Lea's Daybook

I always enjoy doing a Daybook and hope you will enjoy reading it as well.
After all, it really is the day to day things that make up our lives.
 
FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the yard is neat and tidy (all 2 acres of it) and Rosco and Rhett are enjoying running around while it's not quite so hot.  They spend most of the days, right now, sprawled out in the carport on the cool concrete. ~smart dogs~
 
I am thinking...that, like Rosco and Rhett, I am very ready for fall.  I love, love fall!
 
I am hearing...the sound of Pandora playing "Easy Listening Pianos." I also love Pandora!
 
In the kitchen...lots of action the past couple of days.  I made a pound cake and Fool's Toffee (I'll share more about this in a minute).  My baby brother is here visiting and I wanted to make sure he had plenty to snack on.~grin~
 
I am wearing...some white linen shorts and a black top with my cute black bling flip flops.  I mean, a gals gotta do what a gals gotta do and I do love me some bling. ~chuckle~
 
I am creating...a Shutterfly photo book as I have done for the past several years.  I do two 12X12 each year.  One for the first half of the year and one for the second half.  This is a continuous project for me. Every time I take a photo that I want included in the book I download it and put it in. It gets my "creative juices" to flowing. ~grin~  Love not having photo albums anymore.  These are just the greatest!
 
I am going...to have breakfast with my brother in a few minutes at the Huddle House.  Now, don't laugh, it's about as good as it gets for breakfast here. ~I know, sad.~

I am reading...Love Does by Bob Goff. A great book on how we are to demonstrate love and make a connection with all people. WOW! if we all did that what a different world we'd be living in.
 
I am hoping...for happy endings to a whole lot of situations, some health related and some relationship issues for folks that I care a whole lot about.
 
I am looking forward to...fall, I told you I love fall.  
I am pondering...gifts for Christmas.  I have already found some "prizes" for some of my gifts and I get so excited when I think I have found something that will thrill my children.  I generally just let them pretty much tell me what they want and that's what they get.  But, I love to have a couple of surprise packages. ~sneaky~
 
A favorite quote for today...
"When life is great, thank God and celebrate, when life is bitter, thank God and GROW."
 
One of my favorite things...is talking with my Grandchildren at this point in their lives.  They will be 4 and 5 in October and they can hold such cute conversations now.  Most the conversations with our Grandson take place through FaceTime or the phone and he does so well with either of those now.  The Princess keeps us in stitches with some of the things she says.  It's all so cute!
 
A few plans for the rest of the week...is enjoying my brother while he is here and doing the necessary stuff that has to be done around a house.
 
A peek into my day...same as above and if my Dad is up to it, we plan to take him out to eat at one of his favorite places this evening. He reached in his refrigerator on Wed. to get something and got his back out of whack.  It seems some better and hopefully he will be up for tonight.  Amazing how just a simple move can cause our backs to misbehave and make our lives pretty miserable for a few days.
 
A picture worth sharing....

I mentioned making Fool's Toffee above and wanted to share the recipe with you.  You can find it under my recipe tab above (and if you have had issues with my recipe tab in the past, it has been corrected and you should be able to access without any problem now).  Anyway, I saw this on Facebook and I love toffee and thought it was so interesting that it is made with Saltine Crackers.  How crazy is that!  But, can I assure you that this is "lip smacking" good stuff!  Takes just a few minutes to make, so give it a try and enjoy!

Happy weekend!

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Labor Day Style

Ah! so good to be back with the Hodgepodge today.  I've been away the past two weeks and I've missed it.  We love that Joyce always "shows up" for us with weekly questions.  Sit back and enjoy!

1. Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year? Hummm......you know somethings are just better left unsaid. ~now, bet that gets everyone to wondering~ smile~ Let me assure you, it's not worth wondering about. ~bigger smile~

2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?I am a "domestic engineer" and most days it is very fulfilling, but it can be very frustrating as well. ~grin~

3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever? Why?When I was 15 years old I sat with an elderly lady that lived behind our family.  I had to be at her house by 7:00PM and I left at 7:00AM. Yep! I stayed the night with her.  She was a member of my Dad's church and a very dear lady, but spending 12 hours of my day, 7 days a week, got very old, very quick for a 15 year old girl.  But, money was scarce and it gave me a steady income, like $3 a night, which equals $21 a week.  Have mercy!  Those were the days!

4. How do you measure contentment?  When all is well in my world and I am in a right relationship with my heavenly Father, there is no greater contentment. And, that is not always the case, either all being well in my world or me being where I need to be with the Lord.  But, when those two things align, I am a most contented gal.

5. Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?Oh,I LOVE dill pickles and a hamburger is NOT a hamburger without some dill pickles on it.  Have never developed a taste for any other type pickles. Ugh!

6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?Well, in my house and town, I live near everything in town.  But, I guess the place that I seem to frequent the most is Wal-Mart.  How pitiful is that?  But, it is the only store of it's type in our town and I seem to always be going there for this or that.  I would much rather it be a Target, but......

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?I cannot think of one thing on my "want to do" list before summer ends.  We have had a busy, fun filled summer and I am definitely ready for fall.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I mean, what in the world has happened to this gal?  Has fame and fortunate caused her to take leave of her senses?  And, why does the media not hush about her performance on the MTV awards Sunday night.  They are just giving her more publicity and causing the folks that didn't see her so called performance go to UTube and watch it.  She needs help and I cannot help but feel very sorry for her and wish that I could have about a day with her to try and enlighten her on the things of this life that truly matter. 

Miscellany Monday

So, so good to be back for MM. Seems I never lack for miscellaneous "talk" and always enjoy sharing it with you on Mondays.  I'm so glad that Carissa welcomes us each week!

Interesting sign.......

While on our trip last week we went into a Jimmy John's to grab a sandwich and this was the sign that greeted us.  Have mercy, talk about being blunt and to the point!  Of course, I had to chuckle after I read it. But, I'm thinking EVERYONE looks best with their nakedness covered! ~smile~


Ouch........

Not sure whose idea this was, but this was the knife holder at the beach house we leased while we were in Gig Harbor a couple of weeks ago.  It is definitely a "coversation piece" but really, it's a bit morbid as far as I'm concerned.  Oh, the things that folks come up with and then laugh all the way to the bank as they enjoy the "fruits of their weirdness." ~chuckle~

Our Miss Priss......

I can almost hear you saying, "awe, isn't she precious." ~wink~  Yes, she is and I got her this adorable outfit on our recent trip.  I wish you could see the detail of the skirt, has a real vintage look to it.  You know sometimes things have someone's name on them and this outfit screamed Hanna Beth, and it didn't hurt that it was one of her best colors either.  All together one more time........"awe."

A real Southern Lady.....

  There will be many of you reading this that know exactly who this lady is and then others of you who will have no idea.  Well, this is Virginia Ireland, and get this, she is 97 years young.  Yep, you read that correctly!  And, this picture was just taken yesterday and it has not be touched up, and she has not had any cosmetic work done.  Isn't she amazing looking??? Ms.Virginia, and her now deceased husband, owned a jewelry store here in our town for many, many years and she has been a resident here for most of her 97 years.   She could write a book on what it means to be a Southern Lady and I have been privileged to observe and learn from her.  When you go over to have coffee with her you are served in a China cup and saucer and are given a linen napkin.  I would venture to say that she does not own a mug or paper napkins.  She enjoys good health, still drives, lives alone and is always put together in fine fashion.  Oh, that I could live and be such a woman at 97 years old!

Deep ponderings........

I often ponder, but the past few weeks have caused me to ponder more than usual. The past month has brought much sadness and concern my way.  We lost a very dear friend suddenly and now we're watching his precious wife make the many adjustments to her life.  I have had two dear friends diagnosed with breast cancer and they are on the journey of their lives. A dear friend had emergency brain surgery this past Saturday and is awaiting the pathology report and I know folks with divisions in their family that is causing hurt and despair.  Thank goodness all of the above mentioned have a strong faith and know that HE is the only one that will see them through.  All of this has caused me to once again reflect on so much of my own life and to know that our lives can make such a drastic change in 24 hours.  If I thought about it long enough it would likely paralyze me. But I've lived through enough changes in my 61 years that I know HE is always faithful and whatever befalls me, HE will be there to carry me through, just as HE has in the past.  I think this says it best........

  

Five on Friday - Washington Style

Oh, my goodness, I have missed you folks!  I've had "blogging withdrawal" for sure, but must admit that I've been having too much fun to fret over it.  Thought I would use today's "Five on Friday" to share tidbits of our recent trip with you. Hope you enjoy!

ONE...In case you didn't already know, Hubby and I have just returned from a  trip to the Seattle, Tacoma and Gig Harbor, WA. area.  We actually rented an ocean front home (with one of Hubby's sister's and her husband) in Gig Harbor.  Can I just say that the ocean was right at our doorstep and the view was absolutely amazing.  If the clouds were not hanging too low, we could actually see Mt. Rainer. The drive to the house was like driving through a rain forest, lush and beautiful.  We had visits most days from the spotted fawns and they seemed quite at home and we could generally get within a few feet of them.

TWO...We visited the famous Chihuly Glass Museum in Seattle. What a place and what gorgeous glass items!  We were able to sit in and watch a couple of the glass blowing artist and it is truly beyond me as to how they do what they do.  The gift shop was full of exquisite items with really BIG price tags.  I would loved to have brought the vase in the above picture home with me, but..........

 THREE...One day found us at the Pikes Place Market in downtown Seattle.  It had it's beginning in 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmer's market in the US.  We were there on Friday afternoon and it was so busy with the locals doing their shopping that we could hardly get through.  I cannot imagine having access to such a place.  The fruits and veggies are displayed with such flair and even the raw fish looked inviting.  I was most amazed at the prices on the fresh flowers. A bouquet that we would easily pay upwards of $75 for could be bought for a mere $15.  Needless to say, if I lived near there, I would have fresh flowers in my home all the time.  Amazing!!!

 Right outside the market was "Rachel the Pig" and supposedly if you kiss her, you will have years of good luck.  So, with nothing to lose, I decided to give her a smooch!

FOUR... One of my most favorite things that we did was the lunch cruise on The Royal Argosy.  It was a two hour tour of some of Seattle's best scenery with a bit of history.  They served us a most delicious meal and the weather could not have been more perfect. A most enjoyable time!

 FIVE...On our last day we drove over to the little town of Sequim, WA. to visit the Purple Haze Lavender Farm.  I have been a long time fan of Lavender, so I was excited to see fields and fields of it growing.  Sequim has any and everything that one could possibly want (or not want) with Lavender.  I had no idea of the many ways one could use Lavender.  I wanted very much to bring home a hand tied bundle of it but they did not ship and I was afraid that the flight home might make mush of the bundle, so I left that behind as well.  We enjoyed walking the downtown area and it didn't take us long to sense the carefree lifestyle that these folks live.  It was a most refreshing visit to say the least and a unique "lavender experience."

 Tommy's younger sister lives in Tacoma and she and her husband served as our most capable tour guides for the trip.  It was a special time for us to be together. Since I do not have sisters, I'm most grateful that the Lord saw fit to bless me with these two sisters in laws that are such fun to be with.  It just doesn't get much better than sharing family time in one of the most gorgeous areas of the country.

Miscellany Monday

As you are reading this, I am either on my way to the airport or perhaps already in the air.  Yes, I did get packed and we're off to beautiful Seattle, well, actually the place we are going is called Gig Harbor. But, I simply could not leave until I left you with some miscellaneous thoughts this Monday morning. ~aren't you glad~

It's all vintage........

I was browsing through a shop that is pretty much all vintage last week.  It has clothing, jewelry, decorative items and furniture.  It goes on for days and days and I had so much fun browsing through.  So, so many of the household items I remember from my childhood.  Goodness, does that mean that I'm vintage too?  Gracious, I did like that word until I think that it might be referring to me.  Surely not!  I have a few pieces of vintage clothing that I really like, but for the most part, most of the vintage clothes would be best worn by someone else.  I'm a bit too tailored for most of them.

Tiny dancing feet....

Oh, the Princess' Momma has been waiting for this day since the Princess was born.  Hanna Beth will begin taking dance this year and she'll be taking from the same place that her Momma took.  Of course, as most little girls, she loves the noise that her tap shoes make when she walks around in them.  It's going to be an exciting time for sure.  Our little "dancin' Princess."

 My bags are packed....

 I finally got serious about packing on Saturday morning.  I drug out the suitcases and the neat little mesh packing cubes that we use for long trips or when we are flying.  They are the greatest and help to keep everything so organized and you know that's important to this gal.  Anyway, I began by packing the essentials, then moved to the clothes I would wear.  As I pulled an outfit I would immediately get the accessories and shoes to match and I did that for every outfit I am taking.  Now, you see why I do not like packing.  I know ladies that pack so that they can get by with a couple pair of shoes, and one or maybe two accessories that will match everything they are taking.  Well, that is just not me.  No, I've got 6 pair of shoes in my suitcases, scarves and jewelry for days and 10 outfits for 8 days.  I just like to be prepared.  Yes, I am my own worse enemy but I guess when I get tired of doing it, I'll go to a "less is more" mode of packing.  I don't think I've gone over the 50# weight limit but who knows on the return trip???? 

Dancin' in the Sky.......
Just yesterday this song, Dancin' in the Sky by Dani &Lizzy was shared with me and I just had to share it with you as well. If you have a loved one or someone dear to you that has gone  on to heaven, then I do believe that this song will minister to you and bring you joy.  You might need to grab a kleenex but oh, such a sweet, sweet song!  Yes, when we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be.
    

I shall return..........

with all kinds of blog fodder and photos.  

Sharing my day with you............

Every once in a while it's fun to share my day with you and there's no better way than through the Simple Woman's Daybook.  Hope you enjoy!

 
FOR TODAY
Outside my window...
the sun is shining brightly, the high today is 98 and likely 98% humidity.~sweat, sweat~  Poor Rosco and Rhett find themselves laying on the concrete inside the carport most all day long right now.  This heat just takes it out them too.

I am thinking...

that I should have already begun packing our suitcases for our trip on Monday. But, packing is the worst part of a trip and especially since we are flying.

I am thankful...

for God's peace that He constantly provides and I can't imagine not being His child and being held in the shelter of His wings.

 In the kitchen... 

I've been enjoying a lot of my frozen meals this week.  It's such fun to have my stash in the freezer  and not have to worry with cooking right now. Yea! me! And, we enjoy a lot of BLT's and grilled burgers this time of year.

I am wearing...
red knee shorts, a white top and of course, have on necklace, bracelet and earrings. ~smile~ Did I mention that I love accessorizing. ~bigger smile~

I am creating...
hummmmm......not a blessed thing that I know of
 
I am going...
to Gig Harbor, WA this next Monday for 8 days and am so excited to leave this La. heat and humidity behind. Hubby and I have never been to the Pacific Northwest and we are very excited to go and spend time with family.

I am wondering...
you know, I'm always wondering and it's generally things that are close to my heart and not really to be "put out there" ~wink~

I am reading...
The Noticer by Andy Andrews, well, I'm about to start reading it, thinking it will be great to read on the plane and while we are gone.  I've heard such great things about it.

I am hoping...
that we do not have any flight delays going or coming. That is just something you risk when you fly and I always try to be prepared, but I never seem to be when it happens.

I am looking forward to...
seeing an area of the U.S. that we have never seen before and as I said, enjoying cooler temps.  And, I'm hoping for sunny skies but from what I understand, the sun doesn't shine a whole lot in the Seattle area.~blah~
 
I am learning...
that it's in HIS time, not MINE

Around the house...
things are in good order.  I've worked the past couple of months doing some deep cleaning, changing a few things around, putting down new rugs in the kitchen and in general, doing a very small facelift around here. Ever so often a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do! ~makes her happy~

I am pondering...
the state of affairs of our country and how so much of it just simply does not make sense.  
 
A favorite quote for today...
You change your life by changing your heart.
Max Lucado

  One of my favorite things...
is having my Princess nearby to share in her life and being able to share FaceTime with my Prince to make the 13 1/2 hours that separate us not seem so far.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Did I mention that I'm going on a trip and I've got suitcases to pack and a whole bunch of other stuff to get done before we leave. But, I will make it, yes I will! 
 
A peek into my day...
I'm off to take my adopted Vietnamese granddaughter  to register for dance.  She has her driver's license but the dance studio is in an area that she has never driven in and her Dad and Mom did not want her going there the first time by herself.  Her Dad and Mom work unbelievable hours and some of their help is on vacation this week, so neither of them was able to take her this morning.  I am glad that I can help them out because An is such a precious young lady and a delight to be with.

A picture worth sharing....

My friends, this is the view from the house we will be renting in Gig Harbor. My BIL and SIL are already there and they sent us this yesterday to add to our excitement. Oh, don't you wish you were going with me?  Talk about blog fodder..........I'll have plenty when I return.

Happy weekend!

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

1. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week...what's one thing you could do this week to qualify as a participant?
Well, I could get rid of some of the stuff that is sitting around our house that I affectionately call decor.  It would simplify my life because no longer would it have to moved to dust and when we leave this big house, I wouldn't have to pack it.  It's doubtful that either of these are going to happen but it sure is a nice thought.
 
2. It's also National Peach Month...peach pie, peach cobbler, or please pour me a Bellini?  What's your peach pleasure?
Again, I am weird but I do not care for peaches in pies, cobblers or ice cream.  I am such a texture person and a coooked or mashed up peach is way to mushy for this gal.  I can eat a raw peach and half way enjoy it and I can tolerate Peach Tea. 
 
3. Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Agree or disagree...explain.
I agree. I assume that this likely means do something that gets yourself out of your comfort zone.  I find that the older I get the harder this is to do but also the more determined I am to do so. I want to meet each day "head on" and sometimes that means being scared. ~chuckle~
  
4. What's your favorite household chore?  Yes-you have to name one.
Definitely keeping things organized! I live by the rule, "there's a place for everything and everything should be in it's place."  Goodness, just makes life so much better for me.  I love organized drawers, organized cabinets, organized laundry, you name it and I not only want it organized, I enjoy getting it that way and keeping it that way.  It's not a one time affair for sure so that's why I'm always having to stay on top of it.  I know, weird!! ~smile~
  
5. Fodors recently listed (what they've dubbed) the ten most beautiful sunset spots in America. Click here to read more and see the pretty pictures, but this is their list:
Butterfly Beach in Santa Monica CA, Mount Haleakala in Maui HI, Old Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe NM, Laguna Beach CA, Hopi Point in Grand Canyon AZ, Four Seasons in Miami FL, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica CA, Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard MA, Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City UT, and Mallory Square in Key West Florida.
Have you seen the sun set from any of these spots?  If you could choose to watch the sun set this weekend from one spot on the Fodors List, which would you choose?  Where was the prettiest sunset you've ever seen?
I consider myself to be a well traveled gal but none of my travels have taken me to any of the above mentioned spots.  I have been to Maui twice but did not go to Mount Haleakala. I want to go to Martha's Vineyard so I'll say that Gay Head is where I would choose to go.  And, I would have to say that the prettiest sunset I have ever seen was in Hawaii, just not on Mount Haleakala.
  
6. What's your favorite or most used app?  If you don't use apps how about your favorite or most visited website?
Oh, I can only name one?  I have bunches, but Netflix would rate at the top because every morning when I walk on my treadmill I watch a movie off of Netflix on my Ipad.  Of course, it takes me about 3 mornings to finish a movie but Netflix keeps it right where I left off and I pick it right back up.  So, so cool!!
  
7. We've recently passed the halfway mark for 2013...write a seven word sentence that sums up your year thus far.
"All that and a bag of chips!" 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
First, if you have clicked on my Recipe Tab at the top of my blog recently and gotten a "malware message" - it is now fixed.  The page has been recreated and should be just fine.  It never had a malware issue, but it was not working with some folks virus protection systems.
Secondly, fellow bloggers,   I am DONE with Google+ as far as my blog is concerned!!! I switched over and was never happy and didn't see the big deal and it would change my settings without my permission.  So, I reverted back to "regular Blogger" and think I'll be much happier now. 
Thirdly, I am enjoying Bloglovin' as a way to follow blogs! I don't know why folks can't just leave something alone when it's working just fine. Oh, well, guess I'll adjust. ~sigh~