May I Introduce "Louie"!

And this would be my grand-puppy, Louie.  He is a litter mate of my little bundle of joy - still named Chewie!  Having these two little guys around has given me the opportunity to laugh, really laugh from the belly!   Imps they truly are.   Love to chew papers, chase each other, and periodically fight like true siblings!  He is suppose to go home this coming Monday and I don't know who will miss him more.....Chewie or me.   Secretly I'm hoping my son finds him too much to handle when he starts work. After all he is a puppy and needs lots of loving, attention, etc. while son will need lots of sleep.   Being the loving Mom (tehehe), I have suggested I could keep him during the week and son could take him on weekends and days off....at least until he is out of this adorable puppy stage.  Works for me!!   Don't you agree it is the perfect solution??

Still snowing and blowing here in Michigan........yikes, spring cannot be that far away....can it?

Who Could Possibly Resist this Face?

Not me!!!    Meet the newest addition to our family!!  Isn't he adorable?  I'm not sure timing is in my favor, with the Michigan snows and potty training.......but you gotta do what you gotta do!!   Still trying to decide on a name - and for now Chewy is sticking.   Not sure what we will end up with.....I've NEVER had any trouble naming my animals!

It is snowing and blowing here......again.   Just much easier to tolerate when cuddling with this furry little bundle of joy!!

Hope everyone is cozy and warm!!!

BRRRRRRRRR.........

And this blast of cold air continues...........hope everyone is warm and safe and not braving the elements.   Wind chills are brutal today....just about everywhere I'm thinking.   My list of "Things
to Do" has shifted to another day.   Thinking about something warm and hearty for dinner when the hubby gets home!  My motivation is missing in action at this point!  Please tell me I'm not the only one!  Before I crawl from between the sheets I mentally make my list.   Once my feet hit the floor, it's another story!!

Woke up a 5 a.m. with a pounding headache.  Took some aspirin and grabbed a book to read for a couple of hours.  Went back to bed at 7 a.m. and the phone woke me up at 10 a.m.   Shame on me.............but it was so nice!!!   I very rarely do this, but find that since I have retired my feelings of "guilt" are less when I do decide to do something out of the ordinary! 

Stay safe and warm!!

I guess it's time....

I am probably one of the last to give it up and tuck away the winter decorations.  This cute snowman has been keeping my company since the Christmas decorations came down and he has done a great job. 

So this little vignette is soon to change.

And the bedroom will take on a different feel for a bit!

And Lady Lucille will rest for the winter and we will see her again next year!

Alas, Valentine's Day is approaching quickly!  

Having issues with blog - please bear with me!

It has been brought to my attention that there are issues with leaving comments on my blog.  Thanks to those who let me know.   While I'm a novice at this, I attempted to make some changes on the blog tonight.  Could someone please let me if they are now able to post comments? 

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

It's a Winter Wonderland!

Michigan is known for many things - beautiful winter snowstorms among them.  Although this last one has been burrr, oh so cold, it has been absolutely breathtaking!  We are running out of room to put the snow after the hubby has plowed!  Suppose the warm-up this weekend will help a little bit!

Christmas decoration and down and put away until next year.  A few snowmen linger to keep me company on these winter snowy days and there are a few pops of red.....just because red makes me happy in my heart! 

 Tomorrow, the plan is to take a ride and see if we can capture some pictures of the lighthouses in this weather.   They always make such interesting photos.  I think I need to invest in some really, really warm gear!!!!    Any suggestions?

Couldn't resist this barn.  Not only is it red.....it is so pretty!!   

 And finally, last Friday I participated in The Thrifty Groove's Social Networking Party and  appreciate the opportunity to grow my blog.  Thanks to you who have chosen to follow me!! I am always open to suggestions!!   Are you able to make comments?  Please let me know if you cannot.

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!!

Wishing each of you a Happy New Year and may the coming year be filled with happiness, health, healing and prosperity!  May all your prayers be answered and your dreams come true!

We are snuggled in, enjoying the fire and each other's company.  New Year's Eve, for us, is for the young kids!  We are perfectly content to pop in a movie, sip some wine, have a nice meal and relax.  I barely remember the days when we were out and about.   

Christmas decorations are still up.  I am probably in the minority as I don't take mine down until a week or so into January.  I so enjoy the twinkling lights in a dark room. I'll always be a kid at heart!  

Enjoy the moments!!

Is Anyone Out There?

Has anyone else been having trouble with their blog?    I have been unable to access my "reading list" or see anything posted by those I am following.  Although I haven't posted faithfully I did read blogs almost daily.   Up until recently when they disappeared.   I have attempted to determine what happened, but thus far, have not been successful.  

Any advice would certainly be appreciated.   I am two weeks away from another surgery and lots of time for recuperation....I so miss reading the blogs!!!!!

Please, please offer suggestions!

Superbowl is Over

Not much of a football fan here, but usually watch for the new commercials and the half-time show.  Tonight I can say I actually got involved during the second half.  It was a close game and could have gone either way.  Congratulations to the Ravens!  Yet I always feel badly for the losing team who worked so hard and watched their dreams fade away.  And for both coaches to be brothers.  And their parents/sibling watching...what a position to be in.  

Still snowing, blowing and chilly here in Michigan.  But each day is one day closer to spring!!

Painting in on our agenda this week.  Our downstairs family room and game room has been dismantled and I can honestly say this is starting to get under my skin.   By Wednesday the ceilings and walls will be done and everything back in place!!! 

Tomorrow starts my third week of physical therapy trying to stave off shoulder replacement and the progress is slow!  Sure hoping this works!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week coming up.

Copied from Country Girl (with my own answers, of course)

Copied from Country Girl (with my own answers, of course)

Day book entry 1-31-13

Outside my window it’s dark and cold.

I am thinking that I want to put a log in the fireplace and cuddle with an afghan and hot cocoa.

I am thankful for my wonderful life, with all my aches and pains.

From the kitchen come the sounds of the dish washer. Should have waited to put in the pie plate from cheery pie.  Oh well, there is tomorrow.

I am wearing Gray jeans, white sweater, thick warm socks and comfy loafers.

I am reading Cutting for Stone.  Great read.  Thought provoking.

I am going to talk to my hairdresser tomorrow and decide whether to continue covering the gray  or biting the bullet and letting is grow.  Decisions, decisions, decisions.  Any advice out there?

I am creating a mess in the family room and game room - spackling walls and getting ready to paint.

I am hoping that my husband does not have shingles.

I am hearing an unnamed moving calling me into the living room.

Around the room items on the to do list for tomorrow, return books to library, pick up stamps and mail letters.

One of my favorite things is spending time with my husband. 

A few plans for the rest of the week – hair tomorrow, surprise birthday party of Saturday and perhaps painting on Sunday while listening to the game.  Hubby is working.

Tomorrow is Friday - Happy Weekend everyone!!  Enjoy!!

Life is good - flowers are blooming - things are looking up!

My last X-rays showed signs of bone growth.  Another X-ray on Thursday.  Weight-bearing as tolerated - which isn't a lot.  But at least I have graduated from wheel chair to walker!!  Didn't get the cap, gown and cake, but it was a huge accomplishment for me.   

 My Physical Therapist is a real sweetheart!  So bubbly and such a dear.  We've mastered going outside and going up and down the stairs with the walker.   And most importantly, I have mastered (mostly) my fear of taking another tumble and messing things up again!   Exercises are going well and she is adding more things ever visit.  Which is good - each visit is a visit closer to NO WALKER!

 We've had a few days respite from the hot humid weather.   Sun shining and flowers are blooming...in spots at least.  I did note that I have lost  a few perennials and hope that they come back next year.  In my spin around the driveway I noticed that I have lots of weeding to do....not yet so I just close my eyes and look the other direction.

Amazingly, my roses are doing well - very well.    And truly the flowers have thrived on much neglect for the last four weeks.  I am lucky, very lucky.  Hoping this weekend to get out there and do some deadheading!

Still holding on and practicing patience.........I know my sweet hubby will be glad when I'm about to go and do like I used to....but not nearly as much as I.

Thanks for listening to me ramble.  This has been a real journey for me.........and one that I don't care to repeat.

Stay cool and enjoy the days!

Lighthouses and gentle breezes...

It's still a bit humid and hot outside.  Great day for inside projects - especially since I'm still wheelchair-bound!   And sorting through photos is a great way to pass the time!   I'll have an X-ray on Thursday which will determine how well (positive thinking!) things are healing and will determine whether I have another two or another four weeks of non-weight bearing status.   I've been practicing on my patience and being good - so I'm hoping for two weeks!!!!   It's been two weeks already.

 

These photos were taken on a trip to the Upper Peninsula.  My hubby and I are in love with lighthouses and waterfalls and never miss an opportunity for a quick trip to visit one.   I can only imagine how the lighthouse keepers spent their days and nights.   They had to be of such strong character and mind.  I am always reminded of the luxuries we so often take for granted and their life was not an easy life.  Would I be  strong as they were - I would hope so - but I wonder!

  It is a solitary life most of the time.  Such responsibility for lives and safety.  The breezes were not always gentle and I can only imagine the ice during those frigid winter months.  Must have seemed like an eternity at times.

All of the lighthouses are so different.  Some with more modern conveniences and some so rustic.  Can you imagine living in a lighthouse?  As I child I always thought it would be so much fun - as an adult...I admire those who did.

This one is in Traverse City, Michigan.  The red roof always draws me in.   If you are in the neighborhood, there is always so much to see and do in TC.

The ones which are located along miles of beach are so appealing.  They are truly beacons of light in the darkness.  Can you imagine being on a ship seeking the light to guide you safely in?  

I feel cooler already - those gentle breezes are so refreshing.  There is something so relaxing about being outdoors, hearing the water lap against the shore , rustling of the leaves and the smell of fresh air. 

Hope  you have enjoyed!

My Goodness - Such a Sticky Day Out There!

 It's another sticky warm day - 101 degrees at 11 a.m and I'm told the humidity felt that high was well.  Since I'm housebound for the time-being, I can only take someone else's word for it.   Physical Therapy came this morning and I was exhausted after a short while.   I've been doing real good but the last two days, lots of pain and discomfort.  They suggested I spend more time laying down and resting and that wasn't hard to do!       Hubby was working this afternoon, got up at 12:30 for a quick bite and the power went out.   Grinned, kissed him bye as he headed to fast food for lunch and went back to bed with my Nook.  This may be the longest short book is history ....I keep falling asleep!

Not sure what time the power came back on, I did briefly wake up as I felt the fan gently blowing a breeze in my bedroom............ah, so nice!  So nice I fell back asleep.

Finally got up for a bit, grabbed a bite to eat, caught up on emails, and Words with Friends (am I the only once addicted to this game?) and decided to sort through some pictures.  Today, the water pictures seems appropriate!   Oh, what we could do with a gentle soaking rain. We had predictions, some wind, television flickered, but that was about it.

Practicing patience........sometime I've never had an abundance of!   But I am thankful, so very thankful for all that I have been blessed with.  My heart goes out to those who are suffering this terrible heat without a method of cooling off, and for the many many who are having their crops and livelihood destroyed by this drought we are all suffering. 

My prayers is that it ends soon!!

In The Blink of an Eye - Plans Change

 These were some of the plants I was taking care of.  Some crepe myrtle had taken over a flower bed so I decided to pull it, rearrange flowers, put new edging down and breath a breath of fresh air into the existing bed in front of the house and to the side of the house.

I know this is a bad time of year to think about doing this type of activity, but unfortunately, that is how my mind works.  Plus with all the time watering during the drought I really started noticing how badly they needed work.   Two beds down and two to go - not bad.  Would give me something to do during the early morning hours and late evening hours - before the sun hit full.

Crepe Mrytle all pulled and that was a job!  Shovel a zillion loads (or so it seems) of mulch and took to the compost pile.  Dug up some of the plants and replanted into other locations or into pots for the "duration" of the project!

Then it happened - walking across the kitchen floor to fill a plastic bottle of drinking water and I fell - apparently tripped over my own feet!   Took me an hour to get up.  Doors locked, just me and the dog. Finally managed a poorly executed one-egged shuffle to the bedroom and collapsed on the bed thinking it would get better when I got over the excitement and got myself calmed down.  It was then that I realized I couldn't move my leg on it's own.  Long story short - trip to hospital, x-rays and cat scans, and diagnosis -broken hip.  Just got home and am trying to figure out which way to turn. I am lucky in that there is little displacement therefore they have recommended non-weight bearing for 4-6 weeks and we'll take it from there.  I'm thankful that at this point surgery is not required but very fearful as patience has never been in my vocabulary!!!  And am just now realizing what my limitations are.............arrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

I know I am not the only person who has ever dealt with this - and I will survive it.    I've begun collecting books to read, pictures to scan and thinking this will be a good time to review plans for those flower beds since obviously this will now be a fall project!!!  

Ideas anyone?

Gerber Daisies

Every year I tell myself - "easy on the flowers".  Today I made a "quick" trip to Meijers and there calling my name through the plant garden were pot after pot of Gerber Daisies.   I don't know what it is about them, but I absolutely love them!   The colors are so vibrant and soft and happy, if flowers can be happy!  But alas, it is Michigan and we are still having freeze warnings.   I gathered up all my willpower and left them waiting for my return!

Check One off the "To Do" List!

The guest bathroom upstairs looked like this when we bought the house...and we knew at the time we would be making changes.   The color and design are pretty dated, don't you think?  It is a tiny bathroom but it does serve it's purpose.  I don't know what materials were used on the walls ..we took a sander to the wall to smooth them out.  The master bed/bathroom has a similar texture.  If anyone out there has any ideas (other than a sander) to smooth out the texture, please share!!!

This is the remodel (minus the picture being hung above the commode or a sconce with candle - still undecided).  Much cleaner, fresher and definitely updated.   Formica counter top replaced with granite and under-mount sink, new faucets, shower curtain and 13" porcelain tiles.


Feels good!!  I've already started one of the guest bedrooms.  My goal is to get these projects done before spring!!!  The master bed/bath will be my last project if my stamina (and my husband's patience) last!!  Wish me luck!

I'm linking up to Debbiedoo's Newbie Party!

25 Things

My 25 things

In no particular order:

1)    I love watermelon.

2)    I put up seven trees for Christmas.

3)    My birthday is 9/25.

4)    I love to watch old HGTV.  And why do home projects take more than 30 minutes like on TV?

5)    I’ll be 63 in just a few months.  Amazing, I went from 39 to 63 overnight.

6)    I once took a ride in a hot air balloon and it is one of my favorite memories.

7)    I’ve moved to a new state after living 30 years in the same house.  And I love it!!!

8)    I am technically challenged -  multiple remote controls drive me crazy.

9)    I talk mostly to my daughter and son, stepdaughter, and in-laws.   

10)  Fall is my favorite time of year! The colors make me happy in my heart!

11)  I love yellow and red - anything yellow and red.

12)  My favorite thing to make is ....reservations!

13)  Singing is not in my forte - not even in the shower.  And how I wish I could carry a tune.

14)  My hubby and I took dance lessons from Arthur Murray.  I'd love to continue.

15)  I listen to Eric Clapton, Michael Buble, Rod Steward  and  soft jazz on my Ipod.

16)  I am a news junkie.

17)  I love spending time with my grandkids!!!  They bring such joy to ordinary days!

18)  I love to play cards and games with my friends/family.

19)  I received a Nook for my last birthday and have yet to read a book on it.

20)  When my daughter comes to visit, we alway take a day to watch "Classic" movies.  FUN!

21)  My mom passed away this past September from complications of Alzheimers.  She had lived
       with us the last four years and I was her caregiver.   This house is lonely and I miss her terribly.

22)  My half sister and I are extremely close and yet we only got to know each other after she was 
        married.

24)  I fondly days, not hours, spent basking in the sun and getting that perfect tan.  Those were the  
       days when that was your biggest concern!

25)  I’ve always wanted to play the piano. Am I too old to learn?

Wow, that was much easier that I thought it would be.  I think I could go on an on.  Must be in one of those moods.  There are days when I sit down to write and my mind is blank!   One of my goals for the new year was to make regular entries on my blog - haven't followed through on that one yet!

Linking to: http://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com
 25 things linky party @ Perfectly Imperfect

Cookbooks and Longaberger Baskets...

One project always leads to another, right?   In the midst of redoing bathroom, I found myself searching for a "special something" to hang in the bathroom.  In the process of searching I realized just how many cookbooks I have.  And Longaberger Baskets.  At one time the house I lived in had all the little nooks and crannies that perfectly displayed the baskets.  Since I've been in this house, the only baskets displayed at in the kitchen.  And I'm ashamed to say how many cookbooks I have.  Some are like new -  collected, not used - and it is hard to part with them.   However, with the internet being so easy to look up recipes, what is a person to do.

How many is too many?  Am I the only one who seems to collect them?  What do you do with yours and how many do you have?

The weather is delightful...

We finally have our first snowfall (measurable one) of the season and it is absolutely beautiful outside.  Our abode is in a wooded area and the branches on the trees are just glistening.   I love, love, love the first snowfall of the year!!  The time between the splendor of the autumn colors and the first snowfall is long...very long...and so blah!

Many life changes have occurred in our family the past four months.  My mom passed away  the end of September after a long journey with Alzheimer's.  We were fortunate in that we were able to keep her at home with us the entire time.  She was such a lovely lady and we were so blessed to have her touch our lives.  The first Christmas was empty without her presence.  We lost our dog and faithful companion just two weeks before Christmas.  So we are adjusting to our new "normal".  Life goes on and I keep reminding myself of all that we have to be thankful for.   That being said, it's been rather lonely at times.

Christmas decorations are down and as much as I love the trees (we had three big ones and four little ones for each grandchild), it is nice to see the open space and freshness as we begin to welcome a new season.   Just three months until spring weather!!!

I haven't decided whether I will go back to work or not.  Thought I would see how the winter does and then decide.   There are many, many projects that I've put off for a while.   First one we are tacking is a redo of the guest bathroom.  Installer is coming this afternoon to measure.  New counter top is sitting in the bedroom floor.  This weekend will be spent removing border (yes, it's been there for a while) and sanding walls from the texture paint that was applied when the house was built.  (We bought this house six years ago and just moved in four years ago.  Mom was with us so we did the minimum updates to keep things as calm as possible.)  Have the paint color picked out - now do I paint before or after the floor is installed?   What is your opinion?  I see pros and cons to both.

This post is all over the place so bear with me.  I need one of those shirts this morning that says "I'm talking and I can't shut up!". 

I was watching the Today show this morning and saw Kathie Lee Gifford do the hula-hoop for what I thought was a long time.   Do you remember the days when we did that for hours as kids?  Well, I happen to have one in the garage so I ran out and tried it - couldn't even begin to make it happen!!  When was the last time you tried it?  Can you still do it?

I've lived in two homes my entire married life(s) (I'm 39 and holding!) and just noticed that coming down the stairs this morning, there are 13 stairs.  The same number of stairs that was in my home in Illinois.  I've always considered 13 to be my lucky number, but the same number of stairs in each home just dawned on me this morning.  I'm wondering - is that a standard number or just a fluke?  Do you have stairs?  How many?

I didn't do New Year's Resolutions this year - I've compiled Projects for the New Year!  Mine include the bathroom redo, painting two bedrooms, and if I can talk the honey into it, redoing our master bathroom.  Scanning the scads of pictures I have in the closet, scanning/sorting the boxes of 35 mm slides that belonged to my parents, viewing the old VHS tapes and putting onto DVD's.  Oh yes, getting into shape.  We have an "exercise room" that until yesterday was a dumping ground.  It is now nice and clean and ready for use!  My goal is to use the treadmill and lose about 20 pounds.  Anyone care to go on this journey with me?  For so long, my care-giving duties provided an excuse not to tackle this goal...now it's just me and the mirror! 

And most importantly, I want to become more active in blogging, getting more followers and developing my blog into one that everyone enjoys reading.  Any suggestions are welcome.   I feel like I'm taking a long breath and starting all over again.

Hoping you are having a wonderful day!!!

Happy New Year!!

 

And may your New Year be filled with love, laughter and memories to last a lifetime!!