm home doing nothing."
The list goes on. I had this feeling that not working was only a temporary situation and it was only a matter of time before I'd have to go back to work. It was almost like I was on vacation and the end would soon come and I'd be back at the hospice house.

And there was the question of finances. I had some savings until my social security checks began. But after many years of financial hardship, I had finally been receiving paychecks that paid all the bills with quite a bit left over for play time etc. Now, not working, I was back to pinching pennies once again. It was like I was going through withdrawal.

Whenever I would become overwhelmed with all these thoughts (especially those times I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep), I had to remind myself why I had chosen early retirement. It was easy to do this. I just had to be with Mom for a bit. After reminding her for the fourth time about something that we had already spoken about or redirecting her when she couldn't remember something, it was clear that she really needed me with her to help her. And when each day around 3 pm or Saturday evenings when that familiar feeling of dread came over me thinking of having to go to work, it was wonderful to remind myself that those days were gone!

Now, not quite 2 months since my last day at the hospice house, I have settled into a comfortable, content state of mind. I sleep much better through the night. I wake up more refreshed and with enthusiasm for the coming day. I clip more coupons, watch the grocery sales more closely, cook from scratch more. I have learned found contentment and happiness in simple things like scrap booking the hundreds of photos I have seemed to accumulate. I can take relaxed walks with Mandy which she loves. I have been cleaning out drawers and closets and loading boxes for a yard sale perhaps next month. And I am planning a move with Mom to be nearer my kids.

I still miss those Disney weekends and I don't visit Amazon or Ebay much any more. But the stress and cloud of depression I was under is gone.

Life is good.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-12T08:31:00.004-04:00

Just about everyone can remember where they were and what they were doing as the events of 9/11 unfolded - just as I can vividly remember where I was when I heard the news that President Kennedy had been shot.

September 11, 2001 marked the first wedding anniversary since the death of Alan. We would have been married 19 years. I woke up feeling sad and the sadness continued as I briefly visited his grave on the way to work. As the morning unfolded my sadness was eclipsed by the horror of what was going on first in NYC, the the Pentagon and eventually Shanks, Pennsylvania. As I sat in my little office at work and we all listened to the events unfolding, we looked at each other and seriously wondered if this was the "end of the world". Conflicting reports and confusion during the beginnings made the terror even more real. Would our local nuclear plant be bombed? Was the White House or Capital Building a target? Was our President safe?

It wasn't until my lunch hour when I could get to my mother's house and a TV that the real horror settled in as I watched the two towers fall. Any hope that those remaining in the towers could be rescued crumbled along with the towers. I think that everyone walked in a daze for the rest of the day. I called my children in other states. Ladies in our church got together to pray and share that evening. Our hearts were broken.

It was a scary thing to feel so vulnerable, not knowing if more targets were planned. But out of the ashes rose the tremendous spirit of the American people. Who can forget members of Congress singing "God Bless America"? Or President Bush standing with a firefighter at Ground Zero with a megaphone and a promise to retaliate? You could see flags everywhere. When our local firetruck passed with American flags waving from it's ladder, I had tears in my eyes.

Unfortunately, I didn't take very many years before the American people became complacent again. Political squabbles and differences again arose to the forefront. Gratitude and respect to a president who saw us through the dark days turned to scorn and hatred. I am an unashamed and unrepentant George W. Bush admirer. The purpose of this post is not to stir up political differences but I just had to say it. I am also a lover of my country and so thankful that of all the places I could have been born, God allowed me to be an American.

As American looks to its future, may she always remember that it is "In God we trust". May she and her leaders may decisions that are right and Godly. May she remember that no matter what a terrorist tries to do, they can't keep her people down. Perhaps the words to a now famous song by Lee Greenwood says it best...

"And I'm proud to be and American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA."

Just as busy!

2011-08-31T10:11:00.013-04:00

I'm not sure just what made me think that once I retired I'd have all this extra time on my hands. Somehow I seem to be busier than ever, but it is now doing things I enjoy.

Here are some of the things that have occupied my time....

Monitoring the Atlantic and Gulf for tropical disturbances. Of course, this is the TV meteorologists' job but I like to stay informed. This is my life from June to November.

I'm answering phones and helping my son organize his business. He sells and installs home security systems up in Tennessee. I'm handling the E-Commerce side of things. Since I knew absolutely nothing about these things about a month ago, it's a big learning curve.

I've been doing a lot more cooking from scratch which I find most enjoyable and a bit frustrating. I had depended so much on quick-fix meals etc that I've forgotten a lot of things. Cooking from scratch saves money and the results are sure healthier!

I'm in the throes of trying to decide to move to Tennessee next year. I re-signed my rental lease for just 7 months this time. Big decision and this time it affects not just me but Mom too. Both my sons who live there want me to move. And I do love the mountains! Sigh

I've been cleaning out closets and trying to get rid of things I forgot I had. If I do move, I'm not taking all this stuff with me!

I joined the praise and worship team at my church. I felt a bit intimidated at first but now I'm more comfortable. I really enjoy it.

Some other things I need to do...
She needs it badly!

I need it badly!

The yard needs it badly!

I think I need a rest!

Back from Tennessee

2011-08-25T13:43:00.010-04:00

Here I've said and said that I was going to be more faithful with my blog and then I neglect it for weeks at a time. Facebook is taking so much of my time, i.e. the games and that's my excuse. That really has to change.

I came back from Tennessee last Monday after 6 days away. It felt like a whirlwind trip, I guess because I hadn't seen my sons for so long. I got to see my youngest grandchild, Kyle who is 9 months old as well as the other 7. I got to visit the Smokey Mountain National Park. Mike and Steph have settled in quite well. It's nice to have 2/3 of my children in one place. It was an awesome time.

I came back with my head full of information on home security systems. My son, Jim owns Home Security 4 Life (an E-commerce site) and Kingdom Security, his local business. He is contracting out right now but his business is beginning to grow and hopefully he will soon be able to devote full time to it. For right now, I'm handling phone calls remotely in Florida. (He's in Tennessee) I began knowing nothing about security systems but each day am becoming more knowledgeable.

I also came back with a lot of emotions and uncertainty. Both my sons, Jim and Mike want me to move up there. Mom, who came up with me is willing, although I know her preference is not to move at all. I would love to be up in the mountains surrounded by grand babies and family. But, as you can understand, it's a big decision and a huge upheaval, especially for Mom, I'm praying about what to do.

Meanwhile, I signed another lease on the house I am renting. It will be my 5th year here but this time I signed a 7 month lease instead of one year so that I'm not tied down very long in case I do want to move. Sigh.

Here are some photos of my trip. The Smokey Mountains were so beautiful. We took the drive through Cades Cove, stopped at my favorite shop - Apple Valley in Wears Valley and generally had a wonderful time.

Kyle - my youngest grand son. Such a cutie and always smiling.

Duck pond in Pigeon Forge where we had a picnic.

Mountain vista on our drive to the Park

Scene at Cades Cove

Brook behind an old cabin at Cades Cove

I'm praying for those in North Carolina who will be impacted by Hurricane Irene. I briefly lived on the Outer Banks where landfall is expected and it is a wild and woolly place. The streets would be pools even after a brief heavy rain. I can't imagine what it would be like with a hurricane blowing through.

Hope everyone is having an great week. Looking forward to fall and cooler weather.
Take care 'til next time.

Down memory lane...

2011-07-30T13:51:00.003-04:00

I have really been enjoying my time at home this week. I really tucked into the house cleaning and at the same time, did a lot of sorting out. I got rid of a few things for our local thrift store and if feels good to get more organized.

What I hadn't intended to do this week was go through some of Mom's boxes of memorabilia etc. But she kept asking if we could and so I brought in about 8 boxes of stuff. You sorted through some and also got rid of some stuff she no longer wanted. There were 4 boxes of photos etc that we went over together. I couldn't believe the treasures I found! Mom kept everything! She had quite a few mementos of her high school including a dance card from one of her dances. She had her commencement program and ribbons from corsages etc. During the last year or so of WWII, she worked on the local air force base and she had some very unique things such as squadron badges that some of the air men's uniforms. When the end of the war was announced, the airmen would tear off the badges and give to the girls. She must have been popular. She had quite a few! One other unique item was a ration book from England sent to her by her English pen pal.

She also had every report card of mine from 1st grade to 12th. They made pretty dismal reading during the high school years. I was not a very good student! A bit humbling!

What was very exciting was finding old photos of some of my maternal ancestors. It was so thrilling to put a face to names I had heard of all my life. Other photos brought back lots of memories - some good and some bad. It was quite a day.

I'm heading to Tennessee mid August for a long weekend to see grand kids and to work with my son and his business. I'm going to be helping him with his web site and so some ordering and clerical things. I'll be able to do it remotely her in Florida and it will give me a little extra money. I can't wait to be up in the mountains again. I love the Smokies!

I hope you all are having a wonderful, relaxing weekend. Stay cool, use sun screen, don't forget to drink water! Bye for now!

Such a peaceful place!

2011-07-26T10:30:00.010-04:00

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I posted here. My mind seems to have been going in a million different directions lately and my blog just didn't seem to be one of those directions!

As of July 23, I am no longer employed. My official retirement isn't until November but I was able to stop work early so that I could be with Mom more. My last actual day of work was July 14, my last week of employment being vacation to use up vacation days. It is slowly settling in my brain that I no longer have to go to work. I notice it at about 2 pm every day when I realize I don't have to take a shower and get ready for work. The other time was Saturday night when I found myself not dreading the next day knowing I had to go back to work the next day. The relief is unbelievable!

To celebrate, I went to a place in Cedar Key that I've had my eye on for years. Cedar Key Bed and Breakfast was a place that Alan and I were always going to go to but never got there. I went for one night for some rest and peaceful relaxation. Alice, the inn keeper had lost her husband to cancer in December of 2010 and God really connected us together as we talked and shared. I felt like I had known her for years but the time I left.

I didn't do very much while I was there. I went to their local historical museum, ate some very good seafood and watched the sunset from the sea wall across the street from the B&B. I slept, read and just let the peace of that place minister to me. I can't wait to return. Here are some photos..
View from the back veranda where my room opened out to.

The butterfly garden. None there that day, though.

The inn at dusk. It was such a lovely place!

Sunset! It was definitely worth the wait!

If you are ever in the area of Cedar Key and want a warm, hospitable and lovely place to stay...here is their link. Cedar Key Bed and Breakfast

Continuing the count down

2011-07-09T09:40:00.003-04:00

I have one more week to work - then one week vacation - and then one more week to work and I am done! It's wonderful just typing it. I can't wait until it's a reality. I'm not sure why I didn't just work the two weeks and then take vacation as my last official week. I had a reason I did it the way I did but I just don't remember why. Anyway it will be a nice break.

My plans are mostly to do things around the house. I'm sort of simplifying and down sizing a bit. In future I may move and I want to get rid of some stuff that I don't use etc, etc. I'm going to spend one night at a bed and breakfast in Cedar Key.

It's less than one block from the gulf with beautiful views of the sunsets. Cedar Key is a sleepy little town and I'm looking forward to the slow pace. I wish I could stay longer but for now, the one night will just have to do. There a couple little museums there and lots of good seafood so I'll be just fine.

I know this is a quick post but I've got laundry going and other things to do so I'm gonna get busy. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Yes, I'm still here

2011-06-25T13:19:00.003-04:00

I have neglected my blog in favor of FaceBook and I feel bad for it. I actually don't post much on FB either - just check up on friends and family. I've missed posting on my blog although I've not been in a frame of mind to put much here. Today's social networking with FB and Twitter seem to have replaced letter writing and phone calls. To me, it is such a nice thing to hold a letter in my hand from a dear friend or family member. It's a lost art. And it seems in some circles that blogging is as well.

Here is a more recent photo of the lovely Mandy. She is now 7 months old and quite the energetic lady! I think, even with all my reading and research, I was still not prepared for what a dynamo a puppy can be. Because she is a terrier, she is definitely a challenge. Slowly but surely though she is calming down and growing up.

This is her favorite toy, a stuffed bunny.

I have been wrestling with the idea of early retirement for some time now and a few weeks ago, finally made a decision to go ahead with it. The fact that I was out of work the entire month of March with back pain sort of helped the decision along. Physically and emotionally I am burnt out with nursing and with my present job and the company I work for. Mom really needs me home with her more and so I just think it't time. I will be leaving work July 31. I am planning on working a couple of days a month for awhile for some extra income and home to even give that up shortly. I'm looking forward to some days of doing what I want. I will miss the nice pay check though and forget those Disney trips! But I say, peace and less stress is a good trade off.

We had some much needed rain today and hopefully will get some more in the next few days. Things are so dry around here!

Well, I'm off to fold some laundry. Take care.

Just sitting here with a cup of coffee.....

2011-02-11T10:37:00.004-05:00

.....and thought I'd get a post off before I go to the grocery store. Not much going on but this is the first of my two days off and I'm thankful to be home. We have a cold snap again and will be in the 30's for the next three nights and then a warm up. That is a cold snap for Florida and we as well as the rest of the country are ready for spring!

Mandy is doing well. She seems a tad calmer, loves to lie on her back and get her tummy rubbed and is such a joy! I have to fix up my tiny bathroom for her while I go to work. The other night, I forgot to remove the toilet paper roll from her reach. It was almost a full roll and you can guess where it was when I returned. She had a wonderful time! It took me 15 minutes to clean the bathroom from the newspaper and toilet paper shreds. Ah well!

Mom is doing well. I have to keep reminding her to keep up with her water intake and with the change in med, her blood pressure is doing well. I will be so relieved to be home with her full time.

I've been getting a hint of Disney fever lately. The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival begins next month and it is always so lovely there at that time. I have a friend at work who wants to go so we may go for the day and perhaps one night if we can get some decent Florida resident hotel prices. My days of Disney vacations like I used to do are pretty much history for now. They were fun but at times I wish I had the money I spent on them. I could quit work tomorrow! Ha..Ha.

I've been talking to my daughter in Oklahoma a few times this week and she is reporting record snow dumps and low temps. Her area hit a state record for a low temp the other night with -28 degrees. I can't even imagine that kind of cold! I'm sure it did that in upstate NY while I was growing up but I wasn't aware of it.

Well, I guess I'll get going. Wishing everyone a safe and warm weekend. Cheer up - spring has got to come eventually. I try to remind myself at this time of year that in a few months, I'll be complaining about the heat. Take care..

Back to work and life goes on.

2011-02-08T10:14:00.003-05:00

Life seems to be back pretty much to normal. Mom is doing better. I take her blood pressure each morning, make sure she's drinking her water etc. I feel like I'm pretty much a nurse at home and at work.

I finally am getting some better pictures of Mandy - at least some to show her sweet face. My older son says she looks like an Ewok from Star Wars. I tend to agree. Her little ears which were always down and flat to her head are now standing up most of the time like a Silky's does. She is the most energetic, rambunctious thing I've ever run across. I knew that having a puppy would be a challenge but I just didn't bank on this much energy! I'm enrolling her in puppy classes next month at our local Pet Smart. I can use all the help I can get! Potty training is moving along and she is getting better at it as long as I take her out right after she eats. Of course, when I have to put her in the bathroom for the length of time I'm at work, it's a mess to clean up but I comfort myself with the fact that it is only temporary.

Here she is with Purple Kitty - one of her favorite toys. She also loves an empty water bottle!

I know some of my friends up north will roll their eyes, but I'm ready for spring and warmer temps. Low 40s is pretty chilly for us down here in Florida. I can't imagine stepping outside my home to the kind of temps that some of you have been experiencing. I think we all will welcome spring with open arms this year.

Not much else going on right now so I guess I'll close and visit some of you all. Hope you're having a safe, warm day. Take care until later...

Lots going on....

2011-02-02T15:47:00.004-05:00

It's been a very interesting and stress filled week. Saturday, Mom woke up very dizzy and it progressively got worse throughout the day. She couldn't walk without a lot of support and vomited and was in bed all day. Sunday she was really no better so I took her to a walk in clinic. They gave her some antibiotics, treating her for a possible inner ear infection. Monday, there was slight improvement but I took her to see her own doctor. One antibiotic injection and chest xray later, we were back home. Now, each day, she is improving a little bit. She is at least now walking better (with my help) and eating. I've not gone to work all week to stay home with her.

This week has been a foretaste of what retirement will be like - maybe not so much the doctor visits but the time of being home and having a routine. Mandy is doing well with me being home. We're on a feeding and potty schedule which helps matter tremendously. She is getting cuter every day. Her little ears which used to lay close to her head are now beginning to stand up. She's very energetic but also does well in her crates when she needs some rest or "time out".

This situation with Mom has solidified my decision to quit work a few months short of retirement. Right now my last day of work is July 1. It's interesting how this timing is working out. In God's timing in the Old Testament, 7 was significant for rest. Every 7th day was the Sabbath when you were to rest from your labors. Every 7th year, God commanded to not plant but let the ground rest for a year. 7 years x 7 is 49 years. On the 50th year, it was the Year of Jubilee when debts were forgiven and things that you lost were restored to you. It was also a celebration of rest. So, July being the 7th month - I will finally have my rest (at least from outside employment!)

Mandy's favorite past time.

Her favorite chew toy.

I'm sure some of you are still digging out from the winter storm that came through. My daughter and family in OK were inundated and I know some of you dear friends are in the same spot. Stay warm and safe, my friends.

Until later...

Settling into a schedule

2011-01-26T13:37:00.003-05:00

It is amazing how a little dog can rearrange your life. But we're settling into a schedule now that I'm back at work. She stays in the bathroom while I'm at work. Surprisingly although there is an accident or two (to be expected for that long), the newspaper is left fairly intact on the floor. Here is a photo of the night I brought her home and her attack in the newspaper in her crate.

She's very hard to get photos of because she's in perpetual motion. But once in awhile I get lucky and she's still.

I am making pretty firm plans to stop working the first part of June. I have a bit of a savings that will carry me through until I get my first SS check when I retire. I feel the urgency to be home full time. Mom is doing okay but is forgetful and with hurricane season coming up in June, I want to not have to be obligated to show up for work in a storm. I haven't been able to quite wrap my mind around not working but it's beginning to dawn on me with all it's possibilities. There is so much I want to do and it would be nice to have the time. I want to quilt and do more scrap booking. I want to cook more from scratch. And I want to get more involved with my church. So, I'm getting excited. Only roughly 19 more weeks to work after this week.

We had a ferocious storm last evening while I was at work. We were under tornado watches when I left home and so after it was upgraded to a warning. It got very black and rained very hard. Our area escaped the worst damage though. Some others east and south of us were not as lucky. Today it's sunny and cool but expected to warm up a bit.

Well, I want to quickly check with you all and see how things are going. Then I have to get ready for work. Have a wonderful rest-of-the-day.

Catching up with things.

2011-01-23T20:51:00.003-05:00

It's evening. Mandy is asleep and so I thought I'd update here. I was laughing when I told everyone at church that I felt like I was on maternity leave. Taking these 5 days off was good to be able to bond with her and at least try to get a routine going. I wish I didn't have to go to work tomorrow but there it is.

I struggled with what to do with her while I was at work. She is doing beautifully in her crates. No accidents and I'm very proud of her. She went about 6 hours last night before I had to take her out this morning at 5:30. She sleeps in her smaller one by the side of my bed at night and then stays in the wire one during the day. I bought the wire crate much larger than she needed with the intent of keeping her in it when I work because it would give her space to go off in a corner if she needed to relieve herself. But, she has not had any accidents in it thus far and my concern is that staying in it for 9 hours, she might make herself hold it and although commendable, it might not be a good idea for a 9 week old pup. So, I've fixed up the bathroom so that I can put her smaller crate and some puppy pads or newspaper on the floor. That way she can get out of the crate and move around etc if she needs. I expect to find a mess when I get home each night but that's life with a puppy. It won't go on forever. (It will probably just feel like it!)

I've included another photo of her playing with her purple kitty. She gives that thing a work out and it is hilarious to watch.

She is such a joy and I'm beginning to relax with her now and just enjoy her. My advise to anyone who is getting a new puppy is to get one or two reliable sources for info and forget the rest. I think I over-read info to the point where I didn't know what to do. Shirley, Mandy's breeder said one time that "puppies don't read the books" so I just have to use common sense with my little one and not strive to be perfect.

Chilly weather last night and tonight with some more moderate temps starting tomorrow and then cold on the weekend again. But at least no snow.

Take care everyone. I'll check in here again in a day or two.

May I introduce you to.......

2011-01-22T09:45:00.008-05:00

MANDY!

She's quite a looker, cute as a button with boundless energy! Much more than her human Mommy has, I can tell you that!

Her flight from Tulsa to Tampa was uneventful although I did have to make some phone calls that morning. She originally was booked for the 20th, to arrive at Tampa at 3:35 pm. But the breeder changed the flight for the day before because a snow storm was expected the night of the 19th. That flight was an earlier one and had Mandy arriving at 1:40pm However as I was able to track her on AACargo, I saw that the second leg of her journey (from Dallas/Ft Worth to Tampa) still had her booked on the later flight originally for the 20th. That meant a 4 hr lay over for her in DFW. I made a phone call and they were able to contact Dallas and got her on the flight she was supposed to be on. Long story short (I know...too late), she arrived safe and sound. What joy I felt when I got her to the car and was able to get out of the carrier and finally hold her for the first time! She snuggled into my neck and it was instant love!

I expected a puppy to be a bit of work but WOW! I am so glad for the info I've read and am still reading. Crate training is the way to go and she loves to sleep in her carrier that she traveled in from Tulsa. She sleeps almost through the night and goes potty outside about 50% of the time during the day but hasn't had an accident in her crate overnight yet. I have a larger wire crate for her during the day and when I go back to work so that if she can't hold it for the length of time I'm at work, she can relieve herself in a corner. I know that defeats the purpose of the crate, but 9 hours is a long time to ask a puppy to "hold it". Anyway, if any of you new puppy owners are reading this... I would love some advise.

Anyway, without further ado, here is the real reason you're reading this.....for the pics!

Feeding time. She's eating Ekanuba and loves it when I can get her quiet enough to concentrate on eating!

Asleep on the carpet.

Inside her wire crate.

An encounter with Tabbie, the cat. Rather than being frightened, Mandy gives the cat a run for the money!

Well, I wish you all a great weekend. Stay safe and warm in the snow or where ever you find yourselves. I'll update with more photos later.

My grandson is here!

2011-01-13T10:23:00.003-05:00

Kyle Thomas Merli arrived January 12 at 7:25 pm. He is a big boy - 9 3 1/2 oz and is 21 1/2 inches long. The interesting thing is that he shares his birthday with Joshua who is not the next youngest of the Merli clan. They live up in Tennessee so it will be awhile before I can see this little bundle of sweetness. So photos will have to do for right now.

Not much else going on so this will be a short post. Just wanted to let you all know of Kyle's arrival.

Until later..

Awaiting a couple arrivals...

2011-01-11T12:57:00.004-05:00

I've been watching weather up in Tennessee and Oklahoma for special reasons. The Oklahoma weather is significant because Mandy, my little Silky terrier puppy will be flying home to me on January 20th. The temp has to be at least 20 degrees when she boards the plane and of course, we don't want a snow storm to hamper the take off.

Another special weather watch is in Tennessee where my DIL, Tina is due to deliver her 8th baby, a little boy. I know my post focus has been on my little puppy because that is was is affecting me directly. But, even though this little guy will be my 11th grand child, the wonder of it all never loses it's magnificence. They have been having a lot of snow and in fact made a trip to the birthing center last night to see if labor could be induced since the weather was so bad. Not time yet but probably in the next day or two so they are staying in town near the center with friends.
Quite an exciting time!!

Of course, no snow here but the temps are going to plummet back into the low 30's by tomorrow. We had rain and wind yesterday which usually signals a cold front. Right now it's sun-shiny but very chilly.

I worked on Mandy's section of the computer room this past weekend. It will be her haven away from the cat etc. I'll have pictures this weekend of the finished product. I'm also waiting for my weekly photo of her from the breeder. She usually sends one on Sunday but I imagine the snow storm has kept her busy. She's going to take a photo with a familiar object next to the pup so that I can gauge just how big Mandy is. She will probably be 2-3 pounds when she gets here.

Well, for all of you snow people, stay safe and warm. I'll try to get a visit in to you all today before work. Until later....

I feel like an expectant mommy once again!

2011-01-08T10:34:00.005-05:00

Here is the latest photo!

I asked Mandy's breeder to take a photo with her name. I thought it would be cute for a scrapbook for her. This arrived New Years Day. I actually got two photos from two different angles. I could tell that Shirley had a difficult time getting a face shot! She is 7 weeks old today and next Saturday I could officially get her but I have to wait until the 20th for her to fly into Tampa.

While we're on the subject of flying - I'm needing some encouragement or reassurance that she will be fine with her trip. I know that shipping puppies is done all the time but if you are like me and do searches on the Internet and then you find stories like 7 puppies dying in the cargo hold of American Airlines which is the airline she will be flying in - well you know. Reading this stuff at 2 in the morning when you can't sleep can lead to a bit of "freaking out" so if any of you have had had puppies shipped, please make me feel better!

I've been setting up my computer room to be her "nursery". Her crate has arrived and I've got her dishes, some toys, puppy pads and her Ekanuba which she is currently dining on. Pink is the going color for her and she now has a pink collar, leash and (please don't laugh) two tiny pink hair bows for when she has enough hair to use them. The last time I did all this preparation, I brought home a baby boy (minus the pink hair bows!)

Tabbie, my shelter cat, was spayed last week and you would never have known that she had anything done. I had to work very hard to keep her from jumping and doing all the things that she wasn't supposed to do post-op. I was only reasonably successful. But despite her lack of common sense, the incision is doing fine and she's back to normal routine.

Other up-to-the-minute news...... I bought a new vacuum cleaner. My Kirby was just about on its last legs. I've never had so much fun vacuuming in my life! It's embarrassing to see just what my old vacuum left. Work has been very busy and I'm so ready to retire! That will come at the end of August - a few months but at least a light at the end of the tunnel.

Well, take care all of you. Stay warm and safe. Until later....

New pic

2010-12-21T12:09:00.005-05:00

I received another photo from my little girl's breeder last weekend. This one is of the 3 sisters - triplets. Shirley isn't yet yet which one is mine. She probably is evaluating temperament etc to select just the right one for me. As you can see, they all pretty much look alike.

I'm sort of partial to the one looking into the camera only because she's "looking into the camera"! They look so different now from what they will look like as adult. Puppies retain their black and brown coat until about 1 year to 18 months. By then, they will be growing their silky coat and it will be the characteristic blue and gray and fawn that they are. Doc was the runt of the litter and he never could grow his coat long at the sides like others do. This little one is from a championship blood line and probably will have quite a luxurious one. I don't intend to keep it long like that though. Adult silkys look like this.

Yesterday (and maybe some of the day before)Tabbie, my kitten had some diarrhea. I boiled her some chicken and rice as a bland diet and she's doing better. Don't know what caused it but just glad things are improving. She never acted like she was sick.

I'm pretty much done for Christmas except for a last minute run to the grocery store Thursday. I'm trying to avoid going there Christmas Eve. It all came so fast this year! Where does the time go.

I'm so glad that I'm looking forward to retiring this next year. Work is so stressful and physically demanding. I figure I can hang on for 8 more months but sometimes that feels like an eternity! At least there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Don't know if I'll get back on here before Christmas and if I don't, I wish you, all my blogging friends a very blessed and Merry Christmas!

Waiting for a new member of the family.

2010-12-17T11:00:00.005-05:00

Her name is Mandy....

She is a silky terrier - just like Doc-Boy. She is still with her mommy in Oklahoma and will be flying to me January 20th! I am so very excited! This is a first for me - buying a dog online. But, Silkies aren't easy to find here in Florida, I guess and I couldn't locate a breeder near me. This kennel is about 30 miles from where my daughter lives and after talking to the breeder, Shirley at length on the phone, decided to plunge on ahead. I didn't know that it was a common thing to purchase a dog out of state and have them shipped to you. Mandy will be flying from Tulsa on American Airlines (and changing planes in Dallas/Ft Worth if it is anything like my trips have been!)

I acquired Doc-Boy when he was an adult already trained and with attitudes and habits already established. This time, I bought an excellent book from Amazon since I've never raised a dog from such a young puppy. She will be almost 9 weeks old when she comes to me and so it will be interesting. I'll post more photos as the breeder emails them to me.

We've had some arctic cold weather here in Florida as I'm sure most of you (except my Australian friends) can identify with. Today it is milder and is expected to get into the 60's. I always say that when we have cold weather like that, it would at least be nice to have some snow flurries to add to the ambiance.

I'm pretty much ready for Christmas - just a few gifts to wrap and a few things to get at the store. We had our work Christmas party last evening at the Hospice House. Usually we have it at some one's home but this year we did it at the facility and for me and my CNA it meant fitting it in with patient care etc. But it worked out. I look ahead to next year when I should be retired. Because the way my schedule runs this year, I have Christmas Eve and Day off so I can officially say that I will never have to work another Christmas. I'm hoping to spend Christmas with family up in Tennessee next year.

Well, I guess I'll get going. Hope you all are staying warm and safe.
Until later....

I'm sorry...

2010-11-26T10:30:00.005-05:00

I know it's been a long time since my last post. Time seems to fly by and I've not been in much of a mood to post, I guess. It's been a month since little Doc-Boy has been gone. I brought his ashes home a few days after he died. It was a comfort somehow to have him "home". I know he's romping around pain free now with two eyes that see clearly.

I had a nice surprise a couple of weeks ago. A friend from work took me to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. It's a night event with separate tickets and we had so much fun. It "snowed" on Main Street most of the night and it was very impressive. The Magic Kingdom is always breathtaking at Christmas and there was just enough of a nip in the air to make it feel very festive. It certainly was a wonderful pick-me-up!

I had a nice Thanksgiving yesterday. I usually work on Thanksgiving so it was a nice treat. Mom and I went to my brother and SIL's. We ate too much and had a nice visit. I had requested Thanksgiving off this year and volunteered to work Christmas. Christmas Eve and Day land on my regular days off. But another nurse who doesn't celebrate Christmas requested to work those days and so I'll be off then too. Instead, I will be working NYeve and Day. It's kind of nice because with me retiring next year, I will never have to work another Christmas. My plan is to be with my kids next holiday season.

I've included here a couple of shots of Tabbie. She is quite the character. She's very active right now since she is only 6 months old. She has an appointment on December 17 to be spayed and I'm hoping that will settle her down a bit. She's so affectionate and I enjoy her very much.

She loves to cuddle up in the quilt on my bed but actually does most of her sleeping on a quilt on a long table at the foot of the bed.

Well, I've got some grocery shopping to do so I'd better get going. I'm trying to avoid "Black Friday" crowds like the plague. I don't think I'll see them at the grocery store. Have a great holiday weekend!

Some sad news

2010-11-01T12:42:00.002-04:00

My heart is broken as I write this post. My little Doc-Boy went to heaven last Thursday. For those of you who have followed this blog for some time know about his eye problems. For a year we tried to heal a corneal ulcer in his right eye. Early last month, the eye ruptured and had to be removed. He had an uneventful and successful recovery until apparently he injured the other eye and we began treating that eye for an ulcer as well. I was willing to do whatever it took for his recovery. I turned a blind eye to the back pain he would have in the morning and had learned to compensate for the fact that he was extremely hard of hearing. We began the every-two-hour eye drops. He might have had a chance at recovery had it not re injured it again. With only one eye and so no depth perception as well as his remaining eye with compromised vision, it was inevitable. The vet and I talked and we had to face the fact that even if the ulcer healed, the chance of another injury was almost certain. Doc was bumping into things and his vision was all but gone.

Had he been an young dog with good hearing, we would have considered removing the other eye as well as a preventative measure. Dogs adapted well to things like that and Doc was always one who bounced back quickly. It was heart rending, but I had to realize that his quality of life was not good any longer and was about to get worse. I decided to let him go, knowing that in heaven, he would be whole and sound and happy.

I can't describe the pain that I felt. There are some of you readers who, I know can identify. It took me 3 days to just convince myself that I hadn't "killed" him but done the humane thing. To continue treatment and prolong things would have been selfish on my part.

Doc ceased to be "just a pet" a long time ago and I have a hole in my heart and my life that is difficult to describe. I acquired him from my son 9 years ago in October of 2001 when he was 6 years old and although 9 years together was wonderful it just wasn't enough.

Rest in peace, my little guy. I look forward again to snuggling with you on our heavenly couch.

Doc-Boy's Sad Dilemma

2010-10-28T09:36:00.002-04:00

I know it's been a long, long time since I posted. Life has been getting the way and my energy and interest in posting has been waning. I keep up with Face Book but honestly, I don't post much there either.

Lots of things are going on here. Mom is settled in but it has been an adjustment challenge at times. She is strong willed and so am I so we occasionally clash.
My health right now is a challenge and I'm having to be a lot of life style changes (mainly eating differently and exercising more). Work is still very stressful and I would have been out pounding the pavement for another job if I didn't have early retirement flickering out there at the end of the tunnel. It's stressful times here.

And then there's Doc-Boy.... Doc, for those of you who aren't acquainted with the little guy, is my silky terrier. He has been battling a corneal ulcer since October of last year. It all came to a head early this month when the eye finally began rupturing. It was painful to him and the vet and I conceded that the only thing to do was remove the eye which she did. He recovered quickly and uneventfully and even tolerated his E-collar for the required 10 days. Then Sunday, I noticed his other eye (the only remaining one!) was tearing up and there was some thick drainage in the lower lid. Monday am as I was holding him and the sun was shining I could see his eye and there was something there. I got him right into the vet and - would you believe- he has an abrasion on that eye as well. He probably ran into something and that's when it happened. Thankfully, it's not as severe as the other one was when it was first discovered. So, we're back to drops every 2 hours and so forth. After shedding some tears, I've become a bit philosophical. Doc is 15 going on 16. He and I are both tired of all this drama. If this abrasion or ulcer doesn't heal within a month or two, I am going to have to face the fact that it's his time. Right now, his vision in that eye is not great and I don't want him to face life completely blind. He's been such a good friend. He deserves a better quality of life that that.

I would appreciate your prayers for him and me. Most of the web sites I've visited state that this kind of injury healed typically in 3-5 days. I'm praying that he's "typical".

Bathroom Done!!

2010-07-16T11:37:00.004-04:00

Finally!. Bob - who has been a permanent fixture around here for a week finally announced that it was all done yesterday. He cleaned up the bathroom, blew all the fine dust out of garage and now I have my bathroom back. Today, I have to do some good cleaning in the bathroom because everything still feels gritty despite his cleaning. But later on this evening I'm going to reward myself with a nice bubble bath complete with candles. As you can see by the photos, not all the tile was replaced. Some of the pink with black trim still remains. It is too bad that they couldn't have replaced all of it. But then, the owner is not looking to make the house saleable - just rent able. The white tile does open up the room quite a bit.

Yesterday I had my doctor appointment. I've had a change in the diabetic medication and we talked extensively about my losing weight. We discussed a modified low carb diet such as South Beach which other of his diabetic patients have done very well with. My high blood sugars as well has my liver becoming affected with the fat has finally gotten my attention. It's time to do something.

It is so nice to have a couple of days off. I actually slept in until 10:30 and it felt so nice. I don't have a lot planned except for a grocery run and cleaning my bathroom. Gonna take it a bit easy.

Hope you all are anticipating a lovely weekend. We expect hot temps as usual but also some rain which will cool things off a bit. Take care, my friends.

Bathoom almost completed!

2010-07-14T10:16:00.002-04:00

Today was supposed to be the day that the bathroom was officially finished. But, last week, the repair guy's tile cutter broke and he had to get a new one. Yesterday, he finished putting the tile up. Today, he does the grouting and then tomorrow the sealing and then he's done. It will be nice to have my bathroom back. The new tile is off white and it really opens up the room. My bathroom is dinky anyway so any little bit helps. Unfortunately, he didn't replace the tile all around the bathoom, so there is still some pink with black trim on the rest of the walls and around the sink. If this were my house, I would certainly have had him replace all the tile but I can see why the owner might not want to go to the extra expense.

It's quite an eye opening experience having Mom here with me. I just didn't realize just how frail she had become. She really doesn't seem to have much interest in things except her TV, police scanner and her smoking. She dozes a lot and her walk is slow, holding onto things for balance. I marvel at how she was actually living alone and I'm so glad she's with me. I have to remind her to take her medicine and she won't eat during the day unless I make something for her. She says she's not hungry and that's probably true. She is so forgetful but seems to be falling into a routine. As a daughter it's difficult to see her this way and as I nurse, I want to fix everything. It's difficult to know when to stop being a care taker and just be a daughter and companion.

I had blood drawn yesterday and a doctor's appointment on Thursday. My blood sugars have been high and I'm definitely going to need a change in medication. I'm sure it's the stress of everything going on that is raising my blood sugars. Oh well....

Well, got stuff to do so I'd better sign off. Hope you all are staying cool out there! Until later...

Things are coming together

2010-07-11T10:01:00.003-04:00

I thought I'd relax this rainy morning and get in a blog entry. I love the rain. To me, it is so relaxing. I can hear it pattering on the roof and there is distant thunder in the background. It's actually been raining off and on since 4 am and it looks like it could set in for the day.

Things are finally coming together over here. Mom is settled in and happy. There is actually a tangible peace here - like the house has finally become a home. My bathroom now as walls around the tub and the tile will start going up tomorrow. The workman assures me that he should be all done by Wednesday. It will take all day just the clean in there. There seems to be a fine layer of white dust all over everything. I'm glad I things off the wall before he started.

Mom had her follow-up doctor appointment Friday and things are checking out okay. She has decided not to follow up with the vascular surgeon who saw her in the hospital. She doesn't want any testing done right now and I support her on this. She's been through enough changes. Her primary doctor is fine with that.

It seems hard to believe that last month at this time, she was still in her mobile home packing and I had all of her moving and sorting out ahead of me. God bless my SIL, Sarah. Because of her, we were able to get everything done in record time, instead of the entire month of July that I was anticipating. I'm very grateful!

Mom is doing well with her smoking. She is down to less than half a pack a day which is remarkable for her. She takes it all in fairly good humor and it is very apparent the addictive effect that cigarettes can have on a person. She "stress-smokes" and I can definitely understand where she is coming from. Instead of nicotine, my "drug of choice" is anything sweet.

Well, I'm going to close off here and visit some of you. Thanks for your encouraging words about the bathroom. I know things have to get worse sometimes before they can get better. I'm just more than ready for the "better".

Have a great weekend!

Will it ever end?

2010-07-07T08:57:00.005-04:00

Yesterday a friend picked up a load of broken up furniture and various things to take to the dump. That marked the end of organizing and storing Mom's things not in use at home here. A project that I anticipated would take most of July is now done. I should be relaxed and enjoying life.

However......

Last week the property management repair guy came to the house to fix a couple of things (a leaky kitchen faucet, a torn screen). While he was here, I asked him to take a peek at my tub which had just a little rust around the drain. It seems that my tub has rusted through and has to be replaced along with some of the tile on the wall surrounding it. No big deal, I guess. He said it would take a week for everything to be done. Yesterday when he arrived and began to take off the tile, he found some problems and said "this is going to be a challenge." He was still at it when I left for work in the afternoon. When I came home at 12:20 am, this is what I found in my bathroom.

Much of the dry wall seems to be gone and the bathroom is a mess - dust everywhere. I wanted to cry. I've never seen work like this in progress so it's probably not as bad as it looks. Thank goodness that Mom also has a stand up shower or I'd be out of luck!

I just want life to get back to normal!

Simple Woman's Day Book for July 5

2010-07-05T09:16:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY - July 5, 2010

Outside my window...it's cloudy and muggy. Looks like rain again today.

I am thinking...that I just might get all of Mom's stuff sorted out and in storage by the end of the week.

I am thankful for...the fact that Mom is settled in and happy.

From the kitchen...perhaps some cabbage and ham for Mom this evening and for me at work tonight.

I am wearing...blue shorts and blue flowered top and my usual flip-flops

I am creating...order from chaos in my garage

I am going...to work later - that's just about it.

I am reading...my Bible at the moment.

I am hoping...that I can get things sorted out quickly around here. I hate chaos.

I am hearing...my Mom talking to Doc-Boy, my dog. It's nice to hear another human voice around here.

Around the house...sort of quiet- not much activity yet.

One of my favorite things...keeping up with friends online.

A few plans for the rest of the week:.....Mom's doctor appointment this Friday. Some work being done in my bathroom by the property management.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Doc and his bandanna - always the snappy dresser!

If you'd like to join the "Simple Woman's Day Book" you can visit here:

Settled in

2010-07-03T17:52:00.002-04:00

I apologize for taking so long to post here. Life has been busy and it seems like when I am not unpacking things, I'm doing something else. It certainly has been an interesting experience so far!

Mom came home from the hospital last Saturday and is doing well. I take her blood pressure each morning to determine if she should take her high blood pressure med. I'm rationing out her cigarettes to help her cut down. Stopping completely is pretty much out of the question and she was quick to tell her doctor that as well. This last week my SIL and I have been packing up things in her old mobile home and bringing them over to my garage. I unpack and sort out and then what we are keeping goes into her storage unit. I have been exhausted but what I thought would take the whole month of July, is almost done. Everything is moved out of her hold mobile and I just have a few boxes to sort through and repack and then things are just about done. What a job!!! But Mom is adjusting very well and has voiced her happiness of being here so that's a relief.

My brother and Sarah, my SIL came over today for an "indoor picnic". They brought the very last of things over like Mom's bar-B-Q and her bird bath. They spent the afternoon here and we had a good visit. They don't live too far but we just don't seem to get together much. I'm really hoping that will change. I certainly couldn't have done all this with Mom without them. It brings home once again just how special family is.

Well, I guess I'll visit some of you now and see what's going on in your lives. Thank you to those of you who have been checking in with me. Have a wonderful and safe July 4th!

Mom's moving day not the way I thought it would be.

2010-06-25T08:25:00.002-04:00

Right now I'm functioning on not much sleep. Today was to the be the day that Mom came here to live but Wednesday, because she was getting so stressed, I moved it to yesterday. I'm sure that God had a hand in that because about an hour after she arrived, her right foot and leg went numb. She couldn't stand on it, let alone walk. This apparently happened last weekend when my brother was there as well but lasted only a short time. Yesterday though, it didn't subside and when her toes began to turn white, I took her to the ER. They ended up admitting her to the hospital at 1:30 this morning and a vascular surgeon is to see her today. Her kidney functions are not good apparently and it's unsure what they can do. By the time I left her this morning, the leg and foot were back to normal. This is not how I envisioned the day to be. I'll be going to see her later this morning.

Some of you all have been asking how we are going to handle her smoking issue when she is here. She and I have had multiple discussions about it all. My lease says in capital, bold letters - "NO SMOKING". On top of that, I am highly allergic to cigarette smoke. So, she has agreed to smoke outdoors on the porch. Everything that has come into my house from her home has had to be washed down because of the smoke issue. It's a big job.

Not much else to say and I'm going to try to get a little nap in before I head to the hospital this am. I covet your prayers for both of us at this time.

Yes, I'm still here.

2010-06-19T07:36:00.003-04:00

So many of you sweet friends have been checking in with me since I've not blogged for awhile and I thank you. Truth is - I've been busy with getting Mom ready to move in and the other times I've been tired and just not feeling up to par. Just some stressful days at work into the mix and you can see a bit of what's going on.

I really didn't think that this move would be so time consuming and prolonged. There was much to get ready for on this end and with work I just didn't progress like I would like to. But finally, yesterday my brother and SIL brought over the furniture she is going to have here. I bought a bed and recliner for her and they also arrived yesterday. Next weekend, I'm taking 2 extra days off and Mom will be coming to stay. Maybe after that, I can rest!

Because Mom is a smoker and I'm basically allergic to cigarette smoke, I've had to wash and scrub down everything of hers coming into the house. My brother and I were shocked to find the state of some of her things and it grieves me that I didn't see the extent of her living conditions before. I will be so thankful to get her in a clean, safe environment over here. It's not that she lived in squalor but a 30+ year old mobile home lasts only just so long and then that's it.

On top of everything else, I've been going through a flare-up of the fibromyalgia and yesterday I made an appointment for a massage. This was before I knew Mom's furniture was coming. (Originally it was coming the first weekend in July). So, I vowed that I would just supervise everything but of course, that didn't happen so today I'm really hurting. I suppose I completely undid the effects of the massage. But at least, even if my body is hurting, my mind is more at ease.

Some of you have asked about Doc-Boy. He's doing okay. He moves a lot slower lately and he's lost a bit of weight. I can feel his vertebrae and ribs. His appetite is as strong as ever though. I've got to get him into the vet in the next couple of weeks. I strongly think that he may need to be de-wormed. He doesn't seem to have the same symptoms of renal failure as Thelma, my departed little kitty did like drinking a lot of water and urinating a lot. That's I'm thankful for. His eye site isn't very good now and I suspect he is blind in that eye that had the ulcer. I see him occasionally running into things on that side. His back legs don't always work well either, I'm certain from the inter vertebral disc problem that he had. He is a mess but he still has clear, bright eyes, is interested in things going on around him and is eating and all that so - we'll see what happens.

Well, that is about all I've got time for right now. I'm on my way to Mom's to help her go through her clothing. I'll try to check in again in a few days and then after the move, maybe be more diligent here.

Have a great weekend!

Taking a mini vacation

2010-05-16T09:58:00.009-04:00

I've been on a mini vacation since Wednesday and will be returning to work tomorrow. I can't tell you just how much I needed this time. Work has been so stressful and with all the details and work with Mom moving in.....well, I just needed some time to myself.

I went away for one night to Disney - more for the resort than the park. I stayed again at Wilderness Lodge - my favorite place. I would have been very content to just go nowhere else but I had already purchased a park ticket and it was at the "will call" window at the park entrance so I really figured I'd better use it. I went to the Magic Kingdom mainly because of all the parks it is the easiest to travel to from Wilderness Lodge. It's just a boat trip away and a very pleasant trip, I might add. The weather was perfect and the crowds not too bad. The down side to visiting the Magic Kingdom is that a lot of it is going under refurbishment. Most attractions are still open but there are signs of work going on all over. It can kind of destroy the magic. If I had been a first time visitor - I would have been a bit disappointed. The Magic Kingdom is going over a major overhaul that won't actually be completed until sometime in 2012 so if any of you readers are anticipating a trip to Disney World, just be aware.

The view from my room.

Silver Creek Falls. The water flows into the swimming pool.

Walkway to the water launch that takes you to the Magic Kingdom.

Doc after I picked him up at the kennel. They always put a bandanna on him when he goes home. He always looks quite dashing!

It's been a rough few months around here. Actually since January, it seems life has been in an upheaval. Mike and Steph were here for almost three months. Then Thelma became sick and ultimately had to be put down. Doc, unfortunately is also losing weight at an alarming rate and I suspect at his age that his kidneys are failing as well. That will be another very hard decision before long, I'm afraid. Last of all, Mom is slated to move in completely the last weekend in June. There is so much to be done before that weekend comes and both of us feel a bit overwhelmed.

Is it any wonder I'm already looking forward to my next Disney vacation - perhaps in November?

Hope you all are having a lovely weekend. I'm going to try to visit some of you today. It's been awhile. Until later...

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom

2010-05-08T15:02:00.003-04:00

When you're young, you expect your Mom to live forever. As we grown older, our mortality becomes more evident and now I cherish the fact that my Mom is still with me. Always a fiercely independent woman, she is now having to give up some of that independence and set up house keeping with her daughter. She voices excitement about the fact of us being together - mingled with fear and concern of the unknown. My once strong, independent Mom is now more fragile, more compliant with my wishes, more needing of help and support.

In our childhood, we are the fragile, dependent ones who need caring for and nurturing. In later years, it seems the roles are reversed and the child becomes the caretaker. The time comes to give back into Mom's life, what she put into mine.
And it is a role, I gladly take up.

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, soon to become my housemate. Thank you, Mom for your love and care. I am looking forward wonderful adventures with the rest of the time that God allows us.

Farewell to a friend.

2010-04-30T01:31:00.003-04:00

Thelma moved into my life and heart about 14-15 years ago when she was about 1 or 2 years old. As soon as she arrived, she proceeded to hide behind the washing machine and that is where she stayed until I pulled her out. She was not happy leaving her previous premises but decided to make the best of things and crowned herself queen of the house. Even when "that dog" - Doc Boy came into the family, she still refused to relinquish her throne. A simple "meow" was all she needed to get us to jump up and do her bidding - whether it was to clean her litter box, give her fresh food or water or just pay attention to her. But as much as she demanded in attention, she gave in love. Her purr when she sat on my lap could be heard across the room.

Always a healthy kitty, I was alarmed in February to see her losing weight at an alarming rate. She was constantly drinking water and visiting her litter box and I knew something was wrong. She became increasingly sick and I could tell that she was beginning to suffer. Doc also sensed something was wrong and would go up to her and whine and then look at me as if to say - "Do something!"

On Wednesday, I had to make the very difficult decision to end her suffering. She had been a very good friend for many, many years and I owed it to her to let her be at peace.

At what point does a pet cease to become "just an animal" but become part of your family and your heart? With Thelma, it was pretty much right away. Our pets are like our children. They depend on us for protection, for food, for affection. They leave a hole in our lives when they pass from us.

Rest, sweet Thelma. Thank you for the years you gave me. If our pets go to heaven as I feel they do - then I will see you there!

Hello out there!

2010-04-23T08:56:00.005-04:00

Yes, I'm still around. I've been very negligent about posting - just busy I guess and not a lot to say.

We have been having some lovely weather here. I've been able to sleep with the windows open and I love that. My azalea bushes were prolific in their blooming this year. Here are a couple of pics.

The petals have since fallen to the ground with our rain storms but they were gorgeous in their glory. I'm not much of a flower grower so it's nice to have some flowering bushes that God takes care of for me.

Things are progressing with Mom's move although very slowly. She's not packing much and I know her heart just isn't in it. But I've got a dresser for her and now have to buy a bed. We are shooting for the end of May to move in completely. I'm trying to take this in stages for her sake and for mine. I think both of us realize just how much of a life change this will be for both of us.

I've not been blogging a lot lately mainly because of not having a lot to say but also I think, because I've been very reflective lately - about life etc. I definitely find myself at a crossroads right now and feel that some decisions need to be made very soon. The first and foremost issue is my job. And - not just my job in Hospice but nursing in general. I've heard of people being "burned out" with their job and I've reached that point and beyond. My way of thinking is that when you dread each day you go to work, you're burned out. If when you hear of layoffs, you almost wish you were one of them, you're burned out. I have to pray each day for the compassion to care for these dear souls who are suffering - when it used to come naturally. I could go on and on but you get the idea. The problem is that with only a year and a half until I can take early retirement, it's a bit late to think of a career change. I would go part time with my company when Mom moves in but the company just laid off 26 nurses due to a low census. So, that's probably not a good move right now. I don't know what my recourse is, but I feel that I need to do something soon.

My other dilemma is that with Mom moving in, my future plans to move out of state at retirement is hampered unless she agrees to move with me. I so much want to move out of Florida and especially the area I'm in but don't see it as fair to move Mom here and then another big move in a year and a half. My daughter points out that things can change dramatically in that length of time and that my mother may not even be here. But, I've always been one that I liked to plan way ahead and always need to have something to shoot for - a goal of sorts. My mother has always been a huge consideration when it came to remaining in Florida. If she were not here, I would be packed and gone when my current lease is up. What is important right now is that Mom is in a safe environment and happy. I hope I can provide that for her.

I'm taking a mini vacation in 3 weeks before we start the big move. I'm going back to Disney - just because I'm comfortable there going solo and it is a very pleasant diversion. My next time away will be in August for my long-planned trip back to Tennessee to see Jim and family. Mike and Steph are there now as well so that will be fun. I'm hoping we can go to Dollywood while we're there.

Well, I guess I'll close now. I've got errands to run and somethings to try to accomplish today. I also need to visit some of you. Hope you all are having a lovely Friday. Until later.....

The dust is flying around here!

2010-04-09T12:15:00.002-04:00

I've been rearranging and moving and .....sneezing! You don't realize just how dirty and dusty your house can get until you begin to move things. But it's coming together.

The dresser I bought for my mother came yesterday. A co-worker's husband has a friend who is liquidating his parent's home and belongings. I had already bought a desk (Broyhill) and two large, tall bookshelves, all for $40.00 a couple of months back. When he mentioned a dresser for $75.00, I decided to take it too since my dresser is getting old and it sounded so nice. He ended up selling it to me for only $50.00. I had bought it sight-unseen and when they brought it over yesterday, my mouth dropped open! It is a Broyhill as well - a large dresser with mirror and little shelves along each side of the mirror. It is gorgeous!! I'm am so pleased.

I'm now in the market for a twin bed and possibly a recliner for Mom. I already have an arm chair that is very comfortable so I may just get an ottoman for it. So much to think about. I need to get her some new bedding and a comforter and some new towels. I think I have space for everything that she's bringing. A couple of her pieces (a roll-top desk and book shelf) will be going in the living room. If all works out, I will be able to keep my craft/computer/sewing room intact which I'm so glad about.

I mentioned in my last post about so many bloggers now updating on FaceBook instead of their blog. I've gotten quite a few encouraging comments. It seems a lot of you are feeling the saem way. I've spent so much time on FaceBook -with Farm Town and Farm Ville and even Youville. I've neglected my blogs and I miss them.

Well, I guess I'll get some dust flying. Take care.....

A wish I had more energy

2010-04-06T09:13:00.002-04:00

I had to get up earlier than usual this morning in order to take Mom to her doctor appointment. And as luck would have it, I couldn't get to sleep until very late last night. So, right now I'm tired. I certainly will have to take a nap before work today!

This weekend, I'm taking 4 days off and starting to get the house ready for Mom's move. My SIL is coming over Thursday and we're going to rearrange some furniture. I also have a dresser coming that day that I bought from a friend. We're still planning on moving her in mid May. She has so much sorting and packing to do. Sometimes, the whole thing feels so overwhelming to me so I can see how it would be even more so for her.

I had a blogging friend express her concern to me that so many people are leaving blogging for Face Book. I agree with her and although I'm not one to talk lately since I have not been very good updating here - I hate to see blogging go by the wayside. I visit all sorts of blogs out there and these people have become old friends. We share each others triumphs and cares - raves and rants - and there is a spirit there that Face Book just can't capture. I still work Farmville and FarmTown but I'm trying to become more faithful here as well.

I'm slowly watching my little pets age and see myself having to make a decision about Thelma, my cat soon. She is getting so skinny and meows so much of the time. She's 16 years old and in kidney failure. At least, that's my diagnosis. Doc, who has officially be diagnosed with kidney failure is also starting to lose weight. Both, though are still eating very well. I've been hoping that when they go, they will just do so in their sleep - peacefully. I dread having to make a decision to have them put down.

We had a shuttle launch the other morning. I was going to get up and see if I could see it but I have so many tall trees in my neighborhood, I figured it would be a lost cause. I did see one very clearly some time back when I was at work. It was very vi sable in an area of clear sky. You could see the glow and even when the stages separated. It was fascinating. I saw a photo that a professional photographer took at the Magic Kingdom that morning. It shows Cinderella Castle with the glow of the shuttle right over it. Quite a spectacular shot!

Well, I've rambled enough so I'd better get going. Hope you all are having a great day! Until later...

Wishing everyone a blessed Resurrection Day!

2010-04-03T11:49:00.003-04:00

I wanted to get in here and post something in between all the other things I'm doing. My home is beginning a major revamping as far as furniture arrangement to make way for my mother's arrival next month. I'm having to give up my beloved computer/craft/sewing room as a bedroom for her as the back Florida room will just not be big enough for her to have a bedroom/sitting room as I had originally planned. I love my computer room and seems to be the place where I spend the most time. Doc and Thelma have their beds in there and I'm wracking my brain to figure out just how to keep it. One big problem is that the back room has nothing I can use for a closet for Mom. My computer room which is really another bedroom, of course, does have a closet and would be ideal for her. So, I guess that's is what I'll have to do.

We have been having some lovely weather the past couple of days and it's so nice to see my azaleas blooming. I've been able to turn off the heater and not turn on the air so I'm looking forward to better electricity bills. I do love spring!

I'm taking a 4-day weekend next weekend and my SIL is coming over to help me re-arrange furniture. Perhaps she'll have some ideas as well for Mom's furniture placement. We've been wanting to get together for the day and so this will be nice.
I'm buying a dresser from a "friend of a friend" and that's coming next weekend as well. I just have to buy a single bed and recliner and then things will be ready for Mom to move in.

Ah well, I'm off to make some quick visits and then get back to some projects. Wishing you all a blessed Resurrection Day. He is risen!

Spring is finally here!

2010-03-29T09:28:00.003-04:00

I apologize that I seemed to be hibernating from blogging. It seems like since the first of the year, things have been so up in the air and busy and I haven't been able to sit and quiet my mind enough to write. Thank you to those of you who have been checking up on me to see if I'm still alive!

Things are progressing for Mom to move in with me. It's a difficult time emotionally for her but she sees the wisdom in making this move and I will be glad to have her here with me and safe. Her 30 year old mobile home is just not safe for her any longer with some soft flooring etc. She doesn't see the problem but she's lived with those circumstances for awhile and I guess it seems natural to her. The problem is getting what she wants to bring with her into my 2 bedroom house. I'm buying her a new recliner and a new bed since her old ones are - just that- old. I'm having to do a major rearranging of the furniture in my house and I lie awake at night trying to move things around in my mind. It's going to be quite a challenging next few months.

I've planned 3 days away for me in mid May - just to get away and relax. Not sure what I'm doing yet. Mom may be here with me by then but she will be okay to be alone. Or since, I'm taking the week off that week, I may move her in when I return.

I've got an appointment with my new doctor in June. I'm almost 100% positive that I am having thyroid issues which, I'm hoping, is why I'm so tired all the time. I don't think I've ever felt this low physically and it's depressing.

I'm going to visit some of you now and see what's going on in your lives. I'm hoping to be back to blogging more often shortly when the dust settles. Take care.

I'm sorry....

2010-03-13T09:22:00.002-05:00

Well, here I am, negligent with my posting and visiting. Sorry to have drifted from sight. I guess I just didn't feel much like blogging and with all the stuff going on here - I just couldn't find a moment when the mood and timing was just right.

Mike and Steph are now safely tucked into their apartment in Tennessee. They packed up Monday and were gone that night. The house certainly felt empty for a few nights but I've adjusted once again. The week before they left, I took a couple of extra days off so that we could do some things.

On Wednesday, March 3rd, we all went to St. Augustine. That day marked the 9th year from when Alan died and, as I had mentioned before, this year was particularly difficult for some reason. We had a good day and Mike and I reminisced about his dad and we laughed. Friday, we all went to Disney World - Stephanie's sister and BIL, her mom, Mike and I. Also along was her cousin, a very important member of the party because he works at Disney and was able to get us in free. That was very nice. It was a long day and I was exhausted when it was over.

This last week, when I went back to work, I caught a cold and was home sick for 2 days (Wednesday and Thursday). Thursday (one of my sick days) we had really bad storms and were under a tornado warning for most of the day. A couple of tornadoes were sighted in a town about 2 miles away but we just got a lot of rain and wind.
Then last night, I ate some chicken that was a bit greasy. I hadn't meant it to be like that but it was cooked and I hadn't done my grocery shopping yet - so I ate it. And so, last night I was awake a good deal of the night with stomach discomfort and nausea.

This morning, I'm taking it easy. I really need to go grocery shopping but just don't feel up to even making out a grocery list. At least the sun is shining and the temps are pleasant. So we'll see....

Well, that's the up to the minute news. I guess I could tell you more but I'm running out of steam. I'm off to visit you all now. Hope your day is lovely.

So glad to see the end of the week!

2010-02-26T10:40:00.002-05:00

I has been a long, busy and frustrating week. But it's at an end and I'm off for two glorious days of rest and whatever.

It started with 7 patients at the hospice house - most of them having a difficult time getting calm and comfortable, most of them confused. I hate leaving work feeling like I didn't do them justice but that's how I felt.

Then Wednesday evening we had an emergency with Doc-Boy's eye. As some of you know, he has an ulcer on the cornea of his right eye that has not healed and in fact has deepened. When this happens, the eye is in danger of rupturing and leaking its contents out. The only thing to do then is have the eye removed. Things had been going well until Wednesday evening when I got a phone call from Steph that Doc had come in from outside and cried out. He was squinting and when they looked, his eye ball looked like a deflated balloon with bumps and ridges and was far back in his eye socket. My heart fell and I called the emergency number for my vet and made arrangements for him to been first thing the next morning. However, when I got home at midnight, after some sleep and a pain med, the eye, although it did appear a tad smaller than the other, was almost normal looking. The next morning my vet said that it appeared to have resealed and that at the moment we were okay. Steph's mom who is a vet assistant also mentioned that dogs have a ligament at the back of their eye that in the case of an eye injury will pull the eye ball way back in the socket for protection. So, that could have been part of the issue. Anyway - I can testify that prayer does work and so far he is doing fine. Thank you, Lord!

Mike and Steph made it to Tennessee this morning. They are rental hunting and when they find their place and put down deposits will be packing up to move up there. I spoke with Mike this morning and it's 33 degrees there right now (at 11 am). They are very excited about this move and I'm praying that all goes well with their rental hunting. They have several prospects to look at.

I don't have much planned for this weekend except maybe some cleaning and resting. I am really drained from this past week at work and it will feel good to just do nothing if that's what I choose to do.

You probably have heard about the trainer who was killed by an Orca at Sea World here in Orlando. I don't think that anyone could ever minimize on just how dangerous a job those trainers have. A killer whale is, after all, a killer whale and is still a wild creature even in captivity in a tank. You just don't know what could set them off, misinterpret a human movement or whatever. It's just so sad to see something like this happen. Maybe it's just my love of animals, but there is a part of me that cringes when I see animal acts. They are entertaining and cute but somehow it can be sad at the same time. I remember well a fair I went to in North Carolina. There was a tiger act and the trainer had them jumping through hoops and all sorts of things. I think that tigers are such majestic and lovely animals and somehow it seemed so undignified to see them doing all that. Anyway - my opinion.

This has turned into a book so I'm going to sign off and visit some of you. Hope you are having a good weekend. If any of you are part of that New England winter storm - stay safe and warm. Until later...

Changes coming.

2010-02-23T09:48:00.003-05:00

It seems like so many changes going on at once. Mike and Steph are going to Tennessee this weekend to find a place to rent and then will be moving the week or two after. After they leave, Mom and I will be making the transition to her living here with me. I feel like for so long I've lived in a sort of bubble that stayed static day after day. But with both my fur babies old and ailing and family changes going on all around me, I feel like that bubble has burst. When in our lives did we think that Mom's would never grow old and pets would live forever?

We're having some very nice weather. It is supposed to get chilly again in a day or so but only last for a couple of days. It is so pleasant to feel sun on my face when I got outside. Pretty soon, I'll be able to sleep with my bedroom window open. I love that kind of weather.

This Friday I plan to have lunch with my SIL, Sarah and spend part of the day with her. We've been planning on doing this for awhile but it seems that something would always come up. We enjoy each other's company. She is very "down home" and southern and she makes me smile. Saturday, I'll be taking Mom out for lunch. We have some things to discuss such as what furniture she is going to keep and bring with her and the like.

Next week I plan on taking a couple of extra days off. Next March 3rd will be the 9th anniversary of Alan's passing. I'm feeling his absence much more lately, almost like it was the first year or two after he died.

I'm off to visit some of you now and see what's going on in your lives. I apologize that I don't get around as often. Have a lovely day.

A sunny morning.

2010-02-21T08:35:00.003-05:00

It's been nice to wake up to sun the last couple of mornings although we are supposed to get some rain later today. It's been chilly but it is warming up little by little and yesterday was even quite nice.

I'm worried about my cat, Thelma. She is a little old lady, about 15 years old by my estimate. She has been steadily losing weight the last few weeks. I've chalked it up to stress with other people around including two other cats. But lately she's not been holding down all her food and she just looks miserable. She wants to be held a lot more which is a bit unusual for her.

Mike and Stephanie are off to Tennessee this Friday to find a place to rent. Then, they will return on Monday and begin packing. I am very excited for them in their new venture. When they leave, I will begin to get things ready for my mother to move in with me. Lots of changes around here.

I am no longer going to be maintaining my general web site so since the server was used for photo storage, you may see some broken images especially if you visit my archives. I don't do anything with it any longer and I don't think anyone is visiting it so why pay for it?

I'm in a bit of a melancholy mood this morning so I'll close. Hope you all are having a great weekend. Until later...

A chilly Monday.

2010-02-15T09:49:00.005-05:00

We have certainly had the cold weather this year! I know that we here in Florida can't top the snow that some of you have had, but we've had record-breaking, lengthy cold temps. I think we're all about ready for spring!

Not much going on here. Mike and Steph are planning their long weekend trip to Tennessee and I anticipate they will be packing up and leaving when they get back. They are very excited about their new adventures up there and I'm excited for them. I will miss their company though. It's been nice to come home to people in the house.

Well, as promised, I've included some Tennessee photos here.

Here are 4 of my grandsons looking all big and bad in the gun section of a shop we visited. Bottom row: Jonathan, Matthew and Micah. The guy standing is Josiah.

Playing in the snow. They had a great time.

A family shot in the lobby of the Inn at the Christmas Place at Pigeon Forge. It's a beautiful place where it's Christmas all year long.

The trees sparkled after the snow and then a day of icy rain. They were beautiful.

Here's Joshua - one year old and the newest member of the clan.

I'll add more photos later. Hope you all are having a lovely and warm day.

M.I.A.

2010-02-10T10:14:00.003-05:00

I'm so sorry to be so negligent in posting here. The days just seem to fly by and I've not really had much to say. And then suddenly it's been weeks since my last post. I did some visiting of my blog friends as well - something else I had been remiss in doing - and found out all sorts of things going on with my friends. There have been falls and biopsies and surgeries! And of course, snow and lots of it.

The significant news around here is that my son Mike and DIL Stephanie who have been staying with me are headed to Tennessee in 2 weeks to check things out. My son up there can get Mike a job and so the plan is to look around and then move up there. I'm excited (and a bit jealous) for them. I think it's a wonderful opportunity for them to start again. They are going up the last weekend of the month.

Doc has recovered from his tooth extraction and pretty much back to normal. He definitely is winding down but still seems happy and eats well. The cold this year has sure gotten to him though and he shivers a lot. His eye is no better and I can tell that his sight is just about gone in it. Poor little guy!

I talked with one of the hospice doctors the other evening. He is a great doctor and nice, all-around guy and I wish he had his own private practice. He truly thinks that my lethargy and lack of energy as well as my depression is because of a thyroid imbalance. My last blood test did show my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) as elevated which means that my thyroid is having to work hard to keep up. My doctor wanted to do another test in 3 months to see how it was. That was about 4 months ago. My dilemma is that I'm going to have to find another doctor because my health insurance has not been about to make a satisfactory deal with the hospital my doctor is connected to and so very likely will not renew their contract. I'm not crazy about doctors and having to find an new one is even worse!

The big weather news for the eastern part of the country is, of course, the snow. I had a taste of it in Tennessee and so I can't imagine what the mid-Atlantic states are going through right now. I remember those times growing up in upstate New York and it was so wonderful to see spring come!

Well, I guess I'm off to get some things done around here. I do promise to get some photos up of my Tennessee trip in the next few days. Have a lovely week.

Will this ever end?

2010-02-03T09:30:00.002-05:00

I got back from Tennessee Monday evening. It was a long, 9 1/2 hour drive but an easy one and it was an awesome weekend. I saw snow (and ice!) and spent some awesome days with the family. I have lots of photos to share and I will do that in the days to come.

On my way home, I received a call from Mike, my son who is currently staying with my DIL at my home. He said that within a few short hours, Doc-Boy's face under his left eye was very swollen. He had several teeth extracted about 2-3 weeks ago and he felt sure that perhaps a pocket had developed with an infection. Doc was eating okay, but sure looked miserable. I took him into the vet yesterday morning and, indeed, one of his few remaining teeth was abscessed. They had to put him under with gas and extract it. He was and is absolutely miserable. I'm giving him pain killers and antibiotics twice a day and although is face is still swollen, the swelling has gone down a bit. I want to cry for him. I swore that I was not going to make him go through any anesthesia or surgical procedure again but I had no choice. He did eat some last night and I crush his meds and put them in some gravy and let him lick it from a spoon. Also - I don't know how or in what position they put him on the surgical table but he comes back with pain in his back as well. My poor little guy!

I go back to work today for two days and then am off my usual days of Friday and Saturday. I have a bunch of nothing planned for those days. I feel like I could sleep for 24 hours!

I hope you all are having a good week. I'll get to visiting you all in the next day or two. Take care.

Having a great time!

2010-01-29T09:48:00.002-05:00

I'm here in Tennessee. It's cold - no snow yet but it is expected later today. It is so awesome to be here with the family and having smiling, laughing grandchildren around me. They have grown so much and the youngest, Joshua has already given me a kiss. What a treasure these little souls are! I'll take lots of photos and have some ready to show when I get home.

Tomorrow, weather permitting, you're going to Gatlinburg or somewhere in the vicinity. The area where Jim and Tina live is hilly and you can see the Smokies from there area. I'm very excited to see the mountains once again.

I am overwhelmed this morning with the feeling of how blessed I am to have such loving grandchildren and the blessing of them being only about 9 hours away from where I live! I watch my DIL homeschooling them this morning and I am so inspired with the togetherness that they are as a family.

Wednesday, the septic people came and filled the gaping hole in the back yard, Evidently, the healthy inspection well okay and they are all done. All I care about is that we have flushing commodes once again. You take such simple things like that for granted until they aren't working!

My work let me off a day early and I traveled to TN a day early instead of today as planned. I really am so thankful giving the weather reports. The drive was pretty uneventful except for a bit of confusion going through I-75 in Atlanta. I can't tell you how much I hate driving anywhere near Atlanta.

Well, just wanted to check in. Hope you all are having a great start to the weekend.! I'll try to blog one more time while here.

Things are progressing

2010-01-26T11:12:00.002-05:00

Friday, the pest control man came and did his thing. Now today, the septic tank people are here installing a new drain field. The entire back yard is essential one big hole in the ground. But at least, our toilets are flushing. They were here very early and so my sleep was cut short but that's okay. Later today it is inspected and then tomorrow, they come back and fill the hole back in.

I've been monitoring the weather in Tennessee this weekend. Depending on what source you check, my Friday driving will be accompanied by 1) snow showers, 2)wintry-mix or 3)rain/freezing rain. I'll be on I 75 for about 95% of the trip so I should be okay but never-the-less, I'm a bit nervous. My way of thinking is that with I-75 as traveled as it is, there should be problem with ice etc.

I've got so many things to do before Friday - clothes washing, wrapping grand kid's gifts, packing, an oil change for the car and probably a dozen other things I've not even thought of yet.

So, on that note, I'd better get going. Hope you all are having a good week with not too much stormy weather. Until later....

I'm still around!

2010-01-23T09:50:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted in such a long time. It's been sort of busy here and my routine is out of whack. I've found that I don't like my routine to be messed up very much and it makes me edgy. This last week, I only worked one night at the hospice house. I took Monday off because Tuesday thru Thursday I was in a computer refresher course. I wasn't even going to try to work until after midnight on Monday and then turn around and be in a class at 9 am the next morning. The computer class was very helpful and I found a few things I was doing wrong as far as the software that our company uses. The software in itself is not very user friendly plus there had been a few changes since my original class so the time spent was very beneficial.

Yesterday, Mike, Steph and I went to Micanopy, a very small town near Gainesville. It is such a quaint, cute place - very old Florida and full of antique shops and eateries. We had a good time and I found some more books by my favorite author, Miss Read. I was sure tired when we got home and I took one of my new books to bed and then promptly fell asleep.

This week coming up will be business as usual - back at the hospice house. I also have to sneak in some extra stuff like sign some papers to convert my auto insurance to another, cheaper company, get an oil change for my car and the like. I also have to pack for my trip to Tennessee on Friday. A friend at work has loaned me her GPS and we had fun with it on the trip to Micanopy yesterday. It really is quite easy to work and very helpful. I always confirm my route with my son, Jim before I go and visit them as well. I'm not a fan of driving long distances by myself but if I'm going to go - it's got to be done.

Weather here has warmed up a bit, back to seasonal temps although last evening was a bit chilly. I'm hearing that the western part of the country is having it rough now, especially in California with the danger of land slides and the like. I remember a visit to San Francisco and San Leandro (I think that was the name of it). There were houses built on hills that would have made me nervous to live in!

Today, I have to get some groceries and perhaps a top or blouse for my weekend in Tennessee. Other than that, besides some loads of wash, I'm taking it easy.

House repairs are coming along here as well. Yesterday, the pest control man came and drilled some holes here and there to instill insecticide for the termites. Tuesday, the septic people are coming to install a new drain field. I'm very glad of that since whenever I do a load of clothes, water bubbles up in the commode as the washer empties and then you can't flush the commode for awhile after that. Sigh.

Well, I'm off and running to get stuff done. Hope you all are doing well. I'm going to visit some of you and catch up on your lives (or at least your last post!)

Have a great weekend!

Raining but refreshing.

2010-01-16T12:49:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, we finally had some warm temps and didn't even need jackets. Today, it's raining off and on but there is a lovely breeze and I have windows and the front door open to let it all in. Very nice.

Not much to talk about over here. I do have an easy work week coming up. Sunday I work at my usual place. Monday I have off and then Tuesday through Thursday I will be in a refresher computer class. Since I enjoy working on the computer, I'm looking forward to it. Then, in two weeks, I'll be in Tennessee for a long weekend. I'm really looking forward to see the mountains again and especially the family.

Doc took a long time to recup from his dental surgery. His back had been bothering him before and was on the mend but after surgery, he was hurting all over again. I don't know if it was the position they had him on the table or what, but he was miserable. I see my little guy just winding down and when I see that he is no longer interesting eating, I know it will be time. This morning I took him for a walk and he could only walk a short ways before I could see he was uncomfortable. Sigh.

As I said, not much exciting to write about so I'll leave you for now. Have a lovely weekend.

Termites and septic tanks

2010-01-12T11:31:00.002-05:00

Thus goes my life. I had #2 estimate sent by my property managers for the termites I found in the back bathroom. It's not a room I ever use and both agree on the treatment so I should be hearing from someone soon to do that. I hadn't heard anything from any one after the septic tank was pumped. The report was that a new drain field was needed. Yesterday after doing a load of wash, the commode was very slow in flushing and it took 3 tries to do it. Apparently the drain field is really bad. I called the property management people again and they are in contact with the house owner. They've gotten two estimates so far and they will call when something is scheduled. With all this and my son and DIL just moved in - I'm really looking to get things back to an even keel.

We are supposed to be seeing a warming trend beginning tomorrow and by the weekend, it is supposed to be 50's at night and low 70's to high 60's during the day. I understand that Florida's citrus industry is really hurting because of all this. One or two nights of extreme cold isn't bad but prolonged temps like that make the fruit unusable except maybe for juice.

I have been thinking of this new year and I feel in my heart that there are changes happening. For sure, having family move in, even for just 3 months is a radical change and I'm really surprised at how resistant to change I have become. Another big change is a probable move in October when my lease is up. Where or if I try to buy or continue to rent is not decided yet. I'm also concentrating on my health this year. I would like to drop 100 pounds this year but I'll see just how it goes. As it warms up, Stephanie and I are going to start walking.

Well, that's about all there is to talk about for the moment. Hope everyone is doing well. I'm off to visit some of you now. Take care.

Warm, tropical breezes.

2010-01-10T10:01:00.003-05:00

That's what I'm looking for.

This cold is really getting to me. Saturday morning there was a light dusting of snow or sleet on the car. Amazing. It's not unusual for Florida to have temps in the low 30's and even high 20's for maybe, 1 or 2 nights. But to continue like it has is very unusual. We are expecting a warming trend by Wednesday. So thankful.

My son and DIL moved in Friday. Things are a bit cozy right now in the house but we're managing. It is a temporary situation and as much as I enjoy the company, I'll be glad to have my house back. Another plus is that they have a big screen TV. Mine is a dated smaller one and so it's a treat to watch TV right now. Another big plus is that my Stephanie is a wonderful cook and so far, she is doing the cooking and I'm cleaning up. I think that's a pretty good arrangement.

Doc came through his dental procedure and anesthesia okay. He lost 7 teeth and now has only about 4 left. I didn't go through with the eye lid thing and I'm glad because he just didn't tolerate this dental thing as well as last time. He was miserable and moaned and I felt so sorry for him. I have pain medicine that I give him 2 times a day. They are tiny bits of pills but giving them is a feat because it's impossible to open his mouth, of course because of the soreness. I even tried crushing the pill in his favorite canned food and no go. I end up crushing it, mixing it with a tiny bit of water and using an oral syringe. I have to pry his mouth open and then shoot it in. He doesn't like that much either but he has no choice.

I'm going to Tennessee for 4 days at the end of the month to visit with my oldest son and family. It is about a 8 1/2 hour drive from here and so that won't be too bad. I'm looking forward to it, since I haven't seen the grand kids for almost 2 years. I would love to see snow up there but don't really want to drive in it. So, wimpy person that I am, I'm hoping for mild weather.

Well, not a lot more to say so I'll close and visit some of you. Hoping you all are having a safe and warm weekend.

Septic tank blues or I'm glad I rent.

2010-01-04T14:38:00.004-05:00

I did some wash over the weekend as I usually do. I noticed when the washing machine was emptying that I heard gurgling in my commode and sure enough, the water was bubbling. After wards, the commode wouldn't flush even after a plunge job. A few hours later, the commode would flush but obviously I had a problem - probably septic. I notified the property management people today and they got someone right out. Sure enough, the septic tank needed to be pumped but the drain field has gone bad. For those of you who have not lived through this experience, I have two things to say....
1. It's expensive for a new drain field
2. Again, I'm so glad I'm renting.
I feel bad for the house owner but no doubt, the money is set aside for this type of thing. What a mess!

It's still cold with hard freeze warnings out for the next three nights and early mornings. We warm up slightly on Thursday and then back to cold. It's might frigid when I get in my car at midnight and I'm so glad to reach home and warmth.

As for Doc-Boy news, I'm still unsure about the eye lid surgery Friday. So hard to make decisions about these things and although I trust my vet, I really think that she's grasping at straws here about this ulcer. Oh well, I come to a decision by Friday.

Tomorrow is my grand daughter's birthday. She will be 14. She is just so precious and is just gorgeous as you can see.

Well, gotta go - almost time for work. Have a safe and warm day, my friends.

Frigid Florida!

2010-01-02T11:37:00.003-05:00

I know some of you may be rolling your eyes but temps in the low 20's in Florida is COLD! That's what is being fore casted for tonight and tomorrow night. It's 47 right now at mid day. We still have a wind so much of the lower temps are due, I'm sure, to wind chill.

Today I plan to take down the Christmas decorations. I had planned that for yesterday along with a lot of other things but frittered the day away doing not much of anything. That irritates me when I have things I need/want to do but instead don't. I have some sorting out to do as well as rearrange what furniture I can by myself in preparation for my son and DIL's arrival next weekend. Mike will have to help with the heavy stuff.

I was a bit melancholy last night about Doc-Boy. In my last post, I mentioned that blood tests showed he was going into kidney failure. He has not acted like he felt well the last couple of weeks and part of me just wants to cancel his dental and eye lid surgery on Friday. But, I know that the dental is important for eliminating the bacteria and dental issues. That might make him feel better over all. The eye lid flap thing I'm not so sure of. From what I've read, this type of procedure is not that effective with the kind of ulcer he has. I've been preparing myself that since he is elderly and getting sicker, that I may not have him much longer. I guess all this made the news of my blogging friend Susan even more poignant. She lost her little fur baby, Reina on December 30th. Some people feel that "a dog is a dog" but these little things become like your child and your hurt when they hurt. So as I think of Susan, I'm also thinking of what I may face sometime this year.

I spent a lot of time on my Face Book farms yesterday. (Refer to my second paragraph in this post!) It seems once I get on there, I start rearranging and then hours fritter by. I am seriously considering eliminating all but one or maybe all. Leveling up is very slow now and I know I could find more constructive things to do. I guess I've worked so hard on them and have become so attached! Note to Melanie - Get a life!

Well, speaking of constructive things to do - it's almost noon and I have yet to take down one Christmas decoration! So, I'll say goodbye for now.

Stay warm and safe.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T12:50:00.003-05:00

It's been a bit since I posted here. Life got a bit busy for awhile and you know how it goes. Christmas came and went and now it's a new year. Hard to believe that we are entering another decade. I remember so well when 2000 came upon us the all the Y2K concerns. Lots has happened since then.

We had some rough weather this morning - torrential rains and wind. It is another cold front coming through. We had temps in the 30's earlier in the week and then a day or so of more "normal" Florida temps for this time of year. Now, we have a freeze warning for tonight and tomorrow night. I enjoy the cold weather myself except sometimes when I have to brave it at midnight to go home from work.

Doc-Boy is going in for a teeth cleaning and to suture his third eye lid closed for awhile to see it that will help the final healing of his corneal ulcer. Funny, I didn't even know that dogs had third eyelids until all this came about! He had some blood work this past week in prep for the anesthesia and it shows that he is in the beginning stages of kidney failure. He is, after all going on 15 so it's not surprising and I have to face the fact that he may not be with me a whole lot longer. He's been such a good friend and has certainly made my life interesting!

My son Mike and DIL Stephanie are going to be with me for 3 months or so while they relocate and Mike finds a job. The property management people and owner of the house I rent were gracious to allow this - as this is not a normal occurence apparently. They have given a 3 month approval. That should be enough time for them to get back on their feet.

At the end of the month I will be driving up to Tennessee to visit with my oldest son, Jim and DIL Tina and 7 adorable grandchildren. I'm really looking forward to seeing them since it's been around 2 years since they were here. I've not even seen the littlest guy, Joshua who will be turning 1 this month.

I have done a lot of thinking about life and my life specifically. I've always been one that I had to have my life "planned out" months in advance. I guess it gives me goals to shoot for. I do know that this year I am going to concentrate a lot on me and my health. That means losing weight and getting my blood sugars under control. It also means getting more in touch with myself, what is in my heart and what God wants me to do. He puts His desires in us and I just need to listen to His voice.

I do know that there will be a move at the end of the year. My lease for this house is up in October and I don't want to live in this neighborhood any longer. For months, I have looked at this upcoming move as perhaps out of state. Now, I'm not so sure. I'm just keeping my mind open to all the different possibilities.

Well, this is turning into a book. I just looked at my Weather Bug on the computer and the outside temp as dropped almost 15 degrees in the past hour. I think I'll go put on a long sleeved top and start taking down the Christmas decorations.

I wish you all, my dear friends, a wonderful, blessed and prosperous New Year.

Until later...