For Today; July 26, 2008

Outside my window...sparrows chirping in the monstrous rose bush. They are quiet chatty this afternoon!

I am thinking…that Judy should soon be here.

I am thankful for…those chirping birds! And the wind chimes! And the A/C!

From the kitchen…steaks & shrimp thawing for this evening's meal.

I am creating…a home with less "stuff" that I really, really love!

I am going…continue sorting through those 6,000 photos!

I am wearing...white shorts, black top, walking shoes.

I am reading…through the Bible in a year. Actually am a bit behind, so it'll be more like 13 months.

I am hoping…enjoy the rest of the day & get caught up on laundry.

I am hearing…besides the chirping sparrows outside, the Chimney Sifts from the living room. Years ago the CS took over the (what else) chimney. Since we live in TX, there is no real need for a fireplace. And we so enjoy the birds. They nest in the chimney all through the summer & take off before winter. We decided years ago to just board up the chimney and enjoy the birds! Soooo - there's a mirror in the back & kerosene lamps/candles in front of that, and when we want a romantic fire, we make do with that. And listen to the birds!!

Around the house…Order! I'm through in the LR & the sweeping/vacuuming is done. Smells good too!

One of my favorite things…the baby name book I found while going through my parents' things. It's a itty bitty book, given to my mom by Dr. Dittman. On the last page, in her handwriting, are these names, in this order: Vera Mae, Irene, Linda Sue, Susan, Patricia Ann. In the book itself, she double checked "Vera", which means Faithful. She did the same for "Mae", and it's definition of Maiden. So I guess my mom wanted a daughter who would become a Faithful Maiden. Sounds exactly the same desires of my heavenly Father. No, I haven't always been faithful . . . but by God's grace am growing into the definition of my name.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Relax, visit w/Judy, work on photos. Amanda & David aren't coming, as her back is giving her a great deal of trouble. I think it's the first time I've ever told one of my children that I think it's best for them not to come. I'm always ready for a visit from my kids! But the car ride is just not worth it. Hopefully a weekend of rest will give great results!

For Today; July 25, 2008

Outside my window...all is dark & quiet

I am thinking…how wonderful it is to "'roll' your works to the LORD, and your thought will be established." Proverbs 16:3. Will make a special attempt to do this today. I'm ready for some brain washing from God!

I am thankful for…air conditioning! Can't imagine living through a TX summer without it!

From the kitchen…the beginnings of breakfast: strawberry smoothies.

I am creating…a home with less "stuff". Oh - there's still plenty . . . but the goal is to keep carting it out, out, out of the house!

I am going…to finish redecorating the LR mantle & two walls. And maybe the bookcase, too.

I am wearing...white capris & black top.

I am reading…"Photo Freedom" by Stacy Julian for the 4th time and just finished reading "The Big Picture", also by Stacy Julian.

I am hoping…to finish living room rearranging; and to finish cleaning bedroom & dining room.

I am hearing…ceiling fan.

Around the house…disarray, as I've taken decided to redo some of the living room: mantle, above couch, table, bench pix.

One of my favorite things…being able to tell my/our stories through scrap booking.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Rearranging some of the house. Sorting through my current ginormous crop of photos; spending time with David & Amanda!

For Today; July 22, 2008

Outside my window...all is quiet

I am thinking…I don't want to prepare for WW meeting.

I am thankful for…my very yummy breakfast of scrambled eggs (from Murray's happy hens), sliced Anna apples (picked from tree this morning), & figs mashed on toast. And yes, the figs also picked this morning! So - except for toast & coffee - a rather self-sufficient /God reliant breakfast! Wouldn't it be nice if this were the norm & not the exception? Oh well - still much to be thankful for!

From the kitchen…Murray snipping stems of grapes. AND the leftover aroma of fresh basil! I made a big batch of pesto last night and the smell of basil still lingers. Yummy!

I am creating…a birthday card for Carrie

I am going…to mess w/some of those 6,000+ photos & prepare for WW meeting.

I am wearing...gauze pants & pink t-shirt.

I am reading…"Photo Freedom" by Stacy Julian for the 4th time and just finished reading "The Big Picture", also by Stacy Julian.

I am hoping…to really wake up. I'm still feeling groggy....not really alert or perky.

I am hearing…The same. You know the routine - it's summer. What else would I hear besides a/c humming and fans turning?

Around the house…the smell of basil & cucumber/melon candle!

One of my favorite things…being able to order online. I bought Cayla's wedding gift from BB&B. The shipping was cheaper than if I'd driven to Tyler! AND they gift wrapped it & will deliver to her house. What a deal!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Rearranging some of the house. Sorting through my current ginormous crop of photos; WW preps & meetings.

For Today; July 21, 2008

Outside my window...sunshine, heat, humidity & birds splashing in the bird bath

I am thinking…I need to get back into my daily routine. I spent most of yesterday making the Start Here/Start Again cup & beginning to organize approximately 6000 photos! Yikes!

I am thankful for…my dear husband who let me have a real day of rest yesterday!

From the kitchen…not too much. Murray is gone to work already & I'm drinking reheated coffee from yesterday. I know a lot of people can't fathom doing such a thing, but I truly am my grandpa's grand daughter!

Grandpa would make strong coffee in an aluminum coffee pot. Whatever was leftover, he put into the old Philco refrigerator - still in the aluminum pot! The back of the refrigerator was really cold & the coffee would freeze! The next morning, he'd put the pot on the stove, bring the coffee to a boil & enjoy it all over again! You gotta' admit it - I'm not that bad!

I am creating…a life I love!

I am going…to do laundry, clean house, water plants, play w/Shiloh,

I am wearing...nightshirt

I am reading…"Photo Freedom" by Stacy Julian for the 4th time and just finished reading "The Big Picture", also by Stacy Julian.

I am hoping…to get a lot done today.

I am hearing…A/C & ceiling fan humming (hey it's summer in TX & we ALL hear it); clock ticking.

Around the house…cleaning & unpacking & playing w/Shiloh

One of my favorite things…an unscheduled day!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Rearranging some of the house. Sorting through my current ginormous crop of photos; WW preps & meetings; wedding gift shopping for Cayla & Bobby.

For Today; July 20, 2008

Outside my window...sunshine, heat, humidity & birds

I am thinking…that my mom may have the makings of a "modern" woman. We came across a quilt top she made. I didn't know she ever pieced a quilt top. I knew her two sisters & my paternal grandmother as the family's quilters, but here was a quilt top made by her, stashed away in the cedar chest. It's done in the Tumbling Block pattern, but the fabric choices are such that you really can't tell they're "tumbling". It's very bold, bright, modern & abstract looking. I can't wait to see it quilted!

It makes me wonder about her. Dining furniture is very modern. Put that w/the quilt top & the fact she worked in a munition plant during The War...and other little tidbits we're unearthing... & it makes me wonder if there's always been a "modern" woman beneath the "June Cleaver" exterior? Don't get me wrong - I'm SURE she loved being a wife, mom & homemaker. But I'm thinking of asking her what her second choice might have been!

I am thankful for…my dear husband who fixed supper for me last night AFTER he unloaded the van!

From the kitchen…the dishwasher humming

I am creating…a "Start Here/Start Again" cup. I will write the following phrases on the end of Popsicle sticks: "All About Us"; "People We Love"; "Places We Go"; "Things We Do"; "Storage Albums"; "Theme Albums/Materials File"; "Photos I Love"; "Family Words File"; "Cultural Memorabilia Box:; "Digital Triage". When I have 15 minutes to spend scrapbooking & I have no idea where to start, I'll just turn to my "Start Here/Start Again" cup for some creative direction.

I am going…to stay home today

I am wearing...peach colored jammies.

I am reading…No, I'm not through with the "Taming Stress" & "Boundaries"books, but I'm not exactly reading them either! I'm going through "Photo Freedom" by Stacy Julian for the 4th time and am almost through reading "The Big Picture" by Stacy. I am getting so inspired to scrapbook my life and a whole lot more!

I am hoping…to spend most of the day piddling.

I am hearing…A/C & ceiling fan humming (hey it's summer in TX & we ALL hear it); clock ticking.

Around the house…cleaning & unpacking & playing w/Shiloh

One of my favorite things…good memories

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Rearranging some of the house. Sorting through my current ginormous crop of photos; WW preps & meetings.

For Today; July 7, 2008

Outside my window...sunshine, heat, humidity & birds

I am thinking…that I really want to enjoy my day at home, tidying up, packing up, & generally piddling before heading for Houston

I am thankful for…another day to grieve the change that's taking place in my parents' life.

From the kitchen…the smell of ripe cantaloupe

I am creating…a day to take care of me spiritually & emotionally so I'll be filled up & ready to give & support my parents

I am going…to stay home today

I am wearing...white shorts, black top & white sox

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend; & Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian

I am hoping…to be a blessing & a help to my parents & my brother & his wife.

I am hearing…a/c humming & clock ticking & birds chirping

Around the house…cleaning & packing & playing w/Shiloh

One of my favorite things…Melons

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Going to Houston. Crying. Laughing. Moving.

Catch Up

July 4, 2008: Shiloh made his first major trip to the Republican Club's Independence Day picnic at Love's Lookout in Jacksonville. He very nicely got into the van when told we were going bye bye. This is a major accomplishment!!!! Training is going very well, indeed!

Once there, he was charming and quite a magnet, attracting attention from people of all ages! Adults & children loved on him & he was quite content & not at all alarmed by people making a fuss over him. I have to admit, though, that he didn't always heel while among so many distractions. He still needs lots of training.

Back home for the evening, he remained calm during nearby fireworks. He is a good dog & I believe will some day be a great dog. Funny thing - my kids apparently think we're rather wonky for being so in love with him!

July 5, 2008: We left in the morning for Greenville for Murray's cousin's son's wedding. Prior to the wedding, we met w/a great number of relatives for lunch. It was good to see so many of them again. Murray's aunt & uncle are such dears, although I'm not certain his aunt remembered or recognized me. But she obviously knew that I (& all the others) love her & she did lots of smiling & talking. Uncle is positively charming & so high tech for being 80 years old!

One of Murray's cousin's looks pretty much the same as she did 20 years ago. How does she do it? One looks so much more relaxed & less stressed than 3 years ago when we last saw her. Another looked just as radiant as always. A couple of husband's siblings were there & it was good to see them again. It's been too long.

Parents of the groom were delightful, being full of grace & smiles. And the bride & groom were a joy! This wedding is my 2nd favorite, Amanda's being my all-time most favorite of all! And speaking of Amanda - how good to see her & David again! I never get enough of them!

One very big disappointment is that not very many of my photos turned out well. I HATE using the built-in flash, so I shot w/o it in very dim lighting. I guess it's time to add an external flash to my wish list.

Anyway - we got home about 1 AM and Shiloh was so very anxious to see us, having been crated for 15+ hours! And guess what! He was dry, with no messes! Super uber bladder & bowels! I think he's going to work out just great!

For Today; July 6, 2008

Outside my window...sunshine & white fluffy clouds

I am thinking…that life gets too complicated all too fast. My Dad made a trip to the ER in the middle of the night. Now safely back home, it is agreed by all involved that he & my 87 year old mom need to go into assisted living. Hearthstone is a nice place & this is a good thing. It's just hard. On everyone. One very long chapter (they've lived in their home for 60+ years), is coming to a close & a new chapter is beginning. It is a good thing. But it is also a hard thing.

I am thankful for…them being able to move into such a nice facility. I am also very thankful for Shiloh's uber bladder as he was crated yesterday for a little over 15 hours w/o any messes or mistakes!

From the kitchen…lots of fresh produce & eggs from Murray's happy hens

I am creating…a quarterly financial report for Good Samaritan's board meeting on Tuesday; post-dated checks for purchasing GS' food from Regional East TX Food Bank; a plan for WW substitute leaders; my monthly WW order; tidiness in my own home so I don't come home to a mess.

I am going…to miss my Thursday appointment w/hairdresser Matt. :(

I am wearing...white shorts, black top, white athletic shoes

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend; & Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian

I am hoping…that my trip to Houston will be helpful to my parents. That they can freely cry & laugh w/me. But not excessively so. By volunteering to be caretaker of daddy's old books, letters & family research papers (30 year worth) he will become less tense about all this.

I am hearing…a/c humming & clock ticking. Wind chimes too.

Around the house…Aw - the sew.com is quite disorderly. Moving furniture, adding Shiloh's crate & sorting through photos has made quite a mess. Rather likable - but nevertheless a mess.

One of my favorite things…My wonderfully helpful, understanding & faithful husband who is taking GS report to president Kay Baby; delivering WW products to FBC; and even made lunch for the two of us.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Going to Houston. Crying. Laughing. Moving.

For Today; July 3, 2008

Outside my window...darkness, as it's still very early in the morning & the sun is not yet up

I am thinking…that my parents may need to go to an assisted living facility. At ages 87 & 91, it's just too hard for them to continue to live on their own. And of course it's hard for them to leave their home of 60+ years and move into a facility. Either decision, stay or move, is hard. I'm praying for them. And for the rest of us, too

I am thankful for…Charlotte doing the leg work, finding out about VA benefits & Hearthstone availabilities, etc.

From the kitchen…not much . . . just coffee aromas

I am creating…a busy day . . . nothing else . . . just busy-ness

I am going… wedding gift shopping, hair cut/color, work in Palestine, walking & working w/Shiloh. (edited 9:38 AM) Am NOT going to Tyler as hair appt is next Thursday. Will stay home and gather some needed information regarding parents. Still busy - but at least at home!

I am wearing...off-white linen-type slacks w/orange tank top, bare feet

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend; & Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian

I am hoping…to enjoy the busy day. I prefer not being busy. I prefer staying home. I prefer staying home and being domestic ; ) I don't like "going" & "busy-ness". So this is a big hope for me!

I am hearing…a/c humming & clock ticking & Shiloh snoring

Around the house…Photos still calling my name, asking me to please remove them from their chronological prisons.

One of my favorite things…spontaneity, creativity, peacefulness, being aware of the presence of God in my life & activities. Yeah - I know - that's more than one!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… working with Shiloh. Working Thursday; Haircut/color Thursday & some shopping while in Tyler; 4th of July festivities at Love's Lookout; Nathanial's wedding on Saturday.

For Today; July 2, 2008

Outside my window...sunshine, sunshine & a cool gentle breeze . . . a real rarity in Texas in July. at 11:40 AM . . .

I am thinking…that I want/need to finish up Weight Watchers paperwork so I can concentrate on doing something fun

I am thankful for…the rest of the day being unscheduled

From the kitchen…oh the smell of huge, ripe, homegrown cantaloupes. Also fresh corn on the cob to use in a salad.

I am creating…the darkness before the calm as I'm getting ready to re-sort & organize years & years of photos. I am NOT a chronological scrapbooker and other than my age, not a very chronological person and I need a different system that will more easily fuel my creativity

I am going…to change clothes, slice up melon & corn, make corn salad, snack on cantaloupe, rush through morning chores & read my Bible

I am wearing...white slacks, brown/blue top, Vera Wang brown flip-flops

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend; & Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian

I am hoping…to have a creative day

I am hearing…a/c humming & clock ticking. Oh, & Kenny G

Around the house…WW stuff waiting to be dealt with and put away. Photos calling my name, asking me to please remove them from their chronological prisons.

One of my favorite things…spontaneity, creativity, peacefulness, being aware of the presence of God in my life & activities

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… working with Shiloh. Working Thursday; Haircut/color Thursday & some shopping while in Tyler; 4th of July festivities at Love's Lookout; Nathanial's wedding on Saturday.

For Today; July 2, 2008

Outside my window...sunshine, sunshine & a bit more sunshine - it's a bright sunshiney morning.
I am thinking…that Shiloh is a very smart dog. His training, or should I say "our" training - learning to talk to Shiloh in language he understands, went very well. He was an A+ student! It's just every now & again he tests us to see who's Leader of the Pack!

I am thankful for…Tonda Curry, the trainer from Bark Busters. She most likely weighs less than Shiloh, but showed us w/proper body posture, words & sounds, that he can & will behave perfectly gentlemanly! I am also very, very thankful for my brother & his wife taking dad to the MRI appointment this morning.

From the kitchen…Murray preparing magnesium drinks for the two of us & laying out vitamins

I am creating…a very happy, secure, well behaved dog

I am going…to get my Weight Watchers meeting done early in the day

I am wearing...white capris with black/white top

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend; & Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian

I am hoping…not to be anxious about meeting plan. It seems that the prep time fills up the amount of time I have to work. If I start at 10 and have to have it completed by 2, then that's how long it takes. If I start at 12:30, well, it's done by 2. I can work fast . . . but only if I feel there's a time crunch. I want to work fast, early in the day, and spend the rest of the time doing other creative things.

I am hearing…clock ticking, birds chirping, hens clucking & making all manner of greetings to Murray as he's feeding them their morning rations

Around the house…peace

One of my favorite things…order

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… working with Shiloh. This will probably take up most of any unscheduled time. I'm rethinking moving furniture since it's such a busy week. No need to live w/the chaos and disorder any longer than necessary. It is wiser to wait until a less stressful/busy time. Working Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday; Haircut/color Thursday; 4th of July festivities at Love's Lookout; Nathanial's wedding on Saturday.

For Today; July 1, 2008

Outside my window...sunshine & cool air. I was chilled while taking out Shiloh. I can hardly believe it - shivering outside in TEXAS in July!

I am thinking…that Shiloh is a very smart dog. His training, or should I say "our" training - learning to talk to Shiloh in language he understands, went very well. He was an A+ student! It's just every now & again he tests us to see who's Leader of the Pack!

I am thankful for…Tonda Curry, the trainer from Bark Busters. She most likely weighs less than Shiloh, but showed us w/proper body posture, words & sounds, that he can & will behave perfectly gentlemanly! I am also very, very thankful for my brother & his wife taking dad to the MRI appointment this morning.

From the kitchen…Murray preparing magnesium drinks for the two of us & laying out vitamins

I am creating…a very happy, secure, well behaved dog

I am going…to get my Weight Watchers meeting done early in the day

I am wearing...white capris with black/white top

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend; & Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian

I am hoping…not to be anxious about meeting plan. It seems that the prep time fills up the amount of time I have to work. If I start at 10 and have to have it completed by 2, then that's how long it takes. If I start at 12:30, well, it's done by 2. I can work fast . . . but only if I feel there's a time crunch. I want to work fast, early in the day, and spend the rest of the time doing other creative things.

I am hearing…clock ticking, birds chirping, hens clucking & making all manner of greetings to Murray as he's feeding them their morning rations

Around the house…peace

One of my favorite things…order

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… working with Shiloh. This will probably take up most of any unscheduled time. I'm rethinking moving furniture since it's such a busy week. No need to live w/the chaos and disorder any longer than necessary. It is wiser to wait until a less stressful/busy time. Working Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday; Haircut/color Thursday; 4th of July festivities at Love's Lookout; Nathanial's wedding on Saturday.

For Today; June 30, 2008

Outside my window...for the 4th day in a row, overcast skies . We had 3/10" rain yesterday.

I am thinking…I should never, ever drink caffeine after noon...I did yesterday and didn't fall asleep until after 1 AM and woke at 6:15 ...

I am thankful for…Barkbusters coming today at 6 PM to teach us how to teach Shiloh how to be a gentleman. Also so very grateful for finishing Debby's album.

From the kitchen…hazelnut coffee & toast

I am creating…the celebration of the everyday. Don't get me wrong - I love celebrating milestones, anniversaries and traditional holidays, but that leaves a bunch of days uncelebrated - so I really like to celebrate the "everyday" simple pleasures.

For instance - Hubby cleaning out his Bible. This is a "mark the calendar" event as he squirrels away bulletins and prayer requests in his Bible. Yesterday was one of those days - he took out 12 bulletins and a couple other full-size sheets of paper! I'll snap a picture of them all and have to scrapbook it in "Things We Do" 'cause he's been like as long as I've known him!

I am going…to vacuum. Update - Shiloh is not shedding nearly as badly as before . . . a pair of scissors & a good brushing took care of that. This is average an ordinary vacuuming - not because of Shiloh.

I am wearing...off-white linen pants & brown shirt w/turquoise medallion

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend; & Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian

I am hoping…to write a quick note to Debby & put the album in the mail. I found a new, unused pizza box and it's perfect! I have no idea how much it will cost to ship such an unusual size package. Since I never went blueberry picking last week, I'll just go to Gourmet Gardens and buy by the gallon. $8/gallon seems fair enough to me, since they do all the labor!

I am hearing…clock ticking, birds chirping outside & train whistle

Around the house…is anticipation of a busy week: Shiloh's schooling, working 3 days, July 4th festivities at Love's Lookout, & Nathaniel's wedding on Saturday.

One of my favorite things…is looking through photos & remembering the stories behind the pictures - then scrapping the stories. I'm not so great at scrapping chronologically as I'd much rather scrap memories, and emotions that come over me as I scrap. Therefore, I will quit using strap-hinged albums and go to d-ring albums, so I can move pages around, etc.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… include mailing Debby's album, working with Shiloh, "maybe" moving rosewood bookcase from one side of sew.com to the other side in order to make room for Shiloh's crate. It currently resides in the dining room, which I do NOT like. He's in this room with me so much of the time, we might as well move the crate in here. It will be crowded . . . but seldom is there more than one person in here and that's me - either on the computer or sewing or scrapping or working on Good Samaritan books/paperwork so it ought to be okay.

For Today; June 29, 2008

Outside my window...once again, for the 3rd day in a row, overcast skies

I am thinking…I need to start getting ready for church!

I am thankful for…Hubby having a fantastic time with daughter-in-law & two youngest grandchildren yesterday, even though they caught no fish. The purpose was to make a memory and that they did

From the kitchen…hazelnut coffee & toast

I am creating…hmmm - will have to get back to this one - I don't know what I'm creating today

I am going…to church

I am wearing...blue satin nightshirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

I am hoping…to worship God & bask in His Word

I am hearing…clock ticking & birds chirping outside

Around the house…Sunday morning busy-ness . . . even without kids there's a bustling about to get ready

One of my favorite things…to spend time with God's people

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans

For Today; June 28, 2008

Outside my window...once again - overcast skies

I am thinking…that Shiloh is beginning to fit in with us He follows me around, but usually does NOT get in the way. He really is a good boy . . . just needs some etiquette lessons.

I am thankful for…Hubby being able to go fishing with 8 year old grandson. "Make a Memory"

From the kitchen…the smells of coffee, watermelon, & toast

I am creating…a day of play . . . will organize/reorganize photos into something other than chronological order. . . my mind doesn't think chronologically . . . it's more "random"

I am going…to tidy house, read & scrapbook

I am wearing...blue satin nightshirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

I am hoping…to relax & recharge

I am hearing…clock ticking; printer humming; Shiloh breathing

Around the house…order

One of my favorite things…an unscheduled day

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans, picking blueberries

For Today, June 27, 2008

Outside my window...overcast skies

I am thinking…the weekend will be busy with hubby gone fishing/canoing with grandson & it being just $hiloh & me; next week even busier

I am thankful for…being able to get $hiloh some trained the barkbuster way...class starts Monday @ 6 PM &&&&& that I've already moved bags & bags of compost....my arms are getting stronger

From the kitchen…the smells of coffee, watermelon, cantaloupe, toast

I am creating…a day of celebrating the everyday imperfections of life

I am going…to tidy house, do research for parents, go pick/get blueberries, read & scrapbook; then make a fantastic salmon & shrimp dinner

I am wearing...peach colored pajamas...and yes, I moved compost in my jammies...a perk for living out in the country

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

I am hoping…to take it all in stride

I am hearing…hens clucking

Around the house…the peace and quiet of $hiloh snoring

One of my favorite things…an unscheduled day

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans, picking blueberries

For Today, June 26, 2008

Outside my window...dark black as it's 3:00 AM & crickets chirping

I am thinking…that I'm having major sleep problems; that $hiloh may not work out for us as he ran across the street (twice) and chewed up his leash . . . at 110# he is impossible for me to control

I am thankful for…my Bible to read in the middle of the night

From the kitchen…not a thing

I am creating…another day of exhaustion

I am going…to try to go back to sleep and then to work in Palestine this afternoon

I am wearing...turquoise night shirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Stress; "Boundaries: When to Say YES, When to Say NO, To Take Control of Your Life", by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

I am hoping…to get some more sleep & a more gentlemanly Shiloh

I am hearing…clock ticking & ceiling fan whirling

Around the house…quiet

One of my favorite things…a good night's sleep

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans; deciding if we'll keep $hiloh & if so, what training to get for him

For Today, June 25, 2008

Outside my window…muggy weather but fortunately with a touch of coolness in the air and a 40% chance for rain . . . we'll see about that [edited 6/26 - no rain...nada...not a drop]

I am thinking…that at 110+ pounds, Shiloh needs Weight Watchers for Dogs

I am thankful for…my husband who lays out my vitamins for me

From the kitchen…vitamin dispensing, coffee, water boiling, Shiloh eating breakfast

I am creating…life art...right here...right now...today

I am going…WW meeting, post office, meet Kathy, stop by Good Sam

I am wearing...turquoise night shirt

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same,

I am hoping…to work on friend's cruise album . . . really

I am hearing…scissors snipping grapes

Around the house…Shiloh snuffling about

One of my favorite things…a good night's sleep

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… updating Good Samaritan books; scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans

For Today, June 24, 2008

Outside my window…fog lifting off the lake

I am thinking…that it's funny how dreams work

I am thankful for…new tires, oil change and getting the Knockouts moved

From the kitchen…quiet

I am creating…a busy day

I am going…to the clinic to buy flea stuff

I am wearing...white shorts/navy top

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same, and perusing my gardening & photography book

I am hoping…to give Shiloh some schooling

I am hearing…clock ticking, a/c humming, TV in the living room

Around the house…dog fur, even though Murray clipped him some more! He definitely needs shaving. . . .Shiloh - not Murray - I like his beard

One of my favorite things…as yesterday - it's still my vacuum cleaner

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… updating Good Samaritan books; scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans

Posted by VPS at 5:50 AM

For Today, June 23, 2008

Outside my window…mowers cutting hay

I am thinking…I have my work cut out for me - training Shiloh to become a gentleman. Sorta' like Professor Higgins & Liza Dolittle

I am thankful for…fresh eggs from hubby's happy hens

From the kitchen…the smell of coffee

I am creating…stronger arms - teaching Shiloh to heel

I am going…to vacuum the house and "maybe" move the roses

I am wearing...white capris & navy/white top

I am reading…30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues & 30 Days to Taming Your Stress by same, and perusing my gardening & photography book

I am hoping…my energy stays high

I am hearing…clock ticking and mowers cutting hay

Around the house…dog fur : ( Tansy almost never sheds - not so with Shiloh

One of my favorite things…for today - vacuum c leaners

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… updating Good Samaritan books; giving parents' insurance information to friend who is an agent; scrapbooking friend's cruise; writing out monthly gardening plans; moving Knockout Roses, lantana and day lilies