For Today - March 19, 2009 - Thursday

Outside My Window... it's a little bit foggy but not as foggy as yesterday (see above photo). And the birds are alive with song: Flickers, Wrens, Sparrows, Cardinals, Mockingbirds, Flycatchers, Woodpeckers & Redwing Blackbirds. Spring has DEFINITELY arrived in east Texas!

I am thinking...how difficult it is to watch our children & grandchildren learn the harshness of life. My oldest son's family lost a little Terrier the other day...Jack. Jack had a bad habit of escaping from the the backyard & so he could "cut & run" the neighborhood. [We once had the same breed of dog, Lady, & she had the same bad habit]. Anyway - Jack was found dead at the end of the alley & the little children are especially devastated.

My son, being a responsible, loving pet owner have rules for their pets & likewise the loving, just God gives us boundaries for our good, in order for us to live full, abundant lives. So many times, though we think He's being mean & is a real "kill joy" . . . . when what He really wants is to protect us from danger & to keep us near Him. He is indeed the grandest of protectors.

This is a tough object lesson . . . & I'm still praying for my son & his family . . .

I am wondering...if the man in the beat up pickup truck is at the highway intersection selling flowers. He always has very good prices & even though a bit higher than Hughes Plants, I don't have to drive nearly as far.

I am thankful for....this glorious weather. I dislike extreme heat or cold . . . I guess that's why Spring & Fall are my favorite seasons.

From the kitchen...there's a clean refrigerator & cookbooks on the counter, waiting for me to decide what to cook while kids are here.

I am going...to quickly tidy my bedroom, get cleaned up & run errands.

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

I am reading...cookbooks!

I am hoping...to spend some time outside today.

I am hearing...birds. I know you must get tired of me saying so . . . . but since I'm always in the same room 'cause I don't have a laptop, I hear the same things . . . birds. But since they're my favorite animal - I guess it works out just perfectly for me!

Around the house….Clean & neat - all ready to visit with friends.

One of my favorite things...visits w/friends & family!!! T&C are spending part of their vacation with us! Yay! And AME is coming tomorrow! What fun!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...bank deposit for me & Good Samaritan; menu planning; grocery shopping; flower buying.

Something you may not know about me...I buy geraniums EVERY year for the window box. . . I love them . . . they 're so universal . . . & they make me smile

For Today - March 16, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window... it's sunny & mild. Once again blue skies, but no clouds. As always - lots of birds. I do love them & can't imagine living some place where there is not a continuing cacophony of birds.

Everything is greening out & budding out. . .even the pecan trees on N. Barron. I guess Spring is officially here - if a few days before the calendar agrees.

I am thinking...how glad I am for all I've gotten done today - utilities, bank deposit, more FEMA paperwork to the judge (took the stairs up & down) & time at the gym on the elliptical. And I brought dear old Shiloh home from the vet. He would have lasted the 14 hours we were gone Saturday/Sunday . . . but we didn't want to get up & down Sunday afternoon, letting him in and out! LOL

I am wondering...why a person can't buy cilantro plants during cool weather. Last year we read that they need the same environment as lettuce. We didn't have very good success last year, having planted the cilantro plants when available: summertime! Anyway - the plants when to seed & we have a couple of volunteers & they are doing wonderfully well & I'll snip some to use in supper tonight.

I am thankful for....for all the safe traveling last week: a trip to/from Houston Wednesday - Friday & on Saturday a trip to Ft. Worth, arriving early afternoon, then to Richardson in the evening . . . made it safely home very early Sunday AM. I'm also thankful to have made it to church later in the morning!
From the kitchen...Chicken breasts, whole wheat tortillas & cilantro. Will grill up some onions & peppers & call it dinner!

I am going...to read over this week's WW meeting.

I am wearing...athletic gear

I am reading...WW meeting guide.
I am hoping...this stomach "issue" goes away. Quickly!

I am hearing...birds, birds & more birds! Love it!

Around the house….my unpacking is done. I don't think I'm traveling again real soon. Yay!

One of my favorite things...being with my family. This past weekend was fabulous!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...going to the gym; walking Shiloh; WW meeting; guestroom ready for my two favorite girls; stuff ready for scrapbooking.

Something you may not know about me...I seldom am able to fall asleep while sitting up.

For Today - March 9, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window... it is dark & there's not yet any bird activity. DST started & it's still very dark.

I am thinking...I've come down with a sore throat. Woke up Saturday with it scratchy & it's still feeling that way.

I am wondering...why someone would march into a church & shoot the pastor? What a horrible thing to have happen.

I am thankful for....having already gone to the gym. I signed in at 5:36. . . it's good to have the elliptical behind me!

From the kitchen...Carrot juice & green onion & yellow pepper omelet. And Hazelnut Coffee.

I am going...to prepare for tomorrow's Board Meeting, WW meeting, do laundry, take Shiloh for a walk & play around with camera or photos. Or both.

I am wearing...athletic gear

I am reading..."The Photoshop Elements 5 Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby. It's one of those books that I had the spine cut off & had it spiral bound

I am hoping...to tidy sew.com room again. It has somehow managed to get messy again & I'm sure I didn't have anything to do with it!

I am hearing...one lonely mockingbird. I guess he's waking up the rest of the gang?

Around the house….the floors still needing a good cleaning!

One of my favorite things...spring flowers. The photo above is once again a shot of kitchen window. The rest of the house may or may not be tidy & in disarray, but the kitchen window usually is pretty good shape!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...continue showing up early at the gym; WW; Good Sam; Houston; Gardening.

Something you may not know about me...I seldom wear cologne, although I do have a favorite, "Pure White Linen"

View not one, but three times. . . . and think about it.

http://www.flixxy.com/political-systems.htm

For Today - March 6, 2009, Friday

Outside My Window... it is sunny & breezy with white clouds in blue skies. A perfectly perfect Spring day.

I am thinking...that I will take Shiloh walking. Or work in the flower beds. Or go to the gym.

I am wondering...which of those three to do. Or should I start supper?

I am thankful for....this beautiful day . . . with no where I have to go.

From the kitchen...Whole wheat rotini, pasta sauce, freshly grasted Parmesan. That's tonight's supper. . . . plus a nice salad since we just got our organic produce from Ricki & Rob.

I am going...to walk the dog, work outside or go to the gym : )

I am wearing..jeans, t-shirt, shoes.

I am reading..."The Photoshop Elements 5 Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby. It's one of those books that I had the spine cut off & had it spiral bound

I am hoping...to quickly make up my mind about my next activity!

I am hearing...birds. Always birds. No matter what time of day . . . there's always birds.

Around the house….tidiness, although the floors need tending to.

One of my favorite things...a gorgeous spring day full of happy birds!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...attend tomorrow's WW staff meeting & eat out in Tyler. Sunday - church, lunch & a nap!

Something you may not know about me... I'm thinking of using the above photo for an Easter card.

For Today - March 4, 2009 - Wednesday

Outside My Window... it is cloudy & breezy. And it's very cool, too, although it's suppose to warm up. Most definitely Spring has sprung.

I am thinking...that I really would like to flip LR w/DR.

I am wondering...how much work it would actually be to flip those two rooms. There's two armoires that would need to be moved, too, in addition to couches & dining room tables & hall tree.

I am thankful for....a great WW meeting last night. It was good to be back!

From the kitchen...Oatmeal, banana, yogurt & coffee.

I am going...to town.

I am wearing..jeans, t-shirt, sweat-jac, shoes

I am reading..."Emergency Prayers - God's Help in Your Time of Need" by Deborah Smith Pegues.

I am hoping...to not be too cold at GS. They don't like to "waste" money & seldom put on heater or AC!

I am hearing...birds, printer, heater.

Around the house….I need to put away luggage.

One of my favorite things...not feeling rushed.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Volunteer @ GS; unpack; tidy house; play around with LR/DR flip. This "playing around" will involve paper & rulers, etc. I first have to move furniture around on scaled drawing of room before I ever move it around for real. I've always done this . . . had to-scale cutouts of baby cribs! All furniture was cut out from green index cards!

Too bad I've tossed those as it would be fun to look at . . . . first "baby" will be 39 tomorrow!

Something you may not know about me... I'm really cold natured!

For Today - March 3, 2009 - Tuesday

Outside My Window... it is sunny & wonderful with lots of bustling birds all around & I wish I had time to go work out in the yard.

I am thinking...that the economy might really get bad. On the "Today Show", when Matt Lauer asked their financial guru about leaving your money alone unless you need it in the next 5 minutes, the FG said, "Or if you'll need it within the next 5 YEARS". Can you believe that? Liberal network TV financial guru telling folks to get their money out if they're going to need it within the next 5 years.

I am wondering...how my WW meeting will go today. I've been gone for 6 weeks. . . .

I am thankful for....having good health & having had good health most my life. The rusty bike photo is the bike I pedaled all 3 my children on. I'm glad to have been able to be a healthy mom. . . not all moms are so blessed. It's a rusty rminder.

From the kitchen...Chocolate Swirl Coffee & cell phone chargning.

I am going...to spend a lot of the day praying.

I am wearing...that sensational shabby chenille robe.

I am reading..."Emergency Prayers - God's Help in Your Time of Need" by Deborah Smith Pegues. I'm not a big fan of repetitive "high church" prayers, but this little book has scriptural reminders of the truths about situations . . . very handy little reminders about "how" to pray according to scripture.

I am hoping...to accomplish much with the least amount of stress. I don't like being anxios.

I am hearing...birds, printer, heater.

Around the house….I'm think of switching dining room with the living room. Spent a lot of the weekend watching HGTV & really like a room they flipped: gold walls with blue furniture. Well, nt dining room has gold walls & my furniture is blue leather. Besides that: the current dining room has fabulous east & south windows. It's my favorite room in the house so why not have the living room in there?

Pluses of moving dining room into current livng: I've always wanted a dining room in a library & one wall is floor to ceiling bookcase. One very big negative: the walls in that room are rough brown wood. Floor is hideous brown carpet. Add brown tables & I'm not sure I will like the look of living in a squirrel's nest! Of course, white or colorful tablecloths would help. Well - it's all percolating in my mind. That might be my requested birthday request: men & men/boys come move furniture for me :)

One of my favorite things...starting new things!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....WW prep; WW meeting; Vounteer @ GS; unpack; laundry; tidy house; play around with LR/DR flip.

Something you may not know about me... I like amazing, awesome, alliterations!

For Today - February 26, 2009 - Thursday

Outside My Window... it's cloudy and very warm. I guess Spring is really here. The birds are chriping & the chickens are clucking & all is perfect.

I am thinking... I need to hurry up w/this blog & call mom. That's the only way I can get a hold of her . . . schedule a time to call!

I am wondering... if I'll make it to the gym today . . . . I need a good workout!

I am thankful for....hubby being willing to burn a vacation day to go with me yesterday & doing all the hammering & nailing, etc. I couldn't have done it without him.

From the kitchen... there's still lots of grapefruit & not so many bananas.

I am going...to continue making phone calls, writing thank you notes, gathering stuff to take with me. Judy & I are going to scrapbook! Yippee!

I am wearing... jeans & shirt.

I am reading... nothing at the moment. Finished "90 Minutes in Heaven" & scanned through all of Sherry Rogers' books.

I am hoping... to have a productive day!

I am hearing... birds, birds & more birds. One an unfamiliar call . . . but sounds very sweet.

Oops - & one just flew into a kitchen window, which is very strange because my windows are not THAT clean! LOL

Around the house….stuff to put away.

One of my favorite things... is great Mexican food & I had the BEST last night: Romo's just outside Trinity, TX. Everything was so FRESH . . . . it all tasted so FRESH . . . fajita beef soft taco tasted as if made with grilled steak! Grilled onions & peppers still had some "bite" to them . . . not all mushy and soaking in grease. Red salsa was the same: onions & cilantro with some "bite" to them . . . I commented, "Either this is freshly made or else I'm buying some"! Found out it IS freshly made but they're willing to sell, too! Sooooo - we bought 16 ounces & will have to eat it within a couple of days. The food is SUPERB. . . unfortunately too far a drive to go there with any regularity.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week.... Wait to hear back from insurance companies, gather up "A Week in My Life" stuff to take & scrapbook with Judy. Oh . . . and do WW meeting prep. It's time to go back to work!

Something you may not know about me... I've been sleeping like a baby. Either it's because there's less worry/concern since daddy's passed away or (more likely) it's because I'm taking my Natural Calm magnesium before I go to bed. Wonderful! I'd almost forgotten what it's like to sleep 6 - 8 hours straight through!

For Today - February 25, 2009 - Wednesday

Outside My Window... it's dark . . . once again early in the morning.

I am thinking... I better get moving in the right direction: South!

I am wondering... if we'll get mama all moved in & set up in time to make it back home at a decent hour.

I am thankful for....this year's daffodils & other jonquils. This mosaic may be the last posting of yellow flowers!

From the kitchen... there's lots of grapefruits & bananas.

I am going...to make a quick day trip to Houston.

I am wearing... what used to be called wind pants & a striped t-shirt

I am reading... finishing up "90 Minutes in Heaven" . . . you'd think a book about heaven would be a bit more interesting! Actually the part about heaven IS interesting . . . it's all the other stuff about his recovery that is BORING me to tears. I don't care. I've been around the block more than once and already know that God uses all sorts of bad things to fulfill His purposes in our lives & the lives of others.

I am hoping... to get mama moved in & set up w/out any hiccups. Yeah - right. I better not forget that last sentence I wrote in above entry. ;)

I am hearing... computer scanning, running virus check, etc. Either I'm on the computer at the same time every day or this thing has OCD

Around the house…. a stool, my tool box, Mikita, etc., waiting by the front door, waiting to go out with me.

One of my favorite things... A hot beverage so early in the morning. It can be hot coffee. It can be hot tea. Heck - it can even be hot chocolate. Just so long as it's HOT

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week.... Get mama moved in and set up, wait to hear back from insurance companies, gather up "A Week in My Life" stuff to take & scrapbook with Judy. Oh . . . and do WW meeting prep. It's time to go back to work!

Something you may not know about me... I now get only ONE CHANNEL on my TV. Before all this high falutin' digital c**p, we had two - sometimes three. Now just one . . . even with the converter box just one channel: NBC.

Thank you US government for screwing up one other aspect of life.

Yes - I love sarcasm.

For Today - February 24, 2009 - Tuesday

Outside My Window...it's dark & cool with a predicted high of 68. The Redbud trees are beginning to bud out. The Irises, too. I guess it's really Spring in Cherokee County.

I am thinking...that life is really too complicated. That may be one of the most attractive thing about heaven: no scheduling, no phone calls, no call backs, no texts. . . . just constant communication with the Lord and spontaneous worship. . . without any rehearsals. Actually though, I guess life here on earth is the rehearsal. Hope I get better at it!

I am wondering....if I'll make it to Matt's on time. Why do I schedule such early hair appointments? Well, it's not really "early", but it takes me 45 minutes to get there! And if there's a logging truck along the way . . . . well, that's why I have to give myself an hour to meet Matt.

I am thankful for....that little bouquet at the top of the page. It's the one I picked when I got home from Houston on Saturday.

From the kitchen...bananas, grapefruit, coffee and chocolate. But I'll just have coffee, grapefruit and oatmeal ; )

I am going...to get hair cut and all the things I didn't do yesterday.

I am wearing...jammies

I am reading...email

I am hoping...to maintain high energy.

I am hearing...computer going through its scan and Shiloh grooming himself. I think he may have a burr stuck in his fur? He's surely working hard at it.

Around the house….about an hour's worth of work.

One of my favorite things...new cut and color

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Buy stamps so I can mail thank you cards, insurance papers; get hair cut/color; "maybe" a day trip to Mom's to decorate room, if she gets moved Wednesday; Jackson.

Something you may not know about me...I'm getting an external flash for my camera! And a Lensbaby Muse! And some more stuff - all from Weight Watchers Incredible Rewards! Yay!

For Today -February 23, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window...it's cold & sunny, with blue skies, white clouds, lots of birds & not at all windy.

I am thinking...I need get really busy.

I am wondering....when mom will be moved. The assisted living facility had a "flood" this morning in one of the resident's room, so everything else is pushed back for the time being.

I am thankful for....another good night's sleep. And coffee to wake up to in the morning.

From the kitchen...I have NO idea what's for supper. Yesterday we ate the last of the chicken in the freezer. I made bar-b-q sandwiches & cole slaw. We have lots of cabbage, & I'm the only one who likes it cooked, so we eat a lot of cole slaw. If I can't think of something, we'll have soup & grilled cheese sandwiches . . . with cole slaw on the side. Neither one of us is too very picky. Which brings me to another entry for what I'm thankful for!

Breakfast was a cuppa cawfee & oatmeal.

I am going...to go to the post office to buy stamps to mail thank you notes for my mom. Also make a donation of clothes to Good Sam. She was VERY good about cleaning out her closet when she bought new clothes last week. She said she's NEVER had that many new clothes at one time. Well - she deserves them! By her own admission, she has a blouse that more than 20 years old! And that one she didn't get rid of 'cause she likes it so well! I don't think I have ANY clothes I like that much!

I am wearing...flannel pajamas & great, big woolly sox. My feet were so cold last night & hubby brought me these warm, fluffy sox to wear. I'm glad my drawers are neat & tidy, so he could find them!

I am reading...insurance forms.

I am hoping...to make a day trip to mom's.

I am hearing...birds, birds & more birds. I guess it's really Springtime in east TX . . .

Around the house….quilts waiting to be folded.

One of my favorite things...Sunny Monday mornings!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Mail thank you cards, insurance papers; get hair cut/color; "maybe" a day trip to Mom's to decorate room, if she gets moved Wednesday; Jackson.

Something you may not know about me...if I were on a deserted island I'd want my hubby, family, Bible & camera with me. Someone else will need to bring the food! :)

For Today - February 22, 2009 - Sunday

Outside My Window...it's still cold & windy . . . and oh, so very sunny!

I am thinking...I really should unpack! Yes, that was yesterday's entry too, but I haven't yet unpacked, although I DID wash the dirty laundry brought back.

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

I am thankful for....a wonderful night's sleep. I woke up several times during the night, but went right back to sleep....and slept until 10 AM. I couldn't believe it! I NEVER sleep that long!

From the kitchen...coffee.

I am going...to move in low motion. Oh, I'll unpack & tidy up, sort through papers that need to be dealt with, but I won't be too speedy.

I am wearing...fleece pants, long-sleeved t-shirt & sox.

I am reading...I would say, "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels", but I'm caught up with all her entries. Hurry up, Ree . . . we want to know the rest of the story!

I am hoping...I can accomplish all I hope to this week. The list is daunting.

I am hearing...wind blowing. Just the wind blowing. No birds chirping . . .just the wind blowing & a crow in the distance.

Around the house….a bit of order waiting to happen.

One of my favorite things...home sweet home! Right after unloading the van, I quickly picked a small bouquet of daffodils, crocuses, & irises. Lovely!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Mail thank you cards, insurance papers; get hair cut/color; "maybe" a day trip to Mom's to decorate room, if she gets moved Tuesday; Jackson.

Something you may not know about me...I am not at all double-jointed, nor can I curl my tongue.

For Today - February 21, 2009 - Saturday

Outside My Window...cold & windy! I'm back in east TX & it is WINDY. It was warm & sunny while in Houston . . . see the happy yellow, rubber duck? :)
I am thinking...I really should unpack!
I am wondering....when the Red Bud trees around here will start blooming? They're beautiful in Huntsville, along w/the forsythia, flowering quince & bridal wreath.
I am thankful for....a safe trip home to my man! I'm a dreamer - he's my dream!
From the kitchen...lots of mail & grapefruit. I am going...to unpack, wash clothes, & upload a gazillion photos. I am wearing...fleece pants, blouse & sweatshirt. I am reading..."Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" http://thepioneerwoman.com/category/black_heelstractor_wheels/the_night_i_met_marlboro_man

I am hoping...I feel like going to church tomorrow.
I am hearing...wind blowing, hubby puttering around the laundry room . . . he's going through his stuff, & TV

Around the house….now a total of 3 tables in the dining room. :)

One of my favorite things...home sweet home! Right after unloading the van, I quickly picked a small bouquet of daffodils, crocuses, & irises. Lovely!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....Today is Saturday, so there's not much left of the week! Unpack, wash clothes, play with pics.

Something you may not know about me...I take books to Office Max & have them cut off the spine & insert spiral coil to ones I read/use over & over again.

For Today - February 20, 2009 - Friday

Outside My Window...the sky is getting light. And I think it's cold, too.

I am thinking...I need to go to bed earlier while in Houston.

I am wondering....if the load of clothes I'm washing is ready for the drier.

I am thankful for....my camera. It really is a good friend to me & I've finally found the perfect purse that's big enough for DSLR, two lenses & my Franklin Planner. It's a heavy purse . . . but it works! It's beautiful tooled leather. . . I'll have to snap a pic of it & post sometime.

From the kitchen...coffee & instant oatmeal.

I am going...to put that load of clothes into the drier. Be right back.

I am wearing...oh, this is a doozy: black fleece pants, lime green t-shirt, brown zippered sweat shirt, beige sox & black house slippers. Now you know why I threw a load of clothes into the washer early this morning.

I am reading..."Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" http://thepioneerwoman.com/category/black_heelstractor_wheels/the_night_i_met_marlboro_man

That's why my eyes are out of focus in the above picture! I stayed up 'til midnight reading this story . . . . am now on chapter XXXVIII. I'm tempted to go back to the website & read "just one more chapter", but know deep, deep down I'll read more & it will throw me off schedule for today.

I am hoping...mom likes her new haircut. It is so, so, so very cute! She's a very stylin' 87 year old!

I am hearing...drier drying!

Around the house….Sandy curled up on the couch.

One of my favorite things...seeing mama smile.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....get table & chairs; maybe attend Chili Cookoff @ brother's work; head back home. . . .

Something you may not know about me...I wnt walking again yesterday evening.!

For Today - February 18, 2009 - Wednesday

Outside My Window...it's dark as I'm blogging at 9:30 PM

I am thinking...I need to take a shower & go to bed.

I am wondering....if I'll sleep through the night.

I am thankful for....going for a walk w/CAP & cuz.

From the kitchen...Nothing much. Supper is long over.

I am going...to bed soon.

I am wearing...brown yoga pants & teeshirt & sox.

I am reading..."Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" http://thepioneerwoman.com/category/black_heelstractor_wheels/the_night_i_met_marlboro_man

I am hoping...to see mom wearing her new clothes.

I am hearing...dogs barking & airplane.

Around the house….tidiness here!

One of my favorite things...going shopping w/CAP & mom!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....doc appt & hair appt. Both for mom.

Something you may not know about me...you fill in the ______________.!

For Today - February 16, 2009 - Monday

Outside My Window...it's cloudy and cool with rain predicted for tonight and tomorrow. Birds are jumping around in rose bush, which is so overgrown we really, really, really think it's keeping the unusable greenhouse from total collapse!

I am thinking...I need to charge my cell phone! Yikes! I left it on my dresser all night long and it is DEAD . . . .

I am wondering....if Kwabena and Milan will come back? I hope so . . . I do enjoy their company so much.

I am thankful for....getting a good night's sleep! I woke up at 5, rolled over and went back to sleep and didn't get up until 7:30. Debby called on the house since cell was dead, that's when I woke up!


From the kitchen...Coffee . . . banana . . . not too hungry.

I am going...to tidy computer room, vacuum, shower & come see you!


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


I am reading..."90 Minutes in Heaven". When my cousin told me about this book I KNEW I'd read it before . . . but the copyright is fairly recent so then I thought I was maybe mistaken. As I read it, I know what's happening next regarding the accident and experience in heaven . . . so I "must" have read it before. The details of his recovery are completely new to me . . . but the first part isn't. I'm thinking I must have seen his story on "700 Club" or maybe even heard him speak at local Houston church. It's a mystery to me . . . but I'm almost through with the book.

I am hoping...to be able to visit with Milan some more. He's from the Czech Republic & very interesting to talk to. He's from a small town about the size of Jacksonville and there's only 4 Christians there! Amazing to think there's people in the civilized world who have never heard about Christ.

I am hearing...dog sighing, printer humming, birds chirping.

Around the house….orderliness still reigns!

One of my favorite things...is getting that good night's sleep! Yay!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....I suppose dealing w/the business of death.

Something you may not know about me...I think some weeds are pretty! See above!

Ordinary Miracle by Sarah McLachlan

It’s not that usual when everything is beautiful
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sky knows when its time to snow
You don’t need to teach a seed to grow
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own

Isn’t it remarkable?
Like every time a raindrop falls
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Birds in winter have their fling
And always make it home by spring
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday
Please don’t throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we are all a part
Of the ordinary miracle

Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?

Its seems so exceptional
Things just work out after all
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sun comes up and shines so bright
It disappears again at night
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

It’s just another ordinary miracle today

For Today - February 15, 2000 - Sunday

Outside My Window...it's dark. It's 6 AM, Sunday. Some habits are hard to break!

I am thinking...I need to make a list of things to go/do today.

I am wondering....why daffodils stand for "unrequited love". All I see is hope, sunshine & love! In these parts it's one of the first signs of Spring.

I am thankful for....yesterday which was "just another ordinary miracle today" as Sarah McLachlan says.

I'm like my mother - give me flowers while I'm alive. So my husband has done just that in the form of flowering plants. Oh - when we were younger he'd give me cut flowers. And candy. And all those Valentine gifts that commercialism says I'm suppose to want. But I'm selfish & greedy! I want flowers year-round! So, he's planted more roses & perennials & bulbs than you would believe! And yesterday, being V'day, he pruned most of the roses. Not the big, wild ones out back, but most of the ones that are in flower beds.

I took the time to call my friend who's been doing my WW meeting for me. She's a little bit older than me & All SHE wanted was for her hubby to make her a card, which he did, & while we were talking HE was out planting potatoes! And it was a perfectly "ordinary miracle" for her. We laughed about how perfect our day was!

When we were younger we'd get dressed up & eat out at fancy restaurants (at least fancy for us) on V'day. And I'd fell badly for the older couples who didn't bother dressing up, etc. Now I know better. Now I know they maybe hadn't dressed up because their day was so full of doing what they REALLY wanted to do that there wasn't time and/or energy to dress up. Maybe they had just come out of a hard time. Or hectic time. Or some type of extraordinary time & being/doing/acting "average & ordinary" was the PERFECT gift for them.

That's what yesterday was: perfectly average & ordinary & I loved it! We didn't even give cards to one another because we agreed before hand to stand at the card counter & look at cards and share and say, "If I was going to buy you a card, this is one I'd buy"! We've done it before . . . . laughing at the funny ones & crying at the serious ones & never buying a single one! We were too tired to do that yesterday. We'll do it today. There won't be as many to choose from & there won't be any crowds. And it will be PERFECT for us for today . . . for this year. Next year I may need presents & cards & all the trappings of this "made up" holiday. But not this year. I just need "him" to be him. With me. Doing the average & ordinary.

From the kitchen...coffee

I am going...to go to church! Yay! It's been a long time! And pick up sweet Kwabena on the way there. Afterward go to the dreaded WM & maybe Atwoods. Once home, will tidy computer room.

I am wearing...jeans, blouse & sox. .

I am reading..."90 Minutes in Heaven"

I am hoping...to be able to work in the church nursery. I need to take photos of kids!

I am hearing...hubby, dog, computer, mockingbird & one other bird I don't recognize.

Around the house….orderliness! Yay! Not perfection - which is NEVER the goal . . . but overall tidiness.

One of my favorite things...is being outdoors. Yesterday was a perfect gardening day: not hot, not cold, not windy. It was overcast & required a sweatshirt, but it IS February! And I heard my first Redwing Blackbird. Love them.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....I suppose dealing w/the business of death.

Something you may not know about me...Aw - I don't think there's anything left unknown!

For Today - February 14, 2009 - Saturday

Outside My Window...it's sunny, breezy & chilly.

I am thinking...I need to get some sleep. I woke up at 1AM & stayed awake until almost 5, then got up at 7:15.

I am wondering....why people choose to focus on what they focus on. Photography is so similar to ones attitude. This sunset picture is what's right outside my front door. Beautiful, isn't it? BUT, I did NOT focus on weeding flower beds, van, power lines, etc. I walked a few step off the porch & focused on the hill, trees & sunset. So it is with life . . . we get to choose what we focus on. Hopefully I'll remember this lesson & focus on the beauty in & around my life.

I am thankful for....having my hubby home on Valentine's Day!

From the kitchen...coffee

I am going...to process some photos, clean house, go to town & then to Legends for the BEST hamburger! No, it's not a fancy V'Day lunch/dinner . . . but it's what we both want. . . kind of a normal Saturday. We haven't had many of them lately.

I am wearing...jeans & a velour top.

I am reading..."Gone From My Sight - the Dying Experience" by Barbara Karnes, otherwise known here in east Texas, as "The Little Blue Book".

I am hoping...to recognize when other loved ones are dying.

I am hearing...crows cawing, chickens clucking, hubby snipping rose bushes. Lots of crows.

Around the house….a quick pick up will take care of things.

One of my favorite things...is finally grieving.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....burning T'giving CDs for Amanda & Christiy & myself. Burning Christmas CDs for Simon & myself.

Something you may not know about me...it took two weeks, but I finally had a good cry. That's what I was doing in the middle of the night. I'm always cool, calm & collected during an emergency or crisis & once it's over I break down. Not this time. It took two weeks since he died & one week since I've been home. I guess EVERYTHING about me is getting slower!

For Today - February 13, 2009 - Friday

Outside My Window...it's dark. I've been awake since 4:45 . . .Probably a bit chilly, but not too cold. I just turned on the heater to take the chill out of the air.

I am thinking...I need to go to Good Sam today & make my big donation! I still have daddy's clothes, etc. & plenty of stuff from home to give. I better show up in the morning so there's plenty of time for them to go through the stuff!

I am wondering....if any of yesterday's pictures turned out. I'm uploading them now to the computer. That's why I got up early . . . to play w/the photos!

I am thankful for....having that laundry/library/storage/pantry room DUN! Don't get me wrong - there's still plenty of stuff in there . . . . but it's in so much better shape than it's been in, and I'm so happy. So very happy.

Also thankful for keeping up with the laundry AND taking time to play w/camera.

From the kitchen...Hazelnut coffee.

I am going...to town.

I am wearing...flannel pajamas.

I am reading...90 Minutes in Heaven. Well - I've not read it in days. But it's the one book I WILL read, when I pick up a book again.

I am hoping...to whip the rest of the house in order today.

I am hearing...Shiloh snoring. He really does snore like an old man. He gruffles & snorts & carries on. No wonder he naps so much during the day . . . he wears himself out in his dreams!

Around the house….the awaiting of the broom, mop & vacuum!

One of my favorite things...is snuggling w/my hubby.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week....burning T'giving CDs for Amanda & Christiy & myself. Burning Christmas CDs for Simon & myself. Mail Kevin's passport & other mail to him in Arizona.

Something you may not know about me...I took a dozens of sunset photos yesterday. And of Shiloh. And the daffodils. And the lake. And the sprinkler head.