For Today - October 31, 2008 - Friday

I think this cloud formation looks like a grumpy old man staring at the trees. Maybe he doesn't like Halloween?

Outside My Window...Dark & a tiny bit chilly. . . not too bad at all.

I am thinking...that Shiloh is going to slim down - we walked 2 miles yesterday!

I am thankful for...the fact that Simon gets to keep his job. Verizon laid off 7,000 nationwide. Hard economic times ahead. He & Ericka agreed to rejoice, whatever the decision & he fasted since Sunday. Broke the fast with a celebratory feast: sushi! I can't fathom breaking a fast this way!

From the kitchen...Dishes waiting to be unloaded from the dishwasher.

I am wearing…flannel pajamas & sox

I am going… to town: drop off clothes at consignment shop; take photos of LFG donations to Good Samaritan & email to local newspaper; take a quick trip to FBC to double check WW inventory; continue organizing sew.com. I've started with the scrap book papers. . . . woohoo! I'm going to love having them so easily accessible in drawers.

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… I am home when UPS brings my Christmas present. It's that 50mm lens I've been wanting. Delivery requires signature. . . . but if I'm in town . . . .will leave messages for him at the Pharmacy & vet clinic. . . . and cell phone # on door for him to call me so I can meet him somewhere. This is a nice thing about living in a small town.

I am hearing… muffled sounds of TV & Shiloh snoring.

Around the house…Real progress! I threw out makeup & perfume I no longer use. Weeded out books on tape to donate. I used to buy them cheaply at 75% Off Bookstore & listen to them while driving to Houston or Dallas. Most of them I won't listen to again . . . so away they go. I also got rid of an ugly piece of furniture that is no longer needed. I really do think I breathe better with less clutter.

One of my favorite things…BLT's - made with Hormel Reduced Fat Bacon bits! I know it sounds weird . . . but it really satisfies my need for a good, old-fashioned BLT - and all for only 2 Points!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Well - I just wrote about them up above so this entry will be VERY short!

Something you may not know about me. . .I don't celebrate Halloween. Ever since I saw photo of terrified boy at Halloween party, I've not celebrated. This was about 30 years age. Not funny for adults to scare kiddos!

For Today - October 30, 2008 - Thursday

Outside My Window...It's a bright, sun shiny day.

I am thinking...that Shiloh was a very good sport yesterday. We walked 1 1/2 miles UPHILL! He was very tired when Murray picked us up!

I am thankful for...children who trust the Lord. In all things. And Facebook so I can keep in touch with them while they're waiting to see if the boss says, "Off with his head". In a manner of speaking.

From the kitchen...Jasmine/passion fruit Green Tea & Protein drink. I've been "listless" ...maybe I've been needing more protein?

I am wearing…brown jogging suit.

I am going… to go walk; tidy; REALLY finish cleaning/sorting/organizing bedroom.

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… Simon gets to keep his job.

I am hearing… computer, & birds.

Around the house…Still some WW messes. Need to rearrange inventory.

One of my favorite things…A place for everything.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Pretty much the same as yesterday.

Something you may not know about me. . .I some times go to bed without washing face!

For Today - October 29, 2008 - Wednesday

Outside My Window...It's chilly outside - but not windy - and no frost this morning. Yesterday there was heavy frost.

I am thinking...that I want to call John & find out if he can meet me at Good Samaritan Friday instead of this morning.

I am thankful for...cute flannel pajamas I bought at Kohl's end of season sale.

From the kitchen...Oh to heck with the coffee - this morning it's Earl Grey tea.

I am wearing…pink flannel pajamas. . . with hearts on them. So unlike me as I don't usually "do" pink nor anything with hearts. I'm not a particularly "sweet" person! ; )

I am going… to finish WW inventory. Don't you wanna' come help? And finish sorting through clothes: some to consignment shop & some to Good Sam.

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… to get November & December calendar all up-to-date. So much already to pencil in.

I am hearing… heater, computer, printer & chickens.

Around the house…Some messes Shiloh has made. Decided to play with a pair of hose of mine. And dumped over a bowl of keys I brought home from my parents. He really needs to go walking and get rid of some of this energy!

One of my favorite things…"Pure White Linen" by Estee Lauder. And I don't own any. Money always gets spent on camera or scrapbooking stuff instead.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....This stays pretty much the same: housework; Sew.com room; LFG dropped off & photographed for local newspaper.

Something you may not know about me. . .I'm close to being claustrophobic.

For Today - October 28, 2008 - Tuesday

Outside My Window...It's dark, chilly & windy. Again!

I am thinking...that the coffee should be just about ready.

I am thankful for...A hardworking, faithful husband who thinks I'm beautiful even when I know I'm not. And central heat!

From the kitchen...Coffee - here's crossing my fingers that it isn't all on the counter & floor.

I am wearing…jeans, tank top & long-sleeved blouse

I am going… to prepare WW meeting; walk Shiloh; & continue cleaning out my closet.

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… to donate some things to Good Samaritan & drop off others to the consignment shop. Oh - and make a bank deposit.

I am hearing… the heater blowing through the vents. This is the first time this season the heater's been on. Also hearing coffee "perk". Actually, it "drips" but that doesn't sound as neat as "perk"!

Around the house…Guest room all neat & tidy with fresh sheets & towels. MBR a total mess w/piles of clothes waiting. Waiting for their future home.

One of my favorite things…is piping hot oatmeal on a cold windy day. Hey - I think I'll have some!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....This stays pretty much the same: housework; WW meeting; Sew.com room as I did absolutely NOTHING in it last week or over the weekend.

Something you may not know about me. . .I used to live in the Washington, DC area & my job required me to read the "Congressional Record". All of it.

For Today - October 27, 2008 - Monday

See the pretty blueberry pie? It was so very yummy. Just ask Shiloh!!!!!

Outside My Window...It's dark, chilly & windy!

I am thinking...that I need to soon wake up. My eyes are still sleepy although the rest of me feels fine.

I am thankful for...Amanda & David making it safely home. AND my antique tablecloth coming clean!
From the kitchen...Coffee

I am wearing…gown & robe.

I am going… to tidy house, do some laundry, prepare WW meeting.

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… to to be able to save my money & buy a 50 mm lens for my oly.

I am hearing… muffled TV sounds from living room; water running in bathroom

Around the house…Guest room bed to strip. Bathrooms to clean. Laundry to do. Kitchen to clean. Just the "average, ordinary Monday clean up blues"!

One of my favorite things…is to play with my camera.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Housework; WW meeting; Sew.com room as I did absolutely NOTHING in it last week or over the weekend.

Something you may not know about me. . .I'm spending Christmas in Richardson this year.

For Today - October 26, 2008 - Sunday

Outside My Window...just getting daylight & there's a light fog that's lifting.

I am thinking...that today is "just another ordinary miracle today".

I am thankful for... a house filled with people & dogs whom I greatly love. Except for "my" dog who apparently ate a good part of a homemade blueberry pie in the middle of the night! Amanda's dogs were closed up in the guest room with her & David. "My" dog was in the bedroom with Murray & me . . . but door was NOT closed. Woke up to find the pie cover on the floor & almost all the top crust eaten off the pie & lots of the blueberries gone! AND blueberry stains on the most fabulous, antique tablecloth. I will be VERY upset if it doesn't come clean. Hopefully I'll post incriminating evidence tomorrow.

From the kitchen...Well, if ruined blueberry pie wasn't enough of a mess, my coffee maker basket somehow slid open & there's about a half of pot of coffee on counter & floors. I wonder if Shiloh would like some coffee with his pie???????

I am wearing…gown & robe.

I am going… to church!

I am reading ...Acts & still in "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual
Secret"

I am hoping… the stains come out of the tablecloth

I am hearing… Birds chirping & dogs barking off in the distance

Around the house…Lots of food to take to church with us! Not quite as much as before Shiloh pigged out . . . but still lots to take.

One of my favorite things…is to attend church with my husband & kids. He and Amanda are both doing special music today.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Oh - it's too early in the week to know anything other than the regular weekly things: WW meeting prep., housework & laundry, etc.

Something you may not know about me. . .I've already voted!

For Today - October 24, 2008 - Saturday

Outside My Window...chilly & sunny with lifting fog.

I am thinking...that I need to hurry up & take Shiloh walking b4 kids wake up & Jeremy arrives.

I am thankful for... OMG -so very much to be thankful for: All the work that David got done yesterday! He totally cleaned out their storage unit & repositioned it; did all the push mowing & riding mowing. I think he got the shutters back up. I don't know for certain 'cause it was dark when Amanda & I got home.

Amanda & I went shopping. I don't do "party" clothes & that's the theme for this year's Innovations. At one point, while in Kohl's, I commented all I needed was a pretty cardigan w/pearl buttons & I could make that work for me. We looked up and there it was! A black cardigan w/pearly buttons. I haven't yet found a shimmeriy, sparkly camisole . . . but the cardigan with either black skirt or pants (already have those) will be my "go to" LBD. I can feel it in my bones!

Which brings me to the fact that I still haven't gotten the sew.com room organized as we girls spent most of the day shopping.

From the kitchen . . .Coffee & the expectancy of making Chicken Spaghetti; Blueberry Pie; Deviled Eggs; Banana Bread - and all I to do is thaw & slice! Except for the coffee - everything else is for tomorrow's Homecoming.

I am wearing… jeans, tee-shirt & walking shoes.

I am going… to walk Shiloh in a few minutes. Then B A K E ! ! !

I am reading ...Acts & still in "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret"

I am hoping… to enjoy the day. Every minute of it!

I am hearing… Birds in the roses. David & Amanda's alarm go off. For about the third time!

Around the house…Evidence we have company: two people & two extra dogs.

One of my favorite things…Spending a day baking.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Cooking today; Church on Sunday.

Something you may not know about me. . .I have almost ZERO party clothes.

Recipes I Love

First Baptist Church/Rusk Chicken Spaghetti

1 whole chicken OR 4 breasts... Read More
20 - 24 oz spaghetti noodles
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
1 stick butter OR butter flavored Pam
1 can 98% FF cream of chicken soup
1 can 98% FF cream of mushroom soup
1 small can Ro-tel Tomatoes
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 pound Velveeta (I use the lite)
Stew chicken - remove 2 cups broth
Cook noodles in remaining broth
Saute veggies in butter or Pam
Stir all together - - - add Ro-tell & Velveeta
Add 1-2 cups reserved broth - make it a little on the wet side - noodles will absorb liquid
Put in baking dish - top w/Parmesan cheese
Bake in oven until heated through
Freezes well

For Today - October 24, 2008 - Friday

Outside My Window...chilly & foggy, but can tell it will soon be lifting.

I am thinking...that today will be special with David & Amanda here.

I am thankful for... their safe arrival at 11:50 PM & our subsequent visit until 1:30 AM. I'm also thankful for flowers still blooming & the ability to make a few bouquets for the house. These are in breakfast room, which is sometimes referred to as the "kitchen den".

From the kitchen . . .Lots of produce & coffee. All the stuff waiting for me to make vegetable lasagna. Yummy - a favorite for all of us.

I am wearing… well, since it's so very chilly, I'm wearing a gown AND the chenille robe & socks.

I am going… to walk Shiloh a couple of times today.

I never did make that quick trip to town yesterday, so will do that today too.

FINALLY start organizing the sew.com room. Oh my. What a mess it will really be. I have so much stuff to take out, rearrange & put back. Will toss a lot too, I suppose.

I am reading ...Acts & still in "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret"

I am hoping… to make good progress in "that" room.

I am hearing… Birds in the roses. There's a male cardinal in there w/all the sparrows & flickers. I wish I had the zoom lens on the camera.

Around the house…Chilliness. And quiet. Shiloh was so excited last night to have Promise & Tansy here for a visit, that he stayed up late, too. Silly old dog . . . he's still asleep in our bedroom.

One of my favorite things…Spending time with my awesome children.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....They've pretty much stayed the same:
David & I do some yard work & very minor home repair; major cooking tomorrow; maybe shopping with Amanda to our favorite store: Cato; & church on Sunday.

Something you may not know about me. . .one of my favorite words is "serendipity". That's how I feel about the top of the armoire, it all came together with stuff that's normally around the house. Nothing is special for Autumn, except for the pumpkin cookie jar.

For Today - October 23, 2008 - Thursday

Outside My Window...dark & 45 degrees with a predicted high of 67. Love it! Roses (Mutabalis, Belinda's Dream, Caldwell Pink, Bengal & a wee bit of Ballerina) are blooming, as well as the Mexican leucantha, Brazillian Buttons, Duranta, ruellia and mums. They don't bloom as prolifically as in the Spring . . . but they put on a pretty good show for this time of year.

I am thinking...that today will be busy with that bustling, "excitement is in the air" type of busy.

I am thankful for... a pretty good night's sleep. Yes, I woke up a couple of times, but was able to fall right back to sleep. Yay!

From the kitchen . . .Scrambled egg whites w/ff cheese on low-carb tortilla. Oh and coffee. And an apple or some ot her piece of fruit. This breakfast stays with me all morning. It's becoming a favorite. Oh - and the smell of potatoes baking. That'll be lunch. And in the meantime warms the kitchen.

I am wearing… jeans, tee shirt & shoes. Will take Shiloh walking shortly after daybreak.

I am going… to walk Shiloh a couple of times today. He really likes it & we have a good time together. I will also need to make a quick trip to town to run a couple of errands. I'll need to stew a chicken; make that butternut squash soup we're so fond of; and begin working in the sew.co,. A complete redo of a small room with LOT and LOTS of stuff in it. Whew! What a job!

I am reading ...Acts & still in "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret"

I am hoping… the G'ma trip to Dallas will actually happen.

I am hearing… Bath water running; printer humming; dairy truck coming up the road.

Around the house…Excitement in the air. This house is also fond of autumn.

One of my favorite things…The changes between seasons.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....this hasn't changed since yesterday. Still need to make that lst of chores for David to do...Wednesday: write Miss U cards...house/yard work...Thursday: get ready for AME & DAE...bake favorite vegetarian lasagna...Friday: Hopefully put David to work rehanging shutters that Ike blew off & trimming Hollies. ..it's hard to plan too much for him 'cause they always sleep in so late when here...am glad they get good rest. Saturday: Jeremy comes back to help w/chicken coop roof repair...& lots of cooking for church's homecoming on Sunday; Sunday: Church!

Something you may not know about me. . .Although I love autumn I do very little decorating. A sign out front & an arrangement on the hall tree and that's about it. Of course there's the permanent display of insects, pine cones, bird and wasp nests, rocks & shells. Somehow they look particularly autumnal to me. And the dripping wet spider web picture looks kinda' "Octoberish" to me. Can't beat nature for decorating!

For Today - October 22, 2008 - Wednesday

Outside My Window...sunny, a bit nippy . . . the outdoors feeling so alive!

I am thinking...I have made a big mess for myself. I have created extra WW work for myself. No one else to blame.

I am thankful for... a good meeting last night & the revelation I had about all the different layers of stress. This was MY revelation . . . not part of the meeting guide. It is helpful to me.

From the kitchen . . . bags of groceries waiting to be put away. Only refrigerator/freezer foods got put where they belong. Yesterday was rush, rush, rush.

I am wearing… capris & tee shirt....shoes are on the way.

I am going… walking, to straighten out WW mess, put away groceries & generally tidy up the house.

I am reading ...Acts & still in "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret"

I am hoping… to get yesterday revelatory thoughts down on paper.

I am hearing… Shiloh breathing...birds chirping

Around the house…Still waiting for a good, thorough cleaning.

One of my favorite things…Insight into myself that results in a change of attitude or actions.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Still need to make that lst of chores for David to do...Wednesday: write Miss U cards...house/yard work...Thursday: get ready for AME & DAE...bake favorite vegetarian lasagna...Friday: Hopefully put David to work rehanging shutters that Ike blew off & trimming Hollies. ..it's hard to plan too much for him 'cause they always sleep in so late when here...am glad they get good rest. Saturday: Jeremy comes back to help w/chicken coop roof repair...& lots of cooking for church's homecoming on Sunday; Sunday: Church!

Something you may not know about me. . .I am now more brunette than blond!

For Today - October 21, 2008 - Tuesday

Outside My Window...Darkness, cause it's not yet 6 AM

I am thinking...that I hope I remember all I need to do today. I have a list . . . but sometimes even that doesn't keep me on track!

I am thankful for...all the birds that were outside sew.com room. These pix were taken yesterday. They sing because they're happy. :)

From the kitchen . . . Coffee brewing

I am wearing… What else is there? Like I said . . . it's so old. . . so faithful. . . it's like an old friend!

I am going…to the city! LOTS of errands & stops along the way and have to get an early start, be back in time for WW meeting. And not be frazzled!

I am reading ...Recently finished "John" & now in "Acts"; A good start in "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret" by Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

I am hoping… to stay calm. I don't like shopping. I don't like "busy-ness". I don't like the pace of cities. I am hoping to stay calm & aware of God with me.

I am hearing… computer making those grumbling noises. Printer humming. Murray making morning sounds.

Around the house…the scrapbooks, hereafter known as the "Library of Memories" are in place in the living room. I think this is going to work!

One of My Favorite Things... I love the smell of the sweet almond tree. It's really more of a shrub but can be trimmed into a tree with a great deal of diligence. Sort of like the crepe myrtals...they too want to be shrubs. As a whole, it's not particularly pretty, but the individual flower spikes are rather charming and smell like a bit of heaven. While it's blooming, I always have some in the house just for the natural air freshener! Maybe I'll post pic soon.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Monday: walk dog (check), housework, need to have WW meeting completely done for tomorrow (check); make a menu & shopping list for this week (check & double check); list of chores for David to do (I love you David - thanks for offering to help me); Tuesday: haircut/color...Office Depot...grocery shop... bank...Salon Kalea for BE eyeshadow...Hobby Lobby?...Maries. . . WW meeting...possibly no dog walking done...Wednesday: write Miss U cards...house/yard work...Thursday: get ready for AME & DAE...bake favorite vegetarian lasagna...Friday: Hopefully put David to work rehanging shutters that Ike blew off & trimming Hollies. ..it's hard to plan too much for him 'cause they always sleep in so late when here...am glad they get good rest. Saturday: Jeremy comes back to help w/chicken coop roof repair...& lots of cooking for church's homecoming on Sunday; Sunday: Church!

Something you may not know about me. . . When I wake in the middle of the night - I stay up for 1 - 3 hours.

For Today - October 20, 2008 - Monday

Outside My Window...sunny & chilly & birds chirping with joy. Front meadow showing signs of destruction from the wild hogs. Neighbors across the street and over one, have MAJOR yard damage from the evil varmints.

I am thinking...I will not go to Indianapolis as two days after getting back home I need to go to Houston and load up oldest son's things he wants from my parents' home. Then visit w/parents & early Friday morning head to DFW. Saturday a family day? Sunday the mandatory WW Innovations. Hopefully can change to attend the one in Dallas instead of almost 2 hour drive to Waco & afterwards 2 1/2 hours back home. Would make it so much nicer to just attend the one in Dallas.

I am thankful for... God and His mercy to me in all things.

From the kitchen . . . hopes of making that yummy butternut squash/carrot soup. It really is "comforting" AND tasty. Also a bit labor intensive, shredding 3 cup squash (it's a hard winter squash) & carrots.

I am wearing… it's almost 8:30 & I'm still in my favorite robe.

I am going… to move scrapbooks into den, where there's currently Field Guides & original nature art by oldest grandson. Those will be moved to other end of couch & scrapbook albums will take their place as the cabinet is deep enough for them to nicely fit. We'll try that for a while.

I am reading ..."Photoshop Elements 5 for digital photographers" by Scott Kelby. I've also been back to reading my Bible. There's no way I'll finish it in a year . . . but I just skipped ahead and continue on.

I am hoping… to get a good list made for the rest of the week as there's much to be done. AND hoping to buy a Lexmark x8350 printer/scanner/FAX. Will have to check Consumer Reports and see what they say, but it would be nice to be able to print really high quality photos at home every now and again. Friends at church have this model & it does excellent photo printing. . . will have to check it out.

I am hearing… birds, old HP Laserjet printer humming along.

Around the house…Waiting for a good, thorough cleaning.

One of my favorite things…my family. I wish we all lived closer to one another. Yeah - I know - I'm the one out by myself.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Scrpbooking supplies will have to wait to be organized so sew.com door will just stay shut!

Monday: walk dog, housework, need to have WW meeting completely done for tomorrow; make a very menu & shopping list for this week; list of chores for David to do (I love you David - thanks for offering to help me); Tuesday: haircut/color...Office Depot...grocery shop... bank...Salon Kalea for BE eyeshadow...Hobby Lobby?...WW meeting...possibly no dog walking done...Wednesday: write Miss U cards...house/yard work...Thursday: get ready for AME & DAE...bake favorite vegetarian lasagna...Friday: Hopefully put David to work rehanging shutters that Ike blew off & trimming Hollies. ..it's hard to plan too much for him 'cause they always sleep in so late when here...am glad they get good rest. Saturday: Jeremy comes back to help w/chicken coop roof repair...& lots of cooking for church's homecoming on Sunday; Sunday: Church!

Something you may not know about me. . . It's been so long since I've done any baking, I had to go out and buy almost ALL new ingredients to make the banana bread! Except for the vanilla. I have a friend whose husband goes fishing in Mexico & comes back w/huge bottles of vanilla . . . for $3/bottle. A bottle lasts a long, long time!

For Today - October 19, 2008 - Sunday

Outside My Window...dark & chilly

I am thinking...I might go to Indianapolis the first weekend in November for Murray's aunt's 80th birthday. She's the only aunt left on his mom's side of the family & we haven't kept in touch w/the 2 from his dad's side, so it might be nice.

I am thankful for... it being Sunday & having that furniture moved. CAP was right - those furniture sliders make it SO much easier than using a dolly. Jeremy was a big help & will come back next Saturday to help reroof part of the chicken coop, that Ike damaged.

From the kitchen . . . 12 mini loaves of banana bread waiting to go into the freezer. It took TWO weeks for those green bananas to ripen!

I am wearing… jeans & tee shirt as I hope to go walking before getting ready for church.

I am going… to have to figure out where I'm going to store/display scrapbook albums since I moved them out of armoire. And sew.com shelves, where they used to be, are now filled w/something else. The problem is they are wider than most book shelves and stick out over the edge. Hmmm.

I am reading… "Photoshop Elements 5 for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby' Ali Edwards blog & myinspiredheart.blogspot.com..

I am hoping… to get spaghetti made. Kwabenay is NOT coming with us today as he is, quoting from him, "far, far away. . . in Dallas". ; )

I am hearing… the printer humming & that's about it as it's too early for the birds. That's something, isn't it? Getting up before the birds. What kind of crazy lady am I?

Around the house…Not quite as many messes. Nothing that can't be tidied up rather quickly. Except for sew.com. It's a BIG mess 'cause I haven't begun to redo it.

One of my favorite things…well, yesterday I was talking about liking the little details of home decorating. This is a puzzlement to me 'cause I don't really care at all about things being dusty. This doesn't make sense, since I like the details. I'm pretty sure "dust" is NOT one of the details I like. I think I'm contradicting myself. Or else I'm merely a contradiction.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Well, I never did reorganize scrapbooking supplies, but DID get DR furniture moved. I may make 8 more mini loaves of banana bread. Will probably spend Sunday School time tidying the church's nursery & library since I'm in charge of both of them. Homecoming is next Sunday & things need to be spic and span.

Something you may not know about me. . . I was born with a heart murmur.