For Today - December 31, 2008 - Wednesday

Outside My Window....are light blue skies, a stiff breeze & birds. And it's warm.

I am thinking...how tired I am from senior citizen drama.

I am wondering....how long daddy will be in the hospital. And wondering how he'll get back.

I am thankful for....getting one entire kitchen cabinet reorganized. And the cookbooks & the baking supplies.

From the kitchen...lots of kolaches

I am going... to stay home tonight. We're not big New Year Eve party people. We'll probably say we'll stay up to see in the new year but I bet we'll both be asleep way before then. And it's perfectly fine with me!

I am wearing...black fleece pants w/white turtleneck & red fleece vest.

I am reading...not too much right now

I am hoping...to get one or two kitchen drawers cleaned out.

I am hearing...a ringing in my ears. I've been on the phone too much!

Around the house….the sights & smells of domestication!

One of my favorite things...Boredom. I know, I know...most people despise boredom. It's just that I'm so seldom bored . . . Hmmmm . . . . I might have to make a New Year's Resolution . . . . to spend at least part of the year being bored. Ha! I don't think it'll happen. There's ALWAYS something going on.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Decluttering & organization; end of year bookwork for Good Samaritan.

Something you may not know about me...On top of my ON fleece, I'm wearing my mom's old-timey apron!! Chic - I know!

For Today - December 30, 2008 - Tuesday

Outside My Window....are lots of birds flying around. It is a chilly but sunny day. I guess they like this type of weather . . . . they are busy, busy, busy. Flocks flying over head. Where's the party?

I am thinking...I feel energized!

I am wondering....how fast I can get through the WW prep. There's so much more I'd rather be doing.

I am thankful for....getting the home office set up in breakfast den. AND I didn't have to go out and buy anything!

From the kitchen...hot chocolate & bananas.

I am going... to continue in the kitchen. There's a few drawers & cabinets that need a thorough cleaning.

I am wearing...red fleece pants w/white turtleneck & black fleece vest.

I am reading...those organizing books by Marcia Ramsland

I am hoping...to get gift wrap center back in order.

I am hearing...central heater just a-humming away. And birds chattering with one another.

Around the house….the continuation of "order"

One of my favorite things...Clear kitchen counters & island.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Make doctor appointment; WW prep & meeting; decluttering & organization; end of year bookwork for Good Samaritan.

Something you may not know about me...Christmas decorations are boxed & put away. Yay!

For Today - December 29, 2008 - Monday

Outside My Window....it's dark & cold (30) but suppose to get up to 66 today!

I am thinking...I have lots of household organization to do.

I am wondering....how much more I'll get done today. Kitchen counters & refrigerator are "dun". I didn't get much done yesterday, but had fun doing it "my" way!

I am thankful for....such a lovely day of rest yesterday.

From the kitchen...hot chocolate & magnesium. NO - not together - two different cups.

I am going... to continue in kitchen: drawers and cabinets today. Might even get started in the kitchen den . . . I want/need to set up a mini home office in there.

I am wearing...flannel pajamas.

I am reading...those organizing books by Marcia Ramsland

I am hoping...to not forget to pick up Shiloh from the clinic where he's been boarded since last Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!

I am hearing...central heater just a-humming away. And hubby puttering in the kitchen.

Around the house….a little bit of tidying up waiting for me. I'll get it done before getting Shiloh, although sweeping & vacuuming seems to be a waste of time. He can drag in more dirt than any other dog! Ah - the joy of living in the country w/o paved sidewalk or driveway!

One of my favorite things...Hot chocolate, contented husband & friendly dog. I know it's more than "one" favorite thing . . . . but it is "one" happy feeling!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....call insurance agent about rock ding in windshield; make dental & doctor appointment; WW prep & meeting; thank you notes (maybe write them in new mini home office?); decluttering & organization; end of year bookwork for Good Samaritan. Oh! And take down the few Christmas decorations that did make it out of storage!

Something you may not know about me...I changed one of the websites I have listed here. It's "thepioneerwoman.com" NOT just plain "pioneerwoman". Why didn't someone tell me?

For Today - December 28, 2008 - Sunday

Outside My Window....it's a gloomy, drizzly kind of day.

I am thinking...I just MAY have caught up on my rest.

I am wondering....how much I'll get done today.

I am thankful for....having such a wonderful life.

From the kitchen...not a thing.

I am going... to organize kitchen. I am actually thinking of getting rid of some cookbooks.

I am wearing...flannel pajamas.

I am reading...those organizing books by Mrcia Ramsland

I am hoping...to get kitchen reorganized. It shouldn't take too long.

I am hearing...Sunday morning TV shows in the background. I didn't set an alarm & Murray didn't wake me up to go to church.

Around the house….reminders of why I love being home. I doubt if anyone else besides Murray & I love it so. I guess that's how everyone feels about their home. At least I hope so.

One of my favorite things...No place to go and really nothing I "have" to do.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....make dental & doctor appointment. WW prep & meeting. Thank you notes. Decluttering & organization. End of year bookwork for Good Samaritan. Oh! And take down the few Christmas decorations that did make it out of storage!

Something you may not know about me...I don't make New Year's resolutions.

For Today - December 27, 2008 - Saturday

Outside My Window....it's dark . . .

I am thinking...I need to catch up on my rest!

I am wondering....if I'll easily fall asleep tonight.

I am thankful for....an excellent, most wonderful Christmas holiday!

From the kitchen...soup & grilled cheese sandwiches.

I am going... to bed soon!

I am wearing...flannel pajamas.

I am reading...my email. I haven't checked it since late morning of December 24.

I am hoping...to go to bed soon! And sleep! I stayed up until 3:30, two nights in a row, getting 3 1/2 hours sleep one night & 4 1/2 the next night! last night went to bed just before 1 & didn't fall asleep for the longest of times & woke up at 7.

I am hearing...TV in background.

Around the house….not too much stuff as all the unpacking is done.

One of my favorite things...Christmas with family!!!!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....go to bed.

Something you may not know about me...I ended up not not seeing KMS this Christmas season. Things got messed up & he wasnt' able to come to DFW.

For Today - December 24, 2008 - Wednesday

Outside My Window....it's raining. I'm looking forward to driving in rainy weather on Christmas Eve.

I am thinking...I need to complete all these last minute tasks before leaving!

I am wondering....if I'll see Kevin. He called yesterday and said he "may" make it to the DFW area.

I am thankful for....washers & dryers & all those modern conveniences.

From the kitchen...dishwasher is running.

I am going... to be busy this morning.

I am wearing...my comfort robe. No socks, no houseshoes as it's 60-something degrees outside!

I am reading...4 books about organization. Think I discovered my problem. . . house may or may not be organized as much as I want . . . what I need is to better organize my time.

I am hoping...to not forget anything!

I am hearing...dishwasher & TV in background.

Around the house…anticipation. . . .lots!

One of my favorite things...being with my family!!!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....finish packing; visiting; caroling; gift-giving; eating; movie-going, etc.

Something you may not know about me...I'm planning to go to the doctor the first of the year.

For Today - December 23, 2008 - Tuesday

Outside My Window....it is C O L D and drizzly. But the bridges are no longer iced over. That's good.

I am thinking...I don't really want to do my WW meeting. I want to pack & get all ready to leave town.

I am wondering....if they caught that maniac in Dallas. Have you heard? Some guy killing folks on the road. They say it's not road rage. . . . but how can they be sure? It's two days for Christmas in a big city. Isn't it ALL road rage?

I am thankful for....Cuddle Dudds

From the kitchen...hot chocolate.

I am going... to get my meeting ready, load up the van, take Shiloh to the Holcomb Hilton & let the festivities begin!

I am wearing...cuddle duds & red vellour pants/top & house shoes.

I am reading...4 books about organization. Think I discovered my problem. . . house may or may not be organized as much as I want . . . what I need is to better organize my time.

I am hoping...Kevin is warm.

I am hearing...Heater humming & chickens clucking & a few brave birds chirping.

Around the house…anticipation. . . .

"....So I'll try and see into your eyes right now
And stay right here 'cause these are the good old days

(These are the good old days)
And stay right here 'cause these are the good old days.
Thank you Carly Simon.

One of my favorite things...an unscheduled day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....WW meeting prep; laundry washed; packing; visiting; caroling; gift-giving; eating; movie-going, etc.

Something you may not know about me...I was going to name my oldest child "Carly". But he was a boy & we named him "Simon" instead.

For Today - December 22, 2008 - Monday

Outside My Window....it is C O L D . . . blue skies w/thin white & gray clouds. 27 degrees. Shiver!

I am thinking...that I don't want to go out on this cold, cold day.

I am wondering....what to do first.

I am thankful for....central heat!!!

From the kitchen...hot chocolate & oranges.

I am going... to town. I need to leave a check Good Samaritan. Tomorrow is food day.

I am wearing...cuddle duds & navy flannel pajamas, sox & house shoes.

I am reading...pretty much nothing.

I am hoping...her order from Amazon arrives today.

I am hearing...Shiloh walking through the house. Probably with one of my shoes. He doesn't chew them . . . just carries them by the front door. Hint, hint - do you think he wants to go walking???? Too dog-gone bad! It's too dog-gone C O L D ! !

Around the house…stuff just waiting to be packed, etc.

One of my favorite things...an unscheduled day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....trip into town; WW meeting prep; laundry washed; packing; visiting; caroling; gift-giving; eating; movie-going, etc.

Something you may not know about me...I am not at all mysterious.

For Today - December 20, 2008 - Saturday

Outside My Window....it cool & windy. It's dark because it's almost 7 PM.

I am thinking...that it's a good thing to have all the gifts wrapped.

I am wondering....what Kevin will be doing during the holidays. :(

I am thankful for....all the kolaches being baked. It took two days. I made lots of kolaches. And I'm slow.

From the kitchen...yummy freshly baked smells.

I am going... to soak in the tub w/candles & Kenny G's "Miracles" & a glass of red wine. Heaven!

I am wearing...jeans, walking shoes & Natchitoches Christmas t-shirt.

I am reading...pretty much noth ing.

I am hoping...to quickly clean the kitchen.

I am hearing...Murray walking into the house.

Around the house…lots of Christmas stuff.

One of my favorite things...a weekend with my hubby.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....practice "Once Upon a Christmas" to sing in church tomorrow with Murray.

Something you may not know about me...I love original art. Children's art is a real favorite of mine. Above is one of many murals on our town square. All were painted by Texas prison inmates. They are all beautiful.

For Today - December 19, 2008 - Friday

Outside My Window....it is very balmy! Add to that damp & muggy. The combo does NOT cause me to feel at all festive.

I am thinking...that I will have to MAKE myself bake kolaches. Today's high is suppose to be 75 and in order to bake I'll have to turn on the air conditioner. Don't get me wrong - I'm glad I don't live in Spokane, where there's 17" of new snow . . . but it's December & it's not suppose to be so warm. And damp. And muggy. And so tropical.

I am wondering....about a Christmas project for next year.

I am thankful for...not feeling pressured to decorate for Christmas. It's just not going to happen this year. With the weather being the way it is and my lack of Christmas decor, I'm not feeling very Christmasey. And that's okay with me. Not that I'm Scrooge, walking around muttering "bah, humbug". . . but it's perfectly okay that this is really just another week, time of the year.

I'm also so thankful to have gone to Natchitoches earlier this month. "That" was Christmas to me! So I'm not really a Scrooge . . . I just started early!

From the kitchen...the expectancy of a busy day of baking.

I am going... to bake & wrap. Wrap . . . not rap. I don't know any rap songs.

I am wearing...my comfort robe. And sock. Yep - just one sock. I must have kicked off the other one in my sleep.

I am reading...a digital photography e-newsletter

I am hoping...to keep today's "to do" list short

I am hearing...myself yawn.

Around the house…stuff. stuff. and some more stuff.

One of my favorite things...is to not feel pressured.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Wrap presents. Bake sausage kolaches. Maybe go into town during the day & snap some pix. There's some very lovely Christmas art around town done by prison inmates.

Something you may not know about me...I haven't taken many photos for DAYS! That's how you know I've been sick.

For Today - December 19, 2008 - Thursday

Outside my Window....it's foggy & sitll dark.

I am thinking...that I really am better. I slept off & on all day yesterday & all through the night & really feel so much better this morning.

I am wondering....if I can do all I want to do today.

I am thankful for...waking up & feeling well-rested. It's the pits to wake up & still feel tired!

From the kitchen...there's lots of sausage in the freezer. While in Temple bought a bunch of Slovacek sausage. That's one of my contributions to Christmas dinner: sausage kolaches, broccoli/rice casserole & deviled eggs.

I am going... to REALLY make bank deposit today. And wrap gifts. What fun is it to have them bought nice & early & have them hidden away in the gift closet? So today I will wrap.

I am wearing...Flannel pajamas, leg warmers and unmatched socks.

I am reading...email

I am hoping...to keep today's "to do" list short

I am hearing...not much at all. It's very quiet.

Around the house…still a lot of "stuff" but at least the Kleenex box is put away as the sniffles aren't bad at all.

One of my favorite things...is to not only be healthy, but to feel healthy.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Meet Julie w/pix of Jared. They lost all photos in a house fire & she's making him a scrapbook. I'm sharing 4-H pix with her. Meet hubby at office party. Wrap presents. Bake sausage kolaches.

Something you may not know about me...I haven't taken many photos for DAYS! That's how you know I've been sick.

For Today - December 17, 2008 - Wednesday

Outside my Window....it's cold, but not as cold as yesterday. And dark.

I am thinking...that I need to go back to sleep.

I am wondering....when I'm going to be ALL better. I spent the majority of the night awake, coughing, sneezing & nose blowing!

I am thankful for...my hubby's good urological report. His MRI findings were A-OK. Do you hear that big sigh of relief? Regular physical in February & urological physical next November. All is well.

From the kitchen...my awesome dishwasher is humming. We never rinse dishes . . . not even dried on chili . . . it always comes clean. May I never take it for granted.

I am going... to make bank deposit, pay bills, go back to sleep.

I am wearing...Red fleece pants, black fleece vest, & white fleece top. Yay for Old Navy! I've ordered some more fleece pants online & I'm hoping they'll be here before Christmas. Thanks Charlotte for taking me to ON while I was in town.

I am reading...email

I am hoping...to start feeling better!

I am hearing...that awesome dishwasher.

Around the house…still just "stuff". And Kleenex. Lots of Kleenex. And cough drops.

One of my favorite things…is having all that Christmas shopping done. What a mess I'd be in if I were "under the weather" AND had to go Christmas shopping!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Meet Julie w/pix of Jared. They lost all photos in a house fire & she's making him a scrapbook. I'm sharing 4-H pix with her.

Something you may not know about me...My life has a sound track. It really does.

Example of weekend soundtrack.

Soundtrack #1. It was total madness getting out of Houston on Saturday, 2 weeks before Christmas. You don't believe me? There was a line of cars on the feeder street to get INTO Chidk-Fil-A parking lot. A rousing rendition of Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" seemed appropriate enough 'cause that's what Houston's traffic does to me - takes another piece of my heart. Before long I may be completely heartless. ; )

Soundtrack #2. When I turned onto Hwy 21, which runs through Davy Crockett National Park, the Hallelujah Chorus came on. Perfect timing! Oh my! The leaves were falling to the ground & swirling all around & it was PERFECT! It seemed as if the trees themselves were clapping their hands. It reminded me of Isaiah 55:12: "For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

Soundtrack #3: When I was almost home I heard this song for the first time. I'm not a huge C/W fan. I like "country legends", such as "Willie & Walon & the boys", but not a whole lot of new country/western music. I don't like beer & I don't like fried chicken. . . . but I DO like this song from the Zac Brown Band. It was the PERFECT song to hear/sing as I drove up my driveway.

You know I like my chicken fried
A cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up

Well I've seen the sunrise
See the love in my woman's eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother's love

Well I was raised up beneath the shade of a Georgia pine
And that's home you know
Sweet tea pecan pie and homemade wine
Where the peaches grow
And my house it's not much to talk about
But it's filled with love that's grown in southern ground

And a little bit of chicken fried
Cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up
Well I've seen the sunrise
See the love in my woman's eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother's love

And it's funny how it's the simple things in life that mean the most
Not where you live, what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes
There's no dollar sign on a piece of mind this I've come to know
So if you agree have a drink with me
Raise you glasses for a toast

To a little bit of chicken fried
Cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up

Well I've seen the sunrise
See the love in my woman's eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother's love

I thank god for my life
And for the stars and stripes
May freedom forever fly, let it ring
Salute the ones who died
And the ones that give their lives, so we don't have to sacrifice
All the things we love

Like our chicken fried
Cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up
Well I've seen the sunrise
See the love in my woman's eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother's love

You know I like my chicken fried
Cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up

Well I've seen the sunrise
See the love in my woman's eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother's love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9hOMetw7qI&NR=1

I like the soundtrack of my life.