2010 "Ugly Sweater" Christmas Photo

We are a blended family, a very lucky and loving blended family.  It's rare that we are fortunate enough to have all the kids home on the same day so this year was a blessing...kids, grandchildren, parents and grandparents.  Someone came up with the idea of an Ugly Sweater photo and we decided to go with it.   In my opinion, all of the sweaters weren't ugly....but the kids just shook their heads.  Oh well, each to their own.  

Also held was our "First Annual Grinch Christmas Exchange" which provided tons of fun and laughter.  Extended family members were invited to participate as well.  Might I mention that I came down with a serious sinus infection as did two of the five kids.   We survived the weekend in a bit of a fog at time. I'm so thankful my kids jumped in and helped with the cooking and hosting activities for the weekend.

It's always my favorite time of the year when they are home and I miss them so much......I know, it's a "Mom" thing. 

New Year Resolutions

Rarely do I compile a "list" each year, however, this year I felt it was necessary to commit to living my life to the fullest and enjoying each day.  We all have life events that occupy our time and I have become so focused on those events that I've forgotten to "breath" and "enjoy the moment!"

2011 Resolutions

1. Live each day as if it were my last.
2. Acknowledge things I am thankful for daily.
3. Take time to savor the moments.
4. Give and receive extra long hugs from family and friends.
5. TELL people how important they are/have been in my life while they can understand.
6. Appreciate all that I have and all that I have become.
7. Reach out more to friends and relatives for conversations - it only takes a minute.
8. Write more short notes.
9. Start using my collection of cookbooks.
10. Limit myself on the computer.
11. Redo blog and post regularly.
12. Scan those pictures and start on those Power Points!
13. Read one book per week.
14. Tackle the family room redecorating project.
15. Find and put all those random photos in order and in photo books.
16. Clear off the treadmill and actually use it!  Losing weight would be a bonus, but more importantly strengthening those back muscles will make life so much easier.
17. Develop an exercise program and watch the diet.
18. Plan that new garden design while the snow is on the ground.
19. Start sorting and simplifying my collections of "things."
20. Purge closets and dispose of items I haven't worn in 6 months.  Someone else can use them!
21. Refinish that chest.

Do you make annual New Year Resolutions?

How successful are you at keeping them? 

One Amazing Thing

I just finished this book written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and found it very interesting.  If you had to write your life "story", what would be the highlights, low points, lessons you have learned...about others and about yourself.

A Quick and Easy Dip Recipe for the Holidays

The first of many holiday gatherings was held today and the recipe given below was a tremendous hit.  I doubled the recipe and it turned out great.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

 

  Two 8-oz. pkgs cream cheese

One Cup Mayo

One cup Mexican Blend Cheese

1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

One 4-oz. Can Chopped Green Chilies

One 4-oz. Can Sliced Jalapenos

One Cup Panko Crumbs

1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

1/2 Stick Melted Butter

Blend the first six ingredients until smooth.  Put into greased 2 qt. casserole.  (I used two Longaberger Pottery Pie Plates).  Mix the last three ingredients together and put over the top.  

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. 

Quick, easy and very tasty.

Lady Ga Ga has upcoming competition???

Do you remember playing "dress-up" as a child? 

I did and spent hours with my mom's heels, purses, jewelry, etc.  If I were really lucky, she would help me with lipstick.   Apparently this is the new version (a 2 1/2 - year old's version anyhow) of dress-up! 

This smile makes everything worthwhile!

dd

Our youngest grandchild had his first birthday party this past Saturday.  He absolutely cracks me up - this is the face we see most all of the time.   He is just adorable (of course, we are not at all prejudiced!) and is learning to pull himself up and walk around furniture.   He has the bluest eyes and they twinkle.  Christmas should be a source of real entertainment.  It doesn't matter what is happening on a daily basis, just a quick glance at this picture always brings a smile to my face.

Ah...Silence is Golden!

It's post-election day - and blissfully quiet!   I am all about voting and consider it my civic responsibility to participate.   Having recently moved to a new state, the selection process this time around was quite challenging.  There was no history of  the incumbants' records and found it extremely difficult to find "accurate" information on those running.   And it, for now, appears to be a new ballgame - at least until the next election! 

Ah, I shall NOT miss the endless recorded phone messages that interrupted my daily life for so long!  Best wishes, however, to those who have elected and have been elected to face the challenge of making our country stronger and better.

The day was spent cleaning windows, inside and out, and taking down screens.  Everything looks so much brighter and cleaner and clearer right now.  There is nothing like a "project" to clear the mind, or is that occupy? 

Happy Wednesday to All!

What a difference a day makes!

This is just a few days ago - before the Michigan winds came charging through.  The spectacular views of autumn splendor are, for the most part, a pleasant memory.  

This is the "tween" period - between those rich golden colors and the beauty of the fallen snow.  That being said, I'm in no hurry for the snow part - just the beauty of it!

It's now time to finish cleaning out the flower beds, store the deck furniture, bring in pots from the deck ...and start stacking the firewood.   

Speaking of bringing in pots, has anyone had any luck in storing spikes/geraniums through the winter months?   I have four pots that are just beautiful and someone told me if I take them inside for the winter they will come back bigger and stronger next year.  I have a basement area, but no windows - 

will that work?  I'd appreciate your suggestions.

Happy Monday Everyone!

"Mushroom Houses"

 

Charlevoix, Michigan's Hidden Charms -

A number of "Mushroom Houses" built and designed by Earl Young.  Very interesting to see.  All different shapes and sizes.  If you look closely you can see that the roofs are not uniform and from what I have read, the walls are somewhat askew also.   Since I am one who likes "balance" I'm not sure this would be for me, but I WOULD love to be able to go through one or more of them.

Paper Mache Giraffes

Another ArtPrize Entry

My experience with Paper Mache was many years ago in Boy Scouts and our troop thought we had accomplished the impossible winning the "President's Award" for Paper Mache Masks!   The detail on these animals were amazing.   Can you tell I envy those with artistic talent?  

An Interesting Windchime..

Do you like/love windchimes?

Grand Rapids, Michigan is conducting it's 2nd Annual ArtPrize and this "old man" was one of the artist's entries....he just blew me away.   I would love, love, love to have him residing in my yard!  Such talent and creativity!   This year there are over 1,700 artists in town.  It is, for me at least, impossible to see all of the exhibits.  But the ones I have seen take one's breath away.   I'm thinking about doing a couple of mosaics to show some of the entries.   If you ever need a destination place this time of year - I highly recommend a few days and wear your most comfortable shoes!

Waterscape

Reflections

This scene is from the window of the art museum in town and I always find it to be so peaceful and calming.  There is a outdoor patio where you can sit and relax, watch people, the scenery, or the reflections of the pool.   One of my favorite places to solve the problems of the world!

Happy Weekend to all!

Check out other Weekend Reflections at http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/.

We will always remember!

Nine years ago we endured and witnessed such horror at the lives of innocent people being forever changed.  Today, like every day, gives pause to reflect for all that we are and all that we have.   And today, especially, I say a quiet prayer for strength and peace to all of the families touched by the events of  September 11th.  A prayer for peace, a prayer for forgiveness, and a daily prayer for our soldiers who continue to fight the fight for our freedoms and our country!

Have you ever thought of what it would be like to live in a lighthouse?

 

I have ...until the last couple of days when we have had tremendous wind gusts causing power outages.  It must be a solitary life.  As much as I love to read, I would be concerned about being that "alone".

  

I will always enjoy visiting them (as you no doubt have figure out - I have a fascination with them) and enjoying the beautiful scenery surrounding them; however, I will be able to come home and enjoy the comforts of my own little heaven on earth....and people, and grandkids, and yes, even 

too much noise and activity at times!

Happy Wednesday to everyone!! 

 

How does my garden grow?

With a lot of love - and even more water!!!  

We have a 3 day weekend coming up an my plan is to prepare another perennial garden.  Despite my better judgment I made another trip to the nursery.  And like puppies,  more plants just keep following me home.  Sooner or later, I'll have enough...right? 

Give Me a Call

Who remembers these?

This particular booth is before my time, however it does have a certain charm about it.   My hubby actually jumped in the booth and acted like Clark Kent turning into Superman.  AND cautioned me NOT to post his picture!  He is my Superman so this is as close as I dare get.

Another hot, humid and sticky day.  Perfect for danging the toes in the water and sitting under an umbrella with a lemonade and good book.

Hope everyone is staying cool!!!

Old Mission Peninsula

 

One of my favorite trips is to the hill county and wineries.  The countryside is always so unique and the scenery breathtaking.  I enjoy the personalities of the hosts in the tasting rooms.  I sometimes wonder whether the wine totally sells itself (of course it does!) and just how much the personality of the host and ambiance of the venue adds to the experience!  

  As much as I'd like to pretend I am knowledgeable about the perfect "marriage" of wines with specific meals, that is just not the case.  I usually gravitate towards Rieslings and semi-sweet wines, with an occasional Merlot that tickles my fancy.   And I'm drawn to the silly names of some of the wines.  One of our favorites has a pooch for a mascot and a bottle named in his honor.  (Yes, I like OPI nail polish for the same silly reasons - someone has a great job thinking up those names!)

And dare I say, shhhh - it's our secret - sometimes I throw an ice cube in the wine glass regardless of whether it is suppose to be served chilled or not!

What wines do you gravitate to?  Do you have a favorite?  With ice or without?

It's been a while since I've participated in Mosaic Mondays and I miss them.   Please join Mary at Little Red House to enjoy many beautiful mosaics.

Simplicity

So simple and so beautiful!

Traverse City

Walking on the sandy beach, listening to the sounds of the water against the rocks, hearing the sounds of the animals, basking the the glory of nature at its finest....such a calming way to unwind.

Quirky but Cute!

A friend and I spent the afternoon browsing an artsy section of a neighboring town and found these interesting chairs.  I've never seen a wingback with this upholstery but nontheless, it was cute.  And the little black number on the right - quirky and adorable!  And the sign - well, we've all been there!!

Hope all of you are staying cool in this hot, humid and sticky weather!   I'm so thankful we live in a wooded area - at least I can keep moving to the "shady" spot to work!