Wednesday's Random Dozen

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?  I ate enough of those as a child to last me the rest of my life. Nuff said!

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?  To stop and ask myself, "what is the worse thing that could happen" as a result of whatever I'm nervous about.  That will usually put things back in perspective for me and a good night's sleep usually brings calmness too.  Hope that made sense..........~smile~

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?
Well, I prefer they come in the evenings and night, but I prefer that about any kind of rain.  I do not like to have to get out in the rain and I LOVE the sunshine, so therefore I think it should always rain at night.  But, the Lord doesn't consult me before He sends the rain and thank goodness He knows BEST!
 
4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why?  I think I would have to choose Jesus. Hopefully it would give me even more opportunities to witness for Him and also serve as a constant reminder to me of how important HE is to me.


5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?  Definitely a tattoo, it can at least be put in a place where I could cover it up. A nose ring is out there for the world to see and that just doesn't work for me.
 
6. Do you have any special plans for Easter? I will attend an Easter Sunrise Service conducted by my 80 year old Dad (he's a retired minister), then we will attend regular church.  Later in the afternoon my Dad, step Mom, and son and his family will come over for dinner and family fun.
 
7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs? Well, in my estimation there's not much better than chocolate and peanut butter, so it would be Reese Eggs for me!
 
8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of? It was of some plants on our patio to use on my blog last week.  Not all that interesting, but I pretty much live with my camera in my hand, so I do get more interesting pictures a lot of the time. ~smile~
 
9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?  I would not recommend it, but I read Elizabeth Edwards story.  I usually read novels far more inspirational and uplifting than that, but.........
 
10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?  Cleaning ceiling fans and baseboards.  I find no enjoyment in doing either one of these, but I cannot stand it until it's done, so I get it done and am so proud!  Of course, these have to be done way more than just in the Spring. Shucks!
 
11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own? Well, hum, duh, okay, I probably have 7 pair.  I do love flip-flops and especially those with the rhinestone embellishments.  
 
12. Which color makes you happiest? I would have to say most any shade of blue, just such a refreshing, feel good color!

For more Random Dozens check out Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee.
 

The Simple Woman's Daybook......3-30-10

Outside my window.......the sun is shining brightly and the plants that I have planted in pots seem very happy thus far. There's still a bit of a chill in the air, but that is usually gone by late morning. The birds are busy at the feeders that my dear Hubby keeps full for them.

I am thinking........about all the awesome truths that I have been reminded of during our recent Beth Moore Bible Study, Living Beyond Yourself. The study ended last night after 11 weeks. It is so easy to be involved in these wonderful studies and then when they are over, we act as though they never happened. I do not want that to be my case, I want to be different as a result of this study and that is my prayer.

I am thankful.........that I am able to keep my little 6 month old granddaughter when her regular sitter isn't available. What special memories we make and what a precious little girl she is. I will have her 3 days this week.

From the kitchen.........I have taken spaghetti sauce out of the freezer for our dinner and I made some chicken salad to have for lunch. As you know, I'm all about freezing in bulk and pulling it out on a day that either I don't know what to cook, or I don't want to cook. It works so well and I've been doing it for years!

I am wearing....... one of Chico's Zenergy outfits, comfortable black knit pants, with ecru long knit top. I love these and am always looking out for them to be put on sale. They are just a bit more dressed up looking that sweat shirt and sweat pants. Great stuff!

I am creating...... nothing at the moment, but sweet memories.

I am hearing.......the sound of Tom & Jerry on the TV while my Granddaughter plays in her Exersaucer. What wonderful item they are for entertaining little ones. I am totally amazed all the "stuff" available for little ones today. I don't know how we ever managed. ~smile~

One of my favorite things............is when Hubby and I get in our recliners in the evening and just enjoy "being." We may talk, we may not, we may read, we may watch a TV program together, but it's a special time for us.

A few plans for the rest of the week.........I'll be hosting a Kelly Kids Show for one of my young friends on Thursday and on Friday my daughter in law and I are going to take my precious Granddaughter to a neighborhood egg hunt. She's still too little to join in, but she might enjoy watching all the children and being outside. We're hoping it is a beautiful, warm spring day.



A picture worth sharing..............our front door and porch all "decked out" for Spring.

For more great DayBook entries check out The Simple Woman's DayBook. We'd love to have you join us!

Welcome Spring!

Yes, I've been welcoming spring the past several days. I really wanted to rush it just a bit, but I think it may finally be safe to say that "spring has arrived" here in Northeast Louisiana.




Part of welcoming spring for this Southern Gal is getting a pedicure. Must have those feet in "top notch" shape, and those toe nails painted to slide in those "ever so cute" flip-flops. I've actually worn flip-flops 4 or 5 times in the past couple of weeks and I can hardly believe how far flip flops have come since I was a little girl. Oh, my, who would have ever dreamed that we'd be sportin' rhinestones on them?






Of course, spring means getting to "play in the dirt" too. I went to the plant nursery and picked up a few plants and have had fun planting them. Those pictured are Red Verbenas. This is an area beside our patio and I dearly love the angel that graces that area. I found her last year and so far she has survived the "elements" just fine.





I picked up some Sweet Potato Vine to go in the pots on our front porch. I put trellis' in the pots and the vine should make quite a show as it climbs. Of course, it is a thirsty, thirsty plant and I'll have to remember to water it once or twice daily when summer arrives. This reminds me of when my Mom would let us root Sweet Potatoes in water when I was a little girl. Guess that really dates me doesn't it? I bet few kids have that privilege today. ~smile~

Hubby just told me that beautiful weather is forecast for the next week. Hot diggity dog!! I am keeping my precious, almost 6 month old, Granddaughter the first of next week. Looks like we'll get to swing in the swing on the patio and stroll around the neighborhood. Sounds like another great way to "Welcome Spring" to me!

Happy "Flip-Flopping Spring" to all you Company Girls and for more good blog reading check out Rachel Anne's Home Sanctuary.

Wednesday's Random Dozen

1. What is your favorite sign of Spring? When the grass greens up and the Daffodils begin to show their faces. Love it!

2. Did you remember to spring forward on March 14? If not, how did it impact your day? Not only did I remember, I changed all our clocks (and we seem to have a bazillion of them) by mid-afternoon on that Sat. I had my husband so confused until he realized that I had already "sprung forward." I always like to be "one step ahead of the game." ~chuckle~

3. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year? Squash or okra, I love to eat both of them and go to our local Farmer's Market a buy it from local growers during the summer. I've never had a vegetable garden in my life and likely never will. Just isn't "my thing."

4. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant? Well, believe it or not, I'm not much of a fan of fruit, but guess I would probably have a vineyard of grapes (totally seedless though). And, perhaps an apple tree. Those are about the only fruits that I will eat. I know, weird...........

5. What is your least favorite insect? Oh, my, I have NO favorite but we have a lot of red wasps in our area and they HURT big time when they sting, and we have these big creepy water bugs, that are just plain gross!

6. March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand? How interesting that you would ask this.......Four weeks ago I decided to become a "water drinker." I have never drank enough, and I decided it was time to start drinking water. I buy the 10 oz. Sam's Choice bottles and I drink 6-7 of them per day. Needless to say, the first 4-5 days, I lived in the bathroom, but I guess my bladder adjusted to the new feeling and things "leveled out." Thank goodness!

7. Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that? Yes, to Acapulco and to Tangiers and the travel company we were with provided us with bottled water. They had us so scared of the local water that if we had been desperate we likely would not have drank it.

8. How many glasses of water do you drink per day? See #6

9. March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini. Have you ever watched a professional magic show? Share. Oh, yes! Our family saw David Copperfield two different times and he was TOTALLY amazing. Our favorite memory from his shows was when he appeared in the middle of the audience on a motorcycle. Have no idea how we couldn't see something or figure out how it was done, but we had "not a clue" and still don't. It is one of our favorite family memories.

10. Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)?

No 11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies? If so, what is your favorite? Well, hate to admit it, but I really do not care for either and I am sure that I should know who Clyde Barrow is, but for the life of me, I can't remember ever hearing of him. Shame on me!! After all, I am 57 years old! ~chuckle~

12. (Really random) What U.S. state that you've never visited would you like to visit someday? I just told my husband the other day that I would like for us to go to Maine and Vermont in the fall of the year sometime. I think that is likely the best time of year for their real beauty.

For more Random Dozen, check out Linda's Second Cup of Coffee

Simple Woman's Daybook - March 23, 2010

Outside my window.......the sun is shining and it appears to be warm, but there's still a "nip" in the air left over from our very cold "snap" on Sunday. Ugh! I'm ready for spring to fully arrive and STAY!!

I am thinking........ that while our country seems very divided over issues, we must remember that God is still on His throne and He is in control. One way or the other, He will prevail!

I am thankful for.... the ability to sleep good 95% of the time. I hear so many folks talk about their inability to sleep and thus far, that has never been a problem for me. It is a rare thing for me not to fall right off to sleep and then wake up "raring to go." I hope I can always say that. My husband often says that I must have a clear conscience to be able to drop off to sleep when my head hits the pillow. Well?????????

From the kitchen..... I'm taking the easy way out this evening. I've taken some chili (that I made and froze last month) out of the freezer and we will enjoy "gourmet hot dogs" for dinner this evening. We really do like them and thank goodness, my husband is just fine with most anything I fix. Oh, the joys of "cooking ahead" and freezing it.

I am wearing......a taupe colored velour jogging suit with a brown turtleneck and my Merrell clogs. I had already pushed this type clothes to the back of my closet, but...........I guess I got a little ahead of the weather. I'm ready for flip-flops and capris!

I am going.......to a plant nursery in a little while to check out some possibilities of plants for my patio pots. I've been waiting for warmer weather and surely that is almost here.

I am reading......the last session of the Bible Study I am currently facilitating, "Living Beyond Ourselves" by Beth Moore. I just haven't tried to read anything else while involved in this study because there is a lot of scripture reading and studying that goes along with it. But, this is our last week, so I plan to start my new Francine Rivers book next week.

I am hoping.....to apply many of the truths I've learned in this Bible Study to my life and not stray from them. It is a daily striving for sure!

I am hearing......gorgeous "Easy Listening Music" coming from the TV. Our cable company offers some great music channels and I keep ours on the Easy Listening channel anytime I am home. I'm not "into" daytime TV, but do love soft music playing.

Around the house.......things are in pretty good shape. Our daughter and her family were here last week and left on Friday so I worked tirelessly getting things cleaned and back in order after their visit and it's still holding together. Yea! There are about 4 loads of laundry laying on the couch to be folded. That will be cleared out shortly!

One of my favorite things......is crawling into bed on fresh clean sheets. I actually get excited about going to bed on the days that I change the sheets. I know, that's silly, but it is true!

A few plans for the rest of the week......I will go for a Bone Density Scan tomorrow. I had my first one 7 years ago and got a great report, so I'm hoping that my bones are still good and strong. I will also go for my regular "trim and color" at the salon later this week. That seems to roll around way too often, but I suppose that is no one's fault but mine. But, it makes me feel good when my hair is well kept and looking it's best and it takes a "trim and color" about every 5 weeks to accomplish that.

Here is a picture worth sharing............our 17 month old Grandson. This was taken while he was here visiting last week. He's our little Oklahoma cowboy! I know, go ahead and say it, "he's precious." ~chuckle~


For more daybook reading check out The Simple Woman

St. Patrick's Random Dozen

1. On a scale of 1-10, how superstitious are you, honestly? I am not superstitious at all, never have been and likely never will be. Not sure why, just am not.

2. Julius Caesar is quoted as saying, "I came, I saw, I conquered." Which circumstance or experience of yours does this saying best describe? Well, I've been thinking about this question for 2-3 hours and have yet to come up with an answer. Perhaps I'm making too much out of the question, but I've never climbed a mountain, ran a race, or any of those things that I think would be a "fitting answer."

3. If I peeked in on your day like a mischievous little leprechaun, at what time would I most likely find you blogging? Most usually between 1:00PM and 3:00 PM, I am usually through with most of my "have to" list by then and can blog without thinking there is something else that really needs my time. That's not always true, but usually.

4. Re springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, is there anything you've ever been really early or really late for? I am very, very conscious of being on time and would rather arrive very early for something than 5 minutes late. A friend and I recently went to a performance of Ballet Magnificant and we arrived 45 minutes ahead of time and we had reserved seats. But, we got in our seats, enjoyed looking over the program and visiting with each other.

5. What are you most looking forward to concerning Spring? I love getting our patio all decked out with flowering plants and ferns and we enjoy them until the first frost, which is usually pretty late here in N.E. Louisiana. Our kitchen table looks out to our patio and that gives us another opportunity to enjoy them.

6. Shamrocks are the national flower of Ireland and are picked on St. Patrick's Day and worn on the lapel or shoulder. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day? Definitely!!! My youngest brother was born on St. Patrick's Day and we have always been extremely close, so that makes it an even more special day.

7. One of Caesar's assassins, Casca, said, "But, for my own part, it was Greek to me," which of course means he didn't understand something. Probably his own lines in the play. Anyway, what is something that is "Greek to you," something incomprehensible or indecipherable? I have said "it's Greek to me" more times than I can remember in regards to this machine that I am sitting here blogging on, a computer. How on earth I can find out most anything I want to know, and communicate with folks all over the world in one quick click is definitely incomprehensible to me, but WOW! what fun!

8. Is March behaving more like a lion or a lamb where you live? It's like a lamb so far (thank goodness!). The wind is blowing harder than usual, but that's about the extent of our weather.

9. "An extra yawn one morning in the springtime, an extra snooze one night in the autumn is all that we ask in return for dazzling gifts. We borrow an hour one night in April; we pay it back with golden interest five months later." -Winston Churchill. If you had one extra hour per day every day, what would you do with it? I have such a desire to do more for others and never seem to do as much as I think I should be doing. Sometimes it is a matter of time, but more often than not, it's just not placing enough importance on it. If I were given an extra hour per day I would devote it to "doing for others."

10. Legend says that every Leprechaun has a pot of gold hidden deep in the Irish countryside. Aside from real gold or money, what material item would be in your dream pot of gold? A new house with fewer square feet and a postage stamp sized yard. Our present home (we've lived here 28 years) has served us well and was a great place to raise our two children. And, while a large house does have it's advantages, it is also a lot of work and 2 1/2 acres is w-a-y more than we need at this stage. But, we have no plans to do anything about it at this time. But, I'm sure we will eventually. :o)

11. "The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you." Robert Louis Stevenson. Look around you right now and tell us about something essential or beautiful very near you that you take for granted every day. Oh, my, I'm afraid I take for granted a whole host of things. Not on purpose for sure, but nonetheless I do. God has blessed "me and mine" way more than we could ever deserve and we are so grateful for His provision over us.

12. Just for a bit o' fun, click here (www.blogthings.com/irishnamegenerator/) and then report your Irish name. Mine is "Zoe O'Sullivan." I love it! Mine is Siobhan Martin. I had never heard that name until American Idol started this season and one of the contestants name is Siobhan. As a matter of fact, she is one of favorites!

For more Random Dozen's check out http://2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/

Girlfriends Having Fun

Good Morning Company Girls, I'm looking forward to sharing with you this morning about a very fun adventure that my girlfriends and I had yesterday.

Several years ago a group of my girlfriends and I formed what we call "The Birthday Club." We like to refer to ourselves as the "Formidible Women. Now you can make of that what you want to. ~smile~You might say, "we are a force to be reckoned with." ~chuckle~ We have about 3 outings a year and the latest "birthday girls" get to decide what that outing will be.

Here we are preparing to leave at 6:20AM this morning.

The latest group decided it might be fun if we attended a Viking Cooking School. They found one in Ridgeland, MS (about 2 hrs. 15 minutes from us).

We arrived about 8:45 and got registered, pottyed and looked around the kitchen. Of course, everything was neat and in order and all of our places were filled with everything we would need to make the "menu of the day."

Our chef/teacher was Matt and he was just delightful and had more than his share of patience for sure. There were 12 of us in the class and I'm sure we sounded like a bunch of elementary kids all trying to ask the teacher a question at the same time.

Everything on the menu were items that we had certainly never cooked before and while we might never choose that menu again, it was indeed a lot of fun to make the various offerings on the menu. We learned several little tid-bits in the "how to" department and some of us got to experience using a cooking torch for the first time. ~wink~ Yes, it was me!!! What fun, I may just have to get one of those.

Once we had finished cooking everything on the menu, we all at down at a large table and enjoyed the "fruits of our labor." Doesn't it look delicious! Let me tell you that dessert was sweet enough to last me a lifetime. WOW! A little definitely went a long way! I bet you can taste all the sugar just looking at it. ~smile~

The "Formidible Women with our illustrious chef, Matt. I bet he's never had such
a fun group of women as us. ~smile~

It was a fun day for all of us and sharing fun with friends just adds so much "spice to life" and I thank God for each one of these dear ladies. We've shared a lot through the years, happy times, sad times and everything inbetween. But, isn't that what friends are for? You bet!

For more Company Girl talk visit Rachel Anne's Home Santuary.

Wednesday's Random Dozen

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet? Oh, my, ouch! Well, if we count tennis shoes then probably 4 years old. But, I must confess, I am a "shoe addict." Now, I do try to shop sales, but I have a narrow foot, so that does pose problems at times. And, I clean out often and get rid of shoes that I no longer wear.

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety? I haven't bought any yet, but they just went on sale, so I am certain I will. I can't remember a year where I haven't bought some and we are big fans of Samoas and Taglongs.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to? How funny! My husband and I took ballroom dance lessons about 15 years ago and I suppose we did average, but certainly nothing to get excited about. He said I tried to be the leader and wouldn't follow. Duh! So, I guess we know a little about ballroom dancing and we'd love to think that we could dance like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. But...........

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager? Most definitely! My parents taught us responsibility at a very young age and it has served all 3 of us very well throughout our lives.

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see? Well, I guess this is sad, but only one, The Blindside. We aren't big movie goers and neither do we often rent movies. There seems to always be something else that we would rather do.

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself? Having it done myself, I've never been able to actually watch someone having blood drawn, but I do just fine having it done myself, but I DO NOT watch!

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why? I think I would have to say Friday, and I guess that's funny because I do not work outside the home. But, I still have certain things to accomplish each and every day and I try to have the majority of those done by Friday and then I feel free to go and do whatever I desire and I know that my house is in order. I know, I'm weird like that. :o)

8. Do you miss anyone right now? My precious Mom died on Dec. 1, 2008 and I don't suppose a day will go by for the rest of my life that I do not miss her.

9. Do hospitals make you queasy? No, not really.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you. Well, I can't even imagine something like that, but I think it would be Nordstrom. They have everything from makeup to household furnishings and a fabulous Shoe Department!! ~chuckle~

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items? In some items, yes, such as Charmin Extra Soft Tissue, and my hubby has to have the real Diet Coke. But, there are many things that I just buy Brand X and can't tell the difference.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels? In either case it depends on what is being told. If it something that could possibly be emotional, I have difficulty looking into someone's eyes because it often makes me cry. Otherwise, I think eye contact is most important and certainly shows you are interested in what the person is saying.

Here's a picture of Hubby and I in our dreams.........:o)

Image by MusMs via Flickr

What a fun Random Dozen today! Thanks Linda for putting this together each Wednesday!

The Simple Woman's Daybook.......March 9, 2010

Outside my window.........it is dark and it makes me even more excited that Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday. Yea!!! I'm more than ready.

I am thinking..........that I love being a Southern Gal. I recently read that a Southern girl always wears lipstick and sucks her tummy in. I think I qualify!

I am thankful for..........my hair. That may sound silly, but I am blessed with a thick head of hair and so many ladies are not.

From the kitchen.........I have groceries bought and menus planned for this coming week-end and the following week. My brother will arrive on Thursday and our daughter and her husband and baby will arrive on Saturday for a 6 day stay. I always like to do as much advance planning and cooking as possible, so that I do not end up in the kitchen all day every day. I plan to start my cooking on Wed. and will freeze it to use next week.

I am wearing..........my cute flannel lounging pajama's

I am creating........well, if crocheting on an afgan for the past 4 years counts, then that's what I'm creating and eventually I will get it finished! I have to be in "just" the right mood and quite obviously I don't get in a "crocheting mood" very often. Maybe talking about it will inspire me to grab it and get to work. ~smile~

I am going......to enjoy seeing my two grandchildren interact next week. They are 17 months (boy) and 5 months (girl) old. The last time they were together was Christmas and the little one had not really even started responding yet. Now, she is definitely responding and it should be interesting to watch them.

I am reading..........nothing but the Bible Study that I am currently facilitating, "Living Beyond Yourself" by Beth Moore. But, I'm anxiously awaiting the release of Francine River's newest release on March 13th, "Her Mother's Hope." She's one of my very favorite authors.

I am hoping........that spring is just around the corner. I'm ready to get my patio all decked out with pretty plants.

I am hearing.........Tom Brokaw as he interviews folks about "The Boomers." Quite an interesting show since both my husband and I are "boomers."

Around the house........our two labs sleep in their beds as they enjoy their couple of hours inside with us before going back outside where they really belong. :o)

One of my favorite things..........is knowing that I was able to get everything crossed off of my "to do " list today. It makes me feel like I had a productive day and made good use of my time.

A few plans for the rest of the week............cooking for company, going with some girlfriends to a Viking Cooking School (I'm sure that will be a blog subject afterwards), and enjoying some wonderful family time.
.

For more Simple Woman Daybooks check out The Simple Woman's Daybook

Yea! the Sun is Shining!

Image by bluecinderella via Flickr

Good Morning Company Girls! Yes, here in Southern Louisiana the sun is proudly showing itself and I am loving it! This is the 3rd day in a row and I don't imagine that has happened in over 2 months. It has been a couple of days of sun, then 4-5 days of either rain or dreary, gloomy weather. So we're crossing our fingers that SPRING is indeed just around the corner.

It has been a rather "laid back" week here and I even found myself "bored" one day. Now, you must understand that I'm a gal that never lacks for something to do and bored is not in my vocabulary. ~smile~ I mentioned it to my daughter and she told me to curl up with a book or watch a movie. Not sure why, but that is just not the way I generally enjoy spending daytime. There's certainly nothing wrong with it, but I'd rather be doing something. Night time is made for reading and watching movies in my estimation. I think I realized on Wednesday possibly why I was feeling bored.

I had my checkup with my Cardiologist on Wednesday and that probably sounds pretty scary to some of you. Well, it did to me this time last year, but not any more. Just a little bit of background here. About one year ago I was diagnosed with stroke level high blood pressure. I had always had low blood pressure and didn't even realize that it was so high until I went to a new chiropractor and as part of your first visit with him, he checks your blood pressure. He nearly fell out in the floor when he checked mine and sent me straight to the Dr. So as not to bore you with all the details, I ended up at a Cardiologist and he checked me out from "stem to stern" and ran all kinds of tests. They could not find any physical reason (which was a blessing) and attributed it to all of the emotions I had encountered that past month with my Mom's very sudden death (as a result of a massive stroke). So, I began medication immediately and had to see the Dr. every couple of months. By mid summer my blood pressure was so much lower that they reduced the level of my medication and when I went this past Wed. it was way too low. So, I am now only taking half of a pill and I'm already feeling more energized and it's just been too days. The medication had me so "geared down" and I am very much a "high geared" person. So, perhaps that's why I was a little bored. I'm even stepping a little higher on the treadmill. Yes, medication is good, but too much is NOT a good thing. By the way, my check up with the Cardiologist was fantastic, in fact, she said that there are folks who would pay to have lab reports that look like mine. What a blessing! I thank the Lord everyday for the blessing of health. It seems I hear everyday of someone else that has just been diagnosed with a life threatening illness, so I'm grateful each day that I can get out of bed, put my feet on the floor and go about my business.

I'm excited that Daylight Savings Time is just around the corner too. But, I don't like that it means the sun is not usually showing it's face in the morning until almost 7:00. Guess you could say that I "want my cake and eat it to." I like the sun out early but I like for it to last longer too and for some reason that doesn't work. But, I'll settle for the longer daylight right now and I'll patiently wait for it in the mornings. ~smile~

I'm looking forward to this next week. My baby brother will be coming for a visit. I guess he'll always be my baby brother, even though he'll be 45 years old on St. Patricks Day. I was 12 years old when he was born and I've always felt more like his Mom than his sister. He is so dear to me. He will be coming to spend some time with our Dad and I'll get to sneak in a little time with him too. Thought you might enjoy seeing this picture taken of the two of us last Nov.


Okay, so enjoyed our visit this morning and now I look forward to stopping by and visiting with you. If you aren't a part of Rachel Anne's Company Girls, come on over and check us out. We're a great group! Right? A wonderful and happy week-end to you all!

Wednesday's Random Dozen

1. Do you prefer even or odd numbers? Any particular reason?
I prefer even just because it seems more balanced and I'm all about balance. (I know that doesn't make good sense)

2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "not at all" and 10 being Carly Simon worthy, how vain are you?
I would probably be about an 8, not necessarily proud of that fact, but nonetheless, I am pretty vain. But, I definitely have limits on just how vain I will be.

3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered
Defnitely talkative, have always loved to talk and my parents were always unhappy that I usually had a C in conduct in school because of my talking. :o)

4. How lucky do you consider yourself?
I like to think of it as being blessed and I am very blessed because I've been given the greatest gift of all, eternal life through Christ by accepting Him as my Savior.

5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you've written?
The post that I wrote last Mother's Day entitled, Remembering My Mom. It was my first Mother's Day without my Mom and it was a tribute to the woman she was and the void that I felt since her death. It was very theraputic for me at that time.

6. Describe March weather where you live in three words.
Greening, warming, windy

7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery)
Very apt and do not care for it

8. How "green" are you, environmentally speaking?
Not near as "green" as I should be and I often feel guilty, but still haven't done anything about it. Perhaps this will nudge me to do my part.

9. What is your favorite song this week?
I've been putting out Easter items this week and have been singing, "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" so guess that might be my favorite this week. ~smile~

10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up?
It doesn't matter, I'm going to pick it up. There's just something about finding a coin laying on the ground. I can't walk past it.

11. Complete the sentence: "Every time I look outside my window ...."
I'm thankful for a husband that takes great pride in our yard and it is usually "picture perfect" and a real joy to look out and see.

12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born? See this site to find out.
"Sweetheart" by Vera Lynn - To my knowledge I've never heard it.

Just had to add this picture of me with our 16 month old Grandson. S-w-e-e-t!

A Saturday Project

This past Saturday started out a bit cloudy and gloomy, but by noon had turned into a beautiful, almost spring-like, day. A perfect day to get some outside projects done. As with any homeowner, there is always some project that needs to be done and my thinking is, if it needs done, then "just do it." Hubby, on the other hand, has to ponder it for a while and get in just the right mood to tackle it. Need I say that in our almost 39 years of marriage this has been a "thorn in my flesh" many times. And, I'm sure he would likely say the same about my approach to a project. ~smile~

Our pansies were even smiling and Rosco and Rhett were just being Rosco and Rhett. What a life on this beautiful Saturday. They were sure not thinking about any projects!

We have lived in this house for almost 29 years and for over half of those years we have wanted a brick mailbox. Well, we finally made arrangements to have one built last August. Of course, one project often calls for another. I thought that it needed plaques on either side with our street address on them for a "finishing touch" and Hubby agreed. I began searching the internet for just the right ones, found them, ordered them and they came within a few days. Guess where they have been since? The laundry room! You can be for sure that if I had the "know how" to put them up, then I would have done it as soon as they arrived. But, there are just some things that I do not tackle and putting screws into bricks is one of them. Thus, the reason they have been in the laundry room for 7 months. ~smile~ Remember, Hubby has to ponder these things and get in just the right mood to tackle such projects.

Hubby decided that Saturday would be a good day to put up the plaques as long as I would be available to be his "gopher." We gathered all the necessary items and off to the mailbox we went. Now, you must know that a lot of measuring went into the drilling of that first hole. I am a perfectionist, but Hubby is an "ultra" perfectionist. There is no "eye balling" anything with him.

Once the two holes were drilled, the plaques were carefully mounted into place and we stepped back to admire. We were pleased and they looked like a professional had put them up. ~smile~

I thought while we were "in the mode" that perhaps Hubby would enjoy helping me "ready" my pots on the patio for planting. He agreed, so it was looking like we might get two projects done and marked off of our list. I now have pots "ready and waiting" to be filled with spring and summer plants. Hopefully Spring is just around the corner and soon you will get to see these pots blooming with colorful plants.


I have been blessed to be married to a man that can do just about anything. The only thing he doesn't tackle is a plumbing problem. But, most anything else he can do and do it well. He is definitely a man of many talents. He may not always do things in the time frame that I think they should be done in, but he always gets it done. We have made a lot of memories doing projects together, shared a few intense moments (any project causes these) and a lot of laughter.

If Hubby knew that I was blogging on this he would scratch his head and say, "women, I just don't understand them." He so enjoys my blog and finds it interesting that others often find my blog interesting too. But, he says, "who wants to read about all the "goings on" in other women's lives?" I assure him that it is a "woman thing" and he wouldn't understand, but we bloggers just enjoy sharing a bit of our lives with each other. And, hopefully it will be a great memory for our children as well. But, whether he understands me or not, he loves and accepts me for who I am and that's the "bottom line." And, it certainly doesn't hurt that he's the best "handy man" in the world! ~wink~ I feel blessed for sure!