You Relate to Eagles and Whales |
 Your Power Animal: Eagle Animal You Were in a Past Life: Whale You are active, a challenger, and optimistic. Hard-working, you are always working towards a set goal. |
Monday, December 29, 2008
Animal Personality Test
Okay, I just found this funny. Thanks Michelle for sharing this with us.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
What Color Christmas Lights Are You?
You Are Green Lights |
 Your holidays are a time of rest and solace. You take time to reflect on the year that's passed. You also enjoy connecting with friends and family you've lost touch with. The holidays are your opportunity to remember what's important in your life. |
Oh yeah, this is me to a T
Another Knitting Project
My friend at work has a beautiful private office to work from and it has two beautiful big windows looking out onto gorgeous fields and wildlife. The only down side is that those two big windows are COLD. She never complains, but when she comes out of her office rubbing her hands together trying to warm them up I know she's cold. We've talked about her needing gloves to work with, but then how would she pick up papers? Well, after giving it a lot of thought I came up with these.
I just worked up a pattern and I think they'll fit. They really warmed up my wrists and hands when I tried them on. I'm sure they'll look a lot better on her tiny little hands and hope they make it easier for her to work.
I just worked up a pattern and I think they'll fit. They really warmed up my wrists and hands when I tried them on. I'm sure they'll look a lot better on her tiny little hands and hope they make it easier for her to work.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
I've Been Knitting
Bet you've been wondering why I've been so quiet. Well, I've been busy. My son and DIL are having a daughter in March and I like to give a gift to the baby at Christmas time even before she's here. So, once I found out it was a girl I started knitting up a storm. For Pocohauntus (as they loving refer to her now) I made a sweater and hat in size 6 months.
Of course I couldn't forget lil Peanut. For her I found a quick little pattern for mittens complete with an idiot string lol. This is my first attempt at mittens and they weren't perfect, but I'm sure they'll keep her little fingers warm. Her coat came with mittens, but they were the little sock kind that don't have thumbs.
I made another little something for a friend at work so I'll have to post that later after I give it to her.
But there you have it, I've been busy getting ready for Christmas, knitting and working full time. That'll keep you away from the blog world if anything will. What have you been doing to prepare for the Christmas Celebration?
Of course I couldn't forget lil Peanut. For her I found a quick little pattern for mittens complete with an idiot string lol. This is my first attempt at mittens and they weren't perfect, but I'm sure they'll keep her little fingers warm. Her coat came with mittens, but they were the little sock kind that don't have thumbs.
I made another little something for a friend at work so I'll have to post that later after I give it to her.
But there you have it, I've been busy getting ready for Christmas, knitting and working full time. That'll keep you away from the blog world if anything will. What have you been doing to prepare for the Christmas Celebration?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Poem written by terminal young girl in New York
I got this in an email today and was really moved by the fact that I am trying to do way too much and I need to slow down. How about you?
SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask how are you? Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time to call and say,'Hi'
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music before the song is over.
This kind of reminds me of when my kids were very small and my daughter asked me to read to her and I said "no, I don't have time right now." and a few minutes later someone came to the door and asked for a minute of my time. I told her "I'm sorry, but I just told my daughter I didn't have time to read to her and if I don't have time to read to her I definitely don't have a minute for a stranger". I think I did sit down right then and read to her, it just kind of all came into perspective for me. We all need to remember to "JUST BREATHE"
SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask how are you? Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time to call and say,'Hi'
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music before the song is over.
This kind of reminds me of when my kids were very small and my daughter asked me to read to her and I said "no, I don't have time right now." and a few minutes later someone came to the door and asked for a minute of my time. I told her "I'm sorry, but I just told my daughter I didn't have time to read to her and if I don't have time to read to her I definitely don't have a minute for a stranger". I think I did sit down right then and read to her, it just kind of all came into perspective for me. We all need to remember to "JUST BREATHE"
Friday, December 12, 2008
Time for Baking
Last night was all about baking cookies and making fudge. I worked for 6 hours and was then too tired to sleep...go figure. First up were the Chocolate Chip Cookies. I got this recipe from a wonderful gal, Renee, that I've taken some community education classes from.
All American Chocolate Chip Cookies
2/3 c butter
1/3 c shortening
1 c packed brown sugar
½ c granulated sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 package (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1 c chopped walnuts
In large bowl cream butter, shortening and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; stir into butter mixture, mixing well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto greased baking sheets. Bake in 350F oven 8-10 minutes, just until edges are golden (centers will still be soft). Remove to wire racks to cool.
Cast of Ingredients
Yummy warm cookies.
Peanut Butter Cookies
1 c butter
1 c peanut butter
1 c sugar
1 c brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 t vanilla
3 c flour
Pinch salt
2 t baking soda
Cream together butter, vanilla and sugars. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in peanut butter and then sifted dry ingredients. Form into little balls. Place on a greased cookie sheet and press down with the tines of a fork creating a criss-cross design. Bake in a 375F oven for about 10 minutes. Makes about 5 dozen.
Just a few changes to make these
I used all the colored sugar I had to kind of dress them up a little.
Walnut Crescents
1 c butter, softened
Confectioners’ sugar
2 t vanilla
¼ t salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 ¾ c flour
Cream butter. Add ½ cup confectioners’ sugar, the vanilla and salt; beat until light. Stir in nuts and flour until well blended. Wrap dough in waxed paper and chill well. Preheat oven to 300F. Divide dough in 8 equal pieces. On lightly floured board, shape in thin rolls about ½” in diameter. Cut into 2” pieces, taper off ends and shape into crescents. Put on ungreased baking sheet and bake 18-10 minutes. Remove to rack to cool. Sift confectioners’ sugar over tops. About 5 dozen.
Just a few ingredients here
In case you noticed, I didn't exactly follow the directions for shaping these, but they are still delicious. Do as I say not as I do. These are great with a hot cuppa...
Sugar Cookies
4 cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, 1 separated
1 tsp vanilla
3 tbls lemon juice
Ornamental frosting
Mix flour and salt and set aside. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add whole egg and beat well. Add egg yolk and beat. Beat in vanilla and lemon juice. Add flour and mix with wooden spoon. Divide dough in 4 parts and wrap each part in plastic wrap. Chill several hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On lightly floured surface roll one portion at a time to 1/8” thickness. Cut with small floured cookie cutter shape and put on lightly greased cookie sheet. Slightly beat egg white and add 1 tablespoon water. Brush onto cookies before baking. Bake 8-10 minutes.
Went through a lot of butter lol
Got a little lazy here and didn't do a lot of designs...and only one color of ornamental frosting...think that was in the plan?
Fantasy Fudge
3 cups sugar
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter or margarine
1 small can (5 oz) evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup)
1 ½ pkg (12 squares) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, chopped
1 ½ cups Jet Puffed Marshmallow Crème
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla
Line 9 inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan; set aside. Place sugar, butter and evaporated milk in large heavy saucepan. Bring to full rolling boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 4 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees F, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat.
Add chocolate and marshmallow crème; stir until completely melted. Add walnuts and vanilla; mix well.
Pour immediately into prepared pan; spread to form even layer in pan. Let stand at room temperature 4 hours or until completely cooled; cut into 1 inch squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature. Makes 3 lbs or 40 servings, about two squares.
This recipe is off the jar of marshmallow creme and melts in your mouth.
I had some smaller gift size containers that came in very handy.
I might make a few more things before all is said and done, but I wanted to get at least this much done for some gifts that I needed this weekend. I always love this time of year and it's getting to be about the only time that I really bake. It's not that I don't love the stuff, but I just don't need it and if it's not in the house I don't eat it. What are some of your favorite things to make for this special time of year?
All American Chocolate Chip Cookies
2/3 c butter
1/3 c shortening
1 c packed brown sugar
½ c granulated sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 package (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1 c chopped walnuts
In large bowl cream butter, shortening and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; stir into butter mixture, mixing well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto greased baking sheets. Bake in 350F oven 8-10 minutes, just until edges are golden (centers will still be soft). Remove to wire racks to cool.
Cast of Ingredients
Yummy warm cookies.
Peanut Butter Cookies
1 c butter
1 c peanut butter
1 c sugar
1 c brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 t vanilla
3 c flour
Pinch salt
2 t baking soda
Cream together butter, vanilla and sugars. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in peanut butter and then sifted dry ingredients. Form into little balls. Place on a greased cookie sheet and press down with the tines of a fork creating a criss-cross design. Bake in a 375F oven for about 10 minutes. Makes about 5 dozen.
Just a few changes to make these
I used all the colored sugar I had to kind of dress them up a little.
Walnut Crescents
1 c butter, softened
Confectioners’ sugar
2 t vanilla
¼ t salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 ¾ c flour
Cream butter. Add ½ cup confectioners’ sugar, the vanilla and salt; beat until light. Stir in nuts and flour until well blended. Wrap dough in waxed paper and chill well. Preheat oven to 300F. Divide dough in 8 equal pieces. On lightly floured board, shape in thin rolls about ½” in diameter. Cut into 2” pieces, taper off ends and shape into crescents. Put on ungreased baking sheet and bake 18-10 minutes. Remove to rack to cool. Sift confectioners’ sugar over tops. About 5 dozen.
Just a few ingredients here
In case you noticed, I didn't exactly follow the directions for shaping these, but they are still delicious. Do as I say not as I do. These are great with a hot cuppa...
Sugar Cookies
4 cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, 1 separated
1 tsp vanilla
3 tbls lemon juice
Ornamental frosting
Mix flour and salt and set aside. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add whole egg and beat well. Add egg yolk and beat. Beat in vanilla and lemon juice. Add flour and mix with wooden spoon. Divide dough in 4 parts and wrap each part in plastic wrap. Chill several hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On lightly floured surface roll one portion at a time to 1/8” thickness. Cut with small floured cookie cutter shape and put on lightly greased cookie sheet. Slightly beat egg white and add 1 tablespoon water. Brush onto cookies before baking. Bake 8-10 minutes.
Went through a lot of butter lol
Got a little lazy here and didn't do a lot of designs...and only one color of ornamental frosting...think that was in the plan?
Fantasy Fudge
3 cups sugar
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter or margarine
1 small can (5 oz) evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup)
1 ½ pkg (12 squares) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, chopped
1 ½ cups Jet Puffed Marshmallow Crème
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla
Line 9 inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan; set aside. Place sugar, butter and evaporated milk in large heavy saucepan. Bring to full rolling boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 4 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees F, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat.
Add chocolate and marshmallow crème; stir until completely melted. Add walnuts and vanilla; mix well.
Pour immediately into prepared pan; spread to form even layer in pan. Let stand at room temperature 4 hours or until completely cooled; cut into 1 inch squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature. Makes 3 lbs or 40 servings, about two squares.
This recipe is off the jar of marshmallow creme and melts in your mouth.
I had some smaller gift size containers that came in very handy.
I might make a few more things before all is said and done, but I wanted to get at least this much done for some gifts that I needed this weekend. I always love this time of year and it's getting to be about the only time that I really bake. It's not that I don't love the stuff, but I just don't need it and if it's not in the house I don't eat it. What are some of your favorite things to make for this special time of year?
Things That Make Me Ponder
I was just visiting The Journey of a Writer Danica Favorite and she had on there a post about working out. Now I'm not really big on working out, but I do try to fit it in three or more times a week because I know it's good for me. What gives me pause for pondering is that we never want what we have and we miss it so much when it's gone. Case in point, my Mom (86 years young) is confined to using a walker and then as little as possible. She is always saying "I wish I could walk and drive.". When she could walk I don't know that she ever really worked out. My friend at work (also an older woman of 70) is currently having issues with her knee and as I left for my lunch workout she says "I wish I could go". I don't think she was a big advocate of working out before the injury.
So, for all of us that just don't want to exercise for whatever - fill in the excuse or 'reason' - just remember 'USE IT OR LOSE IT!!!'. You'll miss it when it's gone so take advantage of everything you can do because there is someone out there that can't do all the wonderful things that you are capable of. I don't mean this to sound preachy, I know it's just plain old human nature. Why do we do this?
So, for all of us that just don't want to exercise for whatever - fill in the excuse or 'reason' - just remember 'USE IT OR LOSE IT!!!'. You'll miss it when it's gone so take advantage of everything you can do because there is someone out there that can't do all the wonderful things that you are capable of. I don't mean this to sound preachy, I know it's just plain old human nature. Why do we do this?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
What A Hoot
I've just entered a fun contest over at My Charmed Life. Today is the 11th Day of Christmas Giveaway and it's this adorable What A Hoot Owl Pushpin set. I would love to be a winner, but if not me then you.
Wish me luck.
Lemonade Award
My friend irl Tammy has awarded me the Lemonade Award for showing gratitude or a good attitude (from "if life hands you lemons, make lemonade")! I really try to have a good attitude, but sometimes it's hard. Thanks Tammy you are such a good friend.
Here are the rules:
Put the logo on your blog or post.
Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.
Each of the women listed below has impressed me in a different way. All truly deserve the Lemonade Award for having a great attitude. Here are the ten I've selected.
Since we are friends irl we have a lot of the same blog friends too so I'm putting this award our there for those of you who know you have a positive attitude and work at it all the time too. Here's to you!
I Got My Dismissal Today
I got a dismissal from Adsense today. The letter stated that I made illegal clicks. Knowing that I didn't do any 'illegal' clicks got me to wondering. A friend at work also got the same letter stating - While going through our records recently, we found that your AdSense account has posed a significant risk to our AdWords advertisers. Since keeping your account in our publisher network may financially damage our advertisers in the future, we've decided to disable your account.. We think that because we are on a server that services the whole building that anyone viewing our sites and clicking showed up to Adsense as if we were clicking therefore creating an 'illegal click'. Unfortunate, but nothing I can do anything about. I did no 'illegal clicks'!! Has this happened to anyone else? Just wondering. The real unfortunate thing is that I was just about to get a check. Do you think they just don't want to pay? Good thing I'm not relying on that money lol.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Fun New Apron
In our travels this summer I found this really cool apron at a quilt show in Oregon. I bought all the stuff to make three for hostess gifts. I've been holding off posting about it til I'd given them all away - and the last one will be gifted out on Friday. I love the vintage-look of the fabric and I especially like the little glitter stones I've put on the Christmas tree for added bling. The picture doesn't pick it up much, but trust me it is really cute.
I haven't checked to see if I can get the fabric in my area, but I really like it. It has a large rick-rack trim that also gives it a vintage feel.
What do you think? What hostess wouldn't love to receive this? Cute huh?
I haven't checked to see if I can get the fabric in my area, but I really like it. It has a large rick-rack trim that also gives it a vintage feel.
What do you think? What hostess wouldn't love to receive this? Cute huh?
Friday, December 5, 2008
What Does Your Home Say About You??
Don't know how true this is, but it was fun.
What Your Home Says About You |
 You come across as very intellectual. People take your wisdom seriously. You have amazing hygiene, and it shows. You are sparkling clean! You are a very domestic person. You enjoy decorating, cooking, and making things homey. You are a very nurturing person. You find meaning in taking care of others. You feel settled in your life. You have enough time to focus on little details. You are a very self sufficient person. You can get along well without much help. Your friends see you as courageous, dynamic, and bright. |
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Advent by Candlelight
Every year I enjoy going to an Advent by Candlelight to better prepare and celebrate the Christmas Season. Some years I have co-hosted a table at our church and this is the second year that I was invited to one sponsored by my sister's church. We had a great time. I picked up Mom (bringing the wheelchair again - it's so much easier on her) and this year it was at a local banquet hall. The hostesses had to bring a centerpiece and the rest was provided by the hall. I really liked the new arrangement. They served dinner rolls with a tossed salad and chicken and for dessert there was sorbet. Everything was delicious and the serving staff was most accomodating.
There was singing and a testimony(very moving)and the message was given by Dr. Dennis Henderson who is well known for illustrating Biblical truths through a graphical interpretation to reach a visual learning generation. His talk was about angels and he told of how he was taught to personalize the scripture John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." After talking he put on music and started to do a chalk drawing of a shepherd seeing the angels. I was able to get one of the pictures (my batteries were dying), but then he changed the lighting and there were angels in the smoke of the fire. You couldn't see it without the special lighting - it was awesome!! It's hard to express what I saw without a picture - wonder if anyone else got a good shot of that? It truly was amazing!
It was a great evening of fellowship and preparation for the coming of Christmas.
There was singing and a testimony(very moving)and the message was given by Dr. Dennis Henderson who is well known for illustrating Biblical truths through a graphical interpretation to reach a visual learning generation. His talk was about angels and he told of how he was taught to personalize the scripture John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." After talking he put on music and started to do a chalk drawing of a shepherd seeing the angels. I was able to get one of the pictures (my batteries were dying), but then he changed the lighting and there were angels in the smoke of the fire. You couldn't see it without the special lighting - it was awesome!! It's hard to express what I saw without a picture - wonder if anyone else got a good shot of that? It truly was amazing!
It was a great evening of fellowship and preparation for the coming of Christmas.
Thanksgiving Day
I just realized that I didn't post anything about my wonderful Thanksgiving and it was wonderful. We were invited to my son and dil's new house. I think we were all anxious to celebrate in new surroundings and to see how they have decorated for the holidays. They have a beautiful staircase that they garlanded up and the mantel had stockings hanging along with a beautifully decorated tree. All of my immediate family was there - that always makes it special. We picked up Mom and brought her wheelchair to make it a little easier and our daughter, sil and lil Peanut came too (in a seperate car).
The turkey was done differently this year, they marinaded it in a brine overnight and then my dil put lots of herbs and stuff under the skin. It was DELICIOUSLY MOIST!! Gotta get that recipe in case I do the turkey next year. She also did her traditional 'White Castle' stuffing (if you haven't tried this yet you need to). I did the sides - potatoes (I forgot sweet potatoes :(), broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots and a relish tray. My daughter did the desserts - pumpkin pie and this wonderful chocolate mousse in little chocolate cups with chocolate leaves. I think we all agreed it was a wonderful mix where no one was overworked. Oh yeah, my dil also made a favorite appetizer of cream cheese covered with shrimp sauce and crab meat served with crackers.
We had a wonderful time visiting and exploring new things they have done - the nursery - as well as hear all about their recent cruise. It was wonderfully (there's that word again lol) relaxing. Peanut loves exploring Uncle and Aunties house and playing with the dog (the cats were locked up for GG) - she especially loves the dog's water dish lol. After dinner we took a walk around the neighborhood to make room for dessert. It was fun seeing all the ourdoor decorations. We're learning how independent Peanut is - she wants to walk on her own and in her own direction lol. She was really good for the whole visit - no meltdowns at all. After our walk we sat down for dessert and then I remembered that we hadn't taken any pictures to remember the day, so around the tree we went. I love the new mix of our family as it grows - we are wonderfully BLESSED and THANKFUL!!
The turkey was done differently this year, they marinaded it in a brine overnight and then my dil put lots of herbs and stuff under the skin. It was DELICIOUSLY MOIST!! Gotta get that recipe in case I do the turkey next year. She also did her traditional 'White Castle' stuffing (if you haven't tried this yet you need to). I did the sides - potatoes (I forgot sweet potatoes :(), broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots and a relish tray. My daughter did the desserts - pumpkin pie and this wonderful chocolate mousse in little chocolate cups with chocolate leaves. I think we all agreed it was a wonderful mix where no one was overworked. Oh yeah, my dil also made a favorite appetizer of cream cheese covered with shrimp sauce and crab meat served with crackers.
We had a wonderful time visiting and exploring new things they have done - the nursery - as well as hear all about their recent cruise. It was wonderfully (there's that word again lol) relaxing. Peanut loves exploring Uncle and Aunties house and playing with the dog (the cats were locked up for GG) - she especially loves the dog's water dish lol. After dinner we took a walk around the neighborhood to make room for dessert. It was fun seeing all the ourdoor decorations. We're learning how independent Peanut is - she wants to walk on her own and in her own direction lol. She was really good for the whole visit - no meltdowns at all. After our walk we sat down for dessert and then I remembered that we hadn't taken any pictures to remember the day, so around the tree we went. I love the new mix of our family as it grows - we are wonderfully BLESSED and THANKFUL!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Poll Results
I recently ran a poll questioning when the Christmas tree went up. The results were kind of what I expected. I usually try to have mine up Thanksgiving weekend and this year I kind of achieved that goal. The tree is up and most of the lights are on...we need another strand or two of lights. So I guess I fall between two catagories.
Before Thanksgiving 11%
Thanksgiving Weekend 61%
In the weeks before Christmas 16%
Christmas Eve 11%
A few years back I discovered that if I got the tree up early then I had lots of time to relax and do the other 'stuff'. My world is a little different this year too because hubby is retired and some time that I had to myself is now always being shared. Not that I mind that, it's just different. Hopefully I'll finish decorating the tree this week and have pics later.
Before Thanksgiving 11%
Thanksgiving Weekend 61%
In the weeks before Christmas 16%
Christmas Eve 11%
A few years back I discovered that if I got the tree up early then I had lots of time to relax and do the other 'stuff'. My world is a little different this year too because hubby is retired and some time that I had to myself is now always being shared. Not that I mind that, it's just different. Hopefully I'll finish decorating the tree this week and have pics later.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Truth About Gratitude
I recently read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and find that I keep going back to it for daily or weekly reminders of how to live 'The Secret'. The following message is an excerpt from The Secret Daily Teachings
The greatest thief of human happiness and abundance is ungratefulness. Any lack in our lives - whether in money, health, or relationships - is simply the evidence of a lack of gratitude. If you focus on lack you are not being grateful, and that will bring more lack into your life. Yet the simple state of radiating gratitude summons everything to you.
No matter who you are or where you are, you can change your life with gratitude, but you must feel it with your whole heart and radiate it from every cell. Gratitude is not a mental exercise, and in fact, if you simply use your mind for gratitude it will have little or no power. True gratitude comes from your heart! You must think gratitude through your heart, speak gratitude through your heart, and feel it intensely in your heart.
Then practice gratitude relentlessly. As you practice gratitude you will attract more thoughts and feelings of gratitude. In a short time your entire being will be saturated with it, and you will experience a happiness that is beyond what you can imagine. This is what is ahead for you when you choose gratitude as your way of life. And if you can really live in this highest state of gratitude, you will never have to ask for anything. Everything you want will be given to you before you even ask, because gratitude is the magnetic substance that opens every single door in the Universe.
This Thursday is Thanksgiving in the United States. To celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to share an excerpt with you from The Secret Daily Teachings, which is being released in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia on December 9th. This excerpt presents an easy way to start using gratitude and integrate it into your life by making every Thursday "Thank You Thursday." As you "Thank your way through every Thursday" you will open the most powerful receiving channel within you.
From The Secret Daily Teachings - Thank You Thursday
"Today is Thank You Thursday. Today and every Thursday is your day to say and feel "Thank you" in as many ways as you can.
Write a list of all the people and events you want to give thanks for.
Return thanks today to those who have done things for you.
As you walk say "Thank you" in your mind with each step you take.
As you drive, make each time you stop your cue to say "Thank you."
At various times in the day, think and feel "Thank you" inside you seven times in a row.
Look for every opportunity to say "Thank you" to other people, and say it with so much meaning that the person looks right at you.
Thank your way through every Thursday, and make "Thank you" your predominant thought, feeling, and words of the day.
"Thank you" - two words, inconceivable potential power, and all they need is you to put the power into them by expressing them.
Thank you!"
I hope this leaves you with the feelings it leaves me with - I am truly thankful for all that I have and do in my life. I am truly blessed.
The greatest thief of human happiness and abundance is ungratefulness. Any lack in our lives - whether in money, health, or relationships - is simply the evidence of a lack of gratitude. If you focus on lack you are not being grateful, and that will bring more lack into your life. Yet the simple state of radiating gratitude summons everything to you.
No matter who you are or where you are, you can change your life with gratitude, but you must feel it with your whole heart and radiate it from every cell. Gratitude is not a mental exercise, and in fact, if you simply use your mind for gratitude it will have little or no power. True gratitude comes from your heart! You must think gratitude through your heart, speak gratitude through your heart, and feel it intensely in your heart.
Then practice gratitude relentlessly. As you practice gratitude you will attract more thoughts and feelings of gratitude. In a short time your entire being will be saturated with it, and you will experience a happiness that is beyond what you can imagine. This is what is ahead for you when you choose gratitude as your way of life. And if you can really live in this highest state of gratitude, you will never have to ask for anything. Everything you want will be given to you before you even ask, because gratitude is the magnetic substance that opens every single door in the Universe.
This Thursday is Thanksgiving in the United States. To celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to share an excerpt with you from The Secret Daily Teachings, which is being released in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia on December 9th. This excerpt presents an easy way to start using gratitude and integrate it into your life by making every Thursday "Thank You Thursday." As you "Thank your way through every Thursday" you will open the most powerful receiving channel within you.
From The Secret Daily Teachings - Thank You Thursday
"Today is Thank You Thursday. Today and every Thursday is your day to say and feel "Thank you" in as many ways as you can.
Write a list of all the people and events you want to give thanks for.
Return thanks today to those who have done things for you.
As you walk say "Thank you" in your mind with each step you take.
As you drive, make each time you stop your cue to say "Thank you."
At various times in the day, think and feel "Thank you" inside you seven times in a row.
Look for every opportunity to say "Thank you" to other people, and say it with so much meaning that the person looks right at you.
Thank your way through every Thursday, and make "Thank you" your predominant thought, feeling, and words of the day.
"Thank you" - two words, inconceivable potential power, and all they need is you to put the power into them by expressing them.
Thank you!"
I hope this leaves you with the feelings it leaves me with - I am truly thankful for all that I have and do in my life. I am truly blessed.
What Holiday Are You?
Harmony always has such fun things on her blog. I had to see what holiday I am.
You Are Easter |
 You are an optimistic, hopeful, and genuinely sweet person. Sensitive and affectionate, you are easily touched. You love nature, animals, and anything cute or cuddly. For you, every day is a new chance - no matter what happened yesterday. What makes you celebrate: Almost anything. You love most holidays and celebrations. At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The peacemaker. You can prevent any squabbles that might break out. On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: Remember to include everyone |
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
What better day to do a grateful/thankful Thursday Thirteen.
1. My faith - when times get hard I'm so glad I have it.
2. My family - I have a great husband, two great kids, a great sil and dil, and Peanut should have her own number, but I have a lot to be thankful for so I have to group her here.
3. We're expecting another grand daughter in March.
4. Our health
5. Our jobs
6. A warm comfortable home
7. Cars that get us around (they need a little work from time to time, but that's another thing to be thankful for - a hubby that keeps them going).
8. Lots of friends
9. All my newfound bloggy friends
10. My talent for most things crafty
11. Available foods in lots of varieties
12. The memories of a wonderful trip to Alaska this past summer.
13. This one kind of comes under family, but I know a lot of folks that don't want to be around family, and I love being around mine. They are a fun bunch to be around. So I'm thankful for all our fun times together working, playing or just relaxing and being together.
I am truly blessed and am thankful that all that has been given to me.
1. My faith - when times get hard I'm so glad I have it.
2. My family - I have a great husband, two great kids, a great sil and dil, and Peanut should have her own number, but I have a lot to be thankful for so I have to group her here.
3. We're expecting another grand daughter in March.
4. Our health
5. Our jobs
6. A warm comfortable home
7. Cars that get us around (they need a little work from time to time, but that's another thing to be thankful for - a hubby that keeps them going).
8. Lots of friends
9. All my newfound bloggy friends
10. My talent for most things crafty
11. Available foods in lots of varieties
12. The memories of a wonderful trip to Alaska this past summer.
13. This one kind of comes under family, but I know a lot of folks that don't want to be around family, and I love being around mine. They are a fun bunch to be around. So I'm thankful for all our fun times together working, playing or just relaxing and being together.
I am truly blessed and am thankful that all that has been given to me.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday Tried and True
Just found out about this meme and thought it sounded like fun. Jen started it to get more good recipes to cook. I found out about it from Harmony's and thought it looked like fun. Checking her's out though she has a lot of my recipes, but I'm sure I can think of a good one.
Chocolate Brownies
1/2 cup butter
2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup sifted flour
Preheat oven to 350F and grease an 8 x 8 pan.
Melt butter and chocolate over medium heat. Once melted remove from heat and add sugar. Blend in eggs one at a time and add vanilla. Stir in sifted flour til absorbed. Pour into prepared pan. At this time I usually add a handful of chocolate chips just to make it more chocolately. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Do not overbake.
Where the Traffic Median Is a No-Pilates Zone
I was just reading an article in the New York Times prohibiting exercisers from doing exercise in the median in Santa Monica area. I guess it is a neighborhood of very nice homes across from the beach and people are actually holding classes in the median. The police are stopped there and moving people along and in some instances ticketing them. It's okay to run, jog or walk, but you can't stop and do sit ups or push ups or that kind of activity. Crazy huh? What do you think? Should a public beach and public street prohibit recreational activity? Put another way should people living in an affluent area have to hear coaching (one, two, three, four) starting at 6:00 a.m.? That's a sticky one. Like usual I can see both sides. Wonder if they couldn't restrict it to a certain area? Guess I don't have to worry about that here in Michigan...we have a heavy wet snow on the ground.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Pot Roast with Mushroom Gravy
I love doing this recipe. There is nothing better than coming home to a nice hot meal.
Here's the cast of ingredients. I had regular Idaho potatoes, so I peeled them, and I didn't have a pot roast, so I used round steak.
Pot Roast with Mushroom Gravy
1 pound red potatoes, cut into wedges
8 ounces baby carrots
1 package (8-ounce) presliced fresh mushrooms
1 onion, cut into 1-inch wedges through the core
2 ribs celery, sliced
3 pounds beef chuck roast
1 can (14 ounce) reduced-sodium beef broth
1 can (10 ounce) mushroom gravy
1 packet (1.5 ounce) slow cooker beef stew seasoning mix
1. In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, onion, and celery. Place roast on top of vegetables.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together beef broth, gravy, and beef stew seasoning mix. Pour over roast.
3. Cover and cook on LOW heat setting for 8 to 10 hours.
This recipe is a new favorite in our household from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade. It goes together in a short 15 minutes (even when I’m still half asleep). Today I stopped at the local Panera for a crusty loaf of bread to go with it. DELISH!!
Here's the cast of ingredients. I had regular Idaho potatoes, so I peeled them, and I didn't have a pot roast, so I used round steak.
Pot Roast with Mushroom Gravy
1 pound red potatoes, cut into wedges
8 ounces baby carrots
1 package (8-ounce) presliced fresh mushrooms
1 onion, cut into 1-inch wedges through the core
2 ribs celery, sliced
3 pounds beef chuck roast
1 can (14 ounce) reduced-sodium beef broth
1 can (10 ounce) mushroom gravy
1 packet (1.5 ounce) slow cooker beef stew seasoning mix
1. In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, onion, and celery. Place roast on top of vegetables.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together beef broth, gravy, and beef stew seasoning mix. Pour over roast.
3. Cover and cook on LOW heat setting for 8 to 10 hours.
This recipe is a new favorite in our household from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade. It goes together in a short 15 minutes (even when I’m still half asleep). Today I stopped at the local Panera for a crusty loaf of bread to go with it. DELISH!!
Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen things about me that start with “a”.
1. I was Adopted at age 14 by my step-father.
2. I am an Aunt to 28 nephews and nieces.
3. I have an Adorable granddaughter with a second on the way.
4. I’m an Avid reader.
5. We went to Alaska for the summer.
6. My brother lives in Anchorage
7. I Achieved an Award in Home Making in High School
8. I have an Amazing husband
9. I Admire my two grown children
10.My niece had twins this year in August
11.I believe in the motto “An Apple a day keeps the doctor away”. (okay, I’m searching here)
12.I usually Arrive early to work and appointments
13.I’ve got to go now and place my Avon order on Tara’s site.
Okay, there you have it, 13 things about me starting with the letter “A”.
1. I was Adopted at age 14 by my step-father.
2. I am an Aunt to 28 nephews and nieces.
3. I have an Adorable granddaughter with a second on the way.
4. I’m an Avid reader.
5. We went to Alaska for the summer.
6. My brother lives in Anchorage
7. I Achieved an Award in Home Making in High School
8. I have an Amazing husband
9. I Admire my two grown children
10.My niece had twins this year in August
11.I believe in the motto “An Apple a day keeps the doctor away”. (okay, I’m searching here)
12.I usually Arrive early to work and appointments
13.I’ve got to go now and place my Avon order on Tara’s site.
Okay, there you have it, 13 things about me starting with the letter “A”.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Bar Stool Economics
I've seen this before through email, but I saw it over at Faith and Facts and thought it was worth repeating.
Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that’s what they decided to do.
The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. ‘Since you are all such good customers,’ he said, ‘I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.’ Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.
But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
‘I only got a dollar out of the $20,’declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,’ but he got $10!’
‘Yeah, that’s right,’ exclaimed the fifth man. ‘I only saved a dollar, too. It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I got’
‘That’s true!!’ shouted the seventh man. ‘Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!’
‘Wait a minute,’ yelled the first four men in unison. ‘We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!’
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia
Eye opening isn't it!
Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that’s what they decided to do.
The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. ‘Since you are all such good customers,’ he said, ‘I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.’ Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.
But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
‘I only got a dollar out of the $20,’declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,’ but he got $10!’
‘Yeah, that’s right,’ exclaimed the fifth man. ‘I only saved a dollar, too. It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I got’
‘That’s true!!’ shouted the seventh man. ‘Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!’
‘Wait a minute,’ yelled the first four men in unison. ‘We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!’
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia
Eye opening isn't it!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Butterfly Award!
Look what I received from Harmony!
You think she likes my blog so much because of Peanut? It's an honor.
Thank you, Harmony!
Rules if you choose to participate
1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3. Nominate at least seven other blogs
4. Add links to these blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog
And I pass this award along to:
Crazy Mom
Hailey's Mom
Jaden
Raising A Girl
Mom of 3 Girls
Mom Knows Everything
Grandmother Wren
That's hard to choose, because there are so many interesting blogs out there. Congratulations to all.
You think she likes my blog so much because of Peanut? It's an honor.
Thank you, Harmony!
Rules if you choose to participate
1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3. Nominate at least seven other blogs
4. Add links to these blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog
And I pass this award along to:
Crazy Mom
Hailey's Mom
Jaden
Raising A Girl
Mom of 3 Girls
Mom Knows Everything
Grandmother Wren
That's hard to choose, because there are so many interesting blogs out there. Congratulations to all.
Thursday Thirteen
Just like everyone else I have a million things going on in my head. Which leads to this weeks Thursday Thirteen - Thirteen random thoughts.
1. What's for dinner tonight using the left over roasted chicken?
2. Remember to work on the quilts tonight.
3. Get the bread out of the freezer.
4. Why did I get up 10 minutes early?
5. Hope I get to see Peanut this weekend - scroll down and see the video from last weekend and you'll see why, the girl just melts my heart.
6. How are we going to get Mom to Tennessee in February?
7. Does anybody just drop ecards? I find the coolest sites and have to stop and read.
8. I need to find a good idea for my handmade Christmas gift this year - any suggestions?
9. Is Christmas really only 43 days away? yikes! I'd better get a move on.
10. Is everyone really going to lose their jobs? Scary!
11. Wonder if we'll find out the gender of the next grandbaby before he or she is born?
12. Hope my sister enjoys her trip to Florida this February (their vehicle is full so Mom won't fit lol, good idea though).
13. It's raining again.
Do I really even want to post this? But there you have it, my scrambled thoughts in the early morning. Does anybody else just jump from one thought to the next like that? Focus, I just need to focus. Thanks for stopping by and Happy TT
1. What's for dinner tonight using the left over roasted chicken?
2. Remember to work on the quilts tonight.
3. Get the bread out of the freezer.
4. Why did I get up 10 minutes early?
5. Hope I get to see Peanut this weekend - scroll down and see the video from last weekend and you'll see why, the girl just melts my heart.
6. How are we going to get Mom to Tennessee in February?
7. Does anybody just drop ecards? I find the coolest sites and have to stop and read.
8. I need to find a good idea for my handmade Christmas gift this year - any suggestions?
9. Is Christmas really only 43 days away? yikes! I'd better get a move on.
10. Is everyone really going to lose their jobs? Scary!
11. Wonder if we'll find out the gender of the next grandbaby before he or she is born?
12. Hope my sister enjoys her trip to Florida this February (their vehicle is full so Mom won't fit lol, good idea though).
13. It's raining again.
Do I really even want to post this? But there you have it, my scrambled thoughts in the early morning. Does anybody else just jump from one thought to the next like that? Focus, I just need to focus. Thanks for stopping by and Happy TT
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Don't You Just Love Contests?
My friend at Two Lines On A Stick is in a district wide contest with Avon. The first rep to get an order from each state wins a prize. If she's the first Missouri order, then she gets the "Missouri Prize". Also the rep who has the most states total (even if they aren't the first order-er from that state) wins a prize at the end. Anyone who gets all 50 states also wins a big prize. You can read all the details at her site. Go check it out and give her a little linky love.
Check out her cute baby while you're there.
Check out her cute baby while you're there.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Peanut Reading...In Her Own Words
We were watching Peanut on Saturday and Papa put her in the highchair to stay put while he carried in more wood. She must have liked it because she just sat there for quite a while reading to herself. Guess she was reading to us since it was out loud. I am so mesmerized by this child...what can I say? Can't wait for our second one in March. Fun times two.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Cauliflower Popcorn
Hubby found this recipe in one of his magazines and we thought we'd give it a try. If you have some cauliflower around you might give it a try. I made the pieces much smaller than in the recipe, more the size of popcorn and we didn't salt until after putting it in paper towel lined bowls. With the size change it only took about 25 minutes to bake and I watched it a lot to keep from burning. We were trying to think of an advantage to using this over the real popcorn and couldn't really come up with a good reason. Cauliflower is a healthy choice of fiber as is corn... anyway give it a try you might like it.
Cauliflower Popcorn (yields 12 bites)
1 head cauliflower
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 movie-popcorn container or empty Jiffy Pop container
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Cut out and discard cauliflower core and thick stems. Trim remaining cauliflower into florets the size of golf balls. In a large bowl, add cauliflower, olive oil and salt. Toss thoroughly.
Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, if available, for easy cleanup. Roast for one hour or until much of each floret has become golden brown. That’s the caramelization process converting the dormant natural sugars into sweetness. The browner the florets, the sweeter they’ll taste. Turn three or four times during roasting.
Use crumpled-up aluminum foil or paper towels to create a false bottom in your popcorn container. Fill it with cauliflower and serve immediately.
Cauliflower Popcorn (yields 12 bites)
1 head cauliflower
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 movie-popcorn container or empty Jiffy Pop container
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Cut out and discard cauliflower core and thick stems. Trim remaining cauliflower into florets the size of golf balls. In a large bowl, add cauliflower, olive oil and salt. Toss thoroughly.
Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, if available, for easy cleanup. Roast for one hour or until much of each floret has become golden brown. That’s the caramelization process converting the dormant natural sugars into sweetness. The browner the florets, the sweeter they’ll taste. Turn three or four times during roasting.
Use crumpled-up aluminum foil or paper towels to create a false bottom in your popcorn container. Fill it with cauliflower and serve immediately.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Digital TV is Coming!!
In case you haven't heard, full-power analog TV broadcasting in the United States will end on February 17, 2009, after which full-power TV broadcasts will be digital only. Television sets with only an analog broadcast tuner will require a converter box to receive full power over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting. Such analog TVs should continue to work as before for other purposes (e.g., for watching low-power, Class A or translator TV stations still broadcasting in analog, with cable and satellite TV services, DVD players, watching pre-recorded movies in VCRs, or playing video games).
Is there anyone else out there that is still using a television with an antenna? Sometimes I think we are the last to do everything. Now we are being forced into a change, like it or not. So, I'm on top of it and order my coupons from www.DTV.gov. We got the coupons and they sat around for a while then hubby says "do we still have those coupons?". In our area one of the channels actually switched to digital in early November.
Fortunately, hubby, whose nickname is 'maintenance man', is also good at this kind of stuff. He went out and bought the converter boxes and had them installed immediately. I was so relieved, because this just isn't my bag. I've decided it's because I don't like to read directions.
The only down side that I can see at this time is having two remotes for each television, one for the converter box and one for the TV. Other than that the picture is great (a little smaller) and it has a few more features. We now get 19 channels (we always got around 8 or 9 including Canada which we can't get anymore). One of the added features of the digital box include choosing audio language. You can change languages when the channel provides alternate languages using the audio key. You can also press a (still) button to freeze the image on the TV screen. But some of the features that I like the best (and all you cable watchers are used to) is the Channel Banner showing the station, channel number, and program title. There's also an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) button that when pressed will display a list of programs scheduled for the next few hours. We've been catching up on Leave It To Beaver episodes along with the occasional Wagon Train.
So, if you're in the dark ages with us, don't be afraid. Digital TV is a postitive move (hope there are no surprises waiting for us when the full transition takes place). Order those coupons now and welcome to the 21st century.
Is there anyone else out there that is still using a television with an antenna? Sometimes I think we are the last to do everything. Now we are being forced into a change, like it or not. So, I'm on top of it and order my coupons from www.DTV.gov. We got the coupons and they sat around for a while then hubby says "do we still have those coupons?". In our area one of the channels actually switched to digital in early November.
Fortunately, hubby, whose nickname is 'maintenance man', is also good at this kind of stuff. He went out and bought the converter boxes and had them installed immediately. I was so relieved, because this just isn't my bag. I've decided it's because I don't like to read directions.
The only down side that I can see at this time is having two remotes for each television, one for the converter box and one for the TV. Other than that the picture is great (a little smaller) and it has a few more features. We now get 19 channels (we always got around 8 or 9 including Canada which we can't get anymore). One of the added features of the digital box include choosing audio language. You can change languages when the channel provides alternate languages using the audio key. You can also press a (still) button to freeze the image on the TV screen. But some of the features that I like the best (and all you cable watchers are used to) is the Channel Banner showing the station, channel number, and program title. There's also an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) button that when pressed will display a list of programs scheduled for the next few hours. We've been catching up on Leave It To Beaver episodes along with the occasional Wagon Train.
So, if you're in the dark ages with us, don't be afraid. Digital TV is a postitive move (hope there are no surprises waiting for us when the full transition takes place). Order those coupons now and welcome to the 21st century.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Seven Random 'weird' Things About Me
I've been tagged by Danica to reveal 7 things that are weird about me. If I had seven things this would be easy, but here goes (you know there are a lot more than 7, but you'd have to ask someone else lol).
1. I hate cloths shopping (most of my cloths are very old)
2. I hate shoe shopping even more - has something to do with feet that are hard to fit.
3. This shopping thing must be across the board, because I hate grocery shopping too. Usually the pantry is empty and that means it's time to get more food.
4. I do buy my lottery tickets faithfully - haven't won anything BIG yet (if I did I'd stop buying them).
5. When I read a book everything else falls by the wayside - cooking, laundry, sleep (you get the picture).
6. I can't just watch TV. I'm either knitting, sewing, doing a sudoku or hand held electronic game - if not then I'm sleeping lol.
7. I'm addicted to blogging.
Now for the next part... tag 7 more bloggers - this might be hard.
1. Tammy
2. Mom of 3 Girls
3. Hailey's Mom
4. Harmony
5. Raising a Girl
6. 3 Sides of Crazy
7. if you're reading this and want to play along - jump right in.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Halloween
As promised I want to share a couple of pictures of little Peanut. They came over just in time to go door to door. A quick couple of stitches on the witch hat (to make it stay on) then we were off. The first house we went to she just looked at the bowl of candy and didn't have a clue. That didn't last long. She learned that when a bowl was put in front of you you pick out something pretty. Oh yeah, one in each hand. And I think the biggest treat for her was to walk - in the street - on her own - door to door. She absolutely loved it. She had such an attitude about herself. See if you can see it in the pictures. She ended up with quite a haul and is decidely a chocolate lover.
Is she precious or what? I'm so glad they brought her out and shared this special day with us.
Is she precious or what? I'm so glad they brought her out and shared this special day with us.
Friday, October 31, 2008
I've Been Boo'd
Boo to You!!!!!!!
I saw this over at Tammy's. Go check out her blog. She always has something interesting going on.
Here are the deets:
Go to as many of your blog buddies as you want and tell them they have been boo-ed . Have them pick up this picture and add it to their blog and say with the link who boo-ed them . Put the picture in your sidebar if you want so then others know that you have already been boo-ed , if you post lots and it's not on the main page where everyone will see your boo-ed post!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
I saw this over at Tammy's. Go check out her blog. She always has something interesting going on.
Here are the deets:
Go to as many of your blog buddies as you want and tell them they have been boo-ed . Have them pick up this picture and add it to their blog and say with the link who boo-ed them . Put the picture in your sidebar if you want so then others know that you have already been boo-ed , if you post lots and it's not on the main page where everyone will see your boo-ed post!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
I've Received An Award!!
She's so sweet. B Boys Mom has given me this coveted award.
The requirements for this award are to list six things that make me happy, then tag six more bloggers.
Six things that make me happy:
1. Walking into the house after work and smelling dinner already cooking.
2. Chasing Peanut around and around the stairs til we're both exhausted.
3. There's nothing better than falling into bed on a nice freshly made bed.
4. Sleeping in
5. Having my morning workout over.
6. Working in the garden in the early morning hours.
The final requirement for this award is to tag 6 more bloggers that are Kreativ.
Jaden
Danica's Dream
Motherhood for Dummies
On the Verge
Qtpie 7
Two Lines on a Stick
Counting our joys and happiness is very good for the soul.
The requirements for this award are to list six things that make me happy, then tag six more bloggers.
Six things that make me happy:
1. Walking into the house after work and smelling dinner already cooking.
2. Chasing Peanut around and around the stairs til we're both exhausted.
3. There's nothing better than falling into bed on a nice freshly made bed.
4. Sleeping in
5. Having my morning workout over.
6. Working in the garden in the early morning hours.
The final requirement for this award is to tag 6 more bloggers that are Kreativ.
Jaden
Danica's Dream
Motherhood for Dummies
On the Verge
Qtpie 7
Two Lines on a Stick
Counting our joys and happiness is very good for the soul.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I Just Love Me Some Bling
For Christmas this year I was hoping for a new watch, but I'd really love a Rolex from Perpetual Diamonds . The watches on this site are at a substantial discount compared to retail stores and I know hubby would appreciate that. The Rolex watches are 100% genuine and authentic with serial numbers; they sell brand new and pre-owned watches with brand new genuine boxes and GIA appraisal papers.
I was leaning towards this one
I like that it has both gold and silver and the ruby stones are my birthstone - is that called a tri-fecta?
Do you have any impossible dreams on your Christmas list?
I was leaning towards this one
I like that it has both gold and silver and the ruby stones are my birthstone - is that called a tri-fecta?
Do you have any impossible dreams on your Christmas list?
Meme Down Memory Lane
I've been tagged by Harmony and Mommy on the Fly with this fun meme to come up with seven facts about me when I was a teenager. That's was a LONG time ago, but here goes:
1. I received a "Homemaker Award" in High School.
2. My first car was a Ford Falcon - my Dad got it because it had a working radio, but not for long.
3. I didn't get a "job" job til after graduation, just babysitting
4. Being the 7th child of 9 I was very protected and naive.
5. My friend, Sherry and I used to walk around town late at night and sing (her parents must have liked music from the 40's and 50's because that's what we sang).
6. I played Tripole at my friend Marie's house on Friday nights.
7. One of my favorite songs was "Only the Strong Survive" by Jerry Butler.
Now I need to tag more people...If you're listed, you need to post seven things about yourself as a teenager
Crazy Mom
Jaden
Vixen
1. I received a "Homemaker Award" in High School.
2. My first car was a Ford Falcon - my Dad got it because it had a working radio, but not for long.
3. I didn't get a "job" job til after graduation, just babysitting
4. Being the 7th child of 9 I was very protected and naive.
5. My friend, Sherry and I used to walk around town late at night and sing (her parents must have liked music from the 40's and 50's because that's what we sang).
6. I played Tripole at my friend Marie's house on Friday nights.
7. One of my favorite songs was "Only the Strong Survive" by Jerry Butler.
Now I need to tag more people...If you're listed, you need to post seven things about yourself as a teenager
Crazy Mom
Jaden
Vixen
Thursday Thirteen 13th Edition
My TT this week is 13 projects I finished within the last year. We did a lot of traveling so I'm not even sure how I did it, I guess my secret is out, I can't sit with idle hands.
1. purple baby blanket
2. pink baby blanket
3. green baby blanket
4. stuffed puppy
5. toy elephant
6. while traveling I made a lot of these dishcloths and gave them away to family
7. dark rose baby blanket
8. blue baby blanket
9. My friend, Tammy, and I made this for her son. She did the cutting & I did the sewing. She also wanted me to say that we actually made 2 (and we did one for each of her 2 younger sons).
10. The pillow shams for the quilt I made for me.
11. Up North theme quilt.
12. chair pads for the front porch - made with fabrics acquired on our travels - reversable.
13. I made a lot of these shopping bags as Christmas gifts.
So there you have it. Have you ever looked back to see what you've accomplished in a year? I always find it amazing! We do a lot more than we give ourselves credit for.
1. purple baby blanket
2. pink baby blanket
3. green baby blanket
4. stuffed puppy
5. toy elephant
6. while traveling I made a lot of these dishcloths and gave them away to family
7. dark rose baby blanket
8. blue baby blanket
9. My friend, Tammy, and I made this for her son. She did the cutting & I did the sewing. She also wanted me to say that we actually made 2 (and we did one for each of her 2 younger sons).
10. The pillow shams for the quilt I made for me.
11. Up North theme quilt.
12. chair pads for the front porch - made with fabrics acquired on our travels - reversable.
13. I made a lot of these shopping bags as Christmas gifts.
So there you have it. Have you ever looked back to see what you've accomplished in a year? I always find it amazing! We do a lot more than we give ourselves credit for.
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