Sunday, August 31, 2008

For Today; August 30, 2008

Outside my window: Neighborhood road noise. Nothing hysterical - just different as I'm in NW Houston staying @ dear friend's house while he's in NJ.

I am thinking: I wanna' go home. Gustav is heading toward Gulf Coast. Orange, TX issued mandatory evacuation yesterday. I just wanna' go home & I don't want to get stuck in evacuation traffic, which is already bad on 59.

I am thankful: for yesterday. The folks did well at their old home, seeing it all in disarray & grandchildren going through things. 3 of 5 g'children were able to make it. They didn't take NEARLY enough stuff. There's still much in the house to deal with, but it can wait a couple of weeks. Oldest g'son still needs to go through items - hopefully he'll take back a caravan full of stuff!

From the kitchen: Coffee. Murray is making a breakfast run. Not too much in a huge house that's lived in less than half a year!

I am creating: those bad sleep patterns again, getting only 4 1/2 hours of it per night.

I am going: home. Home, sweet home. Hopefully will not be greatly impacted by Gustav. But I wanna' go home anyway.

I am wearing: travelling clothes, designed for maximum comfort!

I am reading: "Boundaries" & "Eat This Not That"

I am hoping: to safely make it back home. In good time. And enjoy our day off tomorrow.

Around the house: Amanda & David asleep upstairs.

One of my favorite things: The changing seasons.

A few plans for the rest of the week: WW prep & meeting; relaxing at home.

Something you may not know about me: I don't like congestion, mainly traffic congestion. I come close to experiencing panic attacks.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

For Today; August 30, 2008

Outside my window...Darkness. It's still early. Been up since 4 AM.

I am thinking…I need to pack the car.

I am thankful...I don't have to make this trip to Houston by myself. Murray gets to come with me.

From the kitchen…Coffee brewing, dishwasher humming.

I am creating…nothing. Nothing creative today.

I am going…to Houston. With Gustave heading into the Gulf. With all hotels in east TX already full. With all kennels full. Full of evacuees. Already full. 69N already congested. I must be crazy. I will greatly regret the decision to go if I get caught in evacuation traffic.

I am wearing...nothing special at all.

I am reading…continuing through the Bible - still in Isaiah. And am back in "Boundaries".

I am hoping...that today will be special for everyone involved.

I am hearing...crickets chirping. Lots of crickets.

Around the house…Busy-ness.

One of my favorite things…spending time w/my hubby.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…surviving Houston traffic.

Something You May Not Know About Me . . . I really am a homebody. I hate traveling & I'm not good at all about packing suitcases. I pack the same things over & over again. It keeps the packing to a minimum of stress if I always take the same things.

Friday, August 29, 2008

For Today; August 29, 2008

Outside my window...Murray & Shiloh feeding the chickens

I am thinking…I will get to go to Florida in September! Yeah - it's been "on again/off again". Hopefully it won't get hit by Hannah and we'll be able to go!

I am thankful...I get to go to Florida

From the kitchen…Remnants of breakfast: scrambled eggs, toast & coffee.

I am creating…a rather extensive to-do list

I am going…to get ready for Houston trip

I am wearing...oh wouldn't you like to know!?

I am reading…continuing through the Bible - still in Isaiah.

I am hoping...that we can still get together in Houston this weekend & not get stuck in evacuation traffic on way back home. Hurricane may be hitting TX coast by next Wednesday, in which case people will be heading out of Houston by Monday? Everyone is a bit nervous, having had such a nightmare of a time getting out for Rita, 3 years ago. BTW - today is 3rd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina . Anyway - if it effects Houston, we might just stay w/my brother & Charlotte! Hotels in Tyler & Rusk are already full.

I am hearing...Shiloh lapping water. Is he in the toilet?

Around the house…Stuff to load into van

One of my favorite things…no hurricanes!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…pack and head for Houston

Something You May Not Know About Me . . . I am terrified of snakes. Unreasonably so. I don't care. I know they're beneficial - and I appreciate that fact. But they need to stay away from me. Far, far away. And not let me know they're nearby.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

For Today; August 28, 2008

Outside my window...Darkness, humidity & the smell of freshly mowed grass.

I am thinking…I won't get to go to Florida in September!

I am thankful...I dreamed about fishing with Uncle Bill. It was one of those convoluted dreams w/people from different decades coming in and out. What does Becky Levine from east TX have to do w/Uncle Bill? Weird dream . . . but good t visit w/Uncle Bill.

From the kitchen…Vanilla Coffee.

I am creating…an embellished calendar.

I am going…to meet Kathy at 3:45 to work the Palestine meeting. Afterwards the WW staff will go to El Toro which is my all-time favorite Mexican Food Restaurant. It has Jalepeno Tree beat all to pieces! Sorry Amanda - but it really does!

I am wearing...white capris & black shirt. I need to buy some new clothes.

I am reading…continuing through the Bible - still in Isaiah.

I am hoping...that Hurricane Gustav stays far away from the TX coast.

I am hearing...Crickets chirping. They don't care it's early morning!

Around the house…WW products waiting to be put away.

One of my favorite things…quietness.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…just piddle around the house. Sort through pics. Gather up stuff that must go back to Houston. Play with Shiloh.

Something You May Not Know About Me . . . As mother of the groom, at age 38, I wore braces!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

For Today; August 27, 2008

Outside my window...Hay mowers & lots of sunshine

I am thinking…I might go to Florida in September!

I am thankful...for good, good friends.

From the kitchen…scrambled eggs w/grilled veggies & coffee.

I am creating…plans, plans & more plans. Always planning.

I am going…to Grapeland this afternoon. Before then, clean house.

I am wearing...aqua nightshirt, barefeet & a smile.

I am reading…continuing through the Bible - still in Isaiah.

I am hoping…to continue to sort through my photos.

I am hearing…hay mowers

Around the house… things, stuff & memories.

One of my favorite things…true friends.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Grapeland meeting; burn CD of Army stuff & make prints.

Something You May Not Know About Me . . . I have a hammer toe!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Outside my window...Sun coming up & crickets chirping.

I am thinking…I don't want to do WW prep.

I am thankful...for my washer & dryer. Was thinking about all that time I had to haul it to a laundromat. It was years & years ago . . . but sure took up a lot of time.

From the kitchen…Murray opening & closing cabinets.

I am creating…order in my kitchen...getting rid of things I neither love nor use.

I am going…to prepare for WW meeting.

I am wearing...aqua pajamas

I am reading…continuing through the Bible - still in Isaiah.

I am hoping…to quickly make WW plans & load non-chocolatey products into van before taking shower, etc.

I am hearing…Murray dolling out his vitamins.

Around the house… just the usual morning noise & busy-ness.

One of my favorite things…simplicity

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…WW, of course; going through stuff to maybe take back to Houston; preparing for next weekend.

Something You May Not Know About Me . . . I have a Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

Monday, August 25, 2008

For Today; August 25, 2008

Outside my window...Oh you know the answer to that one: heat & humidity.

I am thinking…My life is pure gold.

I am thankful...to be able to snuggle w/hubby.

From the kitchen…Cinnamon Swirl coffee.

I am creating…order, order, order in the house.

I am going…to spend time in each room - making order.

I am wearing...peach/apricot/cantaloupe/persimmon (you take your pick) colored pajamas.

I am reading…continuing through the Bible - still in Isaiah.

I am hoping…to tie wisdom around my neck.

I am hearing…Willie Nelson's "Standard Time", specifically, "What a Wonderful World". Oh - and the A/C & ceiling fan humming, too!

Around the house…a bit here & a bit there . . .

One of my favorite things…snuggling

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…WW, of course; going through stuff to maybe take back to Houston; preparing for next weekend.

Something You May Not Know About Me . . . I'm addicted to office supplies.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

For Today; August 24, 2008

Outside my window...Sun, heat, humidity & slight breeze.

I am thinking…It's so very good to be back home!

I am thankful...for a good night's sleep. I sleep best when at home.

From the kitchen…Coffee & bananas.

I am creating…scrapbook plans in my head...must take the time to sketch the ideas before I forget.

I am going…to take it easy today. Oh - lots of unpacking, laundry, etc., but I'll be moving in slow motion!

I am wearing...shiny turquoise pajamas. At 11:41 am!

I am reading…nothing right at the moment.

I am hoping…to make progress, even though moving slowly.

I am hearing…gee - when I'm at home it's always the same, A/C & ceiling fan humming & clock ticking.

Around the house…tidy piles of chaos!

One of my favorite things…real, true life love stories.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…WW, of course; going through stuff to maybe take back to Houston; preparing for next weekend.

Something You May Not Know About Me . . . When living in Washington, DC if was sometimes my job to sit in on Congressional hearings.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

For Today; August 23, 2008

Outside my window...heat, humidity & sun.

I am thinking…I had a great time hearing stories of my parents' childhood & about their lives during WWII>

I am thankful...for safely getting home from Houston AND being out of that horrible Houston traffic.

From the kitchen…plans for supper: grilled chicken & lots of grilled veggies!

I am creating…many scrapbook stories in me head. Need to get them done!

I am going…to take a long bath with a glass of wine as soon as I upload weekend pics.

I am wearing...white shorts, black shirt, black Speedos (flip flops, that is!)

I am reading…nothing right at the moment.

I am hoping…to go through "stuff" again and make certain I want/need/love it. If not, get ready to take back to Houston.

I am hearing…clock ticking, A/C running.

Around the house…Murray working in jungle....otherwise known as the yard.

One of my favorite things…storytelling.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… This is the end of the week & I have no other plans other than those mentioned above.

Something you might not know about me: I once traveled from Washington, DC to Houston in a VW bug, 4 year old Simon & 14 cats. Really!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

For Today; August 21, 2008

Outside my window...Lightening, rain, nearby streets flooding.

I am thinking…I'm pretty inept at operating laptop computers & TV/cable remote controls. Where did the picture go????? Sorry!

I am thankful...for my wondeful sister letting me come & stay at her house week after week! And allowing me to make really strong coffee! Thanks, Charlotte!

From the kitchen…Coffee!

I am creating…plans for photographng Dad's army stuff & cleaning my parents' house.

I am going…to the folks' house. And I really don't know what else.

I am wearing...pink gown

I am reading…nothing right at the moment.

I am hoping…to participate this weekend in a 30 hour online scrap. I'm a total newbie, having never done anything like this. And no, I'm not "really" planning to scrap for all 30 hours!

I am hearing…Charlotte buttering waffles.

Around the house…Depressing Houston morning news.

One of my favorite things…Hazlenut coffee

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Photographing Army stuff; cleaning up childhood home.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Today; August 20, 2008

Outside my window...rain

I am thinking…that I need to finish WW paperwork & pack

I am thankful for…a good man, good coffee & good friends.

From the kitchen…ripe bananas

I am creating…photographs & memories.

I am going…to post office, Kay Baby, Grapeland & Houston.

I am wearing...that poor, pitiful, threadbare chenille robe. I love it even though it's about 20 years old!

I am reading…nothing right at the moment.

I am hoping…to not have to drive in much rain today.

I am hearing…thunder, raindrops; printer printing; rain; Shiloh snoring; rain.

Around the house…Lots of photo organizations & ideas going through my head.

One of my favorite things…a day w/nothing planned & no place to go.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…WW meeting prep & meetings & back to Houston to clean out & clean up.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Today; August 18, 2008

Outside my window...darkness, dampness, coolness with a predicted high of only 75!!!!! Yay!!!!

I am thinking…that I need to eat breakfast.

I am thankful for…for digital photography.

From the kitchen…cinnamon swirl coffee

I am creating…WW meeting plan.

I am going…to do some Good Sam work & go to WW meeting.

I am wearing...linen-type pants, pink polo shirt

I am reading…nothing right at the moment.

I am hoping…to breeze through the day.

I am hearing…ceiling fan. Although it's wonderfully cool - still need air moving about.

Around the house…Photos & memories of Jude.

"Time it was and what a time it was it was,
A time of innocence a time of confidences.

Long ago it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories, theyre all thats left you"
Simon & Garfunkel

One of my favorite things…a day w/nothing planned & no place to go.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…WW meeting prep & meetings & back to Houston to clean out & clean up.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Today; August 18, 20088

Outside my window...coolness in the air!

I am thinking…that I need to learn to pace myself.

I am thankful for…seeing Amanda and David last night! What a great surprise to see the two of them. And thankful for meeting Kwabenay, a joyful young man from Ghana. I'll have to check on the spelling of his name. Anyway - he's married and only 7 months ago lost his only child at the age of 2. We are praying that his wife will be able to join him in the states.

Had lots of fun introducing him to fajitas and Murray loved explaining American/Texas history to him. I think (hope) we'll get to spend lots of time with him.

From the kitchen…cinnamon swirl coffee

I am creating…more photo organization. I'm not real familiar how to treat heritage photos - will have to search online.

I am going…to get an early start on WW meeting prep.

I am wearing...peachy jammies.

I am reading…nothing right at the moment.

I am hoping…stay calm the 2 1/2 days I'm home.

I am hearing…the hum of the computer & a boat on the pond. That's all. No birds chirping, no wind chimes singing. No A/C humming! It's cool outside (73 degrees) with a projected high of only 82. Tomorrow's high is even better - only 80. Quite awesome for August in Texas!

Around the house…a few things to do.

One of my favorite things…meeting Kwabenay & seeing the US, TX in particular, through his eyes.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…WW meeting prep & meetings & back to Houston to clean out & clean up.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Today; August 15, 2008

Outside my window...darkness.

I am thinking…I was born to be a wife and mother. It is the MOST fun I've ever had! Everything else is secondary. And inferior. At least for me.

AND I'm thinking Shiloh has eaten one of my earrings!

I am thankful for…being able to trust my gut. You must know that about me . . . I trust my gut feelings, instincts, still small voice from God Himself. Whatever you call it - I've learned through the years and some heartache to trust it. I will never doubt it again.

From the kitchen…a colander full of tomatoes. I need to take a picture of them to remind me to write about Murray's mother's cure for an upset stomach. Anytime one of her six children complained of a stomachache, she'd have them eat one of two things to settle their stomach: applesauce or stewed tomatoes! Needless to say, the applesauce always worked and they were able to go on to school or church or whatever! Smart lady!

I am creating…pretty toes.

I am going…to Houston.

I am wearing...satiny aqua-blue pajamas.

I am reading…my Bible. Am plowing through Isaiah. Much is hard for me to comprehend. But am glad to not be here during "The Day of the Lord".

I am hoping…to leave town by 7:30. But must stop by Good Samaritan on my way out.

I am hearing…the A/C just clicked on. And ceiling fan. I'm telling you - it's the same all summer long in TX!

Around the house…bags are packed - gettin' ready to go.

One of my favorite things…going through years and years of photos and seeing how family members are connected through facial expressions or even just the goofy things common to most people. For example: a picture of baby Amanda with a pair of plastic pants on her head. Ditto for baby Job.

Also the pics of people lost in their art is pretty amazing. They're concentrating so hard on what they're doing that they're totally unaware of the camera. Of course these types of photos are most often of children. Love it!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…heading to Houston to go through more stuff. Unpacking my parents' house has taught me one thing for certain: something may appear to be mere rubbish, until you hear the story! After hearing the story one realizes that it really is a treasure. The story. The memory. Not necessarily the broken, beat up suitcase!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Today; August 14, 2008

Outside my window...fog lifting off the pond

I am thinking…that I've had a GREAT life & I can't wait to scrapbook the stories! I'm also thinking how frustrating it is that WW online account keeps telling me I'm "disabled" & won't let me order!

I am thankful for…Charlotte taking my dad to the ophthalmologist! The traffic is horrible! I owe you, Charlotte!

From the kitchen…dishwasher humming & sinks backed up! :( We had 6" of rain in about 15 hours & decided to wash clothes & run dishwasher at the same time . . . for the 1st time in almost 12 years the sinks are backed up!

I am creating…a very wonderful way of organizing photos. What fun to see similarities between people & not be in bondage to chronological order!

I am going…to finish washing clothes, set out Amanda's things for David to pick up on Saturday, tidy house & pack.

I am wearing...peachy colored pajamas. Don't ask me why I like peach, but not pink 'cause I don't know the answer to that one!

I am reading…my Bible. Hoped to read it through in a year, but at this rate will be 13 or 14 months.

I am hoping…to give myself a pedicure!

I am hearing…birds chirping, clock ticking, dishwasher running & Shiloh snoring.

Around the house…laundry getting done!

One of my favorite things…memories. I hope I never lose my ability to remember people, places & things. Especially people. I came across a photo of Murray & his Aunt Jean from 1999. The love in their eyes for one another is so touching. We saw her last month & she doesn't remember him. Oh - she knows that he loves her - but probably only because someone told her. I hope I always remember the people I love. I can't imagine going through life without that connectedness.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…oops - already mentioned them: laundry, housework, pack & tomorrow head back to Houston.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Today; August 13,2008

Outside my window...birds chirping in the wild roses. I know it sounds quaint & romantic - but it really is a rosebush that's gone wild!

I am thinking…that even though I have 6000+ photos - I don't have enough of the people, events, & memories that I love.

I am thankful for…this headache being mostly gone. And for Dolores & Mary Ann who bailed me out yesterday as they took over my WW meetings. And for Murray who took material to FBC & Dolores. It was wonderful to be able to stay home. It all worked out for the best, seeing as how we were w/o electricity most of Monday night & Tuesday. It would have been tricky trying to get ready for meeting w/o hot water or cool air!

From the kitchen…Murray's doing something - can't really tell what though. I hear dishes clanking, but not smelling anything. He doesn't usually fix breakfast. . .

I am creating…more & more order . . . especially in sew.com.

I am going…to have to show Charlotte how to set up a blog so she can leave comments!

I am wearing...a pink nightgown. I don't do pink. I don't do "sweet". But the gown was $7.20 at Kohl's s o I'm now wearing pink. Uck!

I am reading…my Bible. Hoped to read it through in a year, but at this rate will be 13 or 14 months.

I am hoping…to sort through more photos.

I am hearing…birds chirping, clock ticking, ceiling fan whirring.

Around the house…laundry waiting to be done.

One of my favorite things…a loving husband.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Finish up Good Samaritan paperwork . . . although it's never really finished; continue to sort through my own stash of photos before bringing home some from my parents. Head back to Houston

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Today; August 12, 2008

Outside my window...rain, blessed rain!!!!

I am thinking…today is going to be busier than I like.

I am thankful for…rain. And electricity. We lost it in the middle of the night, which isn't too strange, as we often lose it. I'm glad it's back on.

From the kitchen…Toast & coffee.

I am creating…order in the midst of chaos & a headache.

I am going…to cancel ophthalmologist appointment made w/Dr. Cohen & find out for sure if Dr Zarzour takes folks' insurance. There was some question about that yesterday. Going to cancel my own periodontal appointment as I'll be in Nachitoches during that time in December, attending the Festival of Lights! Going to prepare WW meeting.

I am wearing...pj's

I am reading…Boundaries . . . actually I'm not reading anything right now. I'm hoping to read it and I carry it around with me . . . but it's an exaggeration to say I'm doing any actual reading.

I am hoping…enjoy my day of WW preparation.

I am hearing…rain dripping & the Chimney Swifts having a field day, chirping and fussing about the rain, I suppose.

Around the house…a wee bit more order. There is hope!

One of my favorite things…a long bath.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…find an ophthalmologist for my dad, make appointment, transfer medical records, finish up Good Samaritan paperwork, prepare for WW meeting, sort through my own stash of photos before bringing home some from my parents. Make neat piles! Head back to Houston

Monday, August 11, 2008

Today; August 11, 2008

Outside my window...sun, heat & humidity.

I am thinking…that I just need to get things into neat piles. There's no way I'm going to get done all I need to do, work WW & make another trip to Houston AND establish perfect order here at home. So - I think I need to make neat piles. Thanks Debby for reminding me!!!

I am thankful for…a wonderful husband, family & great friends.

From the kitchen…silence

I am creating…a tiny bit of order in the midst of chaos. Don't get me wrong...the chaos isn't merely in the house. Right now it seems my "life" is in chaos. I don't like that feeling.

I am going…to call ophthalmologists for my dad and see if we can get him to one w/in a week or two.

I am wearing...peachy colored pjs.

I am reading…Boundaries.

I am hoping…to get rid of this blasted headache that I've had since Saturday.

I am hearing…clock ticking, wind chime, a/c & printer humming.

Around the house…a cry for mercy & order!

One of my favorite things…good friends who love me even when I'm unlovable.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…find an ophthalmologist for my dad, make appointment, transfer medical records, finish up Good Samaritan paperwork, prepare for WW meeting, sort through my own stash of photos before bringing home some from my parents. Make neat piles!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Today; August 10, 2008

Outside my window...sun, heat & humidity.

I am thinking…that I may have to rearrange the dining room as I'm not certain I like where I've placed the armoire.

I am thankful for…coffee.

From the kitchen…dishwasher humming.

I am creating…a busy day : (

I am going…to unpack, wash clothes, do Humana research online & a ton of little things.

I am wearing...white shorts, brown top.

I am reading…Boundaries.

I am hoping…to get a lot done today and be able to go to church this evening.

I am hearing…clock ticking, wind chime, a/c, dishwasher & Shiloh snoring.

Around the house…a bit of a mess, as I've brought home furniture & some stuff from my parent's kitchen. I'm a bit of a kitchen hoarder. And office supples, too. Fortunately they don't have any cool office supplies or gadgets.

One of my favorite things…lazy days. Today's not one of them.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…find an ophthalmologist for my dad, make appointment, transfer medical records, finish up Good Samaritan paperwork, prepare for WW meeting, sort through my own stash of photos before bringing home some from my parents.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

August 9, 2008

Outside my window...darkness.

I am thinking…that grandson Jesse favors his great grandpa when he's really concentrating. I'm thinking it's fun to see those similarities & how I hope to capture soon with my camera.

I am thankful for…home.

From the kitchen…hubby's wonderful guacamole!

I am creating…plans and more plans.

I am going…to bed soon.

I am wearing...white shorts, brown top.

I am reading…Boundaries.

I am hoping…to have a tasty supper, bubbly shower & bed.

I am hearing…clock ticking, wind chime, & a/c. It's 8:42 pm and all is relatively quiet.

Around the house…a bit of a mess, as I've brought home furniture & some stuff from my parent's kitchen. I'm a bit of a kitchen hoarder. And office supples, too. Fortunately they don't have any cool office supplies or gadgets.

One of my favorite things…the thought that what my oldest son first mentioned wanting from his grandparents is my dad's library card! We are a family of readers & my dad was a very avid one until his vision got too bad to read. He used to take eldest son to the library and let him check out any book he wanted. It warms my heart that my son wants the library card. I will certainly want to take a picture of it and scrapbook the memory!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…find an ophthalmologist for my dad, make appointment, transfer medical records, finish up Good Samaritan paperwork, prepare for WW meeting, sort through my own stash of photos before bringing home some from my parents.