For Today - May 27, 2009 - Wednesday

Outside My Window...it's warm & overcast.

I am thinking...that I'm becoming obsessive @ photography & scrapbooking.

I am wondering...when did being "a keeper at home" fall out of fashion? When? The 60's? The 70's? What's so wrong with being a keeper at home? I hope someone tells me.

From the kitchen...coffee. Reheated from yesterday. Yeah - I know. And bananas.

I am going...to finish one more scrapbook page. Title of it is: "Why I scrapbook"

I am wearing...white shorts, pink tank top & sox.

I am reading...my scrapbook journaling. Yep - I think that's all I need to say. . .

I am hoping...I get used to my new SHORT haircut! Good news: the curl is back. Bad news: I'm not sure I like it so short.

I am hearing...a tractor in the distance. Again. Two days in a row.

Around the house….laundry, suitcase, & stuff for Debby. Yep, it's the same as yesterday.

One of my favorite things...a vacation.

My Have-Done List...most of clothes packed; almost through w/scrapbook page; moved some scrapbooking supplies into dining room . . . . hopefully cleverly disguised in decorative baskets & pottery; a couple of necessary phone calls made yesterday.

a lot of photo restoring. A lot. In spite of hours & hours on the computer I did take the time to make meals for hubby & me.

Called Christiy. Prayed/praying for Christiy's surgery. Called Mama. Prayed for Christy some more.

Offered to help scrapbook BFF's heritage photos while I'm there.

Accidentally deleted gobs of photos from my hard drive; have recovered most of them & put on external hard drive; scrapped photos of youngest grandson chasing chickens on May 9, 2009; called mama . . . .

Something you may not know about me... I'm dallying a bit about leaving. I HATE to leave my home. Once I'm on the road or in the air I'm just fine . . . . but I really drag my feet about leaving the house.

For Today - May 26, 2009 - Tuesday

A beautiful east TX sunset

Outside My Window...it's sunny & warm.

I am thinking...that a lot of people confuse Memorial Day & Veterans' Day.

I am wondering...what to do next.

From the kitchen...coffee, scrambled egg sandwich & a kiwi.

I am going...to start packing.

I am wearing...khaki cargo pants w/a hot pink tank top & walking shoes.

I am reading...nada

I am hoping...my new haircut will be easy to maintain. And of course, look good!

I am hearing...a tractor in the distance.

Around the house….laundry, suitcase, & stuff for Debby.

One of my favorite things...a short, no maintenance hair cut.

My Have-Done List...a lot of photo restoring. A lot. In spite of hours & hours on the computer I did take the time to make meals for hubby & me.

Called Christiy. Prayed/praying for Christiy's surgery. Called Mama. Prayed for Christy some more.

Offered to help scrapbook BFF's heritage photos while I'm there.

Accidentally deleted gobs of photos from my hard drive; have recovered most of them & put on external hard drive; scrapped photos of youngest grandson chasing chickens on May 9, 2009; called mama . . . .

Something you may not know about me... it appears that after several years of my hair being straight - the curl has decided to come back!

For Today - May 25, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window...it's sunny & the birds are chirping & the weed eater is humming.

I am thinking...that I will never, ever make that same mistake . . . .

I am wondering...why WM pharmacy is closed today - Memorial Day? I know the salon, optical department, portrait studio & bank, etc. are NOT WM - but I most surely thought it was WAL MART Pharmacy. Hmpf! I'm hoping mama can wait until next Monday . . . .

I am thankful for...being able to recover most of the photos I inadvertently wiped off the computer!

From the kitchen...BBQ Brisket Sandwiches & chips.

I am going...to continue w/this long process of retrieving the photos I deleted from my hard drive yesterday . . . the ones I want &, unfortunately, the ones I DON'T WANT.

I am wearing...white capri pants & turquoise tank top

I am reading...nada

I am hoping...I to finish recovering photos to K Drive.

I am hearing...doggy noises.

Around the house….it's relatively quiet. Hubby slept until 10:30....unheard of! Of course I have NO idea what time he came to bed . . . way after midnight. But I think he got a good night's sleep.

One of my favorite things...knowing my daughter is no longer stressing about buying a house & that she is happy. Really, really happy. Me too - she'll be about 11 miles from here (as the crow flies)!

My Have-Done List...Starting fresh for the week: Accidentally deleted gobs of photos from my hard drive; have recovered most of them & put on external hard drive; scrapped photos of youngest grandson chasing chickens on May 9, 2009; called mama . . . .

Something you may not know about me... I don't DARE try to post a photo!

For Today - May 23, 2009 - Saturday

Outside My Window...it's cloudy. Flowers in bloom: Lantana; lots of different roses; Easter lilies (they never bloom at Easter) & they 're no longer outside my window as I cut the almost dozen blooms & brought them inside; Butterfly Bush (Buddlia); Black-Eye Susans; Milkweed (a larva food for Monarch butterflies); Crinums; several different colors of day lilies; Cannas (including the little orchid one) geraniums; petunias; pink yarrow, white yarrow . . .

I am thinking...that I stayed up too late, watching "Friends" w/DH, DD & DSIL.

I am wondering...which house DD & DSIL will end up buying.

I am thankful for....having scrapped a page yesterday about a painful time in son's life. The "Library of Memories" wouldn't be complete if only happy, joyous stories were told. Some of the painful ones & especially the average & ordinary daily ones need telling too.

From the kitchen...Cinnamon coffee & hopes of fresh, homemade blueberry pancakes.

I am going...to scrap my two favorite 2008 Christmas photos.

I am wearing...white capri pants & black 3/4 sleeve t-shirt.

I am reading...photography stuff.

I am hoping...I don't accidentally remove some photos from hard drive.

I am hearing...birds chirping & Shiloh snoring.

Around the house….it's a quiet Saturday morning.

One of my favorite things...a quiet, lazy Saturday morning.

My Have-Done List... Scrapped two more pages; went house hunting w/daughter & her hubby; took kiddos to little restaurant in town. Normally our little town shuts down at 5 PM - but there's one little cafe that has really good food that stays open Friday until 8 PM & opens again Sunday 11 - 2 :)

Oh - and refilled one of my mom's prescriptions that's suppose to be ready Sunday, so hopefully she can get it on Monday.

Yesterday I cleaned up an online photo account; edited some photos; took Shiloh for a walk; took photos of a herd of cattle while on walk; talked w/my mom, DD & BFF

I've practiced Geriatric psychology 101 for almost two weeks; started/completed family scrapbook page; finished I Do/I Forever Do page;
I've gone house-hunting w/DD; I've encouraged some folks; I've helped finance a very special teen's trip to Bible Camp; I've reunited w/a friend from long ago; I took the time to bring home a special lunch to share w/DH; I've researched a nearby assisted living facility; I practiced photography. Oh - & I helped save a tree, making the birds & myself very happy. This is important to me as our yard is certified & registered w/the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program.

And I learned from my doctor friend that when the death certificate says cause of death is "Natural Cause", it means there was no murder nor suicide & they don't really know why they died.

Yes, I much prefer a "have-done" list than a "to-do" one.

Something you may not know about me...I am majorly cleaning off the computer's hard drive - moving my 1,000's of photos to external hard drive. I'm taking it slowly, as I want to be sure I'm not deleting the wrong files!!!

For Today - May 21, 2009 - Thursday

Good morning, Sunshine
A corner of my all-time favorite room.

Outside My Window...it's just beginning to get light outside. All is still & very quiet.

The part of the stone path that got torn out when the dream went down, is now back. Husband finished it last night.

I am thinking...that it's rather rude to only hear from someone when their kid graduates - or they're taking a mission trip, etc. Good grief!

I am wondering...why houses & land are selling so quickly in east TX! Who would have thunk it? Contracts on houses listed a couple of weeks ago & even backup contracts! I am wondering what is the deal?

I am thankful for....having scrapped a page yesterday & finished one other one.

From the kitchen...coffee

I am going...to take Shiloh walking early this morning.

I am wearing...same as yesterday.

I am reading...http://www.itsprettygood.com/pretty_good if you can read a photo blog!

I am hoping...that God makes it abundantly clear to DD & her DH where He wants them to live.

I am hearing...& airplane & mockingbird. I think this is the first time I've ever written that about a plane . . . they fly over so seldom. The mockingbird is, apparently, an early riser!

Around the house….Sheets need changing; floor need sweeping; my bedroom needs tidying. Yep - the same as yesterday!

One of my favorite things...an unhurried life.

My Have-Done List...Yesterday I cleaned up an online photo account; edited some photos; took Shiloh for a walk; took photos of a herd of cattle while on walk; talked w/my mom, DD & BFF

I've practiced Geriatric psychology 101 for almost two weeks; started/completed family scrapbook page; finished I Do/I Forever Do page;
I've gone house-hunting w/DD; I've encouraged some folks; I've helped finance a very special teen's trip to Bible Camp; I've reunited w/a friend from long ago; I took the time to bring home a special lunch to share w/DH; I've researched a nearby assisted living facility; I practiced photography. Oh - & I helped save a tree, making the birds & myself very happy. This is important to me as our yard is certified & registered w/the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program.

And I learned from my doctor friend that when the death certificate says cause of death is "Natural Cause", it means there was no murder nor suicide & they don't really know why they died.

Yes, I much prefer a "have-done" list than a "to-do" one.

Something you may not know about me...I read myself to sleep. Yep - I go to bed w/a book & fall asleep. Or else I stay up & watch TV, then fall asleep. This is not as good because I will wake up in the middle of the night & then have to go to bed. With a book. So I'll fall asleep.

For Today - May 20, 2009 - Wednesday

This is to help her remember where
he's moving to. . . .

Outside My Window...the Confederate Jasmine is still blooming & lots of day lilies & roses, too. Cannas are beginning to bloom as well as the Sweet Almond. Weather is cool & sunny & we've had a very long spring this year & I love it!

After much time & work, Hubby & I replanted the downed Chaste Tree (vitex). We winced, & winced, & winced & I hauled off branches to the burn pile & the tree is upright & looks as if it's going to make it. It is rather ugly, because we had to cut out a lot of the canopy, but the birds are glad & so am I.

I am thinking...that now would be a good time to take Shiloh for a walk.

I am wondering...how my new mission in life will pan out?

I am thankful for....the two of us. As much as I love company & family - it's nice it will be just the two of us for a couple of days. I also am thankful that DD & her DH will be here tomorrow or Friday!!!! Yay for house hunting!

From the kitchen...coffee

I am going...to do less.

I am wearing...white capri pants & purple t-shirt. Yes - you read right - it's purple. It was on sale. A big reduction in price. And I wear it for a nightshirt, never in public as I really dislike purple!

I am reading...nada

I am hoping...to relish every moment of today.

I am hearing...birds. Always birds. Always great pleasure.

Around the house….Sheets need changing; floor need sweeping; my bedroom needs tidying.

One of my favorite things...serendipity.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...No, no, no. This is going to change - I am TIRED of having a "to-do" list. . . .I am going to start concentrating on my "have-done" list (thank you Magpie Girl - http://www.magpie-girl.com/tag/do-less/)

So what have I done, you ask? I've practiced Geriatric psychology 101 for almost two weeks;
I've gone house-hunting w/DD; I've encouraged some folks; I've helped finance a very special teen's trip to Bible Camp; I've reunited w/a friend from long ago; I took the time to bring home a special lunch to share w/DH; I've researched a nearby assisted living facility; I practiced photography. Oh - & I helped save a tree, making the birds & myself very happy. This is important to me as our yard is certified & registered w/the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program.

And I learned from my doctor friend that when the death certificate says cause of death is "Natural Cause", it means there was no murder nor suicide & they don't really know why they died.

Yes, I much prefer a "have-done" list than a "to-do" one.

Something you may not know about me...I really don't care what others think of me...as long as I live honorably & true to myself & my calling, it matters not what others think. Not in the least.

For Today - May 5, 2009 - Tuesday

Outside My Window...the Confederate Jasmine is blooming. A lot!

Still two trees down from storm that came through early Sunday morning. Shingles are picked up & small branches & debris are taken care of but the trees are still awaiting attention. One is right outside LR window . . . the window I look out from that favorite corner of mine? It's gone. The birds are not happy. I put a feeder pole in the exact same place but of course they don't any good perching areas. Wah.

TV antenna is at 90 degree angle, almost touch the ground . . . perfect reception . . . . go figure!
I am thinking...that I need to hurry along & get much done today.

I am wondering...how much longer I can put up w/dial-up! Once today it longed on at 2.7 Kbs. . . . impossible to connect to ANYTHING!

I am thankful for....for no real damage to house, although one shed was blown apart & the chicken coop door was damaged. Oh - & the greenhouse: it would be flattened if it weren't for those wild roses holding it up! No joke.

From the kitchen...Bananas & no real plans for lunch nor supper.

I am going..to do many in-town errands & then go to WW meeting. Mary Anne is leading it, but it's inventory week & she's not an LC & Kathy can't do it by herself.

I am wearing...khaki cargo pants, t-shirt & sneakers.

I am reading...nada

I am hoping...to get all those little piddling things done before leaving.

I am hearing...birds 'cause the wild roses are still there & they don't care about the tree in the front being gone.

Around the house….Floors need sweeping. Again.

One of my favorite things...cheerfulness

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Library; Grocery shopping; Dollar store; WW. I already went to Good Sam; bank & met MLS to take him to work after he dropped his car off @ our most excellent mechanic. Quickie trip to bring Mama back home w/me!

Something you may not know about me...I really do like change.

For Today - May 2, 2009 - Saturday

First digital scrapbook!
I think I'm going to
redo some of the journaling,
but for the most part,
it's dun!

Outside My Window...roses that Murray moved in February are blooming. He thought they would take off growing fast to cover the arbor, but they've decided to put their energy into blooming. Yay for blooms!

I am thinking...that I'm going to really love digital scrapbooking!

I am wondering...how much I'm going to get done today. . . . I'm tempted to play on the computer, scrapping my little heart out.

I am thankful for....taking Shiloh for 3.5 miles walk yesterday. In the morning 2.5 - in the evening another 1 mile. He acts as though I'm trying to kill him!!!

From the kitchen...Plain yogurt+blueberries+banana+bee pollen+kale is the breakfast of champions! Love smoothies for breakfast during the spring/summer months. Not so good during cold weather. . . .

I am going...mop floors, take Shiloh out walking, pull weeds from one particular area & play w/scrapping.

I am wearing...pink nightgown.

I am reading...everything I can about digital scrapbooking.

I am hoping...to continue to live almost pain-free. At least now the over the counter pan relief helps & I don't have to pull out the big guns.

I am hearing...little chirping birds & computer printer.

Around the house….Well the floors got swept & vacuumed yesterday, but not mopped. So - today I need to sweep again & mop. I really hate cleaning floors.

One of my favorite things...a productive day with a good balance of work & play.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...More weeding, walking & digtalizing! I know that's not a word . . . but who cares?

Something you may not know about me...I did not go back to bed yesterday and take a nap. I brought out the summer clothes & packed away the winter ones. For a while I could find my Miracle Suit. It's not really all that miraculous, but it is expensive & I was glad when it showed up . . . . All I have to do is give myself a pedicure & I'm ready for the beach!

2000 VISITS!

Well, here's looking at you. . . 'cause I don't know who's looking at me! 2000 visits . . . oh my . . . .stop & introduce yourself sometime . . . I'm usually up to making new friends!

For Today - May 1, 2009 - Friday

Another shot of favorite spot in the house.

Outside My Window...the inside yard is mowed; lots of weeds are pulled; & it's once again warm & muggy. There's so much yard work to do, as we got almost no Fall cleanup done last year. And not much maintenance during the summer. But the irises, roses, amaryllis, & day lilies are blooming so it doesn't look too terribly horrible. Besides, are yard is a wildlife refuge!

I am thinking...that mom needs to tell me about all her prescriptions at one time & not one here & there. When that happens it means making multiple calls to doctor & pharmacy. As it is - I'll just go in person next week to fine out what's what with the third prescription she thought to tell me about. . . after the 1st. . . . and after the 2nd! :)

I am wondering...if I'm capable of learning digital scrap booking.

I am thankful for....getting so much weed-pulling done yesterday. And yes, my spine, neck & shoulder blades hurt afterward, but that's what pain pills are for! I fell asleep easily, slept soundly & woke up pain-free. Not bad. Not bad at all.

From the kitchen...Red cabbage, apples, oranges, bananas, kale, lettuce, onions, garlic, avocados & more. Yes, yesterday was organic produce day!

I am going...to tidy up & clean my bedroom then go outside (if it's not raining), then spend the afternoon trying to learn digital scrap booking. I'm ready to get rid of all the "stuff" of scrap booking & just do it on the computer, print off the page & be dun!

I am wearing...shorts, tank top & sox.

I am reading...email

I am hoping...to learn some new skills.

I am hearing...printer printing & some squawking bird....not sure what it is. EDITED @ 8:24 AM: It's not a squawking bird that I hear: it's a tree frog!!!!!!

Around the house….floors need tending to. Don't they always?

One of my favorite things...getting the videos to DVD. . . ought to free up some space! Hubby is in charge of the conversion. It's rather slow-going . . . but we've already gotten rid 6 videos!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Yard work & house piddling & learning digital scrap booking.

Something you may not know about me...since it's so very cloudy, I'm finding it tempting to go back to sleep. I can justify that because I normally get 4 - 5 hours sleep per night. . . . it wouldn't be a sin to try to get caught up!