Spring is just around the corner..... ?

Peeking out the window it is difficult to remember that just two days ago I was outside picking up the many, many twigs and branches, admiring the ground where grass used to be, knowing that in just another day the remaining pile of snow from plowing the drive would soon be gone... and then the Michigan weather struck again.  I hope the ice doesn't kill the buds!  Hubby kept telling me not to get too excited, there would be more snow coming out way.  (One would think after three years I would be getting the hang of this weather!)   I just didn't want to hear it.  Nor did I want to tell him, "dear, you were right!"   But I did!   And it really didn't hurt too terribly bad. Tehehe

At least the inside is looking like springtime.  Just tucked the winter snowman dishes away yesterday and brought out the sunflowers.  So I'll just keep my "rose colored" glasses on for a few more weeks until spring really DOES arrive!

Happy Wednesday everyone!!

Do you have a song that brings uncontrollable tears?

I love music, have the radio/stereo/music on television most of the time.   Headphones when mowing in the summer, IPod when working in the yard.  All types of music and flavors.  Music that reminds me of days gone by, high school events, the first love, songs that remind me of family members long gone...but the one song to which I have no emotional ties and absolutely just pulls at my heart strings,and I cannot control the tears,.........is "In The Arms of the Angels".  

Do you have such a song?  What is it about certain songs that do this to us?

Soon - very soon.

We still have a mountain of snow and more predicted for the weekend.  Thought a pop of color would brighten my outlook and went searching through my photo archives.  Sure enough, it did the trick.  Soon - very soon, we can all be enjoying the sunshine!  (I believe in the power of positive thinking!)

Remember your wedding day...

Do you remember your wedding day?   I wish I could say I was this beautiful bride....it's my niece and nephew.  The wedding was simple and beautiful and filled with hope and promise.  Isn't she a beautiful bride?  And the dress, simply stunning.

19.5 inches of snow makes one tired...

The sidewalks have been shoveled, the driveway and lane plowed, the roof raked, deck cleaned...it has been a busy couple of days.    So many people were affected by this latest snow, whether it be ice, snow or a combination of snow.  The work is done, the sun is shining, and looking outside it is beautiful. 

However, yesterday during the midst of things, I received this pictures and it just captured how I felt at the time.  I hope everyone who got snow has recovered and can now enjoy the beauty!  Here's hoping this weekend's flurries are minor.

Oh just a few more weeks until spring!!!

A perfect morning for a crisp walk...

The temperature is perfect.  The fresh fallen snow is absolutely breathtaking, light and fluffy.  The air is fresh.  Branches on the trees are laden with sparkling jewels.  Such a lovely way to start the day!
These opportunities don't present themselves very often, and when they do, it refreshes the soul and renews the spirits.  I am thankful, very thankful!


Our book club met at our home last evening and watched "The Mistress of Spices" on DVD.   Most of us had read the book as well.  It was a great evening, filled with fellowship, laughter and tasteful delights made, of course, with spices!   I think you would enjoy this book written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

Happy Tuesday to all!

How much is too much?

Okay ladies, I'm looking for comments on this post.  I am in the process of picking our new lighting for my kitchen/dining room.  I took down a 4 ft. section track lighting that was old and here when we bought this house.  I had hoped to find another type of lighting that would provide lots of light for the food pantry and counters (without have to do additional work on the ceiling).  Hubby thinks an 8 ft. section of  mono-rail lighting would work.  I'm wondering if that isn't a bit much.  I am such a visual person!   And I just can't convince him to buy it and hold it up while I decide whether I like it or not.....wonder why?   Does anyone have any suggestions/comments?

Thanks in advance.

Snuggled by the Roaring Fire...

Have you ever had one of those wonderfully lazy days...two really productive days in a row and the best intentions for today.   However, after sleeping in, fixing a light brunch, the hubby and I decided we were not going to be very motivated today.  And I might add, we've been extremely successful!  Cleaned out emails, organized files on the computer, send a few notes - all while snuggled under the afghan next to the fire and watching television.

We ended up pulling movies from the cabinet and are now watching "Mountain Men" with Charleston Heston and Brian Keith.  Normally, it isn't a movie I would select.  My memories of Charleston Heston involved a chariot.  There have been a few entertaining moments.  Both hubby and I have decided our fathers would have loved this movie.  As a little girl, I spent many evenings watching John Wayne movies with my dad.

When my daughter comes home, we always have at least one "girls day" where we pick a classic...Thornbirds, Gone With the Wind, North and South, Dirty Dancing, P.S. I Love You, Coco Channel, etc.  This year it was the Godfather trilogy. 

Do you have any special movie memories?

It's a Wrap...

With the snow gently falling, today was the day I started taking down the decorations and breaking down my beloved trees.  As as of 9 p.m., the three big trees and the six smaller ones are completely bare.  Lights have been removed, ornaments wrapped and packed away, and other than two wreaths with snowmen on them (they aren't really Christmas decorations, are they?), the house is getting back to normal.  Yes, I miss the twinkling lights and the tree in the living room that turns, but I have to admit once I packed away that last box, I could feel the weight being lifted.  

I love, love, love Christmas and all the decorations, and after a hectic holiday with many, many guests, (some of whom had a nasty cold/sinus infection -myself included) it's sweet to sit in the recliner with the faithful dog nearby and just breath and relax...no company to feed, no board games and late nights, in fact, toast will be perfectly fine for breakfast in the morning.  Hummm, in fact sleeping in later is sounding nice too.

Happy Thursday!!

My Responses to Meet Me on Monday

For the first time, I'm joining Never Growing Old: Meet Me on Monday to learn more about fellow bloggers.  (One of my resolutions for 2011 is to post more regularly!)


1.  Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
     Yes, this year I actually made a list of resolutions.  

2.  What food item are you craving right now?
      Ice cold, red, ripe, juicy watermelon.  
 
3.  When is your birthday?
      September 25th
     
4.  What were you doing an hour ago?
      Playing Beezerwezzer with the family.

5.  Last thing you cooked?
       Lemon Chicken on the grill.

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?