For Today - April 30, 2009 - Thursday

Last of the Irises & Oxalis
Roses on arbor are almost ready to bloom.
No, I have no plans to paint the arbor, star or gate.
I like them rusty!

Outside My Window...it's warm, muggy & cloudy with a predicted high of 80...

I am thinking...that I really, really want to be outside & not inside waiting to call WM pharmacy.

I am wondering...if WM pharmacy has mom's other prescription ready. The said the doctor phoned in only one.

I am thankful for....that the entire world is not as incompetent as WM employees!

From the kitchen...bananas. Salmon on salad for lunch. Chicken, brown rice & mixed veggies for supper. It's nice to have the meals planned out for the day.a

I am going...to go outside as soon as possible

I am wearing...shorts, tank top & shoes!

I am reading...nothing at the time. When All Plans Fail is on the back burner for now.

I am hoping...to "live in the moment" & not think about all that needs to be done in the future.

I am hearing...birds . . . especially redwing blackbirds. They're rather raucous fellows!

Around the house….a load of whites to fold.

One of my favorite things...being outside w/o any phones. I'm afraid the cell will fall out of my pocket so I go out there, totally untethered!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work & house piddling.

Something you may not know about me...My email inbox is still at zero!

For Today - April 29, 2009 - Wednesday

Outside My Window...it's warm & muggy...a very damp day.

I am thinking...how much I will enjoy this leave of absence if I can get osteoporosis pain under control.

I am wondering...how brother & SIL are doing. They got water in their home & because of remodeling projects have bigger than average mess.

I am thankful for....leave of absence!

From the kitchen...yogurt & bananas & green tea. Lunch will be leftover salmon, probably tossed into a salad & supper is grilled chicken plus some type of veggie.

I am going...to enjoy my day and plan out my week. But first I need to shower. And I need to make some phone calls, finding out how my meeting went last night.

I am wearing...sleeping pants & tee-shirt

I am reading..."When All Plans Fail"

I am hoping...mama is able to get her meds from WM. Hoping they're ready.

I am hearing...a few birds, although not many. I wonder if that means it's going to rain again?

Around the house….a lot of tidying up. Time to get ALL the horizontal surfaces cleared!

One of my favorite things...not having to go anywhere nor see anyone. No, I'm not a hermit . . . but I do like "my" time.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work & detailed list of what needs to be done before bringing mom here next week.

Something you may not know about me...I totally cleaned out my email inbox . . . to zero emails!

For Today - April 27, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window...it's dark & muggy. It's suppose to be raining off and on all week long.

I am thinking...I really need to take a leave of absence.

I am wondering...if Kevin had the swine flu? He said he thinks he had the flu or food poisoning last Tuesday. He did pass through California on his way to Oregon. Just saw on teh news the flu is also in California. . . . maybe he picked it up there?

I am thankful for....for daughter & her hubby getting safely back home.

From the kitchen...hmmm - not much of anything. Hubby's not yet getting ready for work. I've given up coffee. And I'm not yet boiling water for tea.

I am going...to email that letter. But first I have to write it!

I am wearing...white capris & tee-shirt. No, not the same ones from the other day!

I am reading..."When All Plans Fail"

I am hoping...to eat a more alkaline diet. I did this a long time ago & it really, really helps w/the osteoporosis pain. It mean cutting down on caffeine, chocolate, sugar, sodas & animal products. They all pull calcium from the the bones. Not eliminating any of it all together (except the sodas) . . . just cutting back and observing if pain goes away.

I am hearing...hubby making early morning noises.

Around the house….floors waiting for a good cleaning. Three big dogs make lots of paw prints & I didn't bother cleaning up after them during the week. They were good company for us & Shiloh & me.

One of my favorite things...Waking up pain-free.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. Write "leave of absence" email. Prepare & execute WW meeting.

Something you may not know about me...I sent the email!

For Today - April 24, 2009 - Friday

Tufted Titmouse perched in living room

Outside My Window...cool, cloudy & muggy.

I am thinking...I will spend much time on the road today, running errands.

I am wondering...if I'm going to remember all that needs to be done today.

I am thankful for....yesterday! It was a glorious day with the breezes blowing through open doors & windows & the fragrances of blooming dewberries, honeysuckles & antique roses permeating the house! Along w/the fragrances a little tufted titmouse blew in too! Here he is perched on a top shelf in the living room.

From the kitchen...Yummy leftover vegetable & barley casserole! I FINALLY found a great recipe that calls for Swiss chard that both of us really, really like! Yay!

I am going...edit more photos, run errands, take care of several aspects of Good Sam business & try to find free online tutorials about digital scrap booking.

I am wearing...white capris & tee-shirt

I am reading..."When All Plans Fail"

I am hoping...to remember to take my vitamins. I have much more energy when I remember to take them!

I am hearing...birds - mainly little house wrens & chickadees.

Around the house….what can I say? It's a house in the country in the Spring! Open doors & windows & going in & out & all quite wonderfully lovely. At least it's lovely to me. Husband's allergies are off the charts & DD might have a stroke if a bird flew in while she was here. The very things that bring me joy bring misery & fear to others! Such is life - all of us are different.

One of my favorite things...is having a plan that I'm pretty sure is do-able!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch. Errands. Errands. And some more errands.

Something you may not know about me...Hmmm - can't think of anything you don't already know about me . . . I'm not too terribly complicated!

For Today - April 23, 2009 - Thursday

A favorite spot @ end of love seat & next to door

Outside My Window...very cool with predicted highs in mid-80's & strong gusts of wind. It's not windy now & it's gloriously sunny without a cloud in the sky.

I am thinking...AME's dogs are missing them!

I am wondering...how SIL's shoulder is doing these days.

I am thankful for....it being official: DAE is now Professor DAE!

From the kitchen...coffee & not a clue what to eat. I wish I had more plain yogurt as I can do so very much with that!

I am going...to do yard work; work on Good Sam financials to present to United Way & tidy house.

I am wearing...white capris & brown tee-shirt.

I am reading..."When All Plans Fail"

I am hoping...to be more energetic today.

I am hearing...birds & dogs & breeze through the trees.

Around the house….MUST clean the floors...

One of my favorite things...windows & doors flung wide open for sunshine & cool breeze to enter into the house. I'm glad I don't live where I must ALWAYS close & lock the doors! Although when it's hot/cold & the AC/heater's on, I obviously close the doors & then I keep them locked.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch. Write thank you notes. Yes - it's remarkably the same as last week. I didn't get much done on this list!

Something you may not know about me...In 1999 I had some entries published in a book titled "1,001 Ingenious Gardening Ideas" by Rodale Press. I think, out of the 1001 ideas, I have 3

For Today - April 22, 2009 - Wednesday

This is what "bliss" looks like!
Me, with my 3 kiddos!

Outside My Window...cool & sunny. Predicted high is 90 degrees!!!! I may have to turn on the AC. . . .

I am thinking...that dial-up is the PITS! It's taken over an hour to get online & only at 25 Kps. . .
I am wondering...how why dial-up is so pitiful. It just kicked me off (9:16 AM) again & is now trying to connect. I think something in the phone line must have gotten messed up during the recent storms because there's a lot of static in the line when using the phone.

I am thankful for....BFF riding her bike 12 miles in 1 hour! You go, Girl!

From the kitchen...coffee & cottage cheese & blueberries. I'm not very hungry this morning but know I have to have SOME protein!

I am going...to finish WW paperwork, write welcome, miss you & congratulation cards,take quick trip into town & then do yard work. Or maybe I'll walk into town. After all, it won't be long & it'll be too durn hot to walk to town.

I am wearing...sleeping pants & tee-shirt.

I am reading...more Bible.

I am hoping...to make important decision.

I am hearing...a few birds & printer humming.

Around the house….still paw prints & dog hair . . . & WW stuff dumped out of my bag 'cause I need to sort through it.

One of my favorite things...Clean floors - which I won't have until next Sunday. There's no sense scrubbing floors when 3 big dogs keep going in and out. It's not their fault the ground is damp.

OK - it's now 9:23 & I'm finally reconnected! Argghh!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch. Write thank you notes. Yes - it's remarkably the same as last week. I didn't get much done on this list!

Something you may not know about me...I'm jumping up to see what all 3 dogs are barking at/about

For Today - April 21, 2009 - Tuesday

My cozy corner. East window next to chair,
south window across where the bird feeder is.

Outside My Window...cool & sunny. Predicted high is mid 70's. No - I don't get tired reporting the same thing! This is PERFECT weather for me!

I am thinking...I'm glad I live in the country & can leave the doors wide open, allowing AME's dogs to come & go as they please. They like going back and forth. And forth and back!

I am wondering...how long it will take to prepare WW meeting.

I am thankful for....hot coffee/tea on a cool, crisp morning.

From the kitchen...coffee. I haven't decided what's for breakfast, but it needs to be something hot!

I am going...to hurriedly get through WW prep so I can maybe work outside.

I am wearing...khaki cargo pants & tee-shirt

I am reading...more Bible.

I am hoping...to get excited about meeting.

I am hearing...birds & cars.

Around the house….Lots of wet paw prints & fur.

One of my favorite things...Clean floors!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch. Write thank you notes. Yes - it's remarkably the same as last week. I didn't get much done on this list!

Something you may not know about me...During the Spring I wish I could spend all day outside.

For Today - April 20, 2009 - Mondahy

Threatening skies!
Taken 4/11/09

Outside My Window...cool & sunny. Predicted high is mid 70's.

I am thinking...I'll get lots of exercise letting AME's dogs in & out. ;) They love being here. . . & love the freedom to wander about outdoors. Tansy stayed out for 2 1/2 hours yesterday and did NOT go swimming! Yay!

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

I am thankful for....A&D making it safely to Conway.

From the kitchen...Plain FF yogurt + 1 banana + handful of strawberries + two kale leaves. Yummy breakfast for 2 points. Funny thing is I do not like banana/strawberry anything! But I like this. I'm guessing it's banana flavoring I really don't like . . .

I am going...to try to do some more weed-pulling, if it's not too wet outside.

I am wearing...flannel pajamas.

I am reading...more Bible.

I am hoping...to figure out a walking routine w/the dogs. Promise is very arthritic & can't walk as fast nor as far as Shiloh & Tansy. I think I'll take her first . . . walking slowly & not very far. Hopefully she'll be happy to have been first & won't mind me taking the other two for a faster & longer walk.

I am hearing...a few birds & dogs barking outside.

Around the house….Doors are once gain open & dogs are going in and out. In and out.

One of my favorite things...coffee in the morning.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch. Write thank you notes. Yes - it's remarkably the same as last week. I didn't get much done on this list!

Something you may not know about me...that as happy as I am to babysit AME's dogs, I'm glad I don't have 3 big dogs of my own.

For Today - April 17, 2009 - Friday

Outside My Window...it's quiet. Stormed last night - even had hail - but all is relatively quiet this morning & even the birds are subdued as only a few are chirping & there's not the usual cacophony.

I am thinking...since it didn't rain all that much last night, but they're still predicting rain for the weekend, I need to get outside & work before it starts.

I am wondering...if I'll see friend Judy this weekend. She & hubby were planning on coming, but may reconsider because of lousy weather forecast.

I am thankful for....the hail not doing much damage to the veggies or flowers - but really knocked the loose petals off the roses.

From the kitchen...hubby doling out vitamins & tea pot whistling.

I am going...to try to do some weed-pulling.

I am wearing...chenille robe.

I am reading...more Bible verses. I have much to learn. Even more to apply.

I am hoping...to take my calcium tablets w/Natural Calm magnesium, take Shiloh for a walk & then work in flower gardens. I did this yesterday and wasn't nearly as sore afterward. I think the walk warmed up the muscles enough that the bending, pulling, carrying & dragging, etc., didn't bother me nearly as much, as I had/have no soreness/stiffness at all.

I am hearing...a few birds discussing the weather & hubby getting ready for work.

Around the house….Doors are opened but it's much more humid than it has been, but still feels good.

One of my favorite things...lots of fresh produce!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch. Write thank you notes.

Something you may not know about me...I'm thinking too many people like to give their opinions & argue w/those you either agree or disagree. . . .they just like to argue.

For Today - April 16, 2009 - Thrusday

View from kitchen den. Climbing Old Blush
red clover
& coreopsis in distant field

Outside My Window...a Red Tailed Hawk sitting on top of the chicken coop. That's why there's poultry netting across the top --- to keep out the varmints!

I am thinking...I want to quickly zip through household chores & go play in the dirt.

I am wondering...if hubby stays in town today & will be home for lunch. That's the best!

I am thankful for.... that hawk being unable to get into the chicken yard!

From the kitchen...roasting pan waiting to be put away. I seldom use it & need a stepstool to get it back where it belongs.

I am going...to call mama in a little while.

I am wearing...white capri pants, t-shirt & sox.

I am reading...more Bible verses. I have much to learn. Even more to apply.

I am hoping...to have a productive day. Working outside, as pleasant as it is, wears me out!!! I'm like a little kid who plays outside all day, comes in for dinner, takes a bath & is out like a light!

I am hearing...are you tired of hearing about the birds? Well, I'm not! And here they are - chirping as usual.

Around the house….Doors & windows are still open. And it's still pure delight to me. How wonderful to sleep with a slight breeze blowing. Quite heavenly.

One of my favorite things...is waiting to eat supper & having hubby bring home some of that catfish I wrote about yesterday. Yummy!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch. Write thank you notes.

Something you may not know about me...I like going out to eat & to the movies by myself. Of course not all the time. Not even the majority of the time. But ever now & then it's nice to be by myself.

For Today - April 15, 2009 - Wednesday

Outside My Window...it's another perfect Spring day!

I am thinking...I need to get off the computer & make my quick trip to town.

I am wondering...when they'll get to NC?

I am thankful for....youngest son making it safely to Oregon.

From the kitchen...Clean dishes waiting to be unloaded from the dishwasher.

I am going...play in the dirt.

I am wearing...brown pants w/ecru top. And house slippers. Time to get dressed!

I am reading...Bible verses

I am hoping...hubby gets to bring home fried catfish tonight. He has a business meeting almost every Wednesday night at the lake house. Isn't that grand? A business meeting at a lake house & it's almost always a dinner meeting! Tonight is fried catfish. The boss's grandson really, really knows how to fish in this lake and keeps them supplied with catfish for the meetings. When there's not enough - the boss provides steaks. Or he sends an employee to Louisiana to buy pounds & pounds of shrimp. The economy my be in the toilet, but the eating is fine in east Texas! Anyway - I hope hubby gets to bring home some leftovers!

I am hearing...birds & printer humming. The redwing blackbird is especially noisy this morning.

Around the house….Doors & windows are open. Delightful!

One of my favorite things...the fact I get to spend most of the day at home. A quick trip to the bank & post office & then back home! I intend to play in the dirt!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch.

Something you may not know about me...I suffer from camera envy. The one I "really" want is right under 5K. No - I'm not buying one. No - no one's giving me one! It's true I don't care too much for jewelry, clothes or shoes . . . but still find it hard to justify 5K for a camera. And that does NOT include any lenses!

For Today - April 14, 2009 - Tuesday

Outside My Window...it's a sunshiny day & cool - low was 39 but today's high is mid 70's. Perfect!

I am thinking...I don't want to . . .

I am wondering...how long I will continue doing this.

I am thankful for....perfect weather.

From the kitchen...Hazelnut coffee & bananas.

I am going...to call mama & then work on WW meeting

I am wearing...nothing special

I am reading...WW meeting guide

I am hoping...it doesn't take long to prepare meeting & that I get all the other stuff I need to do today.

I am hearing...silence.

Around the house….Coolness, cleanness & special outdoor blooming smells.

One of my favorite things...Cool nights & warm days.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. WW prep. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch. Mail CB's keys she left here.

Something you may not know about me...I'm not posting a photo today 'cause dial-up is NOT very speedy at 49.2 Kps.

For Today - April 13, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window...it's a sunshiny day! Yesterday morning it stormed through here . . . lots of wind which blew some metal roofing off a dilapidated out-building AND knocked out our electricity.

I had gotten up early to fix a brisket in the oven . . . & missed Sunday School, hoping the electricity would come back on & I'd have an idea of what was going to happen to my Easter dinner plans. It was time for me to leave for church & STILL no electricity!

It was still raining & the wind was howling when I left for church . . . . I got there & since it was Easter Sunday there were lots of visitors & small children so I went straight to the nursery. I'm guessing there's folks at church who don't even realize I was there! LOL

After church I called our neighbors who said the lights had been on for about an hour. Since I'd left the oven turned on I hoped the brisket would be ready. We went home & voila', brisket was melt-in-your-mouth perfect & we had a delightful lunch!

Later in the afternoon the sun came out and it was a perfect day! Today is too!

I am thinking...I want to quickly sweep the floors, wash a load of towels, empty the dishwasher & work outside!

I am wondering...if a lot of my family will end up in east Texas. That would be absolutely glory for me!

I am thankful for....this past week & weekend. I got to see all 3 of my kids...getting to know them a bit better.

From the kitchen...Hazelnut coffee. Clean dishes waiting to be released from the dishwasher & a refrigerator full of leftovers.

I am going...to work outside, take Shiloh for a walk, & work on WW meeting. Not necessarily in that order.

I am wearing...fleece pants, vest & jaguar printed blouse. And socks.

I am reading...nothing. . . .

I am hoping...Youngest son makes it safely to Oregon. He texted me early this morning letting me know he was safely in LA.

I am hearing...birds & the electric tree trimming crew at the street.

Around the house….A fine coolness 'cause I have the doors opened.

One of my favorite things...the smell of apple blossoms. Ours, for some unknown reason, smell a whole lot like coconut! I'll go take a pic of them and post later on.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work. WW prep. Select & print photos for HUGE photo collage on wall behind couch.

Something you may not know about me...I don't buy a new dress for Easter. It's a wonderful way to save money - by not spending any at all! Besides - it's enough that Jesus has made all things new!

For Today - April 12, 2009 - Easter Sunday

Outside My Window...a prediction of rain. The roses are blooming. And the irises. Tomatoes, basil & peppers are in the ground. American Goldfinches, cardinals, redwing blackbirds, chickadees & house wrens have all discovered the feeder stays full . . . the 1st hummingbirds showed up last Monday, I think in anticipation of the week's festivities!

I am thinking...I am blessed among women. Yesterday' birthday celebration was wonderful! All my kiddos and grandkids were here. Of course not ALL my family was here . . . but nonetheless it was a special day.

I am wondering...when I'll get caught up on my sleep!

I am thankful for....my birthday celebration. It's been a LONG time since all 3 of my children have been here & the same time.

Friday (the actual birth day) I roasted a chicken & heated up a lasagna I made last week in anticipation of my daughter & SIL's arrival. We stayed up late playing Hearts & visiting with a young friend who will soon be moving to California. SS brought his bird, Buddy. I really need to post a photo of AME with Buddy on her shoulder. She does NOT like/care for birds at all. That's why she doesn't get the cool spot in the new living room to sit in . . . she doesn't appreciate watching them at the feeder. That's only for the folks who enjoy watching the antics of the birds.

Anyway - we stayed up late - I woke up early Saturday to FINALLY burn a Christmas photo CD for eldest son.

Other than being with so many of my favorite people in the whole world, what made yesterday so wonderful was the fact I didn't have to do any of the meal prep. I got to sit & visit & only answer a few questions from time to time about the location of some kitchen item . . . but I didn't even make tea . . . it was all taken care of by others. A great, great birthday gift indeed! PLUS - ribeyes are always a hit with me! :)

Thanks AME for organizing the get together.

From the kitchen...Pot-Roasted Brisket by Arthur Schwartz' "Jewish Home Cooking". You use a whole brisket & half it's weight in onions to make a savory dish. I'll let you know how it turns out.

And hazelnut coffe..

I am going...to for sure take a nap today. I've gone to bed late & awakened early for too many days/nights. Naptime will be good, especially if it rains. And they're prediciting rain, 90% chance . . . we'll see.

I am wearing...house slippers, capri pants & tee-shirt.

I am reading...Nothing right now. I watched "Matthew" last night. Bruce Marchiano is my favorite Jesus actor of all time. So winsome. . . so calm . . . even when flipping tables in the Temple, anger under control. I like that.

I am hoping...my brisket will be done on time.

I am hearing...birds chirping, wind blowing, dishwasher humming, tummy growling. I ate so much for lunch yesterday I wasn't hungry for supper & didn't eat any. I'll need to eat breakfast soon.

Around the house….Relative quietness & stillness as it's only MLS & T&C here.

One of my favorite things...Family . . . family. . . .

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Church. Lunch. Yardwork. Still lots to do, although KMS' birthday gift to me was lots of yard work. Since "acts of service" & "words of affirmation" are my top two love languages, it was a great gift.

Something you may not know about me...My grandson died on this day several years ago. Because of Easter, I have the hope of seeing Jude again. Thank you, Lord.

For Today - April 6, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window...At 5 AM it's cold, dark & WINDY!

The Japanese Irises are still blooming. FINALLY. We've had them for YEARS and this is the first time they've bloomed. They like to be REALLY, really wet.

I am thinking...I'm not going to use valances either! We live in the country & usually leave the blinds open. The house isn't big (but big enough) & the valances just cut the room & cut out some of the views & are unnecessary.

I am wondering...if the cold weather will be done & over with this week? Tomorrow's low is suppose to be in the 20's!

I am thankful for....king-sized bed skirt. DD gave me bed-risers so I can hide WW "stuff" beneath the bed. They work wonderfully well, but then you could see these really ugly risers. While out on Saturday I bought a king-sized bed skirt for the queen-sized bed. It works! No more stuff peeking out from beneath the bed! Yay for generous daughter, bed risers AND over-sized skirts!

From the kitchen...lasagna sauce simmering on the stove. Youngest son was vegetarian for more than five years. He now is a carnivore & requested lasagna.

And French Vanilla Coffee. Wouldn't be up this early without coffee or Earl Grey tea. This morning it's coffee.

I am going...to fold laundry & make omelets for breakfast.

I am wearing...flannel pajamas.

I am reading... Falling In Love With the Bible by Mike MacIntosh & For Instruction in Righteousness by Pam Forester. We used this to help build character in our younger children. I thought it's time to reread it.

I am hoping...to finish putting the new dining room together. It's still mostly undone.

I am hearing...heater humming & wind HOWLING!

Around the house….Creativity.

One of my favorite things...Family . . . family. . . .

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Son & girlfriend will arrive very late tonight or early Tuesday. Putting house back together again. (Where's all those kings' horsemen when you really need them?) Friday: Maybe SIL & DD arrive. Saturday: kids & grandkids here for birthday celebration!!!!! Yay! Yay! PTL! & some more Yays! Next Sunday: Easter. C&T will still be here to attend church with us. I wonder if she will do special music? Hope so. . . .

Something you may not know about me...I read newspapers from all around the world @

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/

For Today - April 5, 2009 - Sunday

Here's a photo of me upside down! It was one of serendipitous photos - didn't know it was there until I uploaded to computer!

Outside My Window... cloudy with lots of birds chirping.

Azaleas in Tyler are GLORIOUS. I cannot believe I didn't take my camera w/me yesterday . . .

I am thinking...most people don't use valances anymore. I went to Kohls, JCP, Marshall's, Target & Wal-Mart, looking for plain tabbed valances. No luck! It's either full-blown curtains/drapes or NOTHING. Well, that's not exactly true. . . . I found "seaweed" colored valances at JCP . . . originally $30 each (not per pair). There was a huge sale AND I got another 15% off for them costing me . . . . (are you ready for this AME?) $1.57 each. I don't know if they're going to work in the room I thought to put them in . . . I was really looking for "sage" . . . but it was worth the money to find out. If they don't work - MLS will take them to JCP in Palestine where he's been working....there's a JCP there at their tiny mall. It would NOT be worth a special trip to Tyler to return them!

I am wondering...if what will happen on my birthday on Friday? Two years ago we had SNOW! The year before that found & killed an almost 4 (or was it 5) foot chicken snake!

I am thankful for....surviving yesterday. I left the house a little after 10 AM & got home around 7 PM. Whew!

From the kitchen...it's clean & waiting for me to make Sunday morning breakfast: omelets.

I am going...to church & then grocery shopping. Blech! Unlike my daughter http://www.hermajestythequeenofcoupons.blogspot.com/- I HATE grocery shopping.

I am wearing...cargo pants, blouse & fleece vest.

I am reading... Falling In Love With the Bible by Mike MacIntosh & For Instruction in Righteousness by Pam Forester. We used this to help build character in our younger children. I thought it's time to reread it.

I am hoping...to finish putting the new dining room together. It's still mostly undone.

I am hearing...dog snoring, printer humming & hubby turning the pages of his Bible.

Around the house….Creativity.

One of my favorite things...Contentment with peace. .

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Church today & grocery shopping. Monday or Tuesday youngest son arrives with girlfriend. Putting house back together again. (Where's all those kings' horsemen when you really need them?) Friday: Maybe SIL & DD arrive. Saturday: kids & grandkids here for birthday celebration!!!!! Yay! Yay! PTL! & some more Yays! Next Sunday: Easter. C&T will still be here to attend church with us. I wonder if she will do special music? Hope so. . . .

Something you may not know about me...I still have not unpacked warm weather clothes. Frost is predicted Monday & Tuesday mornings!

For Today - April 4, 2009 - Saturday

Outside My Window... it's dark. It's only 5:30.

Spring has definitely arrived! We've had lots of those proverbial Spring Showers & the crimson clover is blooming as well as the some wild blue flowers & yellow flowers.

Climbing Old Blush is lush! Mutabilis' is starting to push out . . . and glory of glories Sue Holders' Japanese Irises are blooming. I got a clump of them when I worked the Garden Tour years ago. Murray moved them last year over a very swampy part of the flower bed & they're at least 5' tall & blooming delicate little yellow blossoms. Some of the purple irises are blooming too. And the dogwoods. It's Spring in east TX

I am thinking...I have lots of errands to do today & I'm actually kind of excited to be spending the day in Tyler. What's up w/that? It must be the beautiful Spring weather.


I am wondering...if KMS is coming Monday or Tuesday.

I am thankful for....being able to switch my hair appointment with Matt to today. I've NEVER had a Saturday appointment. It was originally scheduled for Tuesday . . . but if KMS is here I'll have no time at all to visit 'cause I leave for my meeting at 4:30

From the kitchen...it's clean! Hazelnut coffee & a dishwasher full of clean dishes. And the floors are freshly swept. I hate sweeping! And I hate those floors.

I am going...to shop for picture ledges & valances. And get my hair cut. And buy what I need to make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas. KMS, after being a vegetarian for years (five?) is once again a carnivore & requested Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, Lasagna & sausage Kolaches. I'll for sure make the enchiladas. . .

I am wearing...jeans & t-shirt.

I am reading... Falling In Love With the Bible by Mike MacIntosh.

I am hoping...to finish putting the new dining room together. Two weeks ago, with a great deal of help from some dear YOUNG friends, we flipped the dining & living room. I LOVE the new living room. It is PERFECT! I'll have to snapped some pix of it. The dining room is waiting to be completed, but all the dishes are back in the armoire & china hutch. Just need to redo the mantle & ALL bookcase shelves.

I am hearing...computer, heater, & Shiloh snoring. He really does sound like an old man.

Around the house….Creativity.

One of my favorite things...Creativity!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Trip to Tyler. Tomorrow starts the new week. . . and lots of plans for then.

Something you may not know about me...I'm going to Florida the end of May!