For Today - November 15, 2008 - Saturday

Outside My Window...it's a bright, cool sunshiny day. YESTERDAY however, there was a gray hawk sitting on the edge of the lawn cart, no more than 20 feet from the house! I haven't looked him up in any of my bird books & I'm not at all familiar with birds of prey . . . seeing as how my interest is Songbirds. I grabbed my camera, knowing it wouldn't make a very good picture with all the gray. It doesn't matter because he flew away....DOWN (remember he was only a couple of feet above ground) into the area of the rosemary bush right up against the house. Bad news: I bet we have mice. Good news: We have our very own, very efficient mousetrap! I'd rather have hawks than snakes....they like tasty little mice, too. Prey/predator . . . it's all part of symbiosis.

I am thinking...I REALLY am over that stomach bug. For real. For sure.

I am thankful for...My friend Judy coming over. She's in town from Conroe!

From the kitchen...Banana & coffee. That should be safe.

I am wearing...Jeans & a jaguar (or is it leopard) printed blouse. And socks.

I am going... to try to do some yard work if it warms up enough.

I am reading...photography books

I am hoping...to not hear "that" song by Carrie Underwood

I am hearing...Heater & computer both humming along.

Around the house…Order. All is orderly again. Well, at least MOST all is orderly. I need to mop, though. The floors are filthy.

One of my favorite things…Freshly swept/vacuumed floors, although I HATE sweeping.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Visit with Judy; mop kitchen & bath; pull weeds; fold clothes; go to church tomorrow & continue organizing the library.

Something you may not know about me...Well, this isn't really about me - it's ab out this flower, the Mutabilis rose - one of the earliest known species of roses, which originated in China. Unlike most roses, which fade with time, the Mutabilis goes from pale to more vivid color as it ages. I've titled it "Beautiful Decay" and no matter how old & decrepit I get - I hope I'll still have a measure of beauty. I think this might be a place where Proverbs 31 comes into being. I might have to frame this pic to remind me.

For Today - October 14, 2008 - Friday

Outside My Window...It's dark as I start this. I'm moving slow this morning so it might get daylight before I'm done!

I am thinking...That "melodrama" is a silly word. There's no such thing as "mellow" drama!!!!

I am thankful for...a hubby who brought me a get well card. The outside says, "Hurry Up & Get Better! No, wait...forget that". The inside reads:

From the kitchen...Mail clutter from the last two days.

I am wearing...My favorite robe & gray, Christmas mice socks!

I am going... to take a long, hot shower & get dressed today.

I am reading...Nothing.

I am hoping...to tidy house.

I am hearing...TV in background.

Around the house…It can't wait! It can no longer wait! Housework must be done!

One of my favorite things…No drama.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Clean house & work on parents' Rx & doctor "stuff"

Something you may not know about me...I have a hubby who does NOT complain about any health issues at all. Not unless they're really bad. Like a herniated disk! And then he doesn't really complain. He just explains why he's moaning!

For Today - November 13, 2008 - Thursday

Outside My Window...It's very, so very foggy. With a bright moon, which equals a lot of prettiness! If I felt better I'd be outside playing with my camera!

I am thinking...I must have had a stomach virus. I was either in the bathroom or in bed. No other places for me. After a lot of resting (& bathroom visits) I'm feeling a whole lot better. Stomach issues do not = fun. All I have now is a dull headache.

I am thankful for...a hubby who doesn't insist I'm productive every day. Yesterday was not productive. I did almost nothing! I haven't even opened a package that came in the mail.

From the kitchen...Not much going on in there. Will try to eat some yogurt maybe?

I am wearing...oh, that comfort robe. I stayed in it all day yesterday & wrapped myself in quilt Debby made for me. I literally surrounded myself in comfort.

I am going... to take a long, hot shower. Email LFG photo and brief article to local newspaper. Edit some pix taken over weekend. All in all a pretty lazy day.

I am reading...Nothing.

I am hoping...I will continue to feel better.

I am hearing...DH is shower. And my stomach growling.

Around the house…It can wait. It can all wait.

One of my favorite things…Much needed rest.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Work on Medicare, etc., stuff for parents.

Something you may not know about me...I have a 17 year old grandson. Today is his b'day. And no, I don't feel old!

For Today - November 11, 2008 - Tuesday

Outside My Window...A very thundering, rainy day.

I am thinking...I am tired. I woke up at 1:30 & stayed awake until 5. Then got up at 7. I'm sleepy.

I am thankful for...for fluffy towels. I got caught in a real frog strangler, coming out of GS board meeting. I got SOAKED! Am so glad to come home to fluffy, dry towels.

From the kitchen...Coffee. And dishwasher waiting to be emptied.

I am wearing...jeans, tee shirt & velour jacket. I'm still chilled.

I am going... get on the ball w/WW meeting prep!

I am reading...Nothing. I'm still looking for "Holy Transformation".

I am hoping...to get warm! I'm also hoping to have a good meeting. Will members stay away because of the rain?

I am hearing...Oh my goodness! The flickers & sparrows are having a fit in the rose bush! Like I said it's really storming outside & they are making a big fuss over it!

Around the house…Laundry to put away.

One of my favorite things…Hot coffee when I'm chilled to the bone!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Work on Medicare, etc., stuff for parents; WW prep & meeting; find out what I need to do since my bank has been shut down;

Something you may not know about me...I don't like being scared. I don't watch really scary movies. I don't visit "haunted" houses. I don't like roller coasters. I detest, loathe & abhor being scared!

For Today - November 10, 2008 - Monday

Outside My Window...A very drizzly, dreary day.

I am thinking...Some people cannot or else will not be happy for very long. Grumpiness, cynicism, skepticism & discontent become a way of life for them. So sad.

I am thankful for...for seeing family these past 5 days. SIL, DIL, kids & grandkids were SUPERB & very gracious. And I'm most thankful for being back home.

From the kitchen...Scrambled egg whites, FF cheese, low-carb tortilla & handful of grapes. And coffee.

I am wearing...that wonderfully, pathetic chenille robe.

I am going... to write a Treasurer's report for Good Samaritan's board meeting tomorrow.

I am reading...well, I'm looking for a particular book to read. I "know" I had a book titled, "Holy Transformation" by Chip Ingram. You know, when I'm around people who "bring me down" I want to read something to counteract that, less I become like them. Now where IS that book? Here's hoping I haven't given it away!

I am hoping...to get WW meeting prepared today, since I have GS Board mtg in the morning AND I must get detailed Treasurer's report "dun"!

I am hearing...chickens clucking.

Around the house…Unpacking & putting away.

One of my favorite things…HOME

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Work on Medicare, etc., stuff for parents; WW prep & meeting; GS "stuff"; find out what I need to do since my bank has been shut down ; walk Shiloh. BTW - he does just fine being "free" while we leave the house for a few hours. We ALL are happy about that!

Something you may not know about me...I bought gas in Houston for $1.74 per gallon!

For Today - November 8, 2008 - Saturday

Outside My Window...Blue, cloudless, warm sunny day.

I am thinking...There's no economic problem as the nearby mall was FULL of shoppers!

I am thankful for...87 year old mom coming to Dallas with me to visit with grand kids great grand kids!

From the kitchen...I just finished making myself a grilled cheese sandwich.

I am wearing...Jeans, turquoise tank w/wildly printed blouse.

I am going...to Target & back to oldest son's house to spend the evening watching High School Musical. Yes - I am!

I am reading...nothing while I'm in Dallas!

I am hoping...to take more pictures. Obviously didn't take enough when my mom was here at the house.

I am hearing...a Star Wars video game in the other room & the ice machine dumping ice.

Around the house…It's not my house. It's my son's house. He has 4 lively chilren, whom they home school. Son & youngest grandson left this morning to go camping so there's LOTS of evidence of life of the different ages & personalities! I LOVE it!

One of my favorite things… F A M I L Y ! !

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Go b'day shopping with oldest grandson; take photos; watch that silly movie I told you about & praise God that Shiloh did NO damage to house. He was left ALONE & OUT OF THE CRATE while hubby went Christmas shopping in nearest city. We NEVER leave Shiloh uncrated. Good puppy!

Something you may not know about me....I took that photo at top of page. Wasp nest & leaves are on display in breakfast room. I told you I like insects! Sorry I don't know how to resize as I'm not at my computer. . . . & just sent from Flickr.

For Today - November 4, 2008

Outside My Window...Blue, cloudless, sunny sky with a bit of a chill in the air.

I am thinking...I wish I could see youngest son tomorrow, but he's back in Austin. :( Won't get to see him until Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for...God knowing the ending from the very beginning...of my life...of my nation's life...of everything.

From the kitchen...Yummy - mushroom & red onion quesadilla for breakfast!

I am wearing...black pants & t-shirt

I am going…to be busy & positive!

I am reading ...Romans & "The Photography Bible" by Daniel Lezano. I've had the book for about a year & have skimmed through it several times but I'm now ready to give it a thorough read.

I am hoping…to learn how to photograph falling leaves. Falling - not stop action. I can do that - I want to learn how to photograph the blur they make while falling like red, yellow & orange rain! In the meantime I take lots of pics of my dog. He is bored with me, can't you see?

I am hearing…A single bird off in the distance. I just noticed the similarity between "sing" & "single". Maybe that's what were supposed to do while alone? Sing!

Around the house…piles of stuff to take to children; WW meeting & Good Samaritan. Piles that will soon be leaving my house. For good. I'm glad. Nothing new to add to this...except that youngest son's stuff goes back into the closet.

One of my favorite things…All types of music. I like variety: folk; praise; country; classic; jazz; dulcimers; classic rock; hymns; just about everything except for Rap.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Laundry - done; tidy house; Good Sam report for next week's board meeting - mostly done; find sub for Wednesday work day at GS -done; make neat piles in sew.com -mostly done. Have to stop the micro-managing and just go back to general categories. There's office/computer supplies; quilting/scrapbooking books & magazines; fabric & scrapbooking supplies; GS financial records; photos; memorabilia; & decorative stuff. Too much stuff! Oh - and Christmas tree in closet!!!!

Something you may not know about me. . .I like most insects. I think they are beautiful.

For Today - November 3, 2008 - Monday

Outside My Window...Blue, cloudless sky with lots of birds in the rose bush. It's full of Flickers & Sparrows & an occasional male Cardinal. Truly, "birds of a feather stick together"!

I am thinking...I am going to have a very busy week.

I am thankful for...the strength & energy for a busy week.

From the kitchen...Just a bit of tidying up is needed, a good sweeping & still need to plan supper. . . I bet it involves chicken.

I am wearing...purple, lavender, gold & black nightgown & robe. You can tell I've been to the deepest parts of my closet!

I am going…to be joyful & productive!

I am reading ...Romans & "The Photography Bible" by Daniel Lezano. I've had the book for about a year & have skimmed through it several times but I'm now ready to give it a thorough read.

I am hoping…to get lots done today.

I am hearing…Shiloh acting like he's ready for his morning walk; the washing machine; birds singing & chickens clucking.

Around the house…piles of stuff to take to children; WW meeting & Good Samaritan. Piles that will soon be leaving my house. For good. I'm glad.

One of my favorite things…piles gone from my house ; ) And taking pictures of cute babies! The one here is friend's grandson. We saw them while out for lunch yesterday. Cute, cute boy. . . I just wanted to grab those chubby cheeks & kiss him & hug him. . . but instead snapped some photos! He probably would have been alarmed if I did all those other things!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Laundry; tidy house; Good Sam report for next week's board meeting; find sub for Wednesday work day at GS; make neat piles in sew.com. I've been micro-managing it in the middle of chaos 'cause it's too easy for me to just let it go if there's neat piles. But I can't bear the thought of coming home to it this way, so I will once again organize clutter. I know it can't be done - but it looks better.

Something you may not know about me. . .

For Today - November 2, 2008 - Sunday

Outside My Window...Sun, bright white clouds & birds. An heron just flew past my window & over the house.

I am thinking...I need to get back to work in the sew.com room, but probably won't get to it at all today.

I am thankful for...Chinaberry trees. This one is on the property - the only colorful tree near the house.

From the kitchen...Groceries waiting to be put away.

I am wearing...white capris & turquoise tank top.

I am going…edit some pics I took at Jalepeno Tree. We ran into some friends w/their little boy!

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping…I remember what I learn about photography & photo editing! Not so much the editing if I get the picture right the first time!

I am hearing…"Those" birds

Around the house…Lazy Sunday afternoon.

One of my favorite things…Lazy Sunday afternoons!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....I don't want to think about it!

Something you may not know about me. . .

For Today - November 1, 2008 - Saturday

Outside My Window...Really, really foggy, but not warm & muggy. Maybe perfect? Except for the fog . . . but I'm expecting it to burn off.

I am thinking...I may get to see youngest son next Wednesday. Wouldn't that be grand? It's been way too long!

I am thankful for...getting rid of more "stuff"! Closet in dining room is now gift, wrapping center. Kitchen den trunk now hold ALL WW administrative "stuff". It's good not to have it strewn in two rooms.

From the kitchen...Dishes waiting to be unloaded from the dishwasher. And I need to eat breakfast but haven't decided what I'm really hungry for. I do much, much better if I get a hearty serving of some type of protein.

I am wearing…black knit pants, orange beaded tank top & orange jacket. Without hair brushed or makeup on I look like a jack-o-lantern! ; )

I am going… to continue in sew.com room. It is very clear to me I need not buy any more scrapbook papers! I'm sorting them by color & putting in those very ugly sewing drawers. I really need to paint them black & add some snazzy hardware...but in the meantime they're "just perfect . . . & if not, they'll be just fine"!

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… to play with the new camera lens.

I am hearing… absolutely nothing. It is very quiet. I don't think it's suppose to rain . . . but there's no breeze outside, no birds singing, nothing.

Now yesterday afternoon is a completely different story as I heard PLENTY! Some guys decided to target practice across the street, using hay bales as their targets. They were using deer rifles which makes lots of noise. They "were" shooting away from houses & road, but I still found it unnerving. So did Shiloh. So did the songbirds . . . I'm glad they're gone.

Around the house…Lots of stuff donated to Good Samaritan & oldest son. Lots taken to trash. Lots dumped in burn pile. It's good to get so much stuff OUT. But PLENTY more to get rid of. I must need it; use it; or love it! Or else it's out!

One of my favorite things…Breathing room.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Nothing new . . . just continue to declutter & practice with new lens. Practice, practice, practice.

Something you may not know about me. . .I no longer do any garment construction & threw out sewing thread! Aren't you proud of me?

For Today - October 31, 2008 - Friday

I think this cloud formation looks like a grumpy old man staring at the trees. Maybe he doesn't like Halloween?

Outside My Window...Dark & a tiny bit chilly. . . not too bad at all.

I am thinking...that Shiloh is going to slim down - we walked 2 miles yesterday!

I am thankful for...the fact that Simon gets to keep his job. Verizon laid off 7,000 nationwide. Hard economic times ahead. He & Ericka agreed to rejoice, whatever the decision & he fasted since Sunday. Broke the fast with a celebratory feast: sushi! I can't fathom breaking a fast this way!

From the kitchen...Dishes waiting to be unloaded from the dishwasher.

I am wearing…flannel pajamas & sox

I am going… to town: drop off clothes at consignment shop; take photos of LFG donations to Good Samaritan & email to local newspaper; take a quick trip to FBC to double check WW inventory; continue organizing sew.com. I've started with the scrap book papers. . . . woohoo! I'm going to love having them so easily accessible in drawers.

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… I am home when UPS brings my Christmas present. It's that 50mm lens I've been wanting. Delivery requires signature. . . . but if I'm in town . . . .will leave messages for him at the Pharmacy & vet clinic. . . . and cell phone # on door for him to call me so I can meet him somewhere. This is a nice thing about living in a small town.

I am hearing… muffled sounds of TV & Shiloh snoring.

Around the house…Real progress! I threw out makeup & perfume I no longer use. Weeded out books on tape to donate. I used to buy them cheaply at 75% Off Bookstore & listen to them while driving to Houston or Dallas. Most of them I won't listen to again . . . so away they go. I also got rid of an ugly piece of furniture that is no longer needed. I really do think I breathe better with less clutter.

One of my favorite things…BLT's - made with Hormel Reduced Fat Bacon bits! I know it sounds weird . . . but it really satisfies my need for a good, old-fashioned BLT - and all for only 2 Points!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Well - I just wrote about them up above so this entry will be VERY short!

Something you may not know about me. . .I don't celebrate Halloween. Ever since I saw photo of terrified boy at Halloween party, I've not celebrated. This was about 30 years age. Not funny for adults to scare kiddos!

For Today - October 30, 2008 - Thursday

Outside My Window...It's a bright, sun shiny day.

I am thinking...that Shiloh was a very good sport yesterday. We walked 1 1/2 miles UPHILL! He was very tired when Murray picked us up!

I am thankful for...children who trust the Lord. In all things. And Facebook so I can keep in touch with them while they're waiting to see if the boss says, "Off with his head". In a manner of speaking.

From the kitchen...Jasmine/passion fruit Green Tea & Protein drink. I've been "listless" ...maybe I've been needing more protein?

I am wearing…brown jogging suit.

I am going… to go walk; tidy; REALLY finish cleaning/sorting/organizing bedroom.

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… Simon gets to keep his job.

I am hearing… computer, & birds.

Around the house…Still some WW messes. Need to rearrange inventory.

One of my favorite things…A place for everything.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Pretty much the same as yesterday.

Something you may not know about me. . .I some times go to bed without washing face!

For Today - October 29, 2008 - Wednesday

Outside My Window...It's chilly outside - but not windy - and no frost this morning. Yesterday there was heavy frost.

I am thinking...that I want to call John & find out if he can meet me at Good Samaritan Friday instead of this morning.

I am thankful for...cute flannel pajamas I bought at Kohl's end of season sale.

From the kitchen...Oh to heck with the coffee - this morning it's Earl Grey tea.

I am wearing…pink flannel pajamas. . . with hearts on them. So unlike me as I don't usually "do" pink nor anything with hearts. I'm not a particularly "sweet" person! ; )

I am going… to finish WW inventory. Don't you wanna' come help? And finish sorting through clothes: some to consignment shop & some to Good Sam.

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… to get November & December calendar all up-to-date. So much already to pencil in.

I am hearing… heater, computer, printer & chickens.

Around the house…Some messes Shiloh has made. Decided to play with a pair of hose of mine. And dumped over a bowl of keys I brought home from my parents. He really needs to go walking and get rid of some of this energy!

One of my favorite things…"Pure White Linen" by Estee Lauder. And I don't own any. Money always gets spent on camera or scrapbooking stuff instead.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....This stays pretty much the same: housework; Sew.com room; LFG dropped off & photographed for local newspaper.

Something you may not know about me. . .I'm close to being claustrophobic.

For Today - October 28, 2008 - Tuesday

Outside My Window...It's dark, chilly & windy. Again!

I am thinking...that the coffee should be just about ready.

I am thankful for...A hardworking, faithful husband who thinks I'm beautiful even when I know I'm not. And central heat!

From the kitchen...Coffee - here's crossing my fingers that it isn't all on the counter & floor.

I am wearing…jeans, tank top & long-sleeved blouse

I am going… to prepare WW meeting; walk Shiloh; & continue cleaning out my closet.

I am reading ...Romans & that biography about Hudson Taylor

I am hoping… to donate some things to Good Samaritan & drop off others to the consignment shop. Oh - and make a bank deposit.

I am hearing… the heater blowing through the vents. This is the first time this season the heater's been on. Also hearing coffee "perk". Actually, it "drips" but that doesn't sound as neat as "perk"!

Around the house…Guest room all neat & tidy with fresh sheets & towels. MBR a total mess w/piles of clothes waiting. Waiting for their future home.

One of my favorite things…is piping hot oatmeal on a cold windy day. Hey - I think I'll have some!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....This stays pretty much the same: housework; WW meeting; Sew.com room as I did absolutely NOTHING in it last week or over the weekend.

Something you may not know about me. . .I used to live in the Washington, DC area & my job required me to read the "Congressional Record". All of it.