Potent Quotable - Why Not?

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Top Ten

Top Ten....... (But not in any particular order - that would be a job)

MOVIES

• Shawshank


• Princess Bride


• Gone With the Wind


• Dolores Clayborn


• Corinna, Corinna

BOOKS

• Gone With the Wind


• The (whole) Mitford Series


• Dr. Seus ABC


• Johnny Tremain


• The Bible

MUSICIANS

• Amy Grant


• Michael W. Smith


• James Taylor


• Melissa Ethridge


• Phil Collins

PLACES TO VISIT

• Florida - anywhere!


• Boston, Ma


• Charleston, Sc


• San Francisco, Ca


• Maine

Fav Foods

• Spaghetti


• Pizza


• Biscuits & Gravy


• Melba Toast - ha not really just seeing if you're paying attention


• A good burger & fries


• Turkey & stuffing

Thing I Like to Do

Play guitar, sing/listen to music, garden, read, eat, travel

Place I'd Like to Visit - One day

Seattle, Wa: The Keys in Fl: Alaska: Australia: Ireland

Left Over "Leftovers"

Today for lunch I digested a bowl of soup that was leftover from last night. But you see last night's soup was really a product of leftovers from 3 different meals. Ah haa! Leftover lentils, leftover ham chunks, and some chicken stock I made from a previous broiled chicken dinner. The product? Ham and lentil soup. It's pretty tasty I might add. Oh and I had the leftover bbq chicken and chipolte ranch sauce and made a wrap. Talk about being thrifty why don't ya? I should have been on that new TV show; the next restaurant or what ever it's called.

Did You Know I Love ~

campfires ~ especially the smell

The smell and sound of the ocean

playing games: board, card, computer, tv

spring rain - the smell, the sound

creme brulee'

spring flowers on a mountain side

collecting lighthouses

visiting lighthouses

singing, or listening to music

sitting in a comfy chair reading a good book

warm, crackly fireplaces

fall: leaves, trees, weather

sitting by a lazy stream

These are a few of my favorite things....

Ughh!

That's how I feel right now. Dealing with insurance companies, lawyers, corporate talking heads, etc... Sometimes doing business or owning a business is soooo frustrating. sigh... Other than that, life is clipping along. It's already March, good grief. (Charlie Brown) I spent the last week on the couch with a baaaad cold. My head really hurt, then the sniffing, coughing, etc. It's on the mend now, yea! I didn't even go to play practice. I'll be going back this week. Had some bad weather, in the past couple of days. Nicole slid her car into the ditch on Maple Rd. Saturday night. Thank you Lord she (and Peyton) are fine! Just waiting for a little warm up, soon!

Sneeze-drip-wipe-cough-drip

The bane of my existence this week. A cold! What? All because I told the med. assist at the Dr. office a few weeks ago that I haven't had a cold in about 2 years. Big mouth. ugh. I tried to do a few things yesterday and now I'm worse today. whoops! I had to direct the making of eggplant parm. from my bed. My sous chef did a great job tho - it was really good.
Thank you Renee for stopping to get me some cough drops today on her day off! I don't know where the week has gone. Tomorrow is already Friday. Oh, wait I've been on the couch for most of the week. The whole durn cold started on Monday. Today I began the incessant ordeal of coughing. Cough - ouch - cough - pee a little - cough - drip - wipe (the nose that is. ). I know, you get it. My sister told me to drink some green tea with lemon and honey. I did. It seemed to work pretty good. The problem is I have to be drinking the tea or sucking a cough drop or I start all over. Hopefully tonight I will get a little whiskey to slip in the tea and help with the sleeping.... zzz. Drink up!

Mid-Winter Blues

or is it Blah's. Whichever, I wish it would go away. Tired of the snow and cold. And all the up and down temperatures are giving me a daily headache. Yesterday, was a major couch potato day. I think I watched TV for 12 hours. Didn't want to move. So I didn't really. Weather man said we got another 4 inches. Well, at least February is almost over!

Tuesday's Tidbits 2-22-11

I don't know what to tell ya. I'm missing Fla.; wishing I was still there. Especially in light of this new storm. Which we probably got as much or more snow than the infamous "Snowmazilla." LOL. I guess I will bore you with answers to some randomness.

1. Your favorite Chocolate treat?
Um, I'm not a chocolate freak or anything, but I do love a brownie with vanilla ice-cream and HOT fudge poured over the top.

2. What more than anything makes you feel loved.
Random act of kindness I suppose. A gift out of the blue, a back rub, someone else making dinner without me asking. A phone call to see how I am. Etc...

3. Cherries or blueberries?
I Like both, but I love a cherry pie or crisp. My mom used to make them for me. Oh, I like cherries out of the jar, and just picked cherries off the tree.

4. What is the one trait you would most want the leader of your country to possess?
To be a Christian and follow God's laws, and to not be a politician. LOL

5. Are you a saver or a spender?
I'm kind of both. Depends on who's money I'm spending. I freak out about having enough money to pay bills, so I save. But, if I have a wad of money I can think of lots of things to spend it on.. However, I do waffle back and forth before coming out with the dough. So, I'm a SAVER. Whew, that was rough.

6. If you gave a party for all of your friends would they already know each other?
They would have at least heard about each other. I don't have allot of friends...

7. Are you interested in antiques?
Yes, but mostly family heirlooms.

8. Do you pick your nose in public? ha ha ha I added this one.

I'll never tell.

Pelicans

When I'm in Florida I'm always stalking the Pelicans. Ever since the first time I went to Florida, I've thought they were the coolest birds I've ever seen. They're just so different than anything we have here in Michigan, or the Midwest. This year was no different; I took lots of pictures of the Pelicans, and watched them any time I was near the water. They're always diving and swooping for their food. We saw a lot of them when we went on the Jet Ski Dolphin Tour. Which was quite awesome I must admit.

Pelicans are large birds with large pouched bills.Pelicans swim well with their short, strong legs and their feet with all four toes webbed The tail is short and square, with 20 to 24 feathers. The wings are long and have the unusually large number of 30 to 35 secondary flight feathers. A layer of special fibers deep in the breast muscles can hold the wings rigidly horizontal for gliding and soaring. Thus they can exploit thermals to commute over 150 km (100 miles) to feeding areas.[1]

Pelicans rub the backs of their heads on their preen glands to pick up their oily secretion, which they transfer to their plumage to waterproof it.[1]

Way Back Whens-Day

I know, I have stolen the idea from my sister. But, sometimes a good idea is just that. Besides, I think she pilfered it from someone else anyway. I was going through some pictures a couple of weeks ago and found this one. I thought, ah-ha a perfect pic for "Way Back Whens' Day. This is my brother and his family quite a long time ago. The kids are WAY older now. Just thought it was so cute. This was taken up north at "the cottage."

Here is a preview pic from Nicole's Grad pics taken on the same tree ~ many years later. Okay, so I just looked again, don't think it's the same tree ~ they are not going in the same direction. Must be on the other side.

Stop and Smell the Snowflakes

:) So much going on, I almost forgot. Really enjoyed the sunshine and warmth of yesterday and today. It's nice to come back from Fla. and not have to deal with so much freezing weather. Oh BTW, for my adoring fans: I decided to take a "lesser" part in the play. Dealing with so much and I was crazed to think about memorizing all those lines. So, if people decide not to attend I will understand. It's still going to be good plus a good dinner; so come if you want to; would love to see you all. Been running around doing lots of errands, housework, office work etc...
There are so many little projects I need to start. How does one accomplish all that? I wanted to make prints of some of my bird pictures, fla. pictures. Will I ever get to that? I need a vacation for my vacation!

One Dream of Mine

I've had this dream for a while now, about opening up a kind of alternative restaurant. It would be "healthy" food. For all types of diets. Vegan, Vegetarian, Low sodium, low fat, gluten free, diabetic. You get the picture right? Tonight during dinner we started listing some of my "signature" dishes.
The following is a list of some of the dishes we came up with:
pork roast with cranberry sauce with roasted red skinned potatoes
ratatouille
Mom's spaghetti
vegetarian pizza on the grill ~ homemade wheat dough
salmon patties
fish tacos
oriental patties on rice
white chicken chili
fruit smoothies
peanut butter/chocolate smoothie
omelette's (egg white)
pork chops with Dijon mustard sauce
stuffed mushrooms
taco salad
stuffed pepper - meat or vegetarian
vegetable soup
WW cabbage soup

Back and (un) Loving It

Thrown back into the home life! YIKES!! Spent last night cuddling with RJ, that was nice. But this morning was a duezy. Had to dig the trailers out (both of them were buried in a foot of snow.) That was not fun. I had to drop one off and pick back up. That always blows my day. Trying to un- pack, (Packing is so much more fun) wash, grocery shop, all the usual. Niki's shower is tomorrow, so gotta wrap stuff and shop. Geesh, maybe I should plan a few extra vaca days just to unwind! Then on top of it all I have a headache. Probably not a good time to try and back off the caffeine. Plus, I'm thinking the change in weather. Even tho it is a whopping 25 degrees. LOL All in a Day's Work. Happy Birthday to my niece-o-pher, Kristen. Hope she's having a great day. Hope they're not still burrowed under all that s-n-o-w in Chi-town.

The Pink Shell Resort and Spa

Man o man. Sometimes when you book a place sight unseen, you're not too sure how it's going to end up. I did right this time. It's kinda swanky, but not too much that you feel uncomfortable. Nice place, on the 4th floor with gulf view. There's an outdoor bar and grill, an inside restaurant. Breakfast included. We'll see how that is tomorrow a.m. 3 pools, one deep, one kinda regular and one for wading. You wear a bracelet that is your room key and gets you into the pools and everything else on the property. It's almost like an "all inclusive" joint. Tomorrow we are going on a dolphin sighting tour on jet ski's. Might just have to visit the "spa" when we return. I think I'm finally starting to relax! Oh yeah, they even put stamps on the "free" postcards for ya.

A Most Beeee-u-tiful Day

Got up, walked to the local Mickey Dee's in Ft. Myers Beach. Ordered (free) oatmeal and an iced latte. Took it outside, ate across from the ocean. ahhhhh. Drove to Bradenton. Had lunch on the pier by the beach. Ahhhhhh. Walked the pier with the cute lil girls. Hung around and just enjoyed the 78 dgs. temp. Now, making homemade pizza on the grill and awaiting the blueberry martini's. Ahhhhhhh!

Way Back Whens - Day

This is a picture from one year when I went down to Florida (not sure what year) to visit mom and dad. Perhaps my sister who is so good with times and such could come up with an approximate year. We would often go and visit a wonderful dear older friend of my mom and dad's; Sadie L. She passed away quite some time ago. She always loved to visit with us. She had a beautiful condo overlooking the bay. Can't quite believe mom's been gone six years now. Can't say I look forward to Ground Hog's day anymore.

Mom's favorite Psalm:

WAAAAAAA

I don't want the BIG EVENT, at least not right now. I know everyone is excited bout snow days an all, but I want to get on my airplane on THURSDAY to Fort Myers. Waaaaaa! I'm so trying NOT to stress out about it. Tried to get out of here on a flight for this morning but they're already all booked out. Crap, should have tried yesterday. Could they give the thing any more hype, I ask you? Man the Kroger parking lot was slammed last night when we drove by on the way to play practice. Which is moving along quite nicely, I might add. We practiced on stage last night which really helps alot. Last year we didn't get on stage until about 2 weeks before the big night.

Where'd All the Snow Come From

I wasn't prepared for this one. What? I was not up on the latest weather info which I almost ALWAYS am. I usually watch the news, weather channel, or The Weather Channel on my computer. But, ya know I was kinda busy yesterday. Then the GB came over, had to fuss over him, feed him, etc... then we took them all out to Wise Guy's for pizzza last night. So, I was ill-prepared.
So much to do. Go to Kohl's and spend my "Kohl's Cash. Go to BBzRUS and spend my Geoffery Bucks or what ever they are. Watch the play CD a zillion times and work on my zillion lines. Unpack and repack the suitcases a zillion times. :) Clean the house , again. Do some more laundry. Take the pop bottles back for more spending $$ for FLA. Check the weather a zillion times. Ok I had a large coffee and my mind is going faster then my fingers can type. whewwwwwwwwwwww

Same Ole Same Ole

Just trying to get everything done. Did some cleaning and doing the wash. Trying to finish up year end. Dropped 1/2 lb this week. Better than nothing I guess. Mostly packed for Fla. I know, it's kind of early. It keeps me going. Don't have my vehicle again today; should get alot done. Plan to walk at the middle school tonight. Planning to make spinach and feta omelettes tonight. They've been on the menu now for 2 weeks!
That's all folks dee da la dee dee.

A Cold Snowy Blowy Weekend

Wasn't it? Didn't feel much like going out. So there was lots of:
football watching. (yuck)
Reading I am extremely enjoying Jan Karon's Mitford Series. Love, love, love the books.
Naps
Hot beverage sipping
Jammie pants wearing
I did venture out on Saturday however to have lunch with 2 old friends, Laura Jean and Betty Jean. Met at Olive Garden in Novi. The roads were terrible on the way down. I did talk to my dad in Fla. He seems to be enjoying the weather. For those of you following my culinary side: tonight is beef stew cooked in the crock served over wild rice.

Mrs. Ethel P. Savage

Yikes, I got the lead role in the play.
Mrs. Ethel P. Savage: Ethel is a crafty but kindhearted woman with a shifted viewpoint of humanity. The events of the play are centered around her and her decision to hide the money which she has inherited from her late husband in an attempt to make her children look on others with more kindness. She dislikes her stepchildren, but learns to love the residents of The Cloisters.
I have many, many lines to learn so I am starting right now. "That and studying French. And ballet dancing--and people. As a girl I'm sure I could have been a great actress. so, with no responsibilities and time running out--I decided to be one."
I will have to take my script to florida this year. I have an understudy this year, imagine that! Only because the play is one week before the baby is due. I really do enjoy doing the dinner theatre.

Auditions

Auditions for "The Curious Savage" were held last night at Swartz Creek Center Stage. About 10 people tried out this year. More then I've ever seen. We all had to read lines from ACT 1. There were so many people that we had to write down three parts that we might like to play. On Thursday when we go back the director will let us know what part she has picked for each person. How exciting! Below is a synopsis of Act One.
Act I -The play opens with the five residents of a sanatorium awaiting a new resident. The current residents of the sanatorium, called The Cloisters, function normally, excepting one small ailment. Soon, Mrs. Savage and her stepchildren arrive, and the five inmates eavesdrop from the hallway outside. Ethel's three stepchildren, Titus, Lily Belle, and Samuel Savage, had been shocked to find out that their mother had set up a memorial fund with her inherited money in order to fund the ridiculous dreams of average people. They had her committed to The Cloisters so that they could take the money from her. When Ethel's three stepchildren leave, the five inmates introduce themselves: Jeff, Florence, Fairy May, Mrs. Paddy, and Hannibal. Mrs.Savage tells them of her escapades in the theater before they all leave for Garden Hour. She then reveals to Miss Willie, her nurse, and Dr. Emmett, her doctor, that she has hidden the money that her stepchildren tried to take from her.

Update 1-15-11

I've been working hard at finishing the year-end invoicing and reports. I may finish next week. I am going to try really hard NOT to get behind this year. Still taking pictures of the cardinals and other birds. Trying to outdo myself each day. I should move the feeders closer. Reading 2 books right now:
#4 in the Jan Karon Mitford Series (I am hooked & so is Sarah)
and
Lowcountry Summer by Dorothea Benton (on loan from sistopher Mar's library)
I don't usually read 2 books at the same time. In fact I think this is the first time I've done that. Interesting.
Auditions for the next play; "The Curious Savage" start on Monday.
Can't wait to start packing for FLORIDA. 19 more days!

Longing for Warmer Weather (or Pictures are Worth 50 Words)

Longing for Warmer Weather (or Pictures are Worth 50 Words)

Yeah, Yeah it's 1-1-11

All Ones, I get it. Annniway, was trapped at home today without the truck. Sarah had jury duty. She actually got picked to be on the jury. Can't tell me what it's about till it's over. They said maybe it will be over tomorrow, if they don't deliberate too long. I will drop her off at the court tomorrow so I can have my truck. It snowed like crazy. Me, I was glued to the computer, still working on the year end. Here is today's bird pics.

A Saturday Come and Gone

Where did the day go? Babysat RJ for a bit. Worked on the year-end reporting. Watched it snow ~ it was very beautiful. And then the sun came out too which was nice. Sorted through baby clothes (thank you Karen) with the girls. Sarah put RJ in Brady's rain boots, pic to follow. Made beef stroganoff for dinner. Watched a movie, it was only "ok." Took pictures of "my" cardinal. Started the laundry.

A regular sort of day.

A Busy Couple of Days

In fact it's been so crazy right now I'm drinking out of 2 different water bottles! One on the right side of my desk and one on the left side. Went to the old stomping grounds on Tues. to set up my sister's digital frame. Did that, went to Barnes and Noble w/Karen & kids. Ate spaghetti for dinner, Chef D's famous pancakes for breakfast. Got 2 kisses from Brady. Watched Dr. Oz (2 shows) moved pics to a hard drive, and left the book there that I bought at B & N. Came home, went out to a couple of jobs. Made dinner, went walking at the MS, picked up Mr. B from his groomer appointment. Whew.
Got up today, tried to put out a few fires (not literal) went to Kinkos, Grocery, Bank and Library. Did some more work. Gave G-boy a bottle, changed his diaper, picked up Syd and Evan, ate snack with Syd. Made dinner. Babysat for Brayden. Whew, enough already! Oh yeah, I tried to sign up for the Dr. Oz 11 week program and they are supposed to send a password by e-mail, but so far I have not received that. AND I played a bit of Bejeweled ~ in first place so far.

The Family Pit Game ~ Story

So, i have the old family Pit Game. Not sure, how I ended up with it. Haven't played it, in ages really. One day we decided to play with some friends, so I got it down off the shelf, dusted it off and carefully opened the ancient falling apart box. One of the friends looked at the cards and said what is written all over the cards? huge grin. Well you see, one day (as a teenager) when I was bored I labeled each card in the fashion of a regular deck of playing cards. Why would you do that you ask? didn't you? Because, growing up we weren't allowed to play with "regular playing cards." Tools of the Devil, or what have you. Used for illegal activities and such. So, not to be thwarted I made my own deck.

A Few Fav Christmas gifts

I think I have a tradition on my blob of listing some of the fav. gifts of the season.

New Pit game ~ mike n chris

Mini tea set w/Cardinals ~ sarah

cookie n cinnamon rolls ~ lisa

Pandora bracelet ~ sarah

Starbucks coffee cup ~niki

homemade snowman platter ~ katie

bluebird ornament - jan

panini press ~ bobbette

Naked Bee lotion (the same I always buy in FLA) ~ sarah

Made some meatloaf panini sandwiches in the press today; turned out pretty good. Gonna try again tomorrow with turkey on foccacia bread with artichoke, tomato and avacado. Making Ratatoulli for dinner tonight. Maybe with some bruchetta and a salad. Lots of veggie servings!

32 days until we leave for FLA!

January 1, 2011 or 1-1-11

Slept in because we stayed up til 2 a.m. at the neighbors playing games and general silliness. Great fun. Got up and took down the tree and the village. (sad) Rearranged the living room and cleaned it and the kitchen. Taking the kids to dinner at Mongolian BBQ in a bit. Talked to my neicopher Karen and her daughter Riley. Riley wished me a "happy new year" and explained how to write the date. :) The sun is shining and it's 45 degrees. But, according to the weather forecast that will be short lived. The temp is going to be steadily dropping. I hope the roads dry up before the temp drops below freezing.

I Simply Remember My Favorite Things...

and then I don't feel so bad. la la la I watched The Sound of Music earlier this week. Great movie. My bff Syd watched it also, so we were singing some of the songs from the movie today; great fun. And then I...........didn't feel so bad. la la la Then we played Go Fish, and she womped on me. She of course giggled and laughed about that. Then we went out in what sun was still shining and took Bay for a walk. All in all a pretty good afternoon. Oh, yeah and I fed the GB and smothered him with hugs and kisses. Syd fed him his bottle til he got heavy and she couldn't hold him up any more. Grits and eggs for dinner, yum......comfort food. And I didn't eve have to make it. Renee brought over some cute onsies for Niki. What a great neighbor. Glad to have them!! So, I've been doing interviews for 2 days and it's starting to make me crabby. Hopefully done with those tomorrow!

Dec. 24th - Christmas Eve

A fun filled day. Opened presents with the kids had chinese food for lunch. Lazed around and watched Christmas movies and spoiled RJ. He fell asleep in my arms while I was reading. Then later to Sarah's mom & dad's for dinner and more gifts. A few daily pics of Friday's Cardinals.

Obsessed with Cardinals

Yep, that's me. I just love em. They twitter in and twitter out. Don't stay long at the feeder at all. They are different shades of red and all different sizes. I even bought a Cardinal sweatshirt to wear on Christmas Eve. I take all kinds of pictures of them; trying to outdo the ones from the day before. Need a longer telephoto lens I'm thinkin. Although this is not too bad since it's at the back of the lot where the woods begin. Just me at home waiting for the 3rd day in a row for the ADT man to come. They did something wrong and jammed up the home line. Need to get here soon since I still need to do my holiday grocery shopping! Krogers is bound to be a mad house.

Winter Solstice

The winter solstice occurs exactly when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'. Though the winter solstice lasts only a moment in time, the term is also a turning point to midwinter or the first day of winter to refer to the day on which it occurs. The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days.
Yay, the days will already be getting longer. That's trying to put a positive spin on the whole "winter thing" right?

So, here it is: All:

gifts purchased

gifts wrapped

bills paid (for the week)

holiday food selected

I still need to do the holiday grocery shopping. Whew, that's always a task isn't it? That should be the last of the "to do's" hopefully. I was pleasantly surprised to see Renee backing up into the drive today. She dropped off a gift for Nik. She has been working boo co hours and we've barely had time to catch up. I'm sure her poor family has barely seen her either.

I've been snapping pics of all the birds at the feeders; I just love seeing them and trying to get good pictures. I captured quite a few yesterday. Pics that is, not birds. We were supposed to get 1 to 2 inches of "s" today, but not sure if that is still the plan or not. Will have to watch the WEATHER CHANNEL!

Kinda Bored

This is the 2nd day I've been stuck at home with no vehicle. Thankfully yesterday afternoon, Chris "dragged" me up to Birch Run to go to the Coach outlet. Bought my first Coach purse. It was on clearance for 50%, then they gave you a coupon at the door for another 30%. What a deal. Merry Christmas to myself. LOL. As previously stated the Pergo floor is mostly done. Thought I'd post a few pics of that. After filling the bird feeders, I've been on a mission to snap photos of the Cardinals. I've included a few pics from the big snow storm. Gonna make some peppermint bark for the Rush family get-together on Sunday. Got the holiday haircut last night. Really, what is left to do? Gifts are wrapped and under the tree. I am ahead of schedule this year. The weather sure has been wicked cold hasn't it? Every time I go outside the winds seem to making my skin horripilate. Do you know what I mean?

Saturday night we are bbsititng baby RJ and maybe he is even spending the night. He's really a good baby. Getting so BIG, he weighed 11.1 oz at the dr. last Friday. Katie said he rolled over. I didn't quit believe her. So she set him in the crib. Of course he didn't roll over. So she went and got her camera to show me the video. While we were watching it I looked down and he had turned from his belly to his back!

Word of the Day for Friday, December 17, 2010
horripilate \haw-RIP-uh-leyt\, verb:
To produce a bristling of the hair on the skin from cold, fear, etc.; goose flesh.

Ho Ho Hum

I think I already have the winter blues and it's not even winter! The snow looks so pretty and the sun sure does shine, but baby it's cold outside.

All the gifts are wrapped and under the tree.
The floor is down, but not the moldings put back up.
The shopping is done, the stocking is stuffed.
It's just me in my hoodie, all bundled up tight.

The Ultimate Market Experience

Colasanti's Market in Highland Twp. Just north of Milford. It's got everything and then some. Today was the first day of "Count Down to Christmas Open House. Very cool. They had vendors from local made in Michigan products. All kinds of goodies; meats, cheeses,wines, dips, and lots of Christmas greenery. Sarah had seen this place one year in her work travels and thought I would like it; she was so right. We bought; greenery's to hang on the garage, JK Scrumpy hard cider, wine from Pelee Island Winery, a couple awesome dips, ham glaze, a pomegranate, Snicker doodle flavored coffee beans, poinsettia in a cute pot and a piece of artichoke and spinach quiche.

One Hundred & Fifty Seventh Post

Now I'm tied for over-all posts I had last year. My goal every year is to increase from the last year. So, the rest of my posts this year could very well just end up to be nonsense!

In other news, I gave myself a raise. Isn't that cool? When you're in charge of payroll, you can do that. :)

Would love to go to the desert and estivate as some do.


(Word of the Day for Tuesday, December 7, 2010
estivate \ES-tuh-veyt\, verb:

1. To spend the summer, as at a specific place or in a certain activity.
2. In zoology, to spend a hot, dry season in an inactive, dormant state, as certain reptiles, snails, insects, and small mammals. )

Baby It's Cold Outside

Every year it seems I adjust less and less to the cold. Brrr. In fact I'm trying out some gloves with the finger-tips cut out while I'm working on the computer. My hands are warmer, but it feels kind of bulky. I'll see if I can get used to it or not. The heat is turned down a bit today because Sarah is hard at work putting in the new Pergo flooring. Yea! I think it's going to look really good.

I'm glad most of the Christmas shopping is done! About this time I start thinking, "so I could move to Florida after all!" But, come summer I usually think, "I'm glad I never moved to Florida." Ha Ha I guess I'll just grin and bear the weather. You know like focus on how beautiful it is. I talked to my pops this morning and he said there is about 6 inches up North at his home. It's always pretty up there with the snow. I'm not sure if they ever get pogonip or not. Probably not.

Word of the Day for Monday, December 6, 2010
pogonip \POG-uh-nip\, noun:
An ice fog that forms in the mountain valleys of the western U.S.

9 Best Winter Fruits and Veggies

Pomegranate
Pomegranate seeds are high in polyphenols, plant chemicals that fight inflammation. Mix the seeds into oatmeal for more flavor and crunch.
Brussels Sprouts
Remove the outer layer of leaves, trim the stems, and toss with olive oil and sea salt. Place them on a baking sheet and roast at 425 degree-F until they're nicely browned.
Persimmon
The antioxidants in persimmons can help control diabetes and the cell damage it causes. Serve the fruit with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella.
Leeks
Many restaurants offer potato-leek soup in the winter, but you can also finely slice leeks and add them to omelets, salads, and rice.
Kiwifruit
One kiwi contains about 100 milligrams of immunity-boosting vitamin C. Add kiwi slices to a spinach salad.
Beets
Wrap one or two beets in foil and bake them in a 350 degree-F oven for an hour or until they're cooked through. Then cut them into cubes to toss into a salad of greens and crumbled goat cheese. Add a drizzle of walnut oil.
Guava
One cup of raw guava contains more than 8,500 micrograms of the antioxidant lycopene, which may help prevent coronary artery disease. Pair it with blue cheese and figs for a snack.
Kale
To temper kale's bitter taste, gently sauté it with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped garlic, and pine nuts.
Pomelo Pomelos pack flavanones, a class of antioxidants that have been shown to help prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Include them in a topping for a dessert sorbet.
From Women's Health

I Must Be Gettin Old

It took me way longer than the usual to change my blog template this time. It kept reverting back to the old background. Finally, I realized that the old template was still "on." Yikes! Not like I have a million things to do today or anything. It's been a whirlwind around here. Had to go clean out a "hoarder" house and that took a long time. I'm going to be making a photo album and then I'll send it to whoever wants to see it! :) When I have a spare moment that is.

Close call last night. Sarah's mom & dad were driving back from Holland (MI) hauling a large tractor when they got rear ended. The fishtailed, rolled 4 or 5 times and ended up right-side up in the median. Thank goodness it was a large wide median; apparently they were close to the other side of x-way. They are both okay, bruised and bumped but Thank God nothing more. Got them checked out at hosp. last nite. Let them go around 12:30 a.m.

RJ is getting big and a little chunky. He is 3 weeks old. I get to see him almost every day. Nicole is almost 6 mos. and starting to show a lil baby bump. She found out she is having a boy; and is talking about naming him Payton Russell Terry. That's a mouth full. Work is good; lots of it. Wow, I'm using lots of semi-colons today. HA. Hope you enjoy the Christmas muzak while you read.

Anyone who says "Easy as taking candy from a baby" has never tried it.

Author Unknown

Bitten by the Baby Bug

"I'm not a baby person." I used to say. But, then again there is something so sweet about a newborn. Specially one that is close to your heart. His name is Richard Bernard Weirzbicki IV, or RJ for short. Whew, good thing cuz that is a mouth full. He's just the right size. Doctor said he is perfect. Today he is one week old. Happy Birthday to you RJ.

Under The Weather

That's what I've been thinking. I just haven't been feeling myself. Well what does that mean, "Under the weather?" Here's what "Go English.com" had to say:

To say that someone is "under the weather" is to say that they are not feeling very well. Example: "What's wrong?" Answer: "I'm a bit under the weather." They probably have a simple cold or flu which will go away quickly. Example: "It's nothing serious; I'm just a bit under the weather." Being "under the weather" reminds us that a quick change in the weather can affect our health and the way we feel.

So, is it because of the weather, now I'm confused. I suppose it could be. In this case, I think not. My head and tummy have been feeling yucky. Hopefully the weather and my health will improve!

Hard Frost

hard frost: A frost where both the air and the soil has dropped below freezing. Many plants can survive a light frost but cannot survive a hard frost. GardenWeb Glossary of Botanical Terms.

Wow, it's amazing what one hard frost can do. I wish I had a "before" picture! Yesterday, did turn out quit nice after all, though. Not a cloud in the sky and it almost felt warm. I even took a walk. I may even do that again today.

Rehearsals have started in earnest. It's only 3 weeks until the big show. We have 3 hour rehearsals, twice a week. Whew, that's a lot of time. I'm doing all the group singing numbers, a duet number, and then 2 mini-skits. It's going to be fun. I have to admit, it's kind of fun to be singing again. Some of the people have really beautiful singing voices.

"Genguins" and Other Stuff

Had my lil 2 yr old yesterday. We watched the "Genguin" movie, AGAIN! He loves it because of the "scary" parts. Oh, that means Penguin. Didn't take a nap tho, so that means we watched the whole thing. whew. He is so fun and cute. I've been busy trying to finish the "Profit and Loss" report, well really I mean all that makes it up, for the business. We are thinking about doing a Re-Fi. So the books have to be up to date.

Started out good on the whole eating thing yesterday. Bowl of cereal for breakfast and sandwich for lunch. BUT, we decided to go the Bar Louie's for dinner. THey have half off appetizers until 7:00. Yikes, didn't do so good at all. Used up all my "extra" points for the week. So, now I have to stick to the basic plan for the rest of the weekend. Oh, well. I'm making vegetarian chili for dinner tonite, and "spookgetti" for dinner tomorrow. Then on Monday, A pork tenderloin with apple compote. Shhhhh, now you know all my secrets. It will all be good.

Weighty Matters ~ Week 8

Down 8/10 of a pound this week. Whopping total of minus 4.8 Could be worse right? A little perspective here. I could be up that same amount. This is really hard, this time. But, I am in this for the long haul, so hang on. My blood sugars are running better. That is always a good thing. So, I'll just be plugging along this week. Hope to see a better loss next week.