For Today - January 29, 2009 - Thursday

Outside My Window...It is cold, every bit as cold as yesterday but no wind & no rain . . . just lots of fog.

I am thinking...that I want my phone calling done early in the day . . . main word is "dun".

I am wondering....if H'Stone will help daddy out of his bed today & when, oh when will PT start?

I am thankful for....hubby not being freaked by mess in laundry room.

From the kitchen...Coffee & Ruby Red grapefruits & thoughts about trying a new slow cooker chicken recipe.

I am going...to continue in the laundry room. I ought to buy stock in Stearlite plastic drawers/containers! Really - I love those things. I wonder if Murray would mind getting me a bunch of those for Valentine's Day? They make everything look so neat & tidy.

I am wearing...need I mention it yet again? Fleece! Head to toe fleece. Comfy warm & oh-so stylish : )

I am reading...God - The Enough. Debby thought I'd like it because of an event I told her about years ago. It was some celebratory time of life & Amanda was the only child with me. I was lamenting the boys not being with me & she so sweetly asked, "But aren't I enough?" And then & there I've made a conscience effort to not whine about who or who isn't with me, 'cause yes, Amanda, "you ARE enough". When Debby saw the little devotional book, "God - the Enough", she thought of me & mailed it to me. And indeed, He IS enough. In fact, He's more than enough.

I am hoping...to make REAL progress in laundry room.

I am hearing...the heater humming. With so many people w/o electricity during this ice-storm, I'm really grateful for heat. A few years ago w/lost electricity because of ice . . . I was okay as long as the sun came out. Cold weather & sunny skies is okay . . . not my preference, but certainly okay. Cold weather & no heat and GLOOMY skies are too much to bear. We broke down & took showers up at the ranch house, which is on a different transformer & had electricity.

Around the house….big messes while I make sense of the Chinese puzzle that the laundry room has become.

One of my favorite things...central heat!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....laundry room decluttering; burn Christmas CD & maybe sort through photos. NO yard work 'cause it's suppose to stay very wintry the rest of the week!

Something you may not know about me...I dreamed last night I was at the hospital, trying to get information about my dad. sigh

For Today - January 28, 2009 - Wednesday

Outside My Window...It is cold. Brrrrr. Icy rain during the night & now clear, sunny & very COLD! Glad I get to stay inside!

I am thinking...it's wonderful that there were no wrecks reported on morning news. NONE! Icy roads & no wrecks!

I am wondering....what to say.

I am thankful for....being able to stay home.

From the kitchen...Coffee & last night's Vegetable-Barley Risotto. Yummy stuff & warm & filling.

I am going...to continue in the laundry room. I ought to buy stock in Stearlite plastic drawers/containers!

I am wearing...more fleece. I now live in it.

I am reading...that book from Debby. God - The Enough.

I am hoping...to find out what early morning phone call about dad was all about.

I am hearing...computer going through some diagnostics. Surely is grumbling & growling!

Around the house….some of the laundry room stuff now temporarily parked in the living room.

One of my favorite things...staying home two days in a row! Whoopee!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....laundry room decluttering; burn Christmas CD & maybe sort through photos. NO yard work 'cause it's suppose to stay very wintry the rest of the week!

Something you may not know about me...it looks like I'll be spending lots of time on the phone today!

For Today - January 27, 2009 - Tuesday

Outside My Window...A foggy day. The above picture is a closeup of the rosemary plant. We half jokingly say it's as big as a Buick! I love the little blue flowers it shares with us during the winter.

I am thinking...I "really" dislike people volunteering me for ANYthing!

I am wondering....how to pray.

I am thankful for....the prayers of the saints. For me. For others in my life.

From the kitchen...Coffee. Still haven't had breakfast. Last night's butternut squash soup was yummy. Roasted beets taste yummy too. I'll either put them in a soup or salad. Tomorrow. Not today.

I am going...to start decluttering the laundry room. I think just throwing out some of the obvious junk/garbage will make a big difference. If it's not mine, I'll check w/hubby before tossing . . . .

I am wearing...more fleece. I love this stuff!

I am reading...emails.

I am hoping...to stay focused today. Declutter and pray.

I am hearing...birds chirping, computer going through scan disk or some other scheduled program.

Around the house….the happy, ferocious love of my great, big dog!

One of my favorite things...being able to stay home. I'm not working WW tonight. I just don't have it in me. I need a week of unstructured time. Maryanne's taking my place and the members will be in good hands. I need some down time. I got distressing news that I can't talk about . . . but I most definitely need to pray about. I need today to pray. Fervently.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....laundry room decluttering; yard work (if the weather cooperates); sort through photos; burn Christmas photo CD & mail to Simon.

Something you may not know about me...I have Christmas liglhts hanging on the headboard of my bed. Yep - I keep them up year-round. See, I TOLD you I'm an eccentric old lady! :)

For Today - January 26, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window...is a cloudy day. There's a heron by the lake & a snow goose by the chicken coop. We don't often see very many geese here . . .

Above photo was taken from the Houston Hilton, 12th floor. Next time will ask to be put on the highest floor to get better skyline pic.

I am thinking...how wonderful it is to get 8 hours sleep. Yep - I did it - slept straight through for 8 hours! Wonderful!

I am wondering....what I'll get done today & how much of it I'll do!

I am thankful for....an uneventful weekend in Houston. I (& hubby) can't believe I went SHOPPING! I hate shopping! So I guess it "was" eventful after all!

I took Lisa to the Underground & then we drove to the Galleria, where I got in on the tail end of VS' Semi Annual Bra Sale! Yay for me! Also found out from Lisa that Under Armor makes good, supportive athletic bras. So, for once, I'm thankful I went shopping! Don't worry - I don't plan on doing it again anytime soon!

From the kitchen...Butternut Squash & really beautiful red beets. Will make soups today.

I am going...to move in slow motion today . . . just enjoy being home.

I am wearing...Fleece - from top to bottom: red pants, white shirt, black vest.

I am reading...not to much. I hope to find that book Debby recently sent & start it.

I am hoping...to have an undramatic, uneventful day.

I am hearing...little songbirds chirping away.

Around the house….everything needs a quick freshening.

One of my favorite things...is a good routine. I had much better, almost ironclad routines when the kids were home. Why not now? A good routine is so freeing & allows for so much more spontaneity.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Get Shiloh from clinic; zip through weekly inside chores; WW meeting prep & meeting itself; "maybe" start in laundry room. It will take quite a while & I don't want to upset Murray by moving his stuff where he cannot find it or get to it.

Something you may not know about me...I was at the Hilton's gym at 6:15 Saturday AM.

For Today - January 23, 2009 - Friday

Outside My Window...it's dark & a bit chilly. Did I mention I pruned the Purple Lantana? And the blue Salvia. FINALLY pulled up the tomato & pepper plants. The west side of the house is much tidier. Still MUCH to do outdoors.

I am thinking...I can't believe I'm blogging twice in about 12 hours! I'm also thinking how strange economics is. Heard there will be a shortage of Buffalo wings on Super Bowl Sunday. The price has already gone up 30%. And the reason why? All because Pilgrim's Pride in some little east TX town declared bankruptcy. They were the MAIN supplier of wings. It's strange how it all works. I wish some of the bailout money would go to them instead of paying big bonuses to to the doofaces who caused the problems to begin with!

I am wondering....if I'll be packed & dressed in time for 8 AM departure.

I am thankful for....sleeping half the night!

From the kitchen...Clementines, grapefruit, apples, beets w/beautiful green tops. I wish I had time to photograph them! Swiss Chard & Green leaf lettuce. Let's not forget the bananas & blueberries. Yep - yesterday was Produce Day!

I am going...to shower, dress & pack.

I am wearing...comfort robe.

I am reading...email

I am hoping...to be ready on time.

I am hearing...my tummy growling.

Around the house….the floors STILL need a really good sweeping/vacuuming. But I did get the half-bath cabinet organized. I really can't get more into it. . . . but it DOES look neater. Amanda & David now have they're own drawer to keep their toothbrushes, etc., in.

One of my favorite things...is a good attitude.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Pack, travel, eat out, lie in bed & watch HGTV! Play with camera.

Something you may not know about me...Oh - I can't think of anything this early in the morning.!

For Today - January 22, 2009 - Thursday

Outside My Window...is a warm, sunny, blue-sky kind of day. There's lots of mullein & shepherd's purse in the yard. Mullein has long, velvety leaves. During the Civil War the Confederates used it to line their holey shoes. It's also good for coughs. The last time Kevin was here we dried some leaves & made a tea for him to get the crud up. He took the rest of the dried leaves with him.

The Shepherd's Purse was/is used to stop hemorrhages of all kinds: stomach, lungs, uterus, kidney. It's also good at stopping external bleeding.

Oh - and there's a heron flying over the house.

I am thinking...I don't want to go to Houston, even though it will be a pleasure trip for me & someone is taking us out to Spencer's Steak House. I'd rather stay home & work in the yard if it's going to be pretty weather. But I'm going to Houston. It will good.

I am wondering....if the chickens are staying out of my flower beds. I let them out of the chicken yard & they were curious about me working in the beds. They're weren't at all like Chicken Little, fussing about danger. They were very curious about me & I had to chase them out with a rake. They didn't run very far away. Murray has very brave hens indeed!

I am thankful for....this gorgeous spring-like day. I don't suppose it's really spring, since it's just the end of January, but it is a very nice respite.

From the kitchen...a beautiful purple cabbage. I'm going to make homemade cole slaw. I don't know what else, but for sure cole slaw.

I am going...to organize beneath the half bath. I have some Sterlite plastic drawers & I think they'll work just fine. I've been a big fan of using what you have & repurposing stuff. Right now the hair cutting stuff is in a worn out (although gorgeous) leather box purse. Other stuff may be in an old tin or whatever. The only thing wrong with this set-up, is that the containers, etc., are not uniform & there ends up being wasted space. So the "made in the USA" Sterlite is coming to my rescue.

I am wearing...black fleece pants, black "Curves" tee-shirt & walking shoes.

I am reading...email

I am hoping...to get most of my packing done tonight.

I am hearing...the Texas State train & birds & chickens. And cars. It's 5:30 PM & there's people coming home from work.

Around the house….the floors need a really good sweeping/vacuuming.

One of my favorite things...is a good day's work out in the yard. With my dog tagging along with me.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Pack, travel, eat out, lie in bed & watch HGTV!

Something you may not know about me...I listen to Phantom of the Opera when I'm baking.

For Today - January 21, 2009

Outside My Window...is a cold, sunny morning. There's frost on the ground. Did I already mention the fig & apple trees have buds & the lemon tree blossoms? Lemon tree is in a pot right up against the south side of the house & so far has survived. I'll take a look at the lavender this morning to see how it's doing.

I am thinking...I have a lot of little things to do today.

I am wondering....if Kwabena made it safely to J'ville & if David made it safely back hme.

I am thankful for....a good WW meeting last night. Only 45, but in this economy & it being inaugural day, I'm pleased with the numbers.

From the kitchen...A fresh pot of coffee & a Gala apple. Not too hungry but had to eat something. Maybe I'll have a more substantial snack later in the morning.

I am going...to do WW paperwork. I was tired last night & didn't do it. I also have lots of "miss you" care to write. Plus at least 3 phone calls regarding dad's PT. Errands in town.

I am wearing...pink flannels pajamas w/hearts.

I am reading...email

I am hoping...our new president makes wise decisions based on information that only the president & a few others know about. It's easy for any of us to say what we'd do . . . . when we don't have all the known facts.

I am hearing...birds chirping, heater & printer humming & coffee maker gurgling.

Around the house….I need to figure out what to do w/WW product. Maybe will test out bed risers AME gave me to see if I can store beneath guestroom bed.

One of my favorite things...is a peaceful transition of powers. Regardless of one's political persuasion, it's the envy of the world that we can have such a civil change over.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Start/complete some WW paperwork regarding 2008 material; take GS' completed paperwork to judge; bank deposit; organize half/bath's cabinet. Maybe work in yard on Thursday? High is suppose to be 74! To pray for Dianne, whom the doctors' think has colon cancer.

Something you may not know about me...I clean my eyeglasses every day. You almost never catch me w/smudges on me glasses!

For Today - January 20,2009 - Tuesday

Outside My Window...the beginnings of a sunny, though chilly & windy day. And yes, the birds are chirping.

I am thinking...I look like the poster child for depression, although I'm not depressed. I've been sick. And unlike the women in the movies, I do not look one bit charming when sick!

I am wondering....if youngest son has made it safely to Arizona.

I am thankful for....finally felling a whole lot better

From the kitchen...Coffee

I am going...to take a shower & work on WW meeting.

I am wearing...you don't want to know . . .

I am reading...WW meeting guide

I am hoping...to continue feeling better.

I am hearing...the wind howling & birds playing in it.

Around the house….there's not much going on. There's much to do . . . such as vacuuming & sweeping, but I'm not committing to doing that today.

One of my favorite things...is that minty fresh feeling!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....WW meeting; start/complete some WW paperwork regarding 2008 material; take GS' completed paperwork to judge; bank deposit; organize half/bath's cabinet. Maybe work in yard on Thursday? High is suppose to be 74!

Something you may not know about me...I don't eat beef very often. Having eaten the best (home-raised) most store-bought beef is unpleasant to me. Of course if you offer to pay, I might go out & order a steak at a fine restaurant!

For Today - January 19, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window....sunny, cold & birdie chirping weather.

I am thinking...I ache all over.

I am wondering....why I'm still so tired. And achy. It is safe to say that the way I feel now, I'll NEVER go into a doctor's office again.

I am thankful for....Chap Stik. My lips are peeling. Why's that?

From the kitchen...Hubby emptied dishwasher.

I am going...to go back to bed :( Oops - no I'm not! Parents' ringtone is letting me know something is wrong. :(((((

I am wearing...messy hair & chapped lips.

I am reading...my notes about what to complain about to Solari.

I am hoping...that this too shall pass. And soon.

I am hearing...birds.

Around the house….nothing interesting happening around the house, except parents' issues w/Solari.

One of my favorite things...is a non-achy body.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....no plans at all, I can't see or think past the next few hours.

Something you may not know about me...I think about something you might not know about me in the middle of the night, but if I don't write it down, I forget it.

For Today - January 18, 2009 - Sunday

Outside My Window....it is very dark as it's 5 AM. I've been awake for a couple of hours.

I am thinking...about the fact I've been sick twice in 1 month. This is not like me. I got sick Friday night & missed dear friend's daughter's wedding reception. From Friday PM to 5 AM Sunday, I've been in bed, except between 4:30 - 5:00 Saturday afternoon when I felt good enough to check email.

I am wondering....why I'm still so tired. I've slept for almost 30 hours!

I am thankful for....hubby & daughter being able to have a good time today.

From the kitchen...Idon't know. All I've been able to eat is 1/2 small carton yogurt & 1/2 banana. NOTHING sounds good.

I am going...to go back to bed & hope I'm up to going to church this morning.

I am wearing...fleece bottoms & huge gray sweatshirt. Yes - I look frightful.

I am reading...nothing.

I am hoping...to get better fast!

I am hearing...nothing. It's too early for birds or chickens.

Around the house….a lot of quiet.

One of my favorite things...is having a strong constitution & NOT being sick.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....no plans at all . . . . just want to feel better. A lot better.

Something you may not know about me...even though I've recently been under the weather, I really am strong & healthy. Even the doctor said so. That's it: I went to doctor on Monday & got sick on Friday. In December I was in hospital w/my dad & came home & got sick. Hmmmmm - strange coincidence? I'm beginning to think hospitals & doctors' offices are not only FOR sick peoplel, but quite possibly drum up business for the medical industry!

For Today - January 16, 2008 - Friday

Outside My Window....it is COLD. It got down to 23 last night & is STILL mighty frigid! No birds were chirping at 7 AM, but now at 7:13 they are. I guess they slept in late this morning. Pink tinge to gray clouds.

I am thinking...how much I do NOT want to go out in this weather today, but will have to stop by bank & get copies of canceled checks (front & back) for FEMA application. Then take all paperwork to the judge's office. I wonder what time they close on Friday?

I am wondering....what I'm eating for breakfast.

I am thankful for....working out last night. 30 minutes on the elliptical! Woohoo! Listened to Phantom of the Opera most of the time. Am glad I didn't break out in song!!!

From the kitchen...French Vanilla coffee & lots of fruit.

I am going...to fold the load of whites I washed & dried last night. Shame on me - the laundry is NOT done until it's folded & put away!

I am wearing...fleece bottoms & flannel pajama top.

I am reading...nothing at the moment.

I am hoping...to either organize bathroom or start in laundry room. Bathroom will take much less time; laundry room will be a long-term project . . . . can't take too much at a time!

I am hearing...the printer humming & that's about it. At 7:19 the birds have settled down & aren't singing much. I think they must be on the front side of the house looking for seed in the feeders.

Around the house….warm air coming from the vents ; )

One of my favorite things...Being able to stay home.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Another trip into town, but it shouldn't take long. A 30 minute workout on the elliptical. Some organizing, but haven't decided what. Kara's wedding reception tomorrow & church on Sunday.

Something you may not know about me...Oh I doubt if there's any more secrets about me! I'm not a complicated person . . . .

For Today - January 15, 2009 - Thursday

Outside My Window....chirping birds, sunlight & a cold morning, although not as cold as it has been.

I am thinking...how nice it is not to have so many errands to run today. Just meet Kay in town for lunch & the signing of FEMA papers for GS.

I am wondering....what to fix for supper.

I am thankful for....visiting with David last night. He had some business to tend to in east TX & came for a visit. Since I had been in Tyler all day, I was really thankful to have some sausage kolaches in the freezer to fix for supper. Just added a salad & considered it a simple supper that he appreciated.

From the kitchen...French Vanilla coffee

I am going...do some filing, & general tidying of the house. Maybe clean the bathrooms too. And wash a load of darks. I might even work on the "Week in My Life" album.

I am wearing...fleece from top to bottom!

I am reading...Well, I've finished the books by Marcia Ramsland. I finished two of them while waiting at the doctor's on Monday. BTW - diagnosis regarding fainting on 12/14/08? It was a vasovagal reaction. And exactly what does that mean? I "fainted". Yep - that's what he said! Three hours at the doctor, an exam & EKG & that's the official diagnosis. Now I remember why I don't like going to doctors. He told me EXACTLY what I told him!!! Even said it could have been caused by the things I suggested: stress of the week before or picked up a virus while sitting with daddy in the hospital.

At least I now have a new doctor & he has a baseline of my heart. And it "was" good news, wasn't it?

I am hoping...to talk to sil & hear about her wonderful trip to Mexico.

I am hearing...birds chirping & heater keeping me warm. Where's a hot flash when you need one???

Around the house….the laundry room is waiting for me to start tackling it. Fat chance of that happening any time too soon!

One of my favorite things...Today, tomorrow & the next day. I know that's three things, but the combination is what I like. I can get my thoughts around those 3 days that I sometimes have a modicum of control over.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....GS board meeting, hair cut, dentist, etc. are all "dun"! Now I need to make wise use of today & tomorrow. If it warms up I just might cut back the perriennials. I have lots - they may be my most favorite types of flowers. They look TOTALLY dead during the winter & come back to life in the Spring.

Something you may not know about me...I have very few cavities. My gums are shot to heck - but my teeth are healthy, except for that stupid one in the front that's perpetually stained. I think it's because it's a "dead" tooth, having a root canal in it decades ago. "Charm is decietful & beauty fades" is a true statement.