Thursday, June 25, 2009

For Today - June 25, 2009 - Thursday

Outside My Window...it was already warm when I went walking @ 6:30. Lots of birds chirping & bullfrogs croaking on the lake.

Speaking of walking: I no longer walk my charming country road. About 2/10 mile up the road there are two very aggressive dogs that run out into the street. Very aggressive & one looks a lot like a pit bull. Considering east TX has had 3 pit bull attacks in 4-5 days (1 resulting in the death of a child) I'm very leary of continuing THAT walking route! So - I've started walking the dairy run here on the property. It's paved & goes uphill @ a pretty steep grade so it a good walk. Alas - once at the top & on the straght-away I can see the house where those two mean dogs live. SO - this means I have to be back home before hubby leaves for work.....I don't want to be attacked ANYWHERE....but certainly not out in the boonies where it's unlikely anyone would hear me. Maybe a phone call to the sheriff's office?
Anyway - these attacks have sparked a lot of debate about out-lawing the breed. That may be a good idea . . . . but who's going to enforce it? Manpower is already limitied.

Weather forecast is once again hot, hot, hot & dry, dry,dry. Heat index 106 - 110. A 37 year old man died yesterday. He was doing yard work & fence mending. Horrible.

I am hearing...voices from the TV. I don't ususally watch nor listen to it in the morning, but I want to hear the piece about twittering . . . . suppose to be on the Early Show.

I am thinking...I need to get back to sewing doll clothes.

I am grateful...know youngest son has A/C where he's staying. I think there's a bit of meteriologial shock coming from Oregon.

I am wondering...how many women still "put up" veggies & fruit? It's rather common here, but maybe not everywhere? My daughter is queen of couponing & saves a ridiculous amount of money. See her blog: http://www.hermajestythequeenofcoupons.blogspot.com/

Me? I "put up" & "can" whatever fruit/veggies we grow or people give us! And only occasionally use coupons.

From the kitchen...Well, there's a story in that kitchen! After freezing 4 gallons of blueberries, I baked 10 loaves of zucchini bread (oh - have we got zucchini)! Overweight golden retriever, Shiloh, ate 2 loaves! From the counter. While they were cooling! I was not amused. Will next time cool on top of fridge & washer/dryer!

BUT, in his defense (I say this sarcastically) it is one year this week, since we've brought him home to live with us. So I'm guessing he figured he was deserving of some celebrating!

I am going...Back to the kitchen - I will make a couple more batches of squash soup to put into the freezer & that's it! I think.

And sew.

And stay inside & keep cool

I am wearing...white capris, brown tee-shirt & walking shoes.

I am reading...an article by Ali Edwards about decluttering scrapbook supplies. At least that's what I think it's about. I'll print it & read later on.

http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2009/06/shedding-layers-ali-edwards-scrapbooking.html

I am hoping...to stay headache free today.

Around the house…that picnic quilt is waiting for me to finish sewing on binding. It's a lazy project. Floors needs sweeping. And some GS paperwork need filing. Nothing really major 'cause I'm not "flipping rooms" nor working outside!

One of my favorite things...a daily routine.

My Have-Done List...practiced w/Lensbaby. Oh - no wonder Kathleen Clemons http://www.kathleenclemonsphotography.com/gallery8.htm says to keep it on the camera for at least a week & shoot, shoot, shoot away! I didn't get one decent photo out of all that practicing! Ran errands, dealt w/GS business, but not completed it; already said I got 4 gal blueberries into the freezer along w/8 loaves of zucchini bread; & all those little things that make a house "nice"....swiped bathrooms, made bed, washed face, etc. I feel silly writing about it, but all those "little" things make up part of a day. . . .

froze some more squash patties; turned under & pinned on most of quilt binding; practiced some more geriatric psychology; folded load of laundry; listened to download of how to use Lensbaby.

emailed bank @ getting necessary stuff to take to judge tomorrow regarding United Way money; made & froze a big mess of tasty squash patties; worked in yard; laundry; reset/preset camera settings to what "I" want! Yay - that took quite a while as it involved lots of reading with camera right in front of me . . . . .

found out I WILL see youngest son in the next week or two! Enjoyed company of a young person; did laundry; played Mexican Train; made homemade Blueberry Danish for hubby on Father's Day; piddled in the yard - but not much; called SuddenLink only to be told they don't have anything to offer us out here. I politely asked them to quit sending me advertisements saying differently!

About Today's Photo . . . blueberries waiting for the freezer.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

For Today - June 24, 2009 - Wednesday


Outside My Window...it appears it's going to be another hot & humid day with the heat index 105. Saw map of TX last night & there wasn't a cloud nearby.

Once again the herbs send their comforting fragrance early in the morning. . . . blessing from God.

I am hearing...birds chirping & A/C humming. And of course 100 pound Shiloh snoring!
I am thinking...yesterday was the first time in the 12+ years we've been here that I lowered all the blinds. We enjoy looking out at the flowers & wildlife, etc., but not yesterday. Even though there's no sun shining directly in the house, it's way too bright outside. We could be living in an apartment for all you could tell from indoors. Except for the country sounds. They are forever present . . . and for that I'm grateful.

I am grateful...that we don't have to pay any fines for going through toll in Dallas w/o paying! It WAS an honest mistake . . . . following son who forgot we don't have ez tags.

I am wondering...when we'll get rain & some relief from this heat.

From the kitchen...There's still a few squash & zucchini left. And there's a big sack of bird seed sitting in the corner waiting for me to dispense it to the feeders & the rest put into the spare freezer.

I am going...to the bank to get the copies I need; meet up w/Kay for her signature on the papers & then to the court house to turn in paperwork for Good Samaritan's 2nd installment of monies. Then to Gourmet Gardens to get blueberries. Last year I got 3 gallons & we ate the last of them last weekend in the Danish.

I am wearing...khaki shorts, white tank top & barefoot.

I am reading...The Revolution: A Manifesto by Ron Paul

I am hoping...those w/o A/C find safety. That youngest son stays safe in this heat.

Around the house…the picnic quilt is waiting for the binding to be sewn & the doll clothes are anxious for me to get them stitched!
One of my favorite things...5 1/2 hours sleep. :)

My Have-Done List...froze some more squash patties; turned under & pinned on most of quilt binding; practiced some more geriatric psychology; folded load of laundry; listened to download of how to use Lensbaby.

emailed bank @ getting necessary stuff to take to judge tomorrow regarding United Way money; made & froze a big mess of tasty squash patties; worked in yard; laundry; reset/preset camera settings to what "I" want! Yay - that took quite a while as it involved lots of reading with camera right in front of me . . . . .

found out I WILL see youngest son in the next week or two! Enjoyed company of a young person; did laundry; played Mexican Train; made homemade Blueberry Danish for hubby on Father's Day; piddled in the yard - but not much; called SuddenLink only to be told they don't have anything to offer us out here. I politely asked them to quit sending me advertisements saying differently!

Something you may not know about me...I'm hoping to some day have an outdoor shower! Wouldn't that be heavenly?

About Today's Photo . . . as miserable as I am during the summer heat - I still love the sight of happy sunflowers.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

For Today - June 23, 2009 - Tuesday


Outside My Window.. it's going to be another hot day. Fortunately there's coolness in the morning & evening. There's toads in the garden, birds in the trees & shrub, bees in the vitex & a little cotton tail in the gardens, too. How sweet is that?

I am hearing...birds outside & Shiloh snoring right next to me. We gave him a new chew bone & he spent almost all night with it . . . . now he's sleeping. He is OBSESSED with food!

I am thinking...SIL will do well on his comprehensives, even though he is apprehensive. Will continue praying.

I am wondering...when I will see Kevin?

From the kitchen...not quite as many squash as I made a bunch of patties & froze them. Hopefully they will reheat nice & crispy. There's still a bunch in there & will make soup today & if a reheated patties tastes good, I'll make up some more. The baseball sized zucchini will most likely go to the chickens.

I am going...to eat breakfast; get dressed; call mama; fold 1 load of laundry; mail handmade cards; call Continental; take product to WW meeting.

I am wearing...peach-colored knit jammies & flip flops.

I am reading...Revolution by Ron Paul

I am hoping...to sil does well on his comps. I am hoping he relaxes. I am hoping he trusts. I am hoping he is well-rested.

Around the house…floors need sweeping & laundry needs folding.

One of my favorite things...having so much nature to enjoy. Bunnies & birds & bees & etc. are just too much! My most favorite of all is NOT SEE ANY SNAKES! I know they're around & I know they're beneficial but I DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

My Have-Done List...emailed bank @ getting necessary stuff to take to judge tomorrow regarding United Way money; made & froze a big mess of tasty squash patties; worked in yard; laundry; reset/preset camera settings to what "I" want! Yay - that took quite a while as it involved lots of reading with camera right in front of me . . . . .

found out I WILL see youngest son in the next week or two! Enjoyed company of a young person; did laundry; played Mexican Train; made homemade Blueberry Danish for hubby on Father's Day; piddled in the yard - but not much; called SuddenLink only to be told they don't have anything to offer us out here. I politely asked them to quit sending me advertisements saying differently!

Something you may not know about me...

About Today's Photo . . . I make really good 3 point Blueberry Danishes. These were for Father's Day breakfast. . . .

Monday, June 22, 2009

For Today - June 22, 2009 - Monday


Kitchen before I started cook squash!

Outside My Window.. it's hot & sunny & a cloudless sky; all the same flowers; herbs & tomatoes as the last time I blogged. There's lots of GOLD in the front: golden colored day lilies & black eyed Susan . . . . gold is the color of east Texas summer. It still smells wonderful in the morning w/the lavender, basil, rosemary, oregano & mint . . . . very delightful.

Birds & a little Cotton Tail are now permanent residents in the front yard . . . just outside the kitchen window.

I am hearing...right now? The A/C humming. I'm not certain it's turned off even once today!

I am thinking...it went from pleasant Spring-time weather to blistering Texas summer heat overnight! Blech! I hate it . . . hate, hate, hate, this hot, bright sun. It hurts my head, my eyes . . . my very brains!

I am wondering...how long that little Cotton Tail will hang around?

From the kitchen...lot of summer squash & zucchini. I made up a lot of squash patties, which are divine with Parmesan cheese in them. I'm hoping they will freeze well. There's zucchini the size of baseball bats! I think they will become chicken feed.

I am going...to clean up kitchen. Lots of squash mess to clean up.

I am wearing...white shorts, purple t-shirt, shoes & tomato soup red apron w/gold flowers. I'm a sight - that's for sure! Very colorful!

I am reading...Revolution by Ron Paul

I am hoping...to quickly clean kitchen - put some final touches on wildlife scrapbook page & maybe finish journaling on a couple of other layouts. Oh - & fold & put away laundry.

Around the house…the nice settling back down after having overnight guests.

One of my favorite things...having young people here! M's cousin's daughter was here for the weekend - a very delightful young lady. She'll be going to A&M this year so will have to kidnap her for Thanksgiving!

My Have-Done List...found out I WILL see youngest son in the next week or two! Enjoyed company of a young person; did laundry; played Mexican Train; made homemade Blueberry Danish for hubby on Father's Day; piddled in the yard - but not much; called SuddenLink only to be told they don't have anything to offer us out here. I politely asked them to quit sending me advertisements saying differently!

Something you may not know about me...I was executive secretary to national president of LULAC

About Today's Photo . . . This is how the kitchen looked over the weekend & before dealing with the squash!

Friday, June 19, 2009

For Today - June 19, 2009 - Friday


Outside My Window...it's sunny & about 70 degrees. Lots of Black-eyed Susans, sunflowers, roses, 4 o'clocks, cannas, day lilies, bee balm & Russian sage blooming. Plus some Altheas & silverado sage, Turk's caps, Milkweed & others blooming. The lavender, mint & oregano is a nice natural aromatherapy blend out front :)

I am hearing...birds, & bees. We have lots of feral honey bees & bumble bees. They are busy buzzing out front.

I am thinking...I need to eat breakfast. I ate a late lunch yesterday because I forgot to! Since it was late - I wasn't hungry for supper - so I need to eat a good breakfast. I have no idea what - probably yogurt & fruit?

I am wondering...well other than those pesty centipedes I'm not wondering about anything. At least nothing I can think of right now.

From the kitchen...Well, there's fresh bananas & strawberries & apples & oranges & zucchini. Lots of frozen fruit, too. Oh! And a chicken waiting for me to stew so I can make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas tomorrow.

I am going...to go back to organizing scrapbook stuff. I really am micro-managing the "stuff". I think I've finally figured out "how" I scrapbook - meaning the steps I take. I'm sure everyone has their own particular process . . . . I need my stuff organized so it makes sense to me.

I am wearing...white shorts, & gray long-sleeved t-shirt. I don't know why - it just felt cozy to me last night!

I am reading...email

I am hoping...to stew that chicken; put away fabric; scrapbook @ being certified wildlife habitat; & continue sorting sb stuff. I like to flit from one thing to another . . . not really ADD, but certainly easily get bored so I keep plenty of interests handy!

Around the house…home, sweet smelling, home.

One of my favorite things...early morning tour of the flower gardens. Yep - I know that sounds very much like an old lady!

My Have-Done List...Since I last blogged I've attended 9 yo grandson's birthday party; learned a bit about my external flash & practiced taking pix; cut out 4 outfits & sewed 1 sundress & hat for 18" doll; finished machine quilting a detestable quilt I started years ago. It will either be a picnic quilt or a quilt for my dog, who likes to use the quilt my friend made!; trained WW receptionist in the ways of doing LC work; ordered Rx refills for my mom; updated LOTS of GS information & am almost ready to take paperwork to courthouse next week; lost a wee bit of weight; went grocery shopping on a Sunday afternoon! What a nightmare - if I hadn't eaten a high-protein lunch I think I would have snapped & had an out-of-body experience! Argghhh! Found out I will not see youngest son in July. :(

Something you may not know about me...I don't believe in "luck".

About Today's Photo . . . Just an old photo from the archives!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

For Today - June 11, 2009 - Thursday

Outside My Window...it's thundering in the distance & there's right now a light drizzle. That Red-Winged blackbird doesn't seem to mind. Neither do the tree frogs!

I am hearing...thunder & rain.

I am thinking...I like rainy weather every now & again.

I am wondering...what are centipedes good for?

From the kitchen...Scrambled egg sandwich & coffee.

I am going...to continue organizing/reorganizing scrapbook stuff. Yesterday I did a bang up job of making sense of the letters . . .

I am wearing...white shorts, brown t-shirt & flip flops.

I am reading...nothing - but really need to read about using external flash before Saturday.

I am hoping...to continue making progress. . .

Around the house…is order coming from disorder.

One of my favorite things...rain days. Not too many of them . . . but seeing as how it's almost the middle of June, I'm happy to have rain. The summers in east TX are usually unbearably hot & dry.

My Have-Done List...Sorted & organized scrapbook letters; made dental appt. for my mom; rescheduled my hair cut for 7/3; made arrangements to go get Kwabena tomorrow & bring him back here; & killed about 2 dozen centipedes; worked in yard; played w/camera.

Updated Good Sam's sales;& check register; called judge's office to get more information about Phase 27 for GS; set the diopter on my camera; read Lensbaby information; moved tons of scrapbooking stuff into dining room; rearranged 1/2 of armoire; got rid of 3 1/2 dozen videos we do NOT want to take time to convert to DVD; folded & put away load of clothes; called mom; worked out in flower beds, deadheading "Belinda's Dream" & I can't remember what else!

Called Mom; called insurance agent; gardened for 1 1/2 hours; walked; tidied & dusted living room; gathered all the stuff I need to file claim; balanced check book; put away external flash instead of playing with it; uploaded photos; edited a few of them too.

Something you may not know about me...I have a headache.

About Today's Photo . . . It's raining, I'm on dial up, no photo today.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

For Today - June 10, 2009 - Wednesday


Outside My Window...it's overcast & 30% chance of rain.

I am hearing...dishwasher running, printer humming & the red-winged blackbird calling. And is that thunder in the distance?

I am thinking...some things never change.

I am wondering...why I keep making so much work for myself. Now I'm moving scrapbooking stuff from sew.com to the new dining room. Of course lots of the stuff isn't so pretty to look at so I'm putting into armoire. Then where do I put the cake stands, etc.? Arggh!

From the kitchen...Vanilla yogurt. And coffee.

I am going...to be grateful for all that today brings. "This too is from Me". . . .

I am wearing...pink nightgown.

I am reading...Camera manual & Lensbaby instructions.

I am hoping...to continue making progress. . .

Around the house….lots and lots of videos: some waiting to be given away & some waiting to be converted to DVDs. Instead of keeping them in the dining room built-in corner cabinet (which was originally for guns) they are now on shelves in sew.com. Instead of guns or videos, I now have scrapbooking stuff in the corner cabinet.

One of my favorite things...Oder. . . . but I keep mixing up things!

My Have-Done List...Updated Good Sam's sales;& check register; called judge's office to get more information about Phase 27 for GS; set the diopter on my camera; read Lensbaby information; moved tons of scrapbooking stuff into dining room; rearranged 1/2 of armoire; got rid of 3 1/2 dozen videos we do NOT want to take time to convert to DVD; folded & put away load of clothes; called mom; worked out in flower beds, deadheading "Belinda's Dream" & I can't remember what else!

Called Mom; called insurance agent; gardened for 1 1/2 hours; walked; tidied & dusted living room; gathered all the stuff I need to file claim; balanced check book; put away external flash instead of playing with it; uploaded photos; edited a few of them too.

Something you may not know about me...I'm having a hard time comprehending the year is almost half over! Before you know - Christmas!

About Today's Photo . . . Slip 'n Slide was first introduced in 1961, & it still means summer to most American children!

Introduced in 1961, it's still means "summer" to most children . . . .

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

For Today - June 9, 2009 - Tuesday


Outside My Window...72 degrees & overcast. I don't know if it's suppose to rain today or not. . .

I am hearing...A few birds off in the distant & a Red-wing Black Bird neary; hubby as he's leaving for work.

I am thinking...life IS like a bowl of cherries: Some days are colorful & luscious & you never want them to end. Others are like the pits: hard & lackluster. Funny thing though - plant the pits in the proper soil & climate and voila' - you have cherry trees which give you more cherries. Life IS like cherries!

I am wondering...if it's going to rain.

From the kitchen...Hazelnut Coffee, yogurt & fresh, cherry-red cherries!

I am going...to work out in the yard but first will refresh bird bath & put out bird seed.

I am wearing...khaki shorts, white tank top & flip flops.

I am reading...email & not much else.

I am hoping...to hear back from Shelley.

Around the house….two rooms are almost perfect - the rest need dusting, etc., nothing major.

One of my favorite things...Coffee, plans & no where I need to go.

My Have-Done List...Got a GOOD night's rest!

Called Mom; called insurance agent; gardened for 1 1/2 hours; walked; tidied & dusted living room; gathered all the stuff I need to file claim; balanced check book; put away external flash instead of playing with it; uploaded photos; edited a few of them too.

Something you may not know about me... while not a vegetarian, I eat very little meat - I don't eat it everyday - & maybe a week or so goes by without eating any meat. AND I don't like pork nor lobster.

About Today's Photo . . . Cherries are $1.98/lb - what can I say? I bought a bunch of them! Yummy

Monday, June 8, 2009

For Today - June 8, 2009 - Monday























Outside My Window
...there's still a tiny bit of a cool breeze & lots & lots of Black-eyed Susans, day lilies, roses, gladiolas, lavender, 4 o'clocks, mullein, lantana, hibiscus, salvias, Russian sage, more day lilies, cannas, petunias, geraniums, milkweed, Turk's Cap & Buddlia blooming. It's good to be back home among my flowers.

I am hearing...cicada's humming in the sun & some ground bird making funny noises. At least I think it's a ground bird. . . maybe it's injured? I'll go check after this is posted.


I am thinking...that Shiloh really needs a haircut. Floors were swept & vaccuumed by my sweet hubby last night & there's now a couple of sand piles where Shiloh's been laying!

I am wondering...if Continental will make good on my stolen GPS - pilfered from my checked baggage.

From the kitchen...yogurt & lots of fresh cherries. WM has them for $1.98/lb.

I am going...to eat lunch, tidy house & create.

I am wearing...khaki shorts, white tank top & flip flops.

I am reading...manual to my external flash! Yay - it was waiting for me Saturday when I got home. Thank you WW Incredible Rewards! They finally made good on one of the items - the biggest & most important to me. I'm still waiting for Lensbaby lens, aperature discs, & flash extender.

I am hoping...to gather all I need to file a claim w/Continental. At least I'm already in the computer's system.

Around the house….aforementioned doggy sand (just envision Charlie Brown's "Pig Pen" . . . that's Shiloh! :(

One of my favorite things...Creating: flower gardens, quilts, photos & stories.

My Have-Done List...Called Mom; called insurance agent; gardened for 1 1/2 hours; walked; tidied & dusted living room; gathered all the stuff I need to file claim; balanced check book; put away external flash instead of playing with it; uploaded photos; edited a few of them too.

Something you may not know about me... I really, really do enjoy my own alone time. I recharge by being by myself. . . .not with others. I stayed home from church yesterday 'cause I had to deal w/the airlines. In spite of that - it was good 'cause I got to be alone for a couple of hours.

About Today's Photo . . . The Alfred Hitchcock photo was shot at Potter's Wax Museum in St. Augustine, FL. The "Sunshine" State had lots of rain & we ducked in the museum in hopes of staying dry & had the best time snapping photos. BTW - this is the first & therefore oldest wax museum in the US.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

For Today - June 3, 2009 - Wednesday



Outside My Window...it is hot, hot, hot in Florida.

I am thinking...that I should be living in two different areas of the country: a summer home in Maine & a winter home in east TX.

I am wondering...how on earth did someone confuse carrots & jalapenos? (see above)

From the kitchen...coffee & cocoa covered almonds. Lots of fruit on the counter & some divine tomatoes, too. Chicken thawing on the counter.

I am going...to WalMart to buy dolly fabric.

I am wearing...white capri pants, black t-shirt & black Speedo flip flops. You know it's summer when you hear the flip flops flopping!

I am reading...email

I am hoping...to cut out doll clothes

I am hearing...printer & rumblings upstairs. Is it "mudder" or is it 4 yo?

Around the house….much to do b4 DB's 7:00 meeting here.

One of my favorite things...looking @ awesome quilts. The Gee Bend quilts are fabulous, so full of energy & life. I don't think I like the photos of them 'cause they don't show the TEXTURE which is a large part of their appeal.

My Have-Done List...walked dog; visited quilt exhibit; made a new friend; ate divine food @ Biscotti's: Stuffed focaccia (stuffed w/lots of grilled veggies) & organic applie crisp . . . could have done worse as there were tons of chocolaty desserts; Oh yeah - & called mom; talked w/dd whose house/land appraised for $8K more than they're paying!

scrapped 45 of Brandy's photos . . . . found a great 2-page layout where you can scrap an entire event w/up to 25 photos. I'm stoked. . . . will use this layout for my own pages. For example - I will choose 25 of my favorite Christmas photos. Even if I never scrap the rest, at least the 25 best will be scrapped & the story told. PERFECT! And if not, it'll be just fine. BTW - I really do need to scrap that phrase some day!

Walked 3 miles this morning. 4 miles yesterday along w/Tigger, their 11 year old dog.

Bought doll pattern to start sewing for COS July b'day. AME played w/her American Girl doll until she was 14, so maybe I'll have 7 years of gifting for COS from these patterns.

Something you may not know about me... I am now addicted to cocoa covered almonds. I didn't know they existed until I came here & now they are my favorite "sweet" although not sweet at all.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

For Today - June 2, 2009 -



Outside My Window...it is hot & muggy & sunny. It is Florida.

I am thinking...that I need to take a quick shower.

I am wondering...why sewing patterns are so darn expensive: $14.95 for doll aprons? Give me a break!

From the kitchen...Leftover chicken turned into a scrumptious sandwich w/all the fixins'.

I am going...to see the Gee Bend quilt exhibit.

I am wearing...white shorts, purple top & bare feet.

I am reading...Debby's Country Living & Cottage Living magazines.

I am hoping...to get into that tub!

I am hearing...a 2 year old chattering . . . & her daddy saying, "What baby?" Sweet sounds. "Mother" is in the kitchen. Mother is 27 years old. "Mother" sounds like "Mudder". "Hello mudder, hello father". . . :)

Around the house….evidence that little people live here.

One of my favorite things...scrapbooking. I'll even scrap other people's pix for them!

My Have-Done List...scrapped 45 of Brandy's photos . . . . found a great 2-page layout where you can scrap an entire event w/up to 25 photos. I'm stoked. . . . will use this layout for my own pages. For example - I will choose 25 of my favorite Christmas photos. Even if I never scrap the rest, at least the 25 best will be scrapped & the story told. PERFECT! And if not, it'll be just fine. BTW - I really do need to scrap that phrase some day!

Walked 3 miles this morning. 4 miles yesterday along w/Tigger, their 11 year old dog.

Bought doll pattern to start sewing for COS July b'day. AME played w/her American Girl doll until she was 14, so maybe I'll have 7 years of gifting for COS from these patterns.

Something you may not know about me... I am now addicted to cocoa covered almonds. I didn't know they existed until I came here & now they are my favorite "sweet" although not sweet at all.