Get It Off, Get It Off, Get It Off!!

Ride number three and four under my belt...hopefully those belt notches will be getting smaller and smaller! I just want this flab off my body!! First ride alone this morning, it was nice, but I pushed myself a little more than I planned, I think, since I didn't have someone to talk to I rode harder which is both good and not-so-good. The sun was bright and strong when I left, but as I was riding a fog rolled in and....brrrrr...it was cold on the arms. I was wishing I had grabbed a windbreaker, instead, I just rode faster and harder. I think the weather is moving in, but only in some spots of town so far as when I got home, it was still sunny and warm...weird. 

I took another ride with Hubby after supper was cleaned up and I was so exhausted. I sat in the recliner and read for a while, then Hubby put in a movie. I was going to grab my computer, but I didn't want to get up. I sure hope I start seeing some results soon. I'M TIRED!!

It's very foggy this morning, I think that bad weather is moving in. It's still warm...hence the fog, we're supposed to get a high of 64 with thunder storms. I don't think I'll be biking today...at least not outside. 

I have a full schedule of teaching today...four of them; three are 45 minutes each. 

Hubby got up early this morning...at 5:30 and I tried to go back to sleep but just couldn't so I was up by 6, walked Suki put the sheets in the wash and ran the vacuum. I imagine he'll be back for breakfast very soon. I guess I should go get the sheets in the dryer. 

Daughter#2 is supposed to come up this morning, she has a hair appointment. I don't know how long she plans to stay. It's exam week, so I have no idea of her schedule yet. She's been wanting to go over to the Re-store, it's across the  street from the shop...she's looking for a second hand study desk. She may want to stop over there today, I guess it all depends on her schedule, and whether or not I can squeeze it in between students. It's a fun shop, Son and I go there often. 

 

Just found out that we are losing our next door neighbors. Merle and Gynger moved in shortly after we did, they are pastoring the church down the street. It's a mission church and he came on to get it started and now that it's established he plans to retire, so they are heading back to Pennsylvania. I'm a little sad. I got along well with Gynger and I had hoped to get to know her more this summer. It just seems they have been so busy with the church that finding time to just be neighborly didn't happen as I would have liked. We did have a couple of scrapbook days together and sat on the deck and talked once in a while. I can't help but wonder who will be moving in next. Will the church sell the property, or will the new pastor be moving in? 

Well, it's time to get some breakfast...I'll check back with you later. 

Promises

to be another beautiful day, although the clouds are to move in later and we are supposed to get storms tomorrow. We have a constant river flowing into the basement and as long as the sump-pump does it's job, all will be well. If we lose electricity due to the thunderstorm, we'll be bailing! There will be many flooded basements this year for those who don't have pumps.

Over breakfast this morning we ordered our seeds for the garden. Hubby is anxiously awaiting the complete snow melt so he can start digging in the dirt. 

I'm finishing up my coffee, then it's a quick clean and straighten of the house, then back on the bike for my ride; looking at the extended forecast, it may be the last one this week. If the weather holds, maybe another short one this evening, then I must do some yoga and stretches. Terri...how's the yoga treating you? 

This afternoon I'm heading down the hill to practice and I'm looking forward to that, then back here for my one student at 4:00. 

No cooking again today....can my smile get any bigger? Well, maybe if Bobby Sherman showed up at my door! :-D

Sorry, I haven't snuck him in here for a long time! I have to do that once in a while LOL. We'll have leftover chicken soup for lunch and tacos for supper...I've had the taco filling in the freezer since Christmas, so it's time to use it. Tonight I just have to warm it and put out some lettuce, onion, cheese and salsa.

Thank you to all for your sweet comments on my blog background. I'm liking it too and it may stay for a while. To those of you who change your page a lot, I'm wondering if this background would work better with another template? I'm using "picture window". Any thoughts? 

Maybe if I keep riding I'll look like her by the end of the summer!! HA!

First Rides of the Season

What a nice day. 

After church this morning Hubby and I had some leftover chicken chili with chips and salsa; it was nice not having to cook. 

Later this afternoon, Hubby decided to go on a bike ride...more than what I was ready to do, so he left and then I decided I should take my bike out and at least try to get used to it again. I was on my way to the garage to get my bike when Hubby called and said he had a flat. He was quite a ways out of town, he could walk back, but it would take quite a while so I took the truck and found him...my second time driving it and my first time driving it by myself. We got back and I told him my plan, so he grabbed his other bike and we went around town for about 30 minutes. It was good and I feel more confident about taking it out on my own. Add that to the half hour we put in on the tandem on Saturday and I'm actually looking forward to doing some rides. I'll have to see what the weather is like tomorrow...it's supposed to rain most of the week. 

We got back from church this evening and Hubby went to a meeting at 7:30. I just popped some popcorn and watched an episode of Castle. I never did get to work on my history this weekend. 

My back deck is almost uncovered and we can see a small patch of grass on either side of the driveway. The rain they are predicting this week will help the melt. I want to get a bird bath...there is a bird taking a bath in the puddle at the end of the driveway. 

It's so nice having a relaxing weekend not having to cook, just having the time to exercise, read and enjoy the sunshine. I needed that...we all need that. I feel refreshed and encouraged and ready to start my week.

66!!

DEGREES! Tomorrow they are predicting a high of 66 degrees for us here in the far north! Yesterday we saw 52 and today they say we'll see 61, but tomorrow 66! I hope we make it. It looks like spring has finally arrived. We saw a significant snow melt yesterday...quite noticeable by the fence line in the neighbors yard. I watched my first Robin Redbreast of the season walk down my driveway and another this morning said hello from the porch rail!! The Junkos came to visit during breakfast...Hubby is going to have to don his snowshoes to reach the feeder; I'm sure the seed is moldy and needs replacing. Poor little fellows are probably hungry!

Yesterday my friend Anita and I went to the Alzheimer Anita's house to make lunch for her, it went well and I'm learning my way around her kitchen so I should be able to do fine when I have to go alone. The most difficult thing will be trying to carry on a conversation. I'm not much of a talker and find it hard to come up with conversation in normal situations, but with just her and I, I will feel a lot like I'm talking to myself. After lunch we took her to one of the local coffee shops to have coffee and just to get her out of the house for a bit. She seemed to do fine, although I had to stay close to her as she got out of the car while we were parked on the street as she has no traffic sense anymore.

I've been hiding away for the last couple of days dealing with some emotional baggage that crops up once in a while and also working on my family history. I should be able to scrapbook a page or two today unless Hubby has other plans for me. I'm also noticing my short leg is pulling my hips out of alignment again to where it's affecting my stride, so I need to do some serious stretching today. I might even get brave and pull my bike out for a short ride if Hubby checks the tires for me.

Last night Hubby and I had a date night. We went to our favorite dinner spot and I ate WAY too much. Fortunately, we walked, so that helped, but I really shouldn't have indulged so much. Back on track today though and with the warmer weather I hope to take advantage and get outside and walk. Mid - week next week we do have some rain/snow mix on the way again, I'll have to see how brave I am and how slippery the streets get as to whether I'll don the rain gear and walk anyway. 

I've been trying to change the background here and I've done it before, but it doesn't seem to work right. I went to Shabby blogs, grabbed a code, pasted it in the html gadget and all it does is post the code to my sidebar. :/ I'm very confused as to what I'm doing wrong. If anyone can help, I'd be grateful. Also, it's a long story, but I lost all my bookmarks on my computer and I had bookmarked several favorite sites for blogger backgrounds but can't remember their names now. Would you be willing to share your favorites with me by posting a link in the comments? I remembered shabbyblogs, but that's it. Thanks. 

Well, time to get a little housework done, I'll be back later to try and change my background again. 

Giggle Two...Don't Send A Man To The Grocery Store!

A Giggle For Your Day...Don't Bungee Jump Naked!

A Little Sun Worship

The sun is out and we have a beautiful blue sky!! We won't reach into the 60's like Carol was suggesting, but it does look like we'll get into the 40's. I can't resist standing at the window and letting the sun warm my face. I even opened the door and breathed in the fresh air for a few minutes. 

Even Suki is enjoying the warm sun streaming through the window this morning! 

I have two students scheduled for today, and I really hope to type up some more family history. I also have some reading to catch up on and I really should practice. My goodness, it's not like I don't have anything to do, despite what many believe. 

I plan to make white chicken chili for supper...always a favorite.

Our good news is that daughter #1 got a new job...she starts on Monday. It's not what she wanted, but she hopes to work at pursuing her dreams while employed. I hope it all works out well for her and she can be happy. 

Snow, Snow GO AWAY!!!

I was proud of myself this year...I did quite well not only staying busy this winter, but staying positive for the most part. March started getting the better of me and now April....oh my!! This morning I truly did not want to get out of bed and if it wasn't for my little friend, Suki needing to go out...I wouldn't have. I'm groggy and lethargic and my body literally is aching for sunshine and warmth. We received about 3" of snow overnight and it is coming down steadily this morning. They are predicting we could get another 3-6" today. I feel as though my life is on hold until the sun comes out. 

Yesterday I went to practice and help my mentor tune the organ. It was so nice to play a real instrument again and to enjoy the confidence it gives me. My music always sounds so much better when I play there. We also spent some time catching up on each others' lives...so much has happened to both of us during our absence from one another. Practicing again was so needed. I am finding that I don't think as clearly and my memory is not as good when I'm not practicing regularly. We both agreed that time away from the instrument begins to have a retarding effect over time. Scary, but at least we know what to do about it...practice, practice, practice! 

Plans are few today, I find I just don't have the energy right now. I have 4 students scheduled, so teaching will take most of my time. I have some writing for my history project I want to work on, but I'm not sure I'll have the time. Meals will be simple and comforting. I have some leftover gravy so I'll brown some ground turkey and put it over toast for lunch and there will be enough left-over Italian Stew if I put crackers and cheese out, or make sandwiches to go with it. The use of bread isn't what I'm supposed to eat, but at the end of the month, things have to stretch somehow. 

I do look forward to watching last night's episode of Castle online sometime today. It drove me crazy last night trying to focus on reading a book when I knew Castle was on and I couldn't see it! 

Well, the morning is half spent...time to go...

Good Monday Morning

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend; mine was quiet, just how I like it. 

For those of you wondering about my visit with Anita, the Alzheimer's patient, due to the blizzard on Friday, my other friend, Anita called and said that since they did not go out of town as originally planned, she would take the responsibility that day. She then said that she might not even go since it was getting so bad. I told her, if she chose to go to call me back and I'd go with her, but I didn't hear from her again, so I'm assuming she felt it was prudent to stay in. Anita will fix her own lunch if someone doesn't make it and she is not to the point where she has to have someone there all the time, it just helps to break up her day and keep her in social situations. I think it also gives her husband a measure of peace, knowing someone with be checking on her during the day while he is at work. You see, Anita is only a few years older than I am...early sixties at most. I will see what this Friday brings and let you know.

Sunday afternoon one of our graduating seniors from church gave her senior piano/viola recital at the church. I wasn't thrilled with several of her music choices, but she is very talented. She had two others join her and they did a selection from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto. That was the highlight for me.

The rest of my Sunday afternoon was spent getting the scrapbook back out and creating a couple of pages as well as making corrections to some of my history. It feels good to have it out again, though this morning I have to get in there and put it all away so I can teach.

Plans for today are few. I am planning on returning to my practice time on the pipe organ. My mentor needs some assistance with tuning, so that will take part of my time. I also have my usual light cleaning to take care of this morning and a student later in the afternoon. Sometime I hope to get in a work-out, but I'm not sure when.

Thank you for your prayers concerning Daughter #2. She sent a text last night saying she and her friends returned home safely.  

No pictures today, they're not loading here for some reason. I hope it's a temporary glitch here at Blogger, and not with my computer. 

Post Blizzard

Not much planned for today. Hubby's doing some chores around the house. I think I'm going to work on a trading card or two. We went out to breakfast, so if we have anything for lunch it won't be much. I know I have enough leftovers for supper and we can do something simple for after church tomorrow since Daughter #2 won't be here. In other words...no cooking for me today YEAH!

The blizzard is over and the sun came out. The snow is back up level with the 6' privacy fence in the backyard. There are a couple of spots where, I swear the dogs in that yard can just step over and be out, and I caught her thinking about it!  We'll have to keep an eye out when we take our dogs out. They are calling for rain/snow the rest of the week, but who knows.

Take a look at our neighbor's clothes line pole in this photo. I have never seen it up quite that high before. 

Well that's about all from the 

snowy north. Have a wonderful weekend! 

Julie's Snowy, Blowy, Friday Out-look

I'm beginning to think it will be "always winter but never Christmas". Students for today have canceled due to the stomach flu...it seems to be going around. I will be on my own visiting with Anita (Alzheimer's patient from church) during lunch today. I'll be taking Italian Stew with me so I won't have to choose from the array of canned soup in their pantry. I'm not looking forward to the drive over - fortunately, it's not far at all. Other than that it's some light cleaning as usual, brown some steaks this morning for the crock-pot, weight-lifting work-out and stay in and stay warm. 

God's Word: not yet

Prayer Concerns: Erin and her friends are still planning this crazy camping trip. They will be driving south about 3 hours in a raging snow storm, then camping in the cold and wet. I don't think it's wise. 

Please pray for my time with Anita today that things will go smoothly. 

Blessings: 

Hot coffee on a cold morning!

Good Gloomy Morning

I had a busy day of teaching yesterday but today should be quieter...no students scheduled. I wasn't able to get my work-out in either, but I should be able to today. I'm trying not to beat myself up over it. 

I am supposed to meet a fellow organist for lunch to talk about the organist job that, if I am hired, I will be sharing with her. It's raining...we're under a winter storm warning again...the rain is supposed to freeze and we are to get snow and wind later. I just hope it waits to freeze until after I get home from lunch. There are already rain-drops on my windows and it's quite dark outside. Daughter #2 and friends have a camping trip planned...I think they're crazy and I pray they change their minds. I really don't want to hear about someone winding up in the hospital with hypothermia and I'm not sure how well trained they are in winter survival skills, if at all. 

We had a church business meeting last night and although I didn't want to go, I felt I should. It was a good thing I did - someone brought up the organ and what should be done, so I had to do a little talking. We have now formed an organ committee to help move forward to the purchase of a new instrument. 

I'll be making my Weight Watcher's Italian Stew today. I've been trying to make it for 2 days now, but something always changes and I put it off. I have to make it today, there is nothing left in the house to eat. Last night I was planning ham and cheese sandwiches with fresh baked bread, but something happened and the bread didn't turn out so we had to go to Subway. I just started another loaf and I'm keeping tabs on the machine...it doesn't seem to be getting warm.  We need the bread for sandwiches for lunch, so I hope it's working....otherwise, I guess it's back to Subway for Hubby. 

Still looking for spring...

Yoga

I responded to everyone of you that commented on my last post, but since I don't know if you all ever see those I thought I would address the topic more completely and answer some questions here in a separate blog post. 

I can't believe I'm writing a blog post about yoga of all things! First let me state right from the start that I am in no way an expert...as I matter of fact, I know very little on the subject -I don't even know most of the positions by name beyond the down-ward dog, the child pose and the triangle pose. But since there seems to be an interest among my friends here, I am going to just tell you what I do know. 

For me it all started when I took my one and only yoga class. The owner of our local Curves contacted a guy to come in and work with those of us who were interested. It was very non-threatening  and since I was the youngest of the women there, he took his time, teaching us proper breathing and some of the simpler positions. He was very watchful we did it correctly so we didn't injure ourselves. I had a wonderful experience and it was a great introduction. Since then I have tried some DVD's, but as I stated yesterday, I don't know the positions well enough to just go by what the instructor is saying and once in a position I often cannot see the TV to see what to do next. I also move quite slowly and most of the DVD's move fluidly from one position to the next often with a jump that I am not yet ready to do, so I have a difficult time keeping up. That's why I like to use my book, I can get in and out of the positions at my leisure and hold them as long as I am comfortable. 

A good share of the positions I cannot do completely because of my lack of flexibility and I won't be doing headstands or any of the more advanced positions anytime soon, but I do hope to improve. For this reason I say to Linda, don't dismiss yoga to quickly. It is true I have no knowledge of your health or physical abilities, but I would encourage you to at least do some research and look into the possibility of trying some of the simple positions and see what you think. Here is a link where you'll find some video clips of some simple moves: Well-Grounded.

Yoga helps me focus my mind which is a good stress reliever. I have to think about getting in and out of each position and focus on the stretch and the breathing. It also aids in flexibility, balance, strengthening and toning. There are some types of yoga that are also good for cardio, but I haven't been successful with those yet. It also helps me focus on proper breathing...none of us breathe as we should and I find this helps remind me to check on my breathing throughout the day.

Carol brought up a very important point, one which, I also got to thinking about after posting my last entry. I have mentioned yoga in Christian circles in the past and have gotten at the very least, raised eyebrows! I don't want to lead anyone astray here and I want to make it perfectly clear, I DO NOT practice any of the chanting and Eastern meditation practices that is associated  with yoga. If you should look into taking a class, be sure to check out the instructor first and make sure there is none of that included in the class. It can however be a good time to spend in prayer. 

I just finished watching Castle while I did my work-out on the stationary bike....45 minutes.  I'm giving myself until June 6th which is the student recital...I want to see a significant change by then and hopefully be back in last summers clothes. I weighed this morning...15 pounds heavier than I was a year ago. I'm trying to brace myself for that to go up before it goes down as I add muscle mass. I'm planning another yoga session for tonight after supper. Call me crazy, but after only one day I am already noticing an improvement in my posture and I can feel my abs tightening. I carry all my weight in my mid-section, so this is encouraging.

Now, let me leave you with this for inspiration. I posted this somewhere...I don't know if it was my Google+ or my Facebook, but I can't find it so I want to post it here as well. I have watched this several times...it is one of the most inspirational videos I have ever seen. Whether you choose to practice yoga or not, please take the time to watch this because he will inspire you to not give up on whatever it is you find impossible in your life. Watch the first one first, it will touch you the most, then if you want more information on this incredible man, check out the extended version second. Enjoy!!

Extended version: 

Baby Steps

Today marks my first installment in adding exercise back into my routine. I started with some yoga positions and deep stretches tonight because I suffer from something mysterious that causes my  muscles to tighten so much that they pull joints such as my hips out of alignment. These movements help loosen things up for me as well as helps me strengthen those muscles and joints by using only my body mass. 

Thank you all for the encouragement you have been sending me...it is so appreciated and will most certainly spur me on. Wanting to give a good report always helps me do what I'm supposed to do and makes it more difficult for me to talk myself out of it. I'm excited to work with those of you who are fighting the same battle. We will struggle, push, prod advise and encourage each other as needed. 

Terri, I highly recommend yoga! You'll have to be careful with your knees, and not knowing what you can and cannot do, makes it hard for me to know how to advise you. I know that when I work on the positions, it does strengthen my knees and makes kneeling so much easier...right now it is painful to do, but once I get the muscles around my knee stronger, it's not bad at all...I've done it before. The important thing about yoga is proper breathing through each movement. I have some DVD's, but I find it hard to go down into a position and not be able to see the TV to see the next move. I recommend this book that I have been using: The Easy Yoga Workbook by Tara Fraser . I just open it up and set it in a spot that's easily viewed and move it around as necessary depending on my position. I see Amazon has some with other covers, I'm not sure if they are different inside or not. I'll have to look more intently. I like to do yoga in the evening before bed as it relaxes me. It really felt wonderful tonight!

Well I can honestly say day one was a success. 

Not much planned for tomorrow, only two students coming and my house is clean, so I must discipline myself to do a work-out. I will be making Weight Watchers Italian Stew for supper. I always try to have it to jump start my healthy eating. 

Rest well friends. Until tomorrow...

Heikki Lunta...ENOUGH!!

Heikki Lunta is the Finnish snow god and with an evil laugh, he dumped another 4" on us last night which was topped this morning with a freezing rain. Our associate pastor is trying to get home from PA...he's on a three day layover; I'm not sure, but he might have decided to rent a car and drive home. I'm beginning to feel like spring will never come. 

Daughter #2 stayed the night and just sent a text that she arrived on campus safely. All the schools in the area are closed this morning except hers. Having her here to chat with over breakfast and coffee has put me a bit behind schedule. 

I'm still fighting the congestion end of this crud I have. I'm better, but with a head full of grossness and the weather like it is, I'm having a hard time getting motivated this morning. I do have a light day...only one student this afternoon and some light cleaning...I don't even have to cook because we have plenty of left-overs to take us to lunch tomorrow. 

I'm thinking I will begin my work-outs with a yoga session today to limber up and relax me. Maybe tomorrow I will feel strong enough for a walk on the treadmill. My plan is to alternate the treadmill, stationary bike and weight lifting for now and add some yoga in the evenings. If the snow ever leaves, I will be walking my nature path and I really want to get my bike out this year. 

My eating plan comes from several sources, but made to work for our lifestyle. I will be eliminating processed foods which won't be difficult this time, as I have pretty much cleaned those out the last time I did this and I didn't go back. I will have no processed white sugar and will be closely monitoring my sugar intake from natural sources such as fruit. As summer gets in full swing and fresh vegetables are more available, I will shift to a more plant based diet...I still need more research as to how to do that and still get the needed proteins. I know there are other protein options available, but I either don't know what they are, can't find them or don't know how to use them. I will be grateful to anyone who can advise in this area. It should be easier this time, I have learned a lot over the last year and a half. The exercise portion will be the most difficult for me and that is where I will need the most encouragement. 

Well, it's time to get started...I'll be back this afternoon to see what everyone else has been up to. 

Sweatpants on Sunday

Why sweatpants on Sunday...because I did come down with some kind of 'crud' ie, sore throat, congestion and body aches so I wasn't up to attending church.

It was a beautiful morning with full sunshine making the snow look like my front yard had been sprinkled with diamonds; the clouds have now taken over. I sat for a while at the table enjoying the view out the window and scanning Facebook. I went to the Paderewski Music Society page that I 'liked' quite some time ago but hadn't visited in a while. I have a personal connection to the pianist, composer, statesman so I'm always on the look out to learn more about him. Today I found something new...a wine, honoring his legacy. 

How I would love to get my hands on a bottle of that wine or to have the chance to visit the vineyard or to have that crate in my studio holding my music! Yes, my connection to him runs deep. I have managed to lay my hands on his biography which now, I need to find time to read. 

Speaking of books, Hubby returned home from church carrying a gift for me from one of our church families. It is a devotional using traditional hymns of the faith as it's base. This gift edition is bound in leather and signed by the author! I love, love, love traditional hymns so this gift has truly touched my heart. Inside is an inscription from the givers and both of our pastors, stating it is a thank-you for my service as church organist. SO NICE! It is very rare that I hear a thank-you, though it does happen once in a while...but this is the first time I have been given a gift. Hubby also said the pianist and our song-leader also got one and there is an entire set (there are, I think three) in the back of the church for reference. I'll be digging out some paper and glue this week...a personally created thank-you note is in order. 

The most important plan for this week is to get my exercise program started. The plan is to alternate yoga with the treadmill, the stationary bike and some weightlifting.  I just hope I'm feeling strong enough. I want to see a marked difference in six weeks time. Well there...I've said it. That's the plan. 

Night Time Falls

The threat of snow continues, but we haven't seen a single flake so far. We have had lots of wind though...it has blown our front door open three times, so Hubby is going to figure a way to block it when we go to bed tonight. Even locking it doesn't seem to help! 

I'm posting tonight to save me some time tomorrow. I have some things I want to see if I can accomplish in the morning. 

Plans for tomorrow include Making Italian Stew, and a Meatloaf as well as making up the guest bed...I got the sheets washed and dried today, but haven't got them back on the bed yet. I also have some dusting to do and only one student as the other three that were scheduled have canceled due to stomach flu. If there is time I hope to practice as well as work on a trading card or two. 

Prayer concerns remain the same...mostly for Daughter #2. I will check up on my other two children over the weekend sometime. Also I'm feeling like I could be coming down with something tonight. I think it's early to bed for me. 

Blessings...having a warm, clean house, warm food and a warm bed. 

Good night all! 

Sluggish Thursday

We woke to a big gust of wind that blew open our front door, but when we got up, we were greeted by this gorgeous sunrise. 

My eyes are heavy this morning and I am struggling to stay awake despite having two cups of coffee. I don't know what I need to get me moving. 

A mid-week day of rest was the plan yesterday, so today I have to do some catch up on the house cleaning. Plans for today are to strip the guest bed and wash the sheets, then put it all back together, cook white chicken chili, and do my floors. If time I might do some light dusting and I have three students coming today, all rescheduled from earlier in the week.

I'm trying to think if we need anything as we are under a winter storm warning:

 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM
EDT FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MARQUETTE HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM EDT FRIDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS
NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER...

* HEAVY...WET SNOW WILL ARRIVE EARLY THIS EVENING...AND CONTINUE
THROUGH FRIDAY. THE SNOW WILL FALL HEAVY AT TIMES TONIGHT INTO
EARLY FRIDAY MORNING. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DECREASE IN
INTENSITY FRIDAY EVENING...ALTHOUGH IT WILL STILL FALL LIGHTLY
INTO SATURDAY MORNING.

* STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL OF 6 TO 11 INCHES IS EXPECTED THROUGH FRIDAY.
THE HEAVIEST SNOW WILL FALL TONIGHT...WHERE SNOWFALL RATES OF 1 TO 2
INCHES PER HOUR ARE POSSIBLE.

* NORTHEAST WINDS GUSTING TO 35 MPH WILL CREATE AREAS OF BLOWING AND
DRIFTING SNOW...ESPECIALLY CLOSE TO LAKE SUPERIOR.

IMPACTS...

* ROADS WILL BECOME SNOW COVERED AND HAZARDOUS FOR TRAVEL TONIGHT
INTO FRIDAY.

* THE SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN
ONE-HALF MILE AT TIMES TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY MORNING.

* THE SNOW WILL BE EXTREMELY WET AND HEAVY...WHICH WILL MAKE
SHOVELING DIFFICULT. 

God's Word: In II Samuel today. I got behind in my reading this week, so I plan spend some extra time here and there to catch up. 

Prayer Concerns: 

Daughter #2 as she struggles through the last few weeks of school this semester. 

My eyes...time to see the Dr. for a new prescription, but they seem to have gotten bad all of a sudden. I am concerned both with the health of my eyes and how I'm going to pay for the office call and new glasses.

Blessings: We had a wonderful visit with our college friends this week and I am just so amazed at how God has the body of Christ set up to encourage and how the bond between Christians can be so deep and real. 

Kitchen Table Memories

I don't know if it's true at your house, but here it seems whenever we have company we all wind up around the kitchen table.  So it was yesterday when our friends from college arrived. I was unsure how our time together would be. In college Mica and I were in many of the same classes,

lived in the same small dorm on a very small campus, sang in and traveled with the choir. We had good times together, but I wouldn't have considered us

close. After college we sent the usual card at Christmas and eventually connected on Facebook where we "like" something once in a while, but we haven't really talked in years. When they walked in the door and we exchanged hugs however, I was pleasantly surprised at the deep bond I suddenly felt with them. Even Brian...I don't

usually feel a connection to men friends so much, but Brian is different, so down to earth and giving and caring...truly like a brother. I am amazed at the bond we can enjoy with other believers through Christ. Our conversations began by catching each other up on our children (they have 4 daughters, one grandson and another grandchild on the way), our parents, our childhood memories, memories of college, then our prospective businesses.

They own and operate this company that manufactures and sells a road grader attachment. They are doing well and the job also affords them the opportunity to travel and also go on mission trips periodically. They have been to Canada and also to Kenya where they help equip pastors that cannot otherwise attend Bible college. Brian also fills the pulpit at his local church once in a while - he is very knowledgeable and wise and I could have listened to him talk for days about how God has been using him in this ministry. We also talked of the condition of

our world today...now we as Evangelicals are on the military's  list of extremists...read here. Our world as we know it and many of the freedoms we now enjoy may soon be changing dramatically. 

Mica originally told me they would stay through lunch today, but this morning Brian was ready to get on the road after breakfast. Mica said he routinely does that, he tells her he plans to leave at such and such time and then he gets up and wants her ready in 15 minutes. I understood, I mean, they have a long trip ahead of them back to South Dakota, but I do wish they would have stayed for lunch and given us some more time. I am so very tired and have a headache I can't seem to lose today as Mica and I stayed up talking until midnight last night and the dogs got us up at 6:30 this morning.  Mica and I vowed to keep in touch more and send more emails, etc. I told them any time they were making a delivery any where close to us, they were always welcome here. I hope I don't have to wait too long. At one point in our conversations Brian said with a chuckle, "Awe Julie, you still have your giggle". We have a history together, and it seemed so strange to be talking with someone with whom I share a past. I miss that...I crave that. When they left I realized immediately just how lonely I have been here. 

I rescheduled all my students thinking I would be busy with my company, but now I'm going to spend it catching up on emails, and cleaning out my inbox. I should run the vacuum and strip the guest bed and wash the sheets and get it ready for when Daughter #2 wants to stay over again but that can wait until tomorrow. Today is for reflecting, reminiscing and relaxing.

A Busy Week Ahead

This morning we woke to more snow falling...lots of it. And as I was enjoying my coffee at the kitchen table, a young deer decided to take a stroll down the middle of our street. By the time I got my camera, he had scaled the snowbank and was camouflaging himself in the trees. I did snap this photo though, he's there, in the trees to the left of the pole. No, really..he is.

As I look at my calendar page spread open on my desk this morning I am a bit overwhelmed. With our company arriving tomorrow I have today to get the guest room ready...again, clean the bathroom, do the laundry, the grocery shopping and some cooking. 

All my students except three have been rescheduled to other days and times this week and I feel like I don't know which end is up. To further complicate matters (in a good way), two ladies wish to have lunch with me this week...one to discuss sharing the organist job that I may be hired for and the other to discuss planning another scrapbook event at our church. I'm waiting on the first one to get back with me on her choice of day before I can try to schedule the second and I'll have to make sure I get home in time for students to arrive early afternoons on both days. I rarely get an opportunity to have lunch with anyone and here I get two in one week and on one of my busiest weeks of the year. What are the odds?? 

Thank you all for your encouragements and kind words regarding my possible new job, my diet and exercise plans and the possibility of my working with the Alzheimer's patient. I feel like so much is up in the air in my life right now and it's a little unsettling. I do think I will be working with the Alzheimer's patient, I feel God leading me in that direction...it's not difficult, just a little time consuming and I would be taking some of the load off of others'...many hands make light work. I do think I will be preparing a lunch ahead and taking it with me. All that was available for us to eat there is canned soup, white bread and snack crackers...none of which will be allowed on my eating plan. This of course will mean more planning and organization for me. I'm not starting this week though...too much going on. 

A couple of you have expressed interest in my eating plan and as things ease up and I get into it more I will share more about that. I hope it will encourage me to stay the course and perhaps you as well. 

The hands on my desk clock just keep going 'round and 'round...time waits for no man/woman. I must get started on my day.

Those of you blessed with sunshine, please enjoy some for me.