Ms. Fiddlesticks

Yesterday My Son turned 34, oh baby.

2012-01-14T12:53:00.002-05:00

Well I think 34 was quite a shock for my son. He really thinks he is getting old. Little does he know. He is in a terrific age group. Old enough to know better but so much time for doing terrific things including growing up with his brand new daughter, 4 months old. Love my son. Thankful for him everyday. Also my girlie Alecia, age 32. Baby huh?

Also this week my co worker's husband passed away, he was only 63. Had a lot of health issues. His life was cut short by some people's standards. Sometimes our bodies just stop working no matter what the docs and medicine try to do to prolong it. I pray his wife and family gain strength to carry on.

Today I have my sweet 4 yr grand girl and will be getting my sweet 4 month old as well. The 4 year old will go home tonight. She is such a sweetheart. Smart as a whip. An angel when it is just the two of us. Go figure.

A new year 2012.

2012-01-01T21:02:00.000-05:00

Wow another year has slipped right on by. I was blessed with a 3rd grand girl, Nora. My health is holding up. Went through all the testing that is important. Glad to be caught up with all that. Children are doing well. We all have jobs, a place to live, food on the table and love in our hearts. God has been so very kind to us. I wish all those in blog land a happy new year with blessings so abundant. I know so many are going through hard times and I pray for you all. My main thought for the new year is to be kinder to those around me whether it be at work, or just on the road. Everyone has a row to hoe and sometimes it is easy ground and other times full of pebbles and roots. Stay alert and be kind.

Nose job

2011-12-18T07:38:00.000-05:00

For a few years now I have this red spot on my nose. Sometimes it would get better but come back. Occasionally it would plump up, almost like a pimple. Finally went to the dermatologist. She said it needed to be biopsied. Got a phone call in a few days, basal cell. Consult with dermatologist, he explained the Mohs microscopic procedure. Well had this done last Thursday. My nose looks a little like a war zone. Stitches out in 2 and 1/2 weeks. Amazing how people look at you with a band aid on your nose. Band aid is too much so sorry world I have to greet you with "whiskers" on my nose. Too bad they do not make pink (to match skin tone) colored sutures. Thankfully all the CA is out and now I can heal. By the way sunscreen and a hat is now my best friend. Word from the wise, go to dermatologist once a year and get body check. Only he or she knows for sure.

Long time, no blog.

2011-12-06T07:03:00.000-05:00

Since last post I have a new baby grandgirl named Nora Brooke. Mom and Dad are adjusting well. She is the sweetest little thing. I am so thankful to have such wonderful children and grandgirls. Children are truly a beautiful gift.

Facebook

2011-06-23T21:31:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about facebook and how it has gotten me in touch with so many people, those I never even thought of since high school and that has been a long time ago. I usually only comment about their status or pics but I would really miss them if it all went away. I know it is really not the normal way of doing things but we all live in different states and have such busy lives that FB keeps us in touch. If those of you have not started a facebook page I suggest you do so. You never know who will show up and when.

May in Georgia

2011-05-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for another excursion. This time going to Colorado, Grand Lake. Cannot wait. Life around here is dull but then again stuff is always a changing. Daughter lost her job, losing their house, they are moving in with mother in law, and they have sold just about everything. I am truly hoping this will be a fresh start for them. I truly believe in good coming from change. Make lemonade out of the lemons life throws at you. Weather here is already too hot even though we did have a wonderful cool spell with warm sun, now the sun is way too warm. High 90s yesterday. Colorado I am so ready to see you.

Water rushing beside Shadowcliff at Grand Lake, Colorado.

Great Vacation Week

2011-04-04T13:56:00.000-04:00

Becky and I had a wonderful time. On Friday we saw as much as we could in LA, unfortunately it got dark on us and we missed some great places. We did enjoy Griffith Park, seeing the Hollywood sign, riding through some streets with cool looking houses in the hills, going to the Chinese theatre and seeing the old and new celeb stars and footprints, etc.

Next morning on Sat took the shuttle to the pier. Got on board the Norwegian Star. Very chilly. On our way to Cabo San Lucas which we loved. Saw Lover's Beach and Divorce Beach. Really hot. Spent 2 days there. Then on to Puerto Vallarta. Took a catamaran out to Yelapa. A very small fishing village which relies on tourism. A full day there and back so no sightseeing in PV. Will have to go again sometime. Maybe fly in and stay somewhere and go out again to Yelapa. We really loved it there.

The cruise was terrific. Who could not love a cruise. Weather was chilly a few days but overall beautiful.

We each said our goodbyes and hopefully will plan another trip together late summer. She in Seattle and myself in good old Georgia. I would love to plan a trip to the Canadian Rockies. Sounds really good especially when weather gets in the 90s here.

Life with a capital L

2011-03-20T12:18:00.000-04:00

So much has been going on lately. Had a few strange things happen that needed medical attention. So I have had blood work, stool specimens, colonoscopy, CT scan of abdomen, endoscopy, now more blood work and oh since I had been very neglectful of my mammogram and pap smear, had that done also in the mist. So far all is negative except for liver on CT scan. It is probably fatty liver since I have a lot of fat on this bod and so the need for more special blood work. Enough I think. Up, down and all around.

Now on to better and more interesting life stories. Remember how I met up with long lost friend of 30 yrs, well in Dec we planned a cruise and next Friday we leave for LA, rent a car for the day, explore the city, and leave on our cruise of 7 days on Sat. We go to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Yummy.

Finished packing today. Will do all the nitty gritty in the next few days such as holding mail on line, paying all bills that come in, clean up house (maybe), etc. Cannot believe I actually got clothes and all in a carry on. Hopefully I can put it in the over head bin on plane unless a kind tall stranger will assist which I will kindly accept.

FB can be a very good thing. Hooking up with long lost friends does not always happen but still I have found many from different places in my life. Remembering names is the hard part.

Life is quite an experience. So much is going on around us, happy to tragic. Send up prayers as the thought comes along.

The big 50 and over test.

2011-02-13T16:38:00.000-05:00

Having the dreaded colonoscopy tomorrow. Wish there was a way where people would not dread this so much. I know how important it is but I have put it off for 8 yrs. Yes the prep is yuck but gum, mints, honey, and old time lemonade mix helps.

I guess since I am in the midst of this I am encouraging everyone to just do it.

2011-01-30T09:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday here in Georgia it was a gorgeous day. I went outside and did a little cleaning up around the flower beds. It was so wonderful to clear out some leaves and think about redoing some beds. I am the kind of person who really likes to plant bushes and flowers that stay green all year and come back year after year. There is nothing more gratifying than planting something and it takes care of itself. I have always loved camellias because they stay green and bloom when the weather is cold. I think I have a perfect place for one.

The deep freeze in the deep south has thawed.

2011-01-15T19:25:00.000-05:00

Boy did we ever get locked in here in Georgia. I was glad I bought bird seed. Lots of entertainment. The roads were a mess. Some were cleared while others were not. Stayed out of work until Thurs. I was a little nervous driving the 4 miles to work. So many others have much further to drive. I do not think we have ever been closed for 3 days due to snow and ice. It was pretty warm today so the roads are looking much better. Georgia is a strange state; I always say don't pack your shorts and don't put away your sweats. You can always count on weather changes.

Another snow day in the deep south.

2011-01-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

Weatherman predicted snow with sleet. Waiting and all of a sudden here is is around 7:00 PM right on time. White all over outside. So very cold though. Hope the power lines hold. I bought kerosene for the heater but would rather have electricity. Good time to clean a closet or two. Hold it just got a voice mail from the office. We are definitely closed tomorrow. Yippee. I was off anyway but yeah for the others.

A new start with a new day.

2010-12-31T09:35:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is 1/1/2011. A new day. Should we shrug off the old and put on the new? The old makes us wiser and more apt to handle the new. Wishing all of you out there a joyous and happy new year.

What follows after Christmas, oh yea a new number.

2010-12-28T06:48:00.000-05:00

Why does the new year always seem to sneak up on me. It is nothing new but I still forget. In a few days I will need to write a new number. These numbers come so very soon. 2011. Can you believe it. I my hope is that I will grow and become an all round better person. This time next year I will have a new grandbaby. Having a piece of your life continue is a wonderful gift. I pray for health and prosperity for all my family and friends. Let us have joy in this new year of 2011.

Peace

2010-12-25T17:52:00.000-05:00

Peace is given to us by the grace of God. We may have a hard time recognizing it but still it is there. The world will always be in turmoil but God gives us his love through the gift of his son. One day the lamb and lion will lie side by side. To change our little world we must have peace with others in our heart. Learn how to abandon our wants and our own way then peace will surround our life, not a perfect life but all in all the best we can do while just passing through.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

God's gift, the greatest gift of all. John 3:16

Susan Boyle "The Gift" and Hermits

2010-12-20T08:38:00.000-05:00

Another day off from work. Planning on getting a bit accomplished but for now listening to Susan Boyle's new CD "The Gift" and drinking coffee. Really a great voice. I usually purchase a new CD around Christmastime. Last year was Andrea Bocelli "My Christmas". Lovely man. Costco has really great prices.

Today I will make the cookie of my youth, Hermits. My grandmother made these every Christmas. She would fill the jar and continue filling it as we ate these wonderful cookies made of spice, raisins and nuts. I make these for myself as well as my Mom. I am always hoping she will get a bit of Christmas nostalgia of her mother. Unfortunately they never turn out as she remembers them. Do you think it is not the cookie as much as the memory? Maybe this year they will taste more like that Christmas when we were at my Grandmothers. I really wish my Grandmother was alive to critique them. I am sure she put something of herself in them that I do not have or at least have not found yet.

Happy week of Christmas.

more blogging and less facebooking

2010-12-18T10:38:00.000-05:00

I have neglected this blog. Facebook is great but really can you be yourself, I say nope. You have friends, family, coworkers, etc. on FB and you really cannot afford to be too revealing. But blogging is different. No one knows my blog and hopefully they will not even know how to find it unless I croak and they get into my computer and figure it out. Oh well, I would not be that mean to write really bad things just my feelings here and there.

Today is a wonderful Saturday -- a little rainy, Christmas music, good coffee, wonderful ideas from many bloggers, making a list and eating my new found friend flavored oatmeal.

Have a wonderful day.

Grand girls doing what they do best.

Thankfulness

2010-11-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

So thankful for freedom. There are many different kinds of freedom that we experience every day. I pray that we never have that taken away from us.

Everyone have a beautiful Thanksgiving Day.

Memory lane is fun.

2010-11-03T06:09:00.000-04:00

Getting really excited to see my old friend Becky. It has been a long time, probably 25 yrs or more. We are meeting Friday the 5th in Las Vegas. Went through pics last Sat and had a great time with myself--laughing and remembering high school. Unfortunately I had no pics of Becky back in the day. Found all sorts of memorabilia from high school. I even have my panty hose from graduation, go figure. I think that was an accident that I kept them. I listed all the gifts I received from graduation. A little money, slips, panties, luggage, shorts outfit, really odd things compared to today's standards except for the money. I am so glad I hung on to those things including the panty hose.

A little older today, well a total of 58 yrs.

2010-10-27T22:06:00.001-04:00

Mom put this pic on Facebook, I really love this happy baby.

Had a great day, my 58th birthday today. Have been MIA on my blog page. Need to do some catching up.

Health is good. Diabetes getting under control. Children, grandchildren and Mom doing well. Job is good. Went to a 4 day 10 hr work week. Off on Monday, making it a 3 day weekend, who could ask for more. Planning a trip in a week and a half to Las Vegas to meet up with a girlfriend from high school who I have not seen in a long long time. She lives in Seattle so we are meeting in LV for a long weekend. Then I must go on to San Francisco for the rest of the week because I can and you know I love to make every minute count. Hope the weather is good. Looking forward to the trip.

2010-08-29T09:46:00.000-04:00

Helped my Mom put a new waterbed mattress together yesterday. She has slept on a waterbed for probably 35 yrs or so. I had one for a long time as well. A lot of memories came back as we were draining and filling her mattress. Thankfully we did not have to mess with the frame. That was always a pain.

artist - Andrew Wyeth "Master Bedroom" One of my favorite pictures.

2010-08-22T18:51:00.001-04:00

Started a new blog a few days ago. This one is dedicated to my diabetes and diet. I am keeping a daily journal of my progress.

For those of you out there in your 50s and up, over weight and have high blood sugar, I encourage you to take a stand. You are the only one in control. I think I have been in denial for several months and it bit me on the butt. Everything is out of control on blood work. So I had to make a plan and a change.

So here is to health and happiness. Cheers.

2010-08-08T11:31:00.001-04:00

I am getting to the point where I do not like looking in the mirror. I am always surprised to see the jaw line dropping, the downward curve of the laugh lines, the little wrinkles above the lip, etc. I am sure you all know what I am talking about. I am 57 and wonder what I will look like at 77. I guess what really bothers me is the fact I still feel so young at heart. Maybe I should look in the mirror more often so there will not be any surprises, I will just get used to it gradually. I probably would not feel so bad if the young girls at work would not say "do you feel OK", "smile" or my most unfavorite "you look tired". They usually say those things when I think I look pretty good! What does it take to have them understand my face is a changing and the only thing I can do is visit the surgeon, plastic that is.

I don't think so, NO WAY.

Any suggestions?

Just do the best with what you know and have?

Just go with the flow and don't think about it.

2010-08-01T23:03:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it is August 1st. Is it just me or is time moving very fast. It is not just the days but whole years that are passing in just a blink. Sometimes I worry about not keeping in touch with every second but is that really possible. I think I should just relax and have no worries. Try to spend each day not making enemies but making people happy. Some days I am a little testy and cause others to get defensive. It is really not them but me, my reaction and my interaction with others is what is important. We all have a choice and that is how we respond to a situation.

Fountain statue in a little town off I-16 called Metter, GA.

Big house with wrap around porch and a live oaks for shade in historic Fernandina Beach, FL.

2010-07-27T07:21:00.000-04:00

Had a wonderful 3 day weekend (17th-19th of July). Took a trip to Amelia Island, Florida. Just above Jacksonville and right below Brunswick, GA. On this island there is Fernandina Beach and the historic town of Fernandina. Cute shops, ice-cream and a quaint harbor. Also there is a wonderful state park, Ft. Clinch. They had a pristine beach as all state parks do that have beaches. In the SP there were nature hikes, a great fort, lots of nature including bobcats. Just driving along to the beach I came upon a bobcat with his dinner.

Went to the park rangers and they verified it was a bobcat with a young racoon. It was really a great photo op.

Several sites of sea turtle nesting.

Of course I pack as much into a road trip as possible. On the way home stopped in the town of Brunswick, went over to St. Simons' Island and tried to find veggies in the little town of Metter, GA (no luck). Where are the farmers selling their wares?

Will post other pics when I have more time.

2010-07-06T09:41:00.001-04:00

Summertime and the living is easy.

Went for a quick road trip with Mom. We left Sunday morning, the 4th and drove to Braselton where Chateau Elan winery is. We were going to the spend the night there but decided to save $100 and stay at the Hampton Inn in Commerce which was about 15 miles away. Fireworks were planned at the winery and overflow parking at Publix across the street. When we got back people were parked everywhere, even off the interstate. We drove down a bit from Publix which was still packed with cars. Found a place up on a hill in a small office park. Parked and waited. Unfortunately half of the firework display was behind trees but still could see plenty. Taking pictures is always fun. Looking back I wish we had coughed up the extra 100 and stayed in the inn at the winery, oh well. Mom and I were on the lookout for a fresh vegetable stand on the way home Monday but no luck. I think most people are selling their veggies at local Saturday markets in small town squares. On the way to Braselton stopped by Suwanee which is an adorable town. Great parks. All new shops, etc. Decided to go the back roads home and came through Athens, GA (home of UGA, bulldogs). I could not get over how hilly the town was. I thought I was somewhere else, not Georgia. Finally got to my daughter's and picked up grand girls. Today we are taking it easy and having fun at Grammy's house.

Freedom

2010-07-03T18:30:00.000-04:00

I am so thankful to live in this country. My appreciation goes to every person who has protected my freedom and is still continuing to do. Our country may not be perfect but we have the freedom to work and strive towards perfection. I salute this country and all those men and women who have given their all to make it great.

2010-06-19T20:46:00.001-04:00

Father's Day, a day to be thankful for your Father.

I wanted to think of things I remember about my Daddy.

-He loved the beach, Gulf of Mexico. He loved the sun. He was always tan. He loved

to fish. Before he passed he was working on a fiberglass sailboat. He wanted to

leave and just sail. I have some of those traits but mine would be on land just

traveling the world.

-He drank his coffee with Coffemate. I do the same and I add Splenda because I like

mine sweet and creamy. I still have his beat up stainless steel thermos.

-He had beautiful handwriting. He was a Civil Engineer and draftsman. They have

a special penmanship.

-He had beautiful feet. He took very good care of them. I get a pedicure every 2

weeks. He would have loved getting a pedicure.

-He could open the frig and make a meal out of nothing. Fried potatoes, cornbread

fritters, fried apples. I love fried potatoes, cornbread and fried apples.

-He hung his wash on the clothesline outside. One of the last times I saw him he had

all his whites hanging on a line.

-He loved his Mother. I loved his Mother as well. She could be an inspiration. She

read the Bible every day. He gave her an orchid corsage every Mother's Day.

-He always told me he loved me. We had a odd relationship after he separated from

my Mom but he always said he loved me.

I miss you Daddy, you will always be a part of me.

2010-06-19T10:11:00.000-04:00

Just finished Yann Martel's "Beatrice and Virgil", he is the author of "Life of Pi". He is such a fine writer. Takes you to a place you did not know existed. If you have not read these 2 books, please do.

Next reading a new one by Sue Miller, "The Lake Shore Limited". She wrote "While I was Gone", an excellent book.

Continuation of my Utah trip

2010-06-13T10:34:00.002-04:00

This was sort of a basin that could hold rain water between 2 steep dunes.

Rock at dunes. Interesting pattern on it. Great rocks all over of different colors and formations.

At the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Tina and I explored a bit by walking out on the dunes. Would have been great to have a dune buggy. There are 2,000 acres of dunes. Wow. Unbelievable. Tiny pieces of quartz make up the sand (not coral, coral is the color).

After exploring the dunes we took off for Bryce Canyon. Found a site at the campground in Bryce. Stayed for 2 nights. Had a great time exploring. Took some great hikes. Tina is in better condition than myself so she did more strenuous ones. I think if it had been cooler I could have gone down into the canyon and back up with no problem. Some people have a toss up between Bryce and the Grand Canyon, I personally do not think you can compare the two, they both are glorious. Gaelyn, I wanted to stop by the north rim but we ran out of time. So close. I was disappointed.

Bryce Canyon NP

Simply beautiful. Love those hoodoos

My Utah Trip

2010-06-12T08:09:00.001-04:00

Pink Coral Sand Dunes (west of Kanab)

Behind on my blog page. Been a little busy. Week before Memorial Day went to Las Vegas. This is really not my scene but had to have a starting place for southeast Utah road trip. My friend from work, Tina and I planned a camping trip to the beautiful National Parks of Utah. Flew in to LV. Picked up our car. We got upgraded to a brand new Mustang convertible with only 4.5 miles on it. We broke it in very well by putting 1500 on it. Took off the next morning to Zion spent 2 nights at a campground just outside the park. Lovely. Then off to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

Las Vegas Strip

Zion NP

To be continued........

2010-05-09T07:39:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-02T19:55:00.000-04:00

A bit of memorabilia from 40 years ago.

The reunion went very well. There could have been more reminiscing. Everyone really looked good. Of course some have changed but some really looked so much the same. We were all 57, 58. Hopefully we will have another one before we are too old. I am sure you all have some sort of story about a reunion. I connected with a few old friends and that was great. I was not disappointed. Pictures were a bit difficult to take with everyone milling about.

2010-05-01T17:01:00.001-04:00

Tonight is my 40th high school reunion. I certainly have mixed emotions. I truly could not decide if I wanted to go or not. Finally I thought this is crazy, how many times do you have a 40th, once. No one cares if you look like your high school picture or not because no one does. Sure we have some similarities but we are not 17 anymore. We were babies then with baby skin. I will certainly let you know how it goes. I will have no disappointments, no matter what.

2010-04-22T06:47:00.000-04:00

Had a leader meeting at work last night. Boss lady kept asking us "any problems". I said that there was just too much talking to the patients using words like "sweetie, honey, hon, baby", you get the jest. I really had no idea it would be a big deal. I thought she would ask the 2 leaders to maybe say something to the MAs but instead after the meeting was over she said to me that next time I should just mention it to her. Whatever. I really think it should have been addressed. I know we are in the south but it is too much in a doctor's office. We can be warm and friendly but not sound condescending. Any opinions?

2010-04-21T07:09:00.000-04:00

Fresh day this morning. We had a terrific "wash the pollen away" day yesterday. Everything is so nice and clean. Georgia has quite a bit of yellow pollen that falls for a couple of weeks from pine trees, so the rain is so very needed. Thankful for the new day.

Glorious Easter

2010-04-04T08:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter my fellow bloggers.

It was early on Sunday morning when Jesus came back to life, and the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene--the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. Mark 16:9

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

We are like that lost lamb hanging on the side of a mountain. We just need to look up and let God hold us in his arms, safe and secure.

Tuesday very stressful.

2010-03-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

Computer problems. Those words most of us do not want to hear especially when at work. Tuesday was just awful. Our IT guy put in new switch box, and oh my what trouble it caused. Apparently some of the switches were bad or so they say and trouble started to brew. To make matters worse he decided to sit at my computer to start with and sad to say something happened, lost a program. Now this program is my lifeline (did not have anything to do with those D switches). Of course I had to spend the entire day on the phone and try to re-install which I did but the program I now have to use is different. Oh well, hopefully I can adjust.

Amazing how we have come to depend on this technology. Even now I send out my thoughts using a computer. Good and not so good goes along with this.

All in all it really does make my work life better.

St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T06:45:00.000-04:00

The Shamrock

The shamrock, which was also called the "seamroy" by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. As the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with English rule.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

New Car

2010-03-14T22:45:00.000-04:00

My New Car (well sort of)

Bought a new (2008) car yesterday. I had a 1996 Mecury Sable for 12 years. I put in a new transmission, new water pump, a new hose, tires a couple of times, oil changes of course, a couple of sensors (check engine light) and that was about it. I never had the spark plugs changed or a tune up and it ran like a champ. Lately there was almost no shocks and a strange noise was coming from the front when I turned the wheel a sharp turn to the right. So I thought it is time to buy something new. I had been looking on Craig's List, Auto Trader and local newspaper but not much I wanted. If the price was right there were too many miles. Went to a dealer and found a car- HHR by Chevrolet. I had driven these before and really liked the way they handle. So it was a done deal and they gave me $1,000 for my car which I felt like was OK, less trouble for me. So now I can feel much better when I head out on the road as well as a long drive like to the beach which I am so ready for. Do not know what the HHR stands for, so I made something up "Hungry Hippo Ride". That is the only thing that came to my mind.

HHR

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-12T06:57:00.001-05:00

I am in the mood to spring clean just wish my stamina was there. I remember when I was younger I would clean and clean. No big deal. Just put on some music, open the windows and go to town. Now I seem to have too much stuff. I feel like my spring cleaning is more than just wiping, vaccuming, moving things around--I want to do some major downsizing, have a yard sale, move it out to somebody else's house. I know I am not the only one who feels this way but where do I start.

Oh well to work I go and dream about spring cleaning. Maybe I should start with my little office at work. I have a Swiffer in my drawer just waiting to dust. Have a happy weekend.

Happy just dusting and cleaning.

I love these pics from allposters.com, I can always find something appropriate for my blog.

Taking responsibility for yourself.

2010-03-09T07:23:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite children's books is "The Little Red Hen". If no one will help then they will not get any bread. I have a strong issue with mankind, that is be responsible for yourself. Not only are you responsible and accountable for your actions but you should never do anything (at least consciously) to cause injury to another. Why can't co-workers be responsible and stop passing the buck. So back to the "The Little Red Hen", I really like her. She was also strong to her word. Pig, cow, etc did not get any bread.

Happy Birthday to my sweet grandgirl Addisun

2010-03-05T19:30:00.002-05:00

Addisun is 3 years old today. She is quite a little character. Very strong willed, happy and smart as can be. She has an 11 yr old sister who loves her but of course Addisun can be a bit rough. Hard to believe but she is tougher than Jorden ever thought about. What a difference in the two. I love them both so much. What a joy it is to have grandchildren.

I love this picture.

Sunday Afternoon Drive, Hogansville, GA

2010-03-02T21:23:00.000-05:00

I really love the paintings on the sides of buildings.

The Grand Hotel is built on the corner.

Took an afternoon ride to Hogansville, a very small town in Georgia. Here are some really neat pictures taken right on main street.

The Grand Hotel is really nice looking. http://www.thegrandhotel.net/welcome3.html It is a Bed and Breakfast. The Grand Hotel has a Tea Room which serves a traditional English Tea Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They also have an old time Sweet Shoppe and Gift Shoppe featuring homemade fudge, chocolates, and candy apples. Yum. I will have to go back and check it out.

The town is 40 miles south of the Atlanta airport. In October they have a hummingbird festival. Nice website http://www.hummingbirdfestival.com/

Hope you enjoy my trips to some unique little towns in Georgia.

A bit of southern history for Ruby Tuesday

2010-02-23T07:14:00.001-05:00

http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

A small town in Georgia called Monticello, south of Atlanta. There is a memorial to the confederate soldiers. Georgia is full of historical sites about the war between the states. I really loved one of the saying on the side of the monument. There is a little red from the brick store in the square. Also there were rose bushes planted all along the outer portion of the monument. I will go back in the summer and get a picture of them in full bloom.

"Crowns of roses fade. Crowns of thorns endure. Calvaries and crucifixions take deepest hold of humanity. The triumphs of night are transient. They pass and are forgotten. The sufferings of right are graven deepest on the chronicle of nations."

Comrades

To the confederate soldiers of Jasper County, the record of whose sublime self-sacrifice and undying devotion to duty, in the service of their county, is the proud heritage of a loyal posterity. "In legend and law, our heroes in gray shall forever live over again for us".

These monuments were always done in loving memory to those that served and lost their lives.

Love is in the air, literally.

2010-02-21T09:28:00.000-05:00

The birds are swooping and frolicking all over the place. They are getting ready to start a new family. Lovely weekend here in Georgia.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my blog friends.

2010-02-14T14:36:00.001-05:00

Snow comes and goes

2010-02-14T14:14:00.001-05:00

The snow is almost gone. Just a bit here and there. Yesterday was warm and most of it melted. It just dripped off everything all day. Today the same. This was our 2nd snow of the season. It was really pretty coming down Friday afternoon. Just filled in everywhere. About 4 inches. Georgia is a very odd place sometimes for weather. About now everybody wants spring. I like winter, so of course I want it to last a while longer. I noticed my neighbor next door has daffodils coming up.

Some more pictures today of almost melted away.

What are these? I think they are coyotte. These tracks go right up to a fence, looks like he was running and might have jumped the fence. I have seen one in the back yard.

Snow in Georgia

2010-02-12T23:46:00.001-05:00

It snowed a beauty this afternoon. It was a pretty wet snow. This evening I am hearing all sorts of moans and groans. It is probably the limbs of the trees creaking. The electrical lines are pretty heavy and swooping down a bit. Sure hope our power stays on. Sharing some pics I took outside a bit ago.

Looking at the skies on Friday

2010-02-12T05:15:00.000-05:00

Skywatch Fridays

Odd looking statue at the college. Nice blue sky.

For more pictures of the sky go to http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Saturday morning at the wetlands.

2010-02-07T20:40:00.000-05:00

Sludge looking water at the beginning of walk.

Canadian Geese

Swimming away.

Major honkers.

Racoon footprints.

Old farming tools found on property.

Interpretive area built by Eagle Scouts.

I love duckweed.

This past Saturday we went for a walk at the Newman Wetlands located in Hampton, GA. This area was restored in 1995 by the county water authority to preserve wetlands and their habitat. It is a very peaceful area, nice to just come (not too far from home) and relax.

Jorden and her Grammy bake a cake

2010-02-03T22:50:00.002-05:00

Jorden had a project due for class on Monday and of course when it comes to cooking we usually do this together. She needed a recipe from Latin America. So we choose Tres Leches Cake. She wanted to make something sweet. This sounded pretty good and easy since we were baking one large sheet cake.

So here we go on Sunday afternoon. We have the recipe printed out and the ingredients. We are doing pretty good. We have the cake made and baking in the oven. So we are at the computer finishing her project and looking for a map she could color in. She found some great maps. We printed the recipe, she wrote a small notation about the cake and found her map. My Mom was here as well enjoying Addisun the 2 and 1/2 yr old. She told me I better come check the cake, well of course it was burned. The time on the recipe was a little long. Well we had to make another one. Luckily it was just the cake part and by now we had it down pat.

When we finished it looked pretty good. She would need to keep it in the refrigerator and remember to take it to school the next day (she rides the bus). No problem.

Her teacher said it was very good and all the kids ate until it was all gone. Some of the other students decided to bring food as well for their project. No one had her 3 milk cake so it was a one of a kind, at least for us.

I love my Jorden she is such a good sport.

Jorden said ours did not have that milk puddle.

Cuban Tres Leches Cake

This dessert is actually Nicaraguan, but has been widely (or should I say, wildly!) adopted by all Cubans with a sweet tooth! Three different kinds of milk (thus the Tres Leches name) are used in the preparation. Fresh, heavy cream and condensed. This version serves 8 to 10 portions.

CAKE:

1 cup sugar

5 large eggs, separated

1/3 cup milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1-1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

MILK SYRUP:

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 cup heavy (or whipping) cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

MERINGUE:

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

3 egg whites

Preheat oven to 350oF. Generously butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

CAKE: Beat 3/4 cup sugar and the egg yolks until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Fold in the milk, vanilla, flour and baking powder.

Beat the egg whites to soft peaks, adding the cream of tartar after 20 seconds. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until the whites are glossy and firm, but not dry. Gently fold the whites into the yolk mixture. Pour this batter into the buttered baking dish.

Bake the cake until it feels firm and an inserted toothpick comes out clean, about 40 to 50 minutes (this is probably too long unless you bake in a smaller pan than we did). Pierce the cake all over with a fork, taking care to not tear it up.

MILK SYRUP: Combine the sweetened condensed milk, cream, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended. Pour the syrup over the cake, spooning the overflow back on top, until it is all absorbed.

MERINGUE: Place 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the sugar in a heavy saucepan with 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook over high heat for 2 minutes. Uncover pan and cook the sugar to the soft ball stage, 239oF on a candy thermometer, 6 to 8 minutes.

Meanwhile beat the egg whites to soft peaks with the cream of tartar. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the sugar and continue beating to stiff peaks. Pour the boiling sugar syrup in a thin stream into the stiff egg whites and continue beating until the mixture is cool to the touch. The hot syrup "cooks" the egg whites.

Using a wet spatula, spread the top and sides of the cake with a thick layer of the meringue. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.

Enjoyable Day

2010-01-31T00:20:00.001-05:00

Finished my 2nd book for Jan. Amy Tan's Saving Fish From Drowning. http://www.amytan.net/ This is an interesting website about Amy Tan.

Other books by Amy Tan include (fiction) The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen God's Wife, The Hundred Secret Senses and The Bonesetter's Daughter.

(Nonfiction) The Opposite of Fate.

(Children's Books) The Moon Lady and The Chinese Siamese Cat.

Spent a lot of time today ripping CDs. My son and his wife gave me plenty (not in my collection). I just about got through theirs and now I have my own. Tons and tons. I will download to MP3 player when I finish. I hope they all fit. I have just about every kind of genre there is, from Willie Nelson to opera.

Then I went and had my hair trimmed, manicure and pedicure. All under $50.00. Good deal. I have a great hair cutter "Holly" at Great Clips. Most people spend at least $50.00 for a hair cut.

Tonight went with a friend to a get together with some ladies that my friend has met at a church she just started attending. I had a really nice time. We ate, played a game called "Fact or Crap". Nice name for church ladies. What can I say it was fun.

Nice weekend

2010-01-25T19:29:00.002-05:00

Spent Saturday with Jonah and Amber. They live about 45 min to an hour away, so I stayed the night as well. I had a great time. Quiet evening. Jonah and Amber do everything around the house together. He is not one to just sit while she cooks and cleans. Not gonna happen. He is always doing things first. They really have a equal partnership marriage. We usually do not get to just visit with the 3 of us so I wanted to spend time just with them.

Started another book by Amy Tan. Should finish it in a few days if I keep at it. She is quite a story teller. I love the settings of her books.

I have a Facebook page which includes coworkers, friends, relatives, and some school friends. I always wanted to find my "old boyfriend" and I finally did. Pulled up his wife's name and there he was. Low and behold he took my friend bait. Really great to see how years go by and what develops. 42 years is a long time. I had my first double date with him at age 15. What can I say.

Took a few pics on Sunday in the misting rain. Hope you like.

Click on to enlarge and get a little more detail.

Finished 1st book for 2010

2010-01-14T20:30:00.000-05:00

Just finished reading Anne Tyler's book "The Amateaur Marriage". She has written many but the only other one I have read is "The Accidental Tourist" a long time back. I keep a journal listing the books I have read over the last several years.

This book was really good. Her characters were easy to follow and the story line was well written. I really enjoyed it. This was written in 2003 and her newest one is "Noah's Compass".

I find when I like a book I want to read everything that was written by that author. She has about 18 books and I have only read 2. Better get to the library.

My son is 32 today

2010-01-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

My son was born in Gastonia, NC, 32 years ago today. It was Friday the 13th and I named him Jonah Aaron. Love that name. He was the most laid back kid. When he was 9 months I got pregnant with Alecia and that made them very close in age. Jonah was always so good with Alecia. I remember one time she was just crawling and I heard him calling Moma. It sounded a little funny. I found him holding her diaper as she was about to go out the back door. There was a small stoop and about 12 concrete steps with no hand rail. He was saving her life and mine. He has always been such a great kid. Alecia loves tells stories on him. Apparently he was like all other teenagers, sneaking around and such. Luckily no real trouble and all is well now. He has his own life, married and a good job. He is very active. He loves moutain biking, motorcycles, soccer and his wife loves being active as well. I wish him a good life. He has been 1 of my 2 jewels. I will love you always Jonah.

Jonah at 7 days old

Adjust that attitude girlie!

2010-01-10T19:13:00.000-05:00

Ready to start a new work week. Hope this one goes well. Friday I had a very bad attitude. I have to straighten up and just do my job, stop worrying about what other people are up to or for that matter not up to. It is going to really take some thought to keep my mind focused. I am sure I will slip up but maybe I should put up some little sign just for me to look at during the day. Any suggestions. Really any thoughts on this. I have at least 3 more years to work there, maybe even 5. I am sure I can do it if I put my heart and soul in it and have good weekends.

Everyone have a great week.

Daisy says Life is Good.

snow day in GA

2010-01-08T09:50:00.001-05:00

Not much snow but very cold today. Most all schools in the Atlanta area are closed as well as a lot of businesses including ours. Us southerners do not do ice and snow well. Most of us like to stay home. There seems to be too much craziness on the road. Not sure who is at fault but someone does something stupid when they are trying to get who knows where. At this tme my computer says 18 degrees. I cannot remember it ever being this temp. for so long. Sun is out and the bit of white on the ground is very pretty. I should not look a gift horse in the mouth as the saying goes. I will just enjoy an extra day and just when I thought I could make it through a full work week. Happy Friday.

May everyone have a very Happy New Year

2010-01-03T20:15:00.000-05:00

It has been a nice long weekend. Did a little extra work at home so I would not be so far behind come tomorrow. The weather has been very chilly but the sun came out this weekend making it a beautiful day. I am very happy to have a nice warm home to come in to and food in the pantry and frig. Thankful for my job and my family. I suppose the best way to start the new year is with thankfulness by counting those blessings every day.

Posting a few pictures of fireworks from New Year's Eve. Jumped out of bed and drove over to the mall around 11:30 just to see them. It was a bit foggy but still enjoyed them.

January 1, 2010

Getting ready for 2010

2009-12-31T12:19:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it, 2010 is almost here. I am ready to take stock. What can I do to be better? I want to be a better daughter, mother, co-worker and friend. All those things are me and the best thing to improve on is my response to those around me. Take on a better attitude. Stop being the one who has to be right all the time. Next year this time I hope to be better.

Happy New Year to all of you and thanks for checking out my blog.

New opportunities

2009-12-26T07:58:00.000-05:00

If you are not careful you can get a bit of a let down after Christmas. All that anticipation and preparation can be a bit overwhelming especially if things did not turn out as you planned. I usually start reflecting on myself. Thinking of things I can do to be a better person. I ask for forgiveness and set new goals for myself, ones I know I can achieve. There is always a time for getting yourself in order. Sort of like cleaning out a closet, a room, the house, the garage, etc. You get my drift I am sure.

Enjoy your weekend with family and friends. Take some time to encourage yourself so you can encourage others. Welcome those new opportunities.

I love the feeling of Christmas

2009-12-24T09:47:00.001-05:00

Our work place is closed today and for that I am so grateful. Today will be a peaceful day. I intend on making some treats to share with neighbors. Go to Christmas Eve service at church. Tomorrow go to my daughter's house, spend the day and enjoy the grandgirls.

Tonight is the night we celebrate the birth of Christ.

"Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will your recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!"

(The Living Bible Luke 2 verses 10-12)

Can't you just hear the angel all excited and telling the shepherds the news.
1. Do not be scared.
2. This is the best news ever.
3. Everyone can be a part of it.
4. He is the one you have been waiting for.
5. You can recognize him, he is not hiding from you.

I never really looked at the different messages but there they are. No one is left out of this special birth.

Enjoy your day.

KISS (Keep It Simple Susie)

2009-12-19T09:23:00.008-05:00

This is the last weekend before Christmas. Shopping for gifts, and shopping for food. About this time you have either wrapped the last present and on your way to cooking the last of the sweets. My motto is keep it simple. I know those recipes look tempting and those ads tell you to come on back and buy something else but you probably have enough already. By keeping things simple you put less pressure on yourself and now you have time to really enjoy the season.

Tomorrow we will have our Family Christmas. We have exchanged names and that makes shopping easier. I have the 2 daughters and my Mom bringing a side. I will cook the meat, rolls, potatoes and carrots. I have decided that my house does not have to be perfect. I am really looking forward to another day with my little family.

May you have a peaceful weekend, remember whose birthday it really is and KISS.

I don't think this is Susie, maybe her cat is called Susie.

Picture came from allposters.com titled -- Mrs. Yandle Cooking on Coal Stove, Yacolt Mt, Future Recipients of Electricity from Bonneville Dam by Alfred Eisenstaedt

Window Views and Doors

2009-12-17T06:54:00.003-05:00

Sweet little bakery I found on the trip in Michigan.

For more Windows and Door views go to http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

A Gift for you

2009-12-14T21:37:00.002-05:00

This time of year can bring on many emotions. A lot of people feel that they cannot buy enough for their families, they get in debt and the expectations of euphoria explode and they are empty. Shopping is fun this time of year but really not a necessity. For families with young children they put so much pressure on themselves that the true meaning of Christmas seems to fade in the christmas presents opened and laid aside. Usually the child finds one toy they really love and play with it the whole day. Commercialism has it place but we all need to put it in its place. Take a few minutes to stop and remember what Christmas is all about. God's precious gift to mankind, his Son. Not only is it time to read the story of the birth but remember the shadow of the cross. That is where the true gift lies. He loved us and gave His sacrifice, the ultimate gift. No store bought, handmade, or kitchen sweet concoction can ever measure up to that one gift to all. So do not be overwhelmed by this time of year. The best gift has already been given and all you have to do is receive it, untie the bow, and hold it close to your heart.

Happy Friday

2009-12-11T07:26:00.000-05:00

I have been very busy this week. Just cannot get a handle on work. Sometimes I feel like I cannot even get organized. I have to have some semblance of order before I can work. Are others like that? I have to stop during the day and see where I am if my desk gets too messy. I have a very small (closet size) office but I am grateful because it has a door (yea). The door can be shut if the hallway gets too crazy. During this next year I want to come up with some ideas to streamline my duties at work. I have the job of 2 people. Most of us are doing just that, taking on extra work because well--we just have to. That is the law of the land now a days. Belts are tight and everyone has to give their all and more. Not complaining really just want to know how I can keep my santity and still be a happy team player. Better get going, the office is waiting. Have a great Friday.

Monday morning...vacation day.

2009-12-07T08:46:00.003-05:00

I have a few vacation days left til the end of the year. Taking today and going to a fancy mall in Atlanta. I am going to enjoy looking, may find a few interesting things and will take my camera to snap decorations, etc. My two friends are joining me, they took the day off as well.

Just a picture to get you in the cookie mood, ours were a bit different.

Yesterday had the 2 grandgirls. Made Christmas cookies, our favorite thing to do. We make this recipe all year and we have different cookie cutters and sprinkles for the season. The recipe we love is Martha Stewart's basic sugar cookie recipe with royal icing. We have tried them all and this one is our favorite. The cookie is crunchy and has a perfect taste. That morning I made the dough and 11 yr old did all the rolling, and cutting out while battling with the 2 yr old. She kept snatching cookie dough and flour to eat. Hopefully her stomach can handle the raw egg. She was fast, popped it in her mouth before we knew what happened. Jorden took all the cookies to give out to her neighbors. We will make some more for mine before Christmas.

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/sugar-cookies-living

Basic Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Makes about 2 dozen 4-inch cookies

4 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for surface and more if needed

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Royal Icing (see below)

Directions

1.Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Turn out dough, and divide in half. Flatten each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.

2.Preheat oven to 325 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Let one disk of dough stand at room temperature just until soft enough to roll, about 10 minutes. Roll out dough on a lightly floured work surface to just under 1/4-inch thick, adding more flour as needed to keep dough from sticking. Chill in refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes. Cut out cookies using desired cutters or templates. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets as you work. Roll out scraps, and repeat once. Repeat with remaining disk of dough. Chill cookies in freezer until very firm, about 15 minutes.

3.Bake cookies, switching positions of sheets and rotating halfway through, until edges turn golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Decorate with Royal Icing. (Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week.)

Egg Free Royal Icing

Ingredients

Makes 5 cups

2 pounds confectioners' sugar, plus more if needed

2/3 cup water, plus more if needed

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons meringue powder (wilton.com)

Gel-paste food coloring (sugarcraft.com)

Directions

1.Mix sugar, water, and meringue powder with a mixer on low speed until smooth, about 7 minutes. Icing should be the consistency of glue. (If icing is too thick, mix in a little more water. If icing is too thin, add more confectioners' sugar.) Add food coloring, 1 drop at a time, until desired color is achieved; if making more than 1 color, divide icing and work in batches. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Stir before using.

Around 6:00 took them to meet their Mom (we meet halfway at a QT since they live a bit away). This works out well. When I walked back into the house I could not believe the mess. Talk about a cyclone hitting the house. J does not pull things out anymore but Addisun does. Baby Jesus and his manger is missing. He is very small. I asked her where baby Jesus was and she said in my room. I guess he will show up. I still have a room to clean up (I am sitting in it and every once in a while an electronic toy goes off especially when I step on it).

Have a great Monday.

Window Views for Thursday

2009-12-02T23:39:00.001-05:00

East Randolph Street in Chicago, IL 2008

For more window views and doors click below.

http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/2009/12/window-viewsand-doors-too.html

Spending time with friends

2009-11-30T20:45:00.001-05:00

Sunday afternoon was a beautiful day and it was spent with my two friends, one whose birthday was the 21st of November. She turned the nice age of 60. We went to Maggioni's Little Italy restaurant. Sampled some wine. Had a nice meal. I made a version of Black Forest Cake which we had back at my friend's house. She opened her gifts, we talked, had coffee and cake. It seems around this time of year it is hard to get together. If we see each other, it is usually on the weekends and we have only 3 of those left before Christmas. Wow time is really flying by. So we need to cherish what we have and those we love.

Shopping, me? No way!

2009-11-28T07:15:00.001-05:00

I never go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I have always gotten that day off and relish in the joy of being home. I usually do something a little constructive. My daughter called and said they went shopping all night (early Friday morning)--11:00 pm until 5:00 am. They went home took a nap and they were on the road again by 4:00 pm. They will have all their shopping done and decorations up by Sunday (tomorrow). She certainly did not get that from me. So while everyone was out in the masses, I got my oil changed and a free car wash (barely got the grime off) and took a walk over at the college. Such a nice day. It was cool but the sun was shining and life is so good. Rented a movie and called my friend (she was out in the masses), asked her if she wanted some dinner. She said OK as soon as she could get out of the outlet shopping area. We had a nice dinner and watched The Proposal. This was not my most favorite Sandra Bullock movie.

Well today is Saturday and I will drag all my Christmas boxes out and decide about decorations. It will be a gorgeous day to do this, no rain in the forecast. My goal every year at this time is to be stress free. I have been successful in this endeavor especially now that my children are grown. My plan is not to spend very much money and being the bargain shopper I am, the plan works pretty good. I do not have peer pressure anymore. I still have a few things I like to do 1) bake cookies with my grandgirl and give some to the neighbors, 2) go see the Nutcracker (we will be given free tickets, so nice) at the Fox in Atlanta, 3) church on Christmas Eve, 4) find any charity to donate money, food or toys. I never feel like I give enough. I always want to do more.

Life is fragile, handle with care. Have a wonderful weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

2009-11-26T09:38:00.000-05:00

Got back last night from our road trip. It was quite a journey. Had some car trouble but all in all everyone including the dog enjoyed the trip. God was definitely in control. For this I am thankful.

Everyone have a wonderful day where ever you are. It is going to be a beautiful day here in Georgia.

"Trimming the Pie" by Joseph Christian Levendecker 1935

Together for a short while

2009-11-23T08:18:00.000-05:00

My thanksgiving flag.

Everyone was together yesterday. My little family includes my Mom, Jonah, his wife Amber, Alecia, her husband Josh and their 2 girls, Addisun age 2-1/2 and Jorden age 11. We had vegetable tray with ranch dressing, chips with salsa (my Mom's friend brought it to her from Ft. Worth, Tx), Stover's lasagna, garlic bread, brownies with vanilla ice-cream and sweet iced tea. Everybody was hungry which I like, and ready to eat. The time seems to go so fast. Eat, talk, hug goodbye. We did exchange names for Christmas gifts. We started doing this last year. We put a $50.00 limit which I think may still be too much. In fact we forgot to say the money amount yesterday. Since we were getting together for the Thanksgiving holiday I kept thinking it was Thursday. I did get a turkey breast and pumpkin pie to cook for Thanksgiving. My favorite food for TG is white meat of turkey, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. When I cook for myself and Mom, that is all I fix. Yum.

Jorden spent the night and we are going on a little road trip for a couple of days. I love spending time with her. She is growing up so fast and I know these little trips won't last forever. She will have her own family one day which I look forward to being a part of.

Happy Monday.

All done with the den

2009-11-21T12:51:00.000-05:00

Finished painting. Cleaned all the books out that were unnecessary and needed another home. Did I mention all the tile I had lined up against the wall that I got for free. I have been holding on to this but again cannot use because it is such a big deal to lay it down. Preparation for this is too difficult. Oh well. I have put it on the deck and may list it on craigslist for free. Hopefully it will be gone before too long. Sometimes the projects you want to do are not always workable. I find it very hard to find a "handyman". My new front door has been behind my couch in the living room wanting to be put up for probably 2 mo. I guess I will have to get "Home Depot" to do it. I thought I could find a HM but to no avail. Apparently there is work but where are the workers.

How do we collect so much stuff. I still need to get a handle on it. Free or cheap is not the reason to collect stuff you are not using. If you cannot use it right away -- then don't bring it home. Right?

All in all the den looks so much better.

Books before the purge.

Working on moving the bookcases. Condensed down to two.

The tile mess.

Tile on the deck waiting for a home.

The den all cleaned up. Not beautiful but functional.

Now to work on the kitchen, and living room, expecting family over tomorrow for Thanksgiving lunch (lasagna I think still pondering the menu, not turkey). Doing it early makes sure we are all together close to the holiday. As our families grow our time together gets less and less. I love my little family and want them to have their own traditions and not feel pressured to chop up their holidays.

Skywatch Friday

2009-11-19T23:03:00.001-05:00

One of my favorites of the sky through the top of the trees in my backyard this summer. For more pictures of the sky go to Skywatch Friday.

http://skyley.blogspot.com

Project Den--the books.

2009-11-18T07:18:00.001-05:00

I am in the middle of a project. My den which is really my garage is getting painted by me. I have been putting off cleaning up this room for a while. I decided to start painting and you know how that is, you have to move things around to get to the walls. I had 3 bookshelves completely, I mean overfilled with books. I had to sort through them and decide what to keep. I ended up with 3 huge containers filled with books. I kept 2 bookcases and as I was painting one wall I moved them over to the freshly painted wall. Now 2 bookcases full. Last night I took the books to Goodwill. I asked him if he was strong, he had to lift the containers which he did. I wanted the containers back. So off I go into the store, you know I have to look. Found a great jean jacket, it was just waiting for me, right size, etc. Oh yeah yesterday was senior citizens day, over 55, yea, 25% off. Would you not believe I went straight to the books. What is wrong with me. I made myself leave that area. I saw a purse I donated and had to remember not to buy it back.

So what is wrong with a person who constantly thinks she has to have a bargain. I must leave so others can shop. My new motto. Oh and before going to the Goodwill I went to Walmart, big mistake. Most of my cart was groceries but still the final amount was way too much. I will never be able to semi-retire if I keep going to Walmart.

Will continue my project saga, I even took pics to see my progress. Will post later.

Have a great Wednesday.

Mellow Yellow Monday

2009-11-16T07:12:00.002-05:00

http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Notice the yellow jacket sitting on the leaf. Feel free to tell me what kind of flower this is. I have no clue, was taken at Biltmore Gardens. Have a Happy Monday.

For more of the color yellow go to Mellow Yellow Monday.

Color Carnival, Navy Pier

2009-11-14T08:19:00.002-05:00

http://colorcarnivalmeme.blogspot.com/2009/11/color-carnival-28.html

Navy Pier, Chicago, IL

For more color go to Color Carnival.

This Way Thurs Way, a Thursday Meme

2009-11-12T07:02:00.002-05:00

When I was driving around Sunday I decided to go to Rex, about 10 miles or so from me and take pictures of the old grist mill. When I got there I saw they had built a bypass and the road to this mill is hardly used anymore. There is a one way bridge and I guess there became too much traffic to use the road anymore. The mill has been there a long time.

For more pictures of signs and scenes from the road go to This Way Thurs Way.

My World this Weekend

2009-11-08T22:45:00.002-05:00

I have had a truly beautiful weekend. It all started Friday morning when I woke up dizzy. I just could not get it together and drive to work. So I called in sick. No problem. Have not taken a sick day all year. Later in the afternoon I felt better and cut the grass and leaves in the front yard. I felt like a little fresh air and exercise was in order. Friday I had promised my granddaughter we would go to a wedding reception at the local Indian Hindu temple. A young girl was married in India 3 months ago and invited me to a small wedding reception.

On Saturday I just cleaned up the leaves in the back yard and had a nice relaxing day.

Today I visited a monastery (Monastery of the Holy Spirt in Conyers, GA) and was just planning on taking pictures around the grounds but got to go in the beautiful cathedral and hear The University of Georgia chorus, concert choir and symphony orchestra. Music consisted of the following: Five Negro Spirituals from A child of our time by Michael Tippet. These are beautiful songs: Steal away to Jesus, Nobody knows the trouble I see, Go down, Moses, By and By and Deep River. Also Dixit Dominus by George Frideric Handel and Mass in B-flat Major, Harmoniemesse by Joseph Haydn. It was beautiful. Could not have planned it better. The acoustics were terrific.

I did take pictures of the stained glass and the outside gardens. They had a ginkgo tree. The most beautiful yellow tree. The leaves would fall around you so gently, it was like snowflakes. I really enjoyed my weekned.

This is the large piece of glass as you look forward. It is just beautiful.

Some very colorful pieces of glass. There were many.

Facing behind you. The balcony. Beautiful architecture.

Yellow snowflakes. Ginkgo Tree.

Mother and Child

A close up. So sweet--just like a mother and her baby.

2009-11-08T07:08:00.002-05:00

monochromeweeklytheme.blogspot.com

To see some very creative and wow monochrome pics go to link above.

A nice place to sit on a monochrome monday.

Watery Wednesday

2009-11-04T06:59:00.003-05:00

For more watery wednesday pics click on title.

Nice walking path. This is one of the more open spots, most are in the woods with the canopy of trees.

Went over to a place called Reynold's Nature Preserve. There was a Judge and his wife who lived on this wooded property when I was a kid, it almost backed up to our house. My Dad had some horses and would ride them over there. There was a lake and the Judge would shoot rock salt at anyone who set foot on his property without permission. Needless to say my Dad made friends and would go over there quite a bit. When the Judge died he willed it to the county. They keep it up pretty well. It is a wonderful place to go and walk the trails and enjoy nature. Back when I was a kid I did not know what I had in my own back yard. My Mom still lives in the house I grew up in and I only live about a mile from this place as well as her. Sometimes we have a lot in our own back yard if we just look.

A little something in black and white.

2009-11-03T17:13:00.000-05:00

"Do not be fooled I am really hot pink."

For more black and white photos go to monochrome weekly theme blogspot.

Thursday night hockey

2009-11-01T08:44:00.000-05:00

This was only my 3rd time going to a hockey game. We had free tickets and good seats. I really enjoy the game even though I do not know much about the plays. I need to read up before the next game. The thing about hockey is it is not too long. I guess the intensity of it makes up for the length. Philips Arena is part of the CNN center in Atlanta.

Atlanta Thrashers played the Washington Capitals. Final score 3 to 4, they won.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-31T08:49:00.004-04:00

Grandgirls in the Pumpkin Patch

(In the background is the Jonesboro courthouse.)

Have a terrific Saturday.

For anything Halloween go to Brenda's Photo Challenge. Thanks Brenda.

http://brendaphotochallenge.blogspot.com/

Watery Wednesday

2009-10-27T21:20:00.003-04:00

http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Chicago Downtown-Nice man-made waterfall.

Chicago-Lake Michigan Looking off the Navy Pier during dusk at this cool boat.

Some more pictures I took while in Chicago. That town is a wonderland of photo opportunities.

For more great pictures go to Watery Wednesday.

Duplication

2009-10-25T11:07:00.000-04:00

I just found another blogsite with the same name. Strange. I was looking at a blogsite I had put in favorites and on the side she had other blogs she followed and there was mine, well sort of. I clicked on it and was quite surprised. I thought I was so creative but quess not. Oh well.

Has this happened to anyone else?

Weekend Reflections

2009-10-24T13:14:00.000-04:00

Atlanta, GA on Peachtree Street

http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/10/lambertville-reflections-weekend.html

Window shopping

2009-10-23T17:55:00.000-04:00

I love to take pictures of shop windows. You never know really what you get in the reflection of the glass until you get home and download on the computer. These windows belong to the town of Blue Ridge, Georgia 4th of July weekend. A neat little town in north Georgia.

Today with flowers, water and windows.

2009-10-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

I thought this picture would fit for all the memes. It is a shot of Chicago.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/
http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/
http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

Signs

2009-10-21T07:19:00.000-04:00

1st sign near Lake Superior. Do they love to fish or does that mean fish are nearby?

2nd in Blue Ridge, GA at a shop that sells (read the sign). The dog could be a TM, not sure but he is a happy fellow.

3rd also in Blue Ridge, guess what they sell? All sorts of Kitty and Puppy stuff.

Saturday Shopping and Cooking

2009-10-18T10:34:00.001-04:00

Went to Dollar Tree and WalMart. I should never go to WalMart alone I should have a watch-person. I always spend way too much and never know why.

I am so glad we have the Dollar Tree. You know everything is a dollar. I hear people ask the store clerk, "is everything really only a dollar?" I like the larger stores, they have a bigger variety. Found some large bottles of liquid potpourri for my potpourri simmer pot. Black Cherry and Plum, Ocean Breeze and the one I am using right now Apples and Cinnamon. Good find.

I made a pot of minestroni soup. Ingredients are so simple, a little chopping is needed but mostly canned items.

2 chopped onions
3 or 4 stalks of chopped celery
4 or 5 carrots chopped
2 zucchini cut into nice size pieces
sautee in olive oil
2 cans of chicken broth
2 cans of diced italian style tomatoes
I added a little water for the vegetables
add some pepper, garlic powder, italian seasoning, parsley, I never added salt but will taste today and see if it needs any, you get a lot of salt from the canned items.
bring to boil and simmer for a while
add 2 cans of cannellini beans, juice and all
small size pasta, I used the little bow ties
simmer all this til pasta is tender but do not overcook

Serve with cornbread or your favorite crusty bread and butter. Yum.

This is a nice soup to freeze which I will do in smaller portions for myself and friends. I love my vacuum seal Food Saver. It is great. I found this one at Big Lots (another favorite store). The trick is to use their bags, off brands will not work. I also need to freeze the soup in the bags before I vac and seal. Liquids do not vac well until frozen. Just a tip.

My walking buddy went to the Applefest in Elijay last weekend and brought me the best apples. I think they are Mutsu (Crispin).

I have eaten several but thought they would make a good pie. I am a terrible pie crust maker so I always buy the frozen ones. I made this pie with Splenda. Cut the apples, added 1 cup of Splenda, 3 T of cornstarch, 1/8th of a teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Put in the crust, laid the other on top, cut a few slits in the top and bake. Yummy pie and no sugar (except for the apples naturally). Easy.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

P.S. What happened to the spellcheck in the new updated version of "new posts". Am I overlooking it or did it just disappear?

Atlanta, GA I-75/I-85 southbound

2009-10-17T08:50:00.003-04:00

This was taken going through downtown Atlanta. I was thinking how many people have to travel this road on their way to the southern part of Georgia and Florida. I always wonder what they think; are we a clean city, too big, good looking, or I wouldn't want to live there. Wishing all travelers a safe journey and interesting sights.

This is a photo challenge by The Brenda Photo Challenge, go to http://brendaphotochallenge.blogspot.com/ to post your highway or bi-ways photos. There theme is Highways & Bi-ways... Places that take you somewhere...It could be a road or a river, a hiking trail or a freeway, or anything that pertains to the highway, byway, etc.!Thanks Judy and Brenda. This is going to be fun and interesting I am sure.

The cute picture above is Brenda's and I love it.

M is for misting rain right now.

2009-10-14T19:17:00.001-04:00

Be part of this meme; ABC Wednesday http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/

It is misting rain tonight. The weather is cooler and very wet. Took Daisy dog out to do her thing and I was thinking is it going to be dry one day. I do remember dry days. I need to do some yard work; grass cutting, limb cutting, etc. I still have 3 bags of cedar mulch to put somewhere that has been on my driveway all summer. It has been either too hot or too wet. I have noticed some trees turning a bit orange and yellow. I was worried that fall was going to pass Georgia by. I love the fall colors and leaves falling but I think the weather needs to be cool and dry.

So my word for tonight is misting rain. Great for the complexion.

Have a beautiful night.

Just a little something extra. I love the group Fleet Foxes (one song I love is "In the hot, hot rays").

Above photo credit goes to weather picture - weather photo - in the mist and rain, by _RedDeath

Remember Whensday 1969

2009-10-13T18:14:00.004-04:00

Me on the football field Homecoming game October 1969. I wish I knew then what I know now. Famous words. Forest Park Senior Highschool in Forest Park, Georgia. The ROTC did the escorting. My Mom made the dress. Red velveteen with a sliver and bead trim at the empire waist. I think she still has the dress hanging in a closet. I still have the gloves. I am sure the shoes were dyed to match probably from Baker's shoes. Remember the cloth shoes we all had dyed to match and sometimes even a clutch purse. I remember smoothing out that hair and then going out in the humidity and it would start poofing out. We did not have much to tame the hair with back then. A little dippity doo, hot rollers, hairspray, and that was just about it. I also had this lanolin by Breck that came in a spray can. It worked pretty good on my coarse hair. Thanks Sally for letting me remember.

For more Remember Whensday go to http://rememberwhensday.blogspot.com/

A little something red for Ruby Tuesday

2009-10-13T07:29:00.004-04:00

A red fire hydrant for Ruby Tuesday. This was taken in Idaho Springs, Colorado in May. I love this little town. I always stop and walk around looking in the shops and always buy soap in the soap shoppe.

For more pictures with a little or a lot of red go to http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

The Swan House in Atlanta

2009-10-11T20:42:00.003-04:00

http://monochromeweeklytheme.blogspot.com/2009/10/week-beginning-sunday-11th-october.html

My granddaughter and I rode into Atlanta to take pictures. One of the places we went was the Swan House on West Paces Ferry, right close to the Governor's Mansion. Across the street from this gorgeous piece of architecture was a smaller house which looked straight on the picture above. I suppose it was the caretaker's house at one time. My granddaughter said she would get tired of walking up those steps. Go figure what an 11 yr old would say. What a treat for the current homeowners to see out their living room window.

Reflections in Yellowstone

2009-10-10T08:38:00.003-04:00

This was taken while in Yellowstone in May. I love the colors in all the basins. Hope you like the tree reflections in this picture along with some steam from the hot springs/mudpots.

Go to Weekend Reflections http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/ for more reflections.

Look to the skies.

2009-10-09T07:10:00.002-04:00

For more sky watch Friday go to http://skyley.blogspot.com/2009/10/skywatch-friday-season-4-episode-13.html

Love to see the sun sparkle through with some dark clouds and blue sky. A beautiful picture. Have a terrific Friday.

Watery Wednesday

2009-10-07T18:09:00.008-04:00

For more Watery Wednesday pictures go to http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/2009/10/watery-wednesday-56.html

hosted by 2sweetnsaxy

This is Arch Rock on Mackinac Island, MI. I will write what it says on the postcard I bought. It is a natural limestone formation with a span of 50 feet which rises 149 feet about the blue waters of the Straits of Mackinac. In the first picture you can see the people riding a bike on the road below. It was quite a climb up via wooden stairs.