Making Ready

Progress can be painful but also sweet.  I had been dreading getting rid of the Christmas decorations that I love.  I am very attached to all the things I have collected over the years.  I am always so happy to see my ornaments every year when I unwrap them.  And I hate taking down the tree.  I wait as long as possible to take the tree down and pack away my treasures.  I promise that when I packed them away last year I never thought that I would not be putting that same tree up for  Christmas this year.

We had a fun day last Friday when we had a "Christmas in July" sale with tons of ornaments and decorations marked "FREE".  Because I live in a Senior community we have lots of friends who no longer decorate and do not put up trees.  Most have down-sized and many just don't go to the trouble.  I had lots of foot tall trees that were a hit and mean that some neighbors will have tabletop trees this year.  Some bought decorations that will brighten their homes even without a tree.  For those who have a problem stretching their dollars the free items provided a fun shopping experience.  I know that at the end of the day we were hot and tired but we had so much fun.  All our customers were happy and laughing so that it seemed Christmas was in the air {though 90 +  degrees}/  It was fun to share the things we have bought over the years and see people happy to find one of a kind items.  We sold a few items for $1, 2, and $3.  Their fun made the heavy heart I had experienced  at the thought of selling my treasures seem as if they were going to new homes where they would be loved.  At then end of the day I felt very blessed to have shared with neighbors and to know they will think of us when they decorate their homes this Christmas.

Cleaning House

We are cleaning out and listing things on online yard sales that we do not have time for or a need for in the next few months.  Dale listed a table full of yarn, knitting needles and my old knitting basket this morning and within a few minutes it was all sold.  It looks like craft items are going to be a bonanza for us. We hope to get all the rest listed today.  Then we will get back to working on the storage building.

This is what keeps us going, pictures and blogs and people we hae met online who will answer any questions that we have.  So now I will share a picture of a rainy day in a city that has cobblestone streets even in the residential areas.

Research, Research, and Weed

I never thought I could be so involved in daily research and never get bored.  In fact, some days I get so frustrated when I can't find new things to read.  Thank heavens for the wonderful bloggers I have found, the groups I have joined, and the people who are so free with their advice and good wishes.

Conflicting airline and customs rules can make a person crazy.  Especially when it concerns forms that you need and fees to pay that will keep you out of a country.  It is so important to cross every t and dot every i.  Visas depend on it all being perfect. Get a form filled out, send it here to get it processed, get it back, forward to another city for more processing and get it back all in the 10 day limit before flying out.  On my!  Does it ever work?  That's scary.

Then to decide what to pack!  Two suitcases will have to hold everything you will need and weigh less than 50 pounds.  When you are excited about a journey and happy about your decision life seems like a fun journey.  Until it is time to whittle your possessions down to 2 suitcases.  Is this what they mean when they say "Nothing is perfect"?

Enough whining!  I have had a very good week with friends here that I am so lucky to enjoy.  And I have made new acquaintances that I hope will become friends soon.  I have met some very warm and sharing people and I am grateful for the advice and warmth they have extended.

Go U.S.A.!  And Happy Fourth of July America!

My How Time Flies

It is funny how long or short a time it takes to make a life-changing decision.  Then there is the realistic time that it will take to accomplish what you really are excited about doing.  But to be planning ahead for a year or more is really difficult.  There are days when you feel that you must hurry.  Then there are days when you think "there is nothing I can do yet".  So making more lists is the only action available.  And yet you know that the time will come when you thing "why did I not do more ahead of time"  The moral of the story is that long range planning is the pits.                                                                          

I guess I should at least admit that our plans involve a trip out of the country.  For 2 adults who have never needed a passport this is an exciting thing to do.  One of the reasons for the far-out planning is the financial part of the trip.  But the day will come when we will be able to tell all our friends and family how reasonable priced international travel can be.  That is all the details I will reveal for now.

So, I am spending some part of each day researching details, reading blogs, and trying to decipher the conflicting information that is out there.  It is also hard to face the fact that while there are so many things to be excited about, there are also so many things that are different or are missing where you will be going.  I think the long wait will help accept what you can not change.

 

Adventures

Apparently I forgot that I promised to do a better job of updating this blog.  Apparently I forgot I had a blog.  I know that I have done fun things, made new friends and even learned a few things so I have no real excuse.

I am beginning an adventure (I think) for the first time in my life so this blog will be the story of that adventure.  Just the thought that I might be able to do this has taken up all my time, thought, and anxiety for the last week or more.  But when all is said and done the excitement outweighs the anxiety so I believe that my daughter and I will begin this adventure together.

There will be lots of hurdles to accomplish this journey and some of those I will discuss here and hope it may be an example to others to pursue a dream at any age.  But in the meantime I will also concentrate on enjoying the little things that come about every day.

I will share the everyday things until "THE ADVENTURE "is closer to reality.  Hope you enjoy the journey with me. Until then I am sharing a look at my tiny new gardenia bush.  I have three of them and they smell like heaven.

A New Day

I tell myself that today is a new day.  I always say this, but today I mean it literally.  Today I hope that I will not see a single campaign ad.  I have never enjoyed them and it seems as if we have been bombarded for 3 years.  More dismaying is the fact that every where you go, or look, or read there is so much anger, hate, blaming others.  Even this morning on Facebook I have read angry comments under every post.

I am not as knowledgeable as I should be about the Bible and God's teachings but I do know that spewing hate and negative thoughts against our fellow men, women and children is not pleasing to Him.  I have read comments filled with hate towards Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and others. Adults saying "she/he has no talent", I hate her/him, etc.  How can any reasonable adult hate a child they have never met and know nothing about except that they are succeeding at following their dreams.

Likewise, how can a person hope to see their President "fail".  Do you really want your country to fail?  If it does, you won't be immune!  It WILL touch you, your family, and your loved ones.  Have we become a country that can't stand to see anyone do well unless it is us?  Who can't stand to see anyone succeed unless it is us.

Have we fallen so far from our Bill of Rights, our parent's teaching, the things we learned in Sunday School?  Where did tolerance go? Where is our love for our fellow man, our community, our country?  And we wonder why our lives are not the idyllic paradise we thought they would be.  We live what we create.  I could cry when I think of the children in America who have to grow up in a home where parents talk like they do on social media.  I know that they don't confine their negativity to just social media but speak that way in front of their children, speaking of hate, blame and intolerance and belittling of others.  Teaching their children by word and deed that it is OK to condemn others because you don't agree with them.

We will all have to live with those who were raised without "character", "tolerance", and "concern for others".  What a sad world that would be.

Thank God for parents who are examples of all that is good, and right, and loving.  We all need to remember  that our country, our leaders, our spiritual leaders, out teachers, our families, our friends, our children and all mankind, yes even perfect strangers, need our prayers.

Don't forget that you can stand up for what you believe without ever mentioning anyone or anything else in a negative way.  It is called being positive!  That would truly be a new day!

IT'S A MYSTERY TO ME!

How could I have just forgotten to update my blog?  Did I not have any inspiration?  Or nothing fun happened to write about?  I have not idea so I guess it will remain a mystery.

Why did I suddenly remember my blog?  Do I have something interesting to share with the world?  I have no idea so that too shall remain a mystery.

It may be that today is finally cool and it seems summer may depart after all.  That always cheers me up.  I have spent this summer making trips to the farmer's market and little bursts of sewing.  The sewing has made me realize that I have a serious flaw.  I am a perfectionist about the things that I do but I never want to do things that are hard.  I look at patterns or things on pinterest and they just look TOO HARD.  I want simple, quick, spend a few hours and have something AWESOME to show for it.  Where did this come from?  Have I always been lazy?  Is this a character flaw that I have had all my life?  How do you get to my advanced age and still not know yourself?

Oh, back to the farmers market.  I have a little cooked corn in the freezer, just ready to be warmed to eat summer corn.  A little squash already cooked, just ready to be warmed.  I have a little fresh tomato sauce fully cooked, just ready to have beef, chicken or mushrooms added for a great sauce. I have never done this before so where did this inspiration come from?

And last but not least I have eaten a fresh farm grown seedless watermelon every 5-7 days all summer.  Now I have to learn to get by without them until next year.  How will I ever survive without those sweet juicy watermelons?

Do you see the pattern here?  I have indulged myself with farmer's market food, bIts of sewing, and who knows how many books I have read.  So is it still a mystery where my summer went?  Or is the answer that I stayed inside in the cool and did NOTHING all summer long?

IT'S A MYSTERY TO ME!

THE BEST EVER!

Don't we all say "that was the best cake" or "steak" or whatever and it is just a figure of speech?  Well I have actually made the Best Ever Blueberry Muffins.  I've tried making Blueberry Muffins several times with fresh blueberries, but I was always disappointed.  This time I have done it.  They are light, not too sweet, and lots of fresh sweet blueberries in every bite.  I can't decide whether to hoard the recipe or SELL it.  Unfortunately I could only sell it if I gave away samples and I don't know about giving away even bites of these muffins.  If I ever make them for you, you can feel truly loved.

It also feels good to have accomplished something when it is too hot to even fix a cold drink!!

Heat, Heat, Whine, Whine

I really dislike whiners but the heat this summer is turning me into one.  It seems to be the ruling force in my life these days.  Can I get by without running that errand, going to the grocery store?  Can I put off the haircut a few more days?  Will it EVER rain?  If it does I may dance in the rain!

I did have a moment of almost giggling this morning.  I had a message from a dear friend who said his life was amazing this year.  What a delightful thing to hear.  I think this calls for a visit to hear all the details.  How long has it been since you heard someone say "My life is awesome"?  Don't you wish we would all say that more often.  I think I may try it even if it only regards today and I have to stretch a little bit.  It would be worth it if it made someone else smile and consider the possibilities for their own life.  Let's all try it once and see how it makes you feel.  Maybe it will become a habit and spread smiles everywhere.  Just imagine!

What in the World?

I know that summer in the South  makes us believe in Hell.  If it is hotter than this, I really do not want to go there!  In May we had death and destruction from tornadoes and  floods.  Now in the first week of June the temperature is near 100 and the heat index is even hotter.  Orange ozone warnings are out in cities!  It does not bode well for the rest of summer.  I remember the year our neighborhood pool had to put ice blocks in the water to cool it off so that kids could swim.  We may be headed for another one like that.  Personally I need to stay indoors until October and thank God daily for air conditioning.

Watermelon save us.  One of the few blessings of summer.  I am ready for the first one of the year.  Eating is an indoor sport for me.  No picnics.

Oh, don't forget the incessant sound of trillions of cicadas.  Summer in the south.  I am waiting for winter.

A Fun Day

I have said for years that I would never move another child into a dorm.  It is always hot, too much work, and exhaustion at the end of the day.  Never mind my aching back.  Well I had to eat those words this week when I helped moved my youngest grandson out of his dorm at Ole Miss.  It was Not too hot, Not too many trips, (thanks to his room mate), and Not too exhausting.  To give him credit, he was ALL packed when we got there.  Not nearly as much STUFF as girls always have and it was actually a fun day.

Once again I get to brag.  He finished his freshman year with good grades, good friends, and he got involved in lots of activities.  What more can you ask for from a freshman college student.

Congratulations to Sarah as well for graduating with honors from Mississippi State and her acceptance to grad school at Georgia Tech.  And to Bradley for a Masters in Engineering from Mississippi State and his acceptance to Georgia Tech.

Can you tell that this is a day when I am counting my blessings!

Proud to be Me

It has been too long since I have posted anything here.  I have experienced a real sense of pride today thinking about my grandsons.  My daughter was telling me about bragging on both of them to someone and it made me realize just how great it has been to share their lives and watch them grow. To see them choose which teachings along the way they have chosen to make a part of their way of life.  To see the things they have chosen to hold close to their hearts.  To see integrity be so important to both of them.  It makes me proud to be their grandmother.  And I admit that I have bragged on them always until friends and co-workers probably knew more that they wanted to.  So I thank every one who has listened to me brag on my boys.  I will continue to share how proud of them I am every day for things that they have accomplished.  And for who they are.  I know every grandparent feels the same way, but I just wanted to say how much my children and grandchildren  make me proud to be me.

Til next time, hug a child you love.  If you can't reach out and touch them, just say a prayer of thanks for them.  That's what I will do.

The People of Japan Are Suffering

I  know that everyone has seen the terrible images from Japan.  It makes me so grateful that all of my family is safe.  I really have worried about a story that has not really been covered, and that is "where are the children"?  There have been no children in sight.  They were all at school or in daycare while their parents were working.  Very few had time to get to their children before the tsunami came.  So many are hurting from losses of family, their homes, and their jobs.  We have always thought of Japan as a rich country but they do need the world's help now.

I will observe the Bloggers Day of Silence on Friday, March 18.  I will pray for the people of Japan.

The People of Japan Are Suffering

I

TOMORROW

Tomorrow may be a life-changing day for Dale and me.  We begin marketing our jewelry.  We've had so many delays while we worked out little obstructions that came our way.  Now we are READY!

I have really enjoyed designing jewelry, it satisfies my creative side.  Now if it will just be a financial success then we can really enjoy what we are doing.  Will let everybody know how it goes in a few days!

My World Today

My world is split between beauty and fun and the news of the world.  I have been filling my days with jewelry design, using natural stones, and wonders from our earth.  Today I am dipping Cake Balls in sweet flavored chocolates.  Then there is the world I live in, The South.

I am proud to be from the South -where tea is sweet, accents are sweet; summer starts in April, front porches are wide and words are long ; macaroni and cheese is a vegetable, pecan pie is a staple, Y'all is the only proper pronoun ; chicken is fried , biscuits come w/ gravy ; everything is darling and someone is always getting their heart blessed. Have a good day y'all & bless your hearts!  copied


Then I feel obligated to turn on the news (I am a reformed news junky!).  Death and discord in the Middle East, high gas prices, and Charlie Sheen.  Luckily we seem to be getting a short break from Lindsey Lohan.  I have a suggestion to solve some of the worlds ills.  Send Charlie to the Middle East.  With his "fists of iron", "tiger blood", and "superior brain" he can deal with the dictators in that part of the world.  By the time the deed is done he will dissolve into a puddle of Jello and we should be able to deal with that!


Then I can get back to my world of creativity, front porches and blessing hearts!  That is my thought for today!

Oh Happy Day!

Just a brief note!  Since football season ended I have been thinking "what now".  Today I remember what now.  It is a beautiful, warm, sunny day and the Daytona 500 is on tv.  Between my favorites Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart, I expect a fun day.  I know lots of people think only rednecks watch Nascar, but I am NOT a redneck!  Gotta go.  They have started their engines! Bye!

Confusion Reigns

I love making decisions!  It's not hard for me but changing my mind often follows.  So for now I am going to try my hand at jewelry design.  I have tried it and love it for now.  I've played with all my daughter's  jewels and helped pick out more.  So I have business cards, a title and I provide cheap labor for her.  We have been developing a web site which will be activated soon.  I am excited about making very trendy but one of a kind pieces of jewelry.  We will see how this works out.  I still have quite a few pieces of furniture (from another decision I made) in the garage waiting for me to paint them.

I am still going to be developing new flavors of Cake Balls.  My youngest grandson will not let me quit making these.  If you find them for sale at local bakeries, don't complain about the price.  I have seen them for $17-27 per dozen.  Let me tell you that they are very expensive to make and take tons of time.  He absolutely loves them so I will keep playing with this.

My daughter has a bichon with a huge vocabulary understanding.  She understands about things like "tomorrow" and  "go clean off your dirty feet", and "hide it Katie".  Yesterday we had 40 mph winds blowing leaves in the house every time we opened the door to let all the dogs in or out.  I said to the dogs "when you go out take some of these leaves with you".  Poor Katie stood there looking at me and at the leaves trying to decide how to do what I asked!  It was very funny!

Valentine's Day for One

Anyone without a sweetheart could really feel left out on Valentin's Day.  I think most probably try to ignore it, but that is really difficult with the world covered in pink and red.  Don't get me wrong, those are two of my favorite colors.  I heard on TV yesterday that you can treat yourself for Valentine's Day.  I think that is a great idea. I have been doing that for years.  Also Christmas and Birthdays!  Buy yourself some favorite chocolate, a bunch of flowers from the grocery store, and get a manicure.  Then just enjoy the weekend and feel special!  You could even add a bottle of wine to your gift list.  What a nice way to spend a holiday.

My Cake Balls seem to be a success.  They all arrived in the mail without being destroyed (that's another story) and my grandsons thought I was a magician.  Morgan said getting a German Chocolate Cake in a ball of chocolate was magic.  Maybe that is what makes them special.

The packaging mentioned above was engineered by my son-in-law.  It involved platters, bottoms of cookie cans, foam plates, stretch and seal, and pool noodles.  You would have to see it to believe it.  I have a very talented family.

Hope every one has a good Valentine's Day!  See you next time!

How Frustrated Can One Person Be?

After the Super Bowl and two snow events it is time to get back to business.  Last week I spent an hour one day trying to get an upgrade on my AT&T phone.  With a new phone on the way I watched for FedEx for 2 days.  No luck so I called AT&T again.  Forty five minutes later my phone was on the way.  It arrived and guess what?  I have no signal.  None, nada, not even 1 bar.  So tomorrow I will be battling AT&T again.  Wish me luck but don't try to call me!

I am still exploring my options but I am not sure about Cake Balls.  After making 20 dozen I don't see this as an occupation.  They were fun but they require a lot of dishwashing.  I would never apply for a dishwashing job so why would I take on one voluntarily.  BIG bowls and lots of them, baking pans, and cookie sheets.  Double boilers and melted dipping chocolate everywhere.  I think I will keep looking for my new specialty.

With a new snow storm on the way tomorrow I am looking forward to being snowed in with no deadlines to worry about.  Taxes are done, Valentines are in the mail.  I think I will read a good book and watch the snow fall.