For Today; June 30, 2008

Outside my window...for the 4th day in a row, overcast skies . We had 3/10" rain yesterday.

I am thinking…I should never, ever drink caffeine after noon...I did yesterday and didn't fall asleep until after 1 AM and woke at 6:15 ...

I am thankful for…Barkbusters coming today at 6 PM to teach us how to teach Shiloh how to be a gentleman. Also so very grateful for finishing Debby's album.

From the kitchen…hazelnut coffee & toast

I am creating…the celebration of the everyday. Don't get me wrong - I love celebrating milestones, anniversaries and traditional holidays, but that leaves a bunch of days uncelebrated - so I really like to celebrate the "everyday" simple pleasures.

For instance - Hubby cleaning out his Bible. This is a "mark the calendar" event as he squirrels away bulletins and prayer requests in his Bible. Yesterday was one of those days - he took out 12 bulletins and a couple other full-size sheets of paper! I'll snap a picture of them all and have to scrapbook it in "Things We Do" 'cause he's been like as long as I've known him!

I am going…to vacuum. Update - Shiloh is not shedding nearly as badly as before . . . a pair of scissors & a good brushing took care of that. This is average an ordinary vacuuming - not because of Shiloh.

I am wearing...off-white linen pants & brown shirt w/turquoise medallion

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend; & Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian

I am hoping…to write a quick note to Debby & put the album in the mail. I found a new, unused pizza box and it's perfect! I have no idea how much it will cost to ship such an unusual size package. Since I never went blueberry picking last week, I'll just go to Gourmet Gardens and buy by the gallon. $8/gallon seems fair enough to me, since they do all the labor!

I am hearing…clock ticking, birds chirping outside & train whistle

Around the house…is anticipation of a busy week: Shiloh's schooling, working 3 days, July 4th festivities at Love's Lookout, & Nathaniel's wedding on Saturday.

One of my favorite things…is looking through photos & remembering the stories behind the pictures - then scrapping the stories. I'm not so great at scrapping chronologically as I'd much rather scrap memories, and emotions that come over me as I scrap. Therefore, I will quit using strap-hinged albums and go to d-ring albums, so I can move pages around, etc.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… include mailing Debby's album, working with Shiloh, "maybe" moving rosewood bookcase from one side of sew.com to the other side in order to make room for Shiloh's crate. It currently resides in the dining room, which I do NOT like. He's in this room with me so much of the time, we might as well move the crate in here. It will be crowded . . . but seldom is there more than one person in here and that's me - either on the computer or sewing or scrapping or working on Good Samaritan books/paperwork so it ought to be okay.

For Today; June 29, 2008

Outside my window...once again, for the 3rd day in a row, overcast skies

I am thinking…I need to start getting ready for church!

I am thankful for…Hubby having a fantastic time with daughter-in-law & two youngest grandchildren yesterday, even though they caught no fish. The purpose was to make a memory and that they did

From the kitchen…hazelnut coffee & toast

I am creating…hmmm - will have to get back to this one - I don't know what I'm creating today

I am going…to church

I am wearing...blue satin nightshirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

I am hoping…to worship God & bask in His Word

I am hearing…clock ticking & birds chirping outside

Around the house…Sunday morning busy-ness . . . even without kids there's a bustling about to get ready

One of my favorite things…to spend time with God's people

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans

For Today; June 28, 2008

Outside my window...once again - overcast skies

I am thinking…that Shiloh is beginning to fit in with us He follows me around, but usually does NOT get in the way. He really is a good boy . . . just needs some etiquette lessons.

I am thankful for…Hubby being able to go fishing with 8 year old grandson. "Make a Memory"

From the kitchen…the smells of coffee, watermelon, & toast

I am creating…a day of play . . . will organize/reorganize photos into something other than chronological order. . . my mind doesn't think chronologically . . . it's more "random"

I am going…to tidy house, read & scrapbook

I am wearing...blue satin nightshirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

I am hoping…to relax & recharge

I am hearing…clock ticking; printer humming; Shiloh breathing

Around the house…order

One of my favorite things…an unscheduled day

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans, picking blueberries

For Today, June 27, 2008

Outside my window...overcast skies

I am thinking…the weekend will be busy with hubby gone fishing/canoing with grandson & it being just $hiloh & me; next week even busier

I am thankful for…being able to get $hiloh some trained the barkbuster way...class starts Monday @ 6 PM &&&&& that I've already moved bags & bags of compost....my arms are getting stronger

From the kitchen…the smells of coffee, watermelon, cantaloupe, toast

I am creating…a day of celebrating the everyday imperfections of life

I am going…to tidy house, do research for parents, go pick/get blueberries, read & scrapbook; then make a fantastic salmon & shrimp dinner

I am wearing...peach colored pajamas...and yes, I moved compost in my jammies...a perk for living out in the country

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

I am hoping…to take it all in stride

I am hearing…hens clucking

Around the house…the peace and quiet of $hiloh snoring

One of my favorite things…an unscheduled day

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans, picking blueberries

For Today, June 26, 2008

Outside my window...dark black as it's 3:00 AM & crickets chirping

I am thinking…that I'm having major sleep problems; that $hiloh may not work out for us as he ran across the street (twice) and chewed up his leash . . . at 110# he is impossible for me to control

I am thankful for…my Bible to read in the middle of the night

From the kitchen…not a thing

I am creating…another day of exhaustion

I am going…to try to go back to sleep and then to work in Palestine this afternoon

I am wearing...turquoise night shirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

I am hoping…to get some more sleep & a more gentlemanly Shiloh

I am hearing…clock ticking & ceiling fan whirling

Around the house…quiet

One of my favorite things…a good night's sleep

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans; deciding if we'll keep $hiloh & if so, what training to get for him

For Today, June 25, 2008

Outside my window…muggy weather but fortunately with a touch of coolness in the air and a 40% chance for rain . . . we'll see about that [edited 6/26 - no rain...nada...not a drop]

I am thinking…that at 110+ pounds, Shiloh needs Weight Watchers for Dogs

I am thankful for…my husband who lays out my vitamins for me

From the kitchen…vitamin dispensing, coffee, water boiling, Shiloh eating breakfast

I am creating…life art...right here...right now...today

I am going…WW meeting, post office, meet Kathy, stop by Good Sam

I am wearing...turquoise night shirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same,

I am hoping…to work on friend's cruise album . . . really

I am hearing…scissors snipping grapes

Around the house…Shiloh snuffling about

One of my favorite things…a good night's sleep

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… updating Good Samaritan books; scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans

For Today, June 24, 2008

Outside my window…fog lifting off the lake

I am thinking…that it's funny how dreams work

I am thankful for…new tires, oil change and getting the Knockouts moved

From the kitchen…quiet

I am creating…a busy day

I am going…to the clinic to buy flea stuff

I am wearing...white shorts/navy top

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same, and perusing my gardening & photography book

I am hoping…to give Shiloh some schooling

I am hearing…clock ticking, a/c humming, TV in the living room

Around the house…dog fur, even though Murray clipped him some more! He definitely needs shaving. . . .Shiloh - not Murray - I like his beard

One of my favorite things…as yesterday - it's still my vacuum cleaner

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… updating Good Samaritan books; scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans

Posted by VPS at 5:50 AM

For Today, June 23, 2008

Outside my window…mowers cutting hay

I am thinking…I have my work cut out for me - training Shiloh to become a gentleman. Sorta' like Professor Higgins & Liza Dolittle

I am thankful for…fresh eggs from hubby's happy hens

From the kitchen…the smell of coffee

I am creating…stronger arms - teaching Shiloh to heel

I am going…to vacuum the house and "maybe" move the roses

I am wearing...white capris & navy/white top

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same, and perusing my gardening & photography book

I am hoping…my energy stays high

I am hearing…clock ticking and mowers cutting hay

Around the house…dog fur : ( Tansy almost never sheds - not so with Shiloh

One of my favorite things…for today - vacuum c leaners

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… updating Good Samaritan books; giving parents' insurance information to friend who is an agent; scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans; moving Knockout Roses, lantana and day lilies

For Today, June 22, 2008

Outside my window…lots and lots of sun

I am thinking…about what do do with Shiloh while we're at church and am grateful that according to Smith's Bible Dictionary "Shiloh" means "peaceable or pacific, which means promoting peace". I think it's a good sign of things to come

I am thankful for…safe traveling around Texas yesterday

From the kitchen…Shiloh slurping water

I am creating…a plan for the day that involves going to church (what to do w/Shiloh), lunch (still don't know what it will be [light I suppose, since we will have a big hearty breakfast at church this AM]), shaving Shiloh (he currently looks like a bear), and whatever else comes up regarding Shiloh

I am going…to make bacon deviled eggs for the church breakfast; later in the day move two rose bushes and transplant one lantana

I am wearing...white capris & black top

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same, and perusing my gardening & photography book

I am hoping…for a somewhat smooth transition to having a big dog in the house, and teaching Shiloh some manners

I am hearing…clock ticking and water boiling

Around the house…an aroma of "dog"

One of my favorite things…my husband, who surprised me with a beautiful arbor on the west side of the house

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… updating Good Samaritan books; giving insurance information to friend who is an agent; scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans

For Today, June 21, 2008

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…some dark & some pink clouds against a light sky. It's almost sunrise

I am thinking…about making a pot of coffee

I am thankful for…the depth of field preview button on my camera which I just discovered yesterday. I've had the camera since August!

From the kitchen…nada. It's early & no one has yet gone in there

I am creating…a life I love

I am going…to College Station and then to Hempstead

I am wearing...aqua night shirt. Yes the same one as the other day. It's been washed. I promise.

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same, and perusing my gardening & photography book

I am hoping…for safe travels today

I am hearing…clock ticking and sparrows chirping

Around the house…there's anticipation of the possibility of having a new dog

One of my favorite things…my camera

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…See a (wo)man about a dog; updating Good Samaritan books; visit young friend who's coming home from China

Posted by VPS at 5:07 AM

Texas GOP Convention

Hubby & I went to the Republican State Convention last week in Houston.

I am no fan of Obama . . . his voting record is more liberal than the self-avowed Socialist Senator, Bernie Sanders. Nevertheless, I strongly suspect Obama will be the next president.

There was no excitement for McCain. None. He didn't bother showing up. They just trotted out that tired old video devoted 1/2 time about him being a POW and the other 1/2 about his mama. I don't think ANYONE doubts the fact he is a patriotic, American hero . . . no doubt at all. But our country needs to go forward and not continually look backward. And I guess the fact that his mama is still alive is a good thing to point out: he comes from good genes.

The fact is if die-hard Republicans are not excited about him, how on earth do they expect to get the rest of the country excited? This was the Republican convention, not the Democratic convention, but you couldn't tell by the cars in the parking lot as there were very, very few w/McCain bumper stickers!

At our Congressional Caucus, which had about 160 people, there was not ONE who voted for McCain in the primary. And several big-wigs admitted he wasn't even one of their top three choices!

There were very few young people sporting banners, etc., for McCain. Now the Ron Paul booth had people around it all the time. The Thursday night ice cream social was downright electrifying! Young hippies, old hippies; young and old in suit & tie and everyone in between. It was a great big party! Not so on the convention floor for McCain. Even Roger Williams, the number one Republican dude in Texas, never mentioned McCain by name, only saying we need to support our Republican candidates.

Lots of controversy . . . but the two things the Texas delegates agreed upon was enforcing illegal immigration laws (which McCain is against)and "Drill Here. Drill Now. Lower prices", which I think I heard McCain has finally embraced the idea this week.

I believe with all my heart that hubby and I saw the beginning of the end of the Republican party. And very probably the end of the two-party system, which I'm beginning to think isn't working so well these days. After all, as my 91 year old dad says, "Out of 300+ million people, McCain and Obama are the best we can come up with?" God have mercy on us all!

For Today, June 20, 2008

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…Sun

I am thinking…how blessed I am

I am thankful for…my daughter and her husband

From the kitchen…Triple Berry Smoothies

I am creating…a life of simplicity

I am going…to pray for Amanda's procedure

I am wearing...aqua night shirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same

I am hoping…to work in the garden this morning

I am hearing…clock ticking and printer printing

Around the house…there's a need for a good sweeping

One of my favorite things…fresh fruit; fresh herbs; sunny days; songbirds; ticking clocks; ceiling fans

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…See a (wo)man about a dog; medical phone calls for parents; updating Good Samaritan books; visit young friend who's coming home from China

For Today, June 19, 2008

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…A flock of geese flying overhead

I am thinking…we might really be getting a dog!

I am thankful for…the fact that I don't have to go anywhere today

From the kitchen…husband of almost 39 years getting ready for work

I am creating…dear friend's scrapbook of our cruise trip

I am going…to stay home today

I am wearing...turquoise tank/white shorts

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same

I am hoping…to zip through housework, organize/reorganize WW stuff, write note of sympathy to friends who recently lost a grandson and scrapbook

I am hearing…clock ticking and a/c humming outside the sew.com room

Around the house…a bit of a mess . . . should be able to tidy in less than an hour

One of my favorite things…not having to leave home

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Medical phone calls for parents; updating Good Samaritan books; praying for Candy, Jerry, Tammy & rest of the family, upload and edit photos from Texas Republican Convention; visit young friend who's coming home from China

For Today, June 18, 2008

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…Sunshine

I am thinking…we might need to get a dog to keep the wild life a bit farther away from the house

I am thankful for…a somewhat quiet afternoon

From the kitchen…popcorn

I am creating…next week's plan

I am going…to Grapeland, TX to lead WW meeting

I am wearing...large, white Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison t-shirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same

I am hoping…to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." Helen Keller

I am hearing…Cardinals, woodpeckers, mockingbirds, chickadees, titmice

Around the house…fresh air as windows are open

One of my favorite things…lazy afternoons

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Medical phone calls for parents; updating Good Samaritan books; praying for Candy, Jerry, Tammy & rest of the family, upload and edit photos from Texas Republican Convention; visit young friend who's coming home from China

Posted by VPS at 5:58 AM

For Today; June 17, 2008

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…Blue skies & very bright sun

I am thinking…that I oftentimes react to life's challenges as problems. As a Christian I have the choice to approach life's messiness from a different point of view. Instead of fighting it, I can embrace it, knowing God is with me, guiding and helping. That is what happened last week. A very busy, messy week . . . and I embraced the opportunity for Him to show Himself faithful. And He did a most marvelous job!

I am thankful for…getting photo CDs burned and ready to mail. It is nice to have this obligation completed early in the week.

From the kitchen…Chocolate coffee. And I just heard that a 24 year study shows that 2 - 5 cups of coffee per day reduces a woman's change of heart attacks! Yay for coffee!

I am creating…a simple life

I am going…to prepare for WW meeting and give myself a pedicure

I am wearing...white capris & orange tank top

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same

I am hoping…to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." Helen Keller

I am hearing…clock ticking & a Titmouse peeping

Around the house…there is a sense of order

One of my favorite things…Order & simplicity

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Medical phone calls for parents; updating Good Samaritan books; praying for Candy, Jerry, Tammy & rest of the family, upload and edit photos from Texas Republican Convention; visit young friend who's coming home from China

For Today; June 16, 2008

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…Blue skies, white clouds, bright sun

I am thinking…about having to deal with my elderly parents' Medicare, supplemental insurance, doctor bills. I have no patience. But I love my parents and at 87 & 91 years old it is too much for them.

I am thankful for…last week. It was incredibly busy and productive. And God gave me the grace to see Him in almost every circumstance. He is so very, very faithful.

From the kitchen…Chocolate coffee

I am creating…a plan for this week. . .it must include time for creativity

I am going…to stay home today

I am wearing...white capris, orange tank top, black/white Speedo flip-flops

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same

I am hoping…not to treat today as one big emergency

I am hearing…clock ticking

Around the house…there is a sense of order

One of my favorite things…chocolate

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Medical phone calls for parents; updating Good Samaritan books; praying for Candy, Jerry, Tammy & rest of the family, burning photo CDs, upload and edit photos from Texas Republican Convention; visit young friend who's coming home from China

For Today; June 11, 2008

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…Sunrise

I am thinking…how wonderful my husband is to get up every morning and make me a cup of hot magnesium before he goes to work

I am thankful for…coming home from work last night to a fantastic Mexican dinner prepared by my wonderful husband What a wonderful surprise!

From the kitchen…husband

I am creating…a bad habit of not sleeping well

I am going…to Grapeland. The WWAW meeting renewed. I will hopefully buy a watermelon while there

I am wearing...oh my gosh . . . a long threadbare chenille robe . . . quite embarrassing to admit

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same

I am hoping…to accomplish much today

I am hearing…kitchen cabinets opening and closing and the fan here in sew.com

Around the house…my man loading WW products into the van; remnants of crafting Jesse's birthday gift

One of my favorite things…getting a good night's sleep . . . which I haven't had for several weeks now

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Complete WW "stuff", including placing order and completing paperwork; clean house; going to Republican State Convention in Houston & visiting visit with Ron Paul Thursday night; plan Father's Day dinner; celebrate Mom's 87th birthday and Father's Day with the folks Friday night.

For Today; June 10, 2008

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…a light, drizzly rain. Thank you LORD

I am thinking…we might need to get a cat or dog or SOMETHING to help keep the critters away from/in the house

I am thankful for…the rain . . . and my husband who says he'll take care of the mouse this evening

From the kitchen…Yellow & Blue tea & cinnamon rye toast

I am creating…a wildlife refuge that's gotten out of control

I am going…to straighten my bedroom before a mouse takes up residence in there

I am wearing...white capris, black knit shirt and Speedo flip flops. No running around barefoot when there's a mouse about the house

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same

I am hoping…to go back to sleep in this delightful rain . . . but need to be faithful doing what needs to be done

I am hearing…the ceiling fan humming inside & rain falling outside & sounds of tree frogs celebrating

Around the house…a mouse

One of my favorite things…the smell of rain

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Complete WW "stuff", including placing order and completing paperwork; clean house; enjoy outdoor songbirds; going to Republican State Convention in Houston to visit with Ron Paul Thursday night; plan Father's Day dinner; celebrate Mom's 87th birthday and Father's Day with the folks Friday night.

For Today; June 9, 2008

FOR TODAY

Outside my window…cloudy skies

I am thinking…of words to write in Chloe & Jesse's birthday cards

I am thankful for…my God who is faithful even when I'm not

From the kitchen…Cinnamon Coffee

I am creating…a new summer schedule

I am going…to craft Jesse's birthday gift

I am wearing…aqua nightshirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same

I am hoping…to have a peaceful week in spite of all the "stuff" that must get done!

I am hearing…the clock ticking

Around the house…beds to make, bedroom to clean and laundry to do.

One of my favorite things…the quiet sound of nature

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…attend Good Sam's appreciation breakfast and hand out thank you cards; WW "stuff", including placing order and completing paperwork; crafting Jesse's b'day gift; clean house; enjoy outdoor songbirds; going to Republican State Convention in Houston to visit with Ron Paul Thursday night; plan Father's Day dinner; celebrate Mom's 87th birthday and Father's Day with the folks Friday night.