I hesitate to begin a new entry as my computer has been acting up so much, I can be typing away and all of a sudden it shuts down. So I'm afraid I may be typing this a little at a time and hope I don't lose anything in between saves.

My plan to do my fall cleaning a little at a time so as not to exhaust myself failed. I found when I went to clean something I discovered that what I had previously cleaned was no longer as clean as I wanted it to be, therefore I cleaned it again as well as the new part and after a few sessions like that, I wasn't making much headway. You see, I'm a retired perfectionist who seems to be jumping back on the job from time to time. There was a time I was truly a perfectionist, then I got married and had three children and several pets over time and it just became too overwhelming to continue to obsess. This weekend Hubby was out of town to referee a hockey tournament and I decided it was time to just clean the place from top to bottom and stem to stern and be able to stand back and say...it's clean. Mission accomplished...the little turquoise house is CLEAN...or as clean as it can possibly be with three dogs in the house. I on the other hand am exhausted, and if I get to finish this post, I will call it a day and put my feet up for the rest of the day. My hands ache from scrubbing the floor and something between my shoulder blades screams every time I try to take a deep breath and my head aches from lack of sleep - the dogs get me up every morning at 5:00 a.m. I must say though, it does feel good to look around the house and see nothing out of place and be able to walk across the floor and feel nothing under bare feet except clean floor.

Well, my computer shut down...just like I feared. I have now put on my brave face and am typing on Hubby's Mac. I know nothing about how they differ from PC's only that most people seem to prefer one over the other. I am hoping for my purposes I won't come across anything I am not used to. I am struggling with the keyboard, it is quite different than mine and the screen, is too far away for me to see properly. I am near-sighted and Hubby is far-sighted and he has the screen set up so it cannot be moved or adjusted. I am making so many mistakes with the keyboard and having a hard time seeing them. If that's not enough, he has a weird mouse...it has a roller ball under the thumb and grooves for the fingers to rest in at the natural angle of the hand - great in theory, but difficult to get used to. I just discovered that I can make the typing area larger, but it does nothing for the type size and since I'm typing in yahoo notepad, it doesn't give options for that. I decided it would be best to put it back the way Hubby had it, since it's not nice to make adjustments like that on a computer that doesn't belong to me, so I clicked on the - symbol and instead of making it smaller, it disappeared entirely! One would think that since + means larger, - should mean smaller...evidently not...one must click on + again!

 Hubby should be home sometime today - I will however be quite anxious until he walks in the door, since I know he was responsible for way too many games and will be exhausted driving home. 

Well, with all the difficulty I'm having on here, I think I will close and wish you all a great rest of the day and a good week ahead. I hope Mac here and I will learn to get along better - if not, you may not be hearing much from me in the coming days...weeks...months. Now...let's see if I can post this without losing it or losing my sanity.

In Rememberance

I'm so proud of my son honoring 
his grandmother by walking in 
the Alzheimer's Walk this morning. I want so much to be able to join him next year!

Happy Fall!

It's another chilly morning, but the sun is making a short appearance and I'm so happy to see it...my mood improved greatly! My to do list is steadily growing...so much to get done before the snow flies.

I haven't said anything to Hubby yet because he's busy manning a time-trial race this morning, but it's quite cold in here. The thermostat is set at 62 and the temperature last time I looked was 58. I'm thinking...shouldn't the heat be coming on now??

Bill Cosby is coming to town in May. Hubby and I love him! How I would love to go! Tickets are already on sale and going fast. Daughter sent me a text yesterday saying we should get our tickets now. I'm like...HOW? I have to pay for a refrigerator, Christmas is coming, I'm needing to have work done on my back again, students aren't breaking down the door to get in here...and, selfish as it sounds, if I have to choose between seeing Bill and buying a laptop, I think the laptop will win. First of all, I need a reliable computer hooked to the printer for my business and second I will be able to enjoy doing things on it long after Bill leaves town. 

I'm heading out for a short while today to run a few errands and pick up pasties for supper. Hubby has been requesting them for a few days now, so I think tonight is a good night to give in. When I get home I'll try to do some more cleaning and I have to make ham and cheddar chowder for Sunday dinner. Oh! and bread...I have to make a loaf of bread. 

Well, I'm off to fill my hand warmer with more coffee. Have a wonderful first day of fall! 

It's Here!!

I was up at 6 this morning and took Suki outside only to find hail near the front porch. I thought it was snow at first glance! I ate breakfast, vacuumed, showered then wiped down my kitchen cabinets with Pledge oil (thus completing my kitchen cleaning project) and started a load of laundry. I won't be hanging it out today....rain, rain, hail, rain, rain, rain.....

The refrigerator was scheduled to be delivered between 9:30 and 10:00...it was 10:30 before it arrived in a down pour. It took the boys another 20 minutes just to take all the tape off of it. It is quite a bit larger than what I'm used to. I like how all the compartments inside are clear. The day the old refrigerator died, I had harvested the remainder of our kale to save it from the predicted frost that night and now I have to finish blanching and freezing it. 

Hubby came home to get the car for some errands and brought home two bags of groceries. I unloaded the small apartment sized refrigerator downstairs that we've been using and unplugged it. It's been a long week hauling food up and down the steps and up and down the block, but one thinks twice before going to the refrigerator for a snack! 

I'm not sure what the evening holds all I can say is "tut, tut, it looks like rain"! 

I was thinking this was last year, but it was October of 2010 that I took this walk with my two walking buddies, Suki and Gilmore. It was the most perfect fall day ever. I hope we have a chance to do this again this year.

Fall Scurry and Thankful Thursday

A cup and a half of coffee, now a cup of hot tea...it's the start of that time of year when I need to have my hands wrapped around something warm. It's another dark, damp day and Hubby and I watched the geese fly from the lake in droves this morning. I'm beginning to wonder if we will not get our Indian summer this year. 

Most of my friends here have a daily plan for blogging...Tuesday Ten, Wordless Wednesday, Thankful Thursday...if they don't mind, I think I'll join them when I can. Kris posted this morning about her mom coming to visit and though the thought tugged at my heart and brought tears to my eyes, I am so very thankful for the relationship my mom and I shared and for the time God allowed me to spend with her. We were freakishly close, our tastes in movies, crafts, clothes, food...just about everything was the same and there wasn't anything we didn't enjoy doing together. Thank you God for the mother you gave me...for her patience, love, understanding and gentle guidance.

I feel a bit like those geese and the other birds and animals, scurrying around, preparing for the cold months ahead, trying to get everything done before the snow flies. My plan for the day was to finish work in the kitchen and possibly spend the afternoon in my studio with my heritage scrapbook project. It's the perfect type of day to hunker down with old photos, pretty paper and glue, but instead, I have decided I will brave the weather and head into town to visit the jeweler and see about getting my mom's wedding rings cleaned and repaired. This is one of the things she asked me to do and I regret not being able to do it while she was still here to enjoy them, so I will do it now and hope she can see that they were and are important and mean a lot to me.With the weather the way it is, I am afraid if I don't look into it now, it might not happen until spring and I don't want to wait that long...I've waited too long as it is. I will also see about picking up a Christmas gift I saw for my son. I made a little money teaching this week, I just hope the jeweler won't charge much. 

So, if I get home in time, I'll still do the cleaning, I want to get that done before the refrigerator comes tomorrow and I'll have tomorrow to scrapbook. 
Off I go...

God's Promise

Genesis 9:11 

And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.

¹² And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

¹³ I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

¹⁴ And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:

¹⁵ And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

¹⁶ And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.

¹⁷ And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

I saw the most beautiful rainbow yesterday - oh how I wish I had my camera with me! This entire week we have had and are supposed to continue to have rain everyday. Yesterday as I was heading out to the bank and to my massage therapist, the sun came out as it continued to pour down rain. I knew somewhere there had to be a rainbow and as I was turning into the bank parking lot, there it was...big and gorgeous and full! Because of where I was I could see nearly the entire bow. I love rainbows...such a beautiful token of God's promise to His creation. 

I had another massage yesterday - they will be rough until I can get back in shape again. Massages are not as relaxing as I once believed them to be...they are a lot of work! I am having a weird reaction while she's working on me and even she can't figure out why. I woke with a slight headache this morning - I think it's the weather - it's been dark, cold and rainy all day. It was only 60 degrees in the house most of the day...yes, I can turn the heat up, but I refuse. It's still warm enough to throw on a sweater and solve the problem. It was one of those days I just felt like curling up with a good book. I did wind up going to the recliner for a bit and with a cup of hot tea and a warm pack for the back of my neck to ease my headache, I fell asleep for about 20 minutes or so and woke just in time for my student to arrive. The sun didn't shine until supper time, but I was grateful I could do supper dishes by the warmth of the sun streaming in the kitchen window. Speaking of kitchen, since my new refrigerator is scheduled to arrive on Friday, I have been busy this week cleaning and scrubbing the kitchen so it will be all clean and nice for 5 minutes after the delivery LOL! No, I've started my fall cleaning and decided the kitchen was a good place to start for that reason. I am hand scrubbing the kitchen floor in small sections so as not to further do damage to my back. I do spring cleaning and fall cleaning. I usually get the urge about the time the chill hits the air. I think sometimes it has to do with a nesting instinct. I figure I have to be inside for the next 7 -8 months, it better be clean and comfortable. I hope to finish the last section in the kitchen tomorrow as well as lemon oil all the cabinets. 

It's been a bad week for teaching. I've had 2 no-shows and 1 sickie and it's also the "off" week for those only taking lessons every other week. At this rate, I'm never going to get my savings built up again, what with my therapy to pay for and Christmas coming. 

It's 8:00 and nearly dark. Hubby is out on the trails so I hope he gets home soon. 

No students tomorrow, just some errands to run, the kitchen to finish and maybe some scrapbooking to do...depends on how much time I decide to play on the computer. Oh, and I think it's time to put out my fall home decor. Question...do you change your decor by season and if so, how much? 

Have a good night everyone,

Top or Bottom?

No...this is NOT an X rated post! ;-)

Thursday evening Hubby got into the freezer to finish off the sherbet and found it was in liquid form! We checked the plug, checked the outlet and determined the refrigerator had died. I knew it we were on borrowed time. I think it was the original to the house which means it's a 1970's model and believe me, it looks it! I was so glad he discovered it when he did, because I had just gone to the store and actually found a roast and a pork steak that were 4H prize winners from the fair. They ought to be real good pieces of meat.  Anyway, we unloaded the whole thing and as we were doing so, Gilmore started pacing, but because we were so busy, we didn't realize what his problem was...he had to GO! Since we weren't paying attention to him and since we were blocking the path to the basement, he went all over the living room and hall floor!! SOOOOOOOO...Hubby carries the groceries to the shop apartment where our old refrigerator still lives and I clean up the smelly mess off the floor!! 

After much shopping and debate, here is the link to my new refrigerator: http://www.sears.com/kenmore-19.7-cu-ft-bottom-freezer-refrigerator/p-04678093000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

We went shopping Friday after work, but had to go out again this morning because Sears was closed by the time we got there last night. I won't have it for another week, but they will take the old one away and deliver the new one. We had to pay a little more for that option, but we think it will be worth it in the long run. We got 10% off for the grand opening sale and it is interest free on our Sears card if we pay it off it a year. 

We went back and forth between the top and bottom freezer. I like the convenience, but it seemed as though I lost some freezer space with most of the bottom freezers. This one is deeper than most, so I liked it much better. It's going to be bigger in the room which will take some getting used to. Hubby is going to ask daughter's boyfriend to help him take the old one out to the yard tomorrow after lunch so I can clean the floor underneath and get it ready for the new one. 

It's been a busy day. I did my floors this morning and I got the roast going for tonight. Hubby went to the store for an onion and he stopped by the shop to bring home the roast, then went to the garden for fresh carrots and rutabaga. I also started a lasagna in the crock-pot for lunch tomorrow. The house smells great right now!! YUM!! Then we went to town and bought the refrigerator and had lunch at the Sears store because it was a grand opening and they were giving out free hot dogs. After that, Hubby needed jeans so we went to Shop-Ko where we found jeans on sale for $19.99 each...he bought two pair. Last stop was the Co-Op for pantry items. Hubby isn't much of a shopper, so it was in, get what we need and out, but that's ok, it was nice spending a Saturday morning together for a change. 

We had a light freeze last night so we had to cover the tomatoes and peppers with old sheets. I spent yesterday afternoon harvesting and blanching kale to save it from frost damage. I only got a few bags ready for the freezer and now, until we get the new refrigerator, I am out of freezer space. I just hope it stays good enough in the refrigerator for a week until I get a chance to blanch and freeze the rest. It's 62 right now with sunshine, even though I'm in considerable pain with my shoulders today, I'm still thinking of going for a walk. It's just too nice to sit here in the basement at the computer. I'll try to get back and visit with you all at your pages soon.

The Invisible Woman Speaks

As I sit here, trying to come up with something to write about, I find myself empty of anything newsworthy or edifying.

It seems I'm invisible lately.  

I have spent the week trying to heal and find myself frustrated 5 days after the fact, still having to move slowly and gingerly. I find sitting more painful than standing, but standing gets old after a while. 

I'm home alone today. Hubby and daughter took a friend of Hubby's to ride the difficult bike trails. They should be gone most of the day. I'm happy not to have to cook or wait on others for a while. I actually wish I had someone to wait on me for a change. 

Blessings are my students return next week and I start two new ones that will take the place of those lost. I'm still only breaking even and not quite that because some of my returning students are only coming every other week now due to financial difficulties. Still, I'm counting that as a blessing that they are at least coming. 

Another blessing is two friends of Hubby's were doing trail work this morning and brought a load of wood for our wood stove from trees they cut down; every little bit helps in keeping us warm this winter. 

Accessory Labor

Labor Day. A day that most people spend relaxing and enjoying picnics, me...I usually labor at one thing or another. This year it was re-organizing my jewelry and accessories. That doesn't sound like much work, I understand, but you have to realize, I'm a jewelryholic! Recently I blogged about finding a large vintage jewelry box at a rummage sale and I dearly LOVE it! The project was to decide what needs to be moved to that box and what needs to stay in my freestanding box and what was I going to use the small wooden box for that I had been using for my most precious pieces. Not only do I love to accessorize my outfits, but my mother used to also love jewelry and she bought many pieces for me and if for no other reason, because she gave them to me, I can't part with them. My Hubby and children have also given me a few of them, and I will not give those away either. Now, it seems I am also inheriting some of the pieces that I gave my daughter's, they no longer like them, or think they have a use for them, so they are offering them back to me.  Because they are nice things and usable, I'm taking them...besides, perhaps one day they will wish they hadn't parted with them. To further complicate matters, I decided after 4 years since my mother's passing, it was time to incorporate some of her jewelry that I had inherited into my boxes. I had been wearing some of it, but decided I'd get more use out of it if it was easier to locate. Some of her things actually belonged to her mother and grandmother. Wearing the things that she promised me I would one day own makes me feel close to her. I was so happy when I finally decided that my most precious pieces, including the things of my mother's that I can wear, now live in the vintage box. The wooden box holds the remainder of my earrings, the little blue box you see up there holds jewelry that I've had since I was a little girl and it tucks nicely into the bottom of the earring box, and the freestanding unit holds some necklaces, some rings, jewelry repair and cleaning things, and other trinkets, scarves, etc. My mother's two boxes still hold what is left of her things that I don't currently have a use for, but, because they were hers, I cannot part with them. Note the loaded charm bracelet laying in front of them, most of those charms she either bought or were given to her during the second world war. Lastly, I have a set of hooks behind the door that hold all necklaces and bracelets that don't tarnish. 

My project was nearing completion and I was working in one of the drawers of my stand up jewelry box when I felt my lower back tighten into a knot and I could barely move after that. I could walk, but barely, and it hurt like mad! First thing this morning I called my chiropractor and she took me at 1:00 today. It felt better this morning than it did last night, but I wasn't taking any chances. 

Even with my back pain today I did my chores...floors, dishes and laundry (including hanging it on the line), it just took me a lot longer and I had to be careful, moving slowly and knowing my limits. 

While I was out hanging clothes, Gilmore made a mess in my studio...poop spray EVERYWHERE!! The most difficult part of my day and the most painful was cleaning up that mess! It took a whole roll of paper towel to sop it up, then I had to steam clean the whole room. I guess I'm going to have to start keeping the door to that room shut! 

In the basement I have a canvas bag that holds my hand held steam cleaner hanging on a hook at the bottom of the steps. Last night, a HUGE wood spider spun a web and then this morning, sat at the top of one of the attachments staring me down!! I found the spider spray and went after him with a vengeance! It looked like he crawled down one of the tubes and quite frankly, I didn't want to go looking for him. When Marc came home for lunch he said he loved me and I asked him how much LOL! I asked him to clean the web off of the bag and inspect it for the monster, which he did and said he couldn't find anything. He said he took every item out of the bag and shook everything out. HMMMM...I don't know where it went, but I hope it's dying a gruesome death someplace where I'll never have to see it again! I think I'll find a spot for my bag in the living-room closet. 

I am disappointed that I cannot seem to arrange the pictures in this entry through the paragraphs like I can at Multiply. I don't like how they are all grouped together at the top. 

Well, my back is telling me it's done for the night. I will try to read everyone's entries sometime tomorrow if my back allows. 

Cookie Night!

Hubby and I met in college. We attended a very strict Bible college which did not allow any "public displays of affection" of any kind. We could not even hold hands on campus in public. One of the romantic things we started doing then was walking to the reservoir which was on campus but was blocked from view, it was the only place on such a small campus that a young couple could be alone. It was there we started observing "cookie night". On the full moon (when it was easier to see where we were walking), we would pack some cookies and head up to the reservoir to spend some much needed time alone where we could talk...yes, talk... out of the earshot of every other student on campus. I enjoyed those walks so much. It was dark and quiet and afforded us the chance to really get to know each other. I remember one night in particular that we were walking along the dirt road...this tiny campus was out in the sticks...and we heard the sound of hooves pounding on the ground. It wasn't until we were nearly run over by a herd of deer that we knew just how close they were to us! One other time I decided to make a batch of no-bake cookies, problem was, I forgot to allow the mixture to boil for a few minutes and we had to eat our "cookies" by scooping wet globs out of the dish...I should have taken a spoon!

Over the years we observed cookie night on occasion, but with the coming of children and a business to run and other activities, it was mostly forgotten or remembered after the fact. I can't tell you how many times I said..."oh last night was the full moon, I should have made cookies". Well...since tonight is the full moon and a blue one....making it extra special...today I baked cookies. I guess when we take the dogs out for their last walk tonight we will take some cookies with us and look at the moon.

Plea for Help

I just read a blog entry from one of my friends here and went to comment, but it refuses to publish my comment. I came to my page to make sure I am signed in, and according to my dashboard I am, but according to my actual blog page I am NOT. I can post to my own blog but not to anyone else's. I clicked the sign in button on my page, but it takes me back to my dashboard page with no pop-up in which to sign in. Does anyone have a clue??

Counting My Blessings

^{I was reminded just yesterday how truly blessed I am to be in a faithful marriage relationship. At the same time I realize how fragile such relationships are. I say I am counting my blessings because I realize I am not perfect, my husband is not perfect, therefore it is impossible for us as imperfect human beings to have a perfect marriage. I am blessed however because after 30 years we are still together and know it is because of the grace of God that we are. I marvel because I don't know why we don't seem to struggle with the petty things that seem to be the beginning of the downfall to so many marriages. I don't understand why God has preserved us the way He has, but after witnessing the pain and destruction to so many lives that the opposite causes,  I am grateful this morning.} 

^{From Mark chapter 10:}

⁶ “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female. ⁷ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,⁸ and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. ⁹ Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

¹⁰ When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. ¹¹ He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. ¹² And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

From Ephesians 5:

5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; ² and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

³ But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; ⁴ and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. ⁵ For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore do not be partakers with them; ⁸ for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light ⁹ (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), ¹⁰trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds ofdarkness, but instead even expose them; ¹² for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. ¹³ But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. ¹⁴ For this reason ^[i]it says,

“Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”

¹⁵ Therefore be careful how you ⁽walk, not as unwise men but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of your time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; ²⁰ always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; ²¹ and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Marriage Like Christ and the Church

²² Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. ²⁴ But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, ²⁶ so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷ that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. ²⁸ So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; ²⁹ for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, ³⁰ because we are members of His body. ³¹ For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. ³² This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. ³³ Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

^{We have also been blessed with three wonderful children who love the Lord and to date have chosen day by day to walk in His way. Again, I know this too is a fragile condition and I am not so blind to believe that this couldn't change at any moment, but I am thankful right now, this moment in time that my children are healthy, and their lives are not dictated by drugs, alcohol, per-marital or extra-marital sex.  I pray daily for my children that this will continue.} 

Ephesians 6:1-4

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

⁴ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

^{I didn't intend to get preachey this morning, but this is what is on my heart.} 

Tweet, Tweet

Several of my feathered friends are flitting around in the garden this morning and one lady finch is talking to me from the feeder. I love my bird friends and will miss them this winter. 

Nothing much to talk about this morning. I did get up early and Hubby left for work early so I was able to get my cleaning done first thing. 

My secret project is off to a slow start...had a little hick-up in the works last night, but hopefully will be back on track today. Next week, with the start of school, most of my students will not be attending lessons, so I will have the week to myself to focus on it...at least that is the plan as of now. 

Today I'll be working in the studio, I have a new incentive program for the students to get up and running. I may have to make a run to the scrapbook store...any excuse! 

I got my hair cut yesterday, it has lots of short layers and rests about 2" below my earlobe...it feels so good to get it off my neck. My hairdresser styled it yesterday and it was so puffy and full of product I couldn't stand it, now I have to figure out how to make it function and look good for everyday life LOL.

As a member of the organists, I'm supposed to attend an organ/harp concert tonight. For some reason, as much as I love organ music, I could care less if I go. I'm not crazy about the organist, it will be hot in the old church, with no air conditioning, I don't feel like going alone and as inexpensive as the tickets are, I'm not wanting to part with the $10.00 right now. Tomorrow afternoon is an organ crawl. I'm interested in one of three I will be able to view...I may go just to see that one. I'll see. 

Well, my coffee cup is empty...time to get this day started. 

Beatin' the Streets

This morning I walked from one end of town to the other...approximately 8 blocks down and back in the 85 degree sun...distributing flyers for my piano studio. This afternoon after helping Hubby with a project, I drove to the next village and distributed a few there. I still have another nearby town to canvas early next week.The good news is I have two brand new students scheduled already, those two make up for the two I lost at the end of last season...all I need is a few more to help me meet my goals. When I finally sat down in the chair late this afternoon to watch a little TV, I suddenly found myself no longer watching the show I sat down to watch...sleep had claimed me for about an hour!

I'm working on a new incentive  program for the students this year, I have some kinks to work out and some artwork to make for the studio...I'll share more when I get it worked out.

I also started another new project today...it's a secret, please just pray with me that I am able to complete it...it's important. Thank you.

Separation Anxiety...Excuse me while I vent...

Well...not merely a vent, I'm also looking for some help and encouragement if there are those out there that can find it in their hearts to do so.

While many of you are praising Blogger and enjoying your move from Multiply, I'm still struggling. Once I got things set up here, I like it for the most part, BUT...I'm already missing not being able to use my own store of photos for my backgrounds, or having a viewing history where I can see who has visited. I also really don't like the lack of privacy here...I enjoyed being able to adjust that entry by entry if I wanted. Friends of mine are still having trouble viewing my page and one of them sent me the link to her page and when I clicked on it I found myself on my own dashboard page! HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?? I still cannot see her page.

I want to like it here, I want to feel at home, but so far all I've had is headaches.

Race to the Finish Weekend

Thursday:
Out of bed by 6 a.m., walk Suki, breakfast, light cleaning, on the road by 8, begin my shopping day by 10 a.m....that was the plan. Unfortunately, or fortunately as the case may be, things did not go quite according to my plan. I didn't get up until 7, having not slept well the night before due to thunderstorms and other issues that kept me awake, I chose to try and get a bit more sleep so I wouldn't be groggy while driving...so I was on the road by 9ish. I had prayed for good weather since I am not a foul weather driver and they had predicted rain and thunderstorms for us. In answer to that prayer, most of the rain moved through the night before and I had a damp, cloudy morning for my trip which, was great since I was heading east so the clouds prevented the sun from being in my eyes the entire way. When was the last time you turned on the music and sang at the top of your lungs? Try it sometime...it's a great stress release!

My first stop was Michael's. It has been my dream for several years now to shop there without someone with me, hovering and commenting on my every purchase or even contemplated purchase. My dream finally came true and I enjoyed every minute! From there I headed to the mall spending most of my time in Kohl's and Fashion Bug...I came away with jewelry and one new top. I passed up the beautiful $100.00 bracelet marked down to $60.00, but oh how I wanted it! The items I did buy were on sale at greatly reduced prices...score! I also stopped at Bath and Body Works. Our store in town closed about 2 years ago and I haven't been in one since. I found a new scent I like, it's called Twilight Woods. I bought the $5.00 spray and lotion. Before I knew it, it was 5:00 and time to pick up my son. Together we had a wonderful dinner in a restaurant near the water. The appetizer, a Wisconsin Cheese Platter, was the best part of the meal! Although, the raspberry dessert we shared was very good as well. Before leaving town, he drove me through a park near the water...such a pretty spot!


Friday:
My son and I did household chores all day. We did several loads of laundry, he helped me harvest some veggies from the garden, he built a storage cart for me and we ran to the grocery store, did dishes and prepared a couple of meals ahead for the busy day to come. It was a full day and he was such a help, especially since he had put in a tough week at work and all he really wanted to do was relax. God bless him!

Saturday:
Race day! We were off and running by 8 a.m., running here and running there, doing whatever needed doing, and making sure others' were doing the jobs they had been given. In the car - out of the car - back to the house - back to the starting line - walk to the sports store - back to the starting line...this went on like this over the course of the day. Somewhere in between something...I can't remember what anymore, we stopped at a rummage sale and were surprised to find a rather odd item. I am now the proud owner of a single organ pipe!! My son and I turned and noticed it at the exact same time and I think our mouths feel open in unison as well. We stood staring at it for some time, deciding what to do when really in the back of both of our minds we knew somehow, if at all possible it had to go home with me. It's a 4' wooden flute pipe, missing it's stopper. When I asked the seller what he wanted for it he said, "so you want my whistle". I chuckled a bit and said "yes, I would like your whistle". He said, "I'll bet you have no idea what you're looking at" My son laughed and the man looked a bit confused. When I told him that it was a 4' organ pipe, probably a Bourdon flute, missing it's stopper, it was his turn to chuckle and say "well, you know even more than I do". He was asking $30.00, I talked him down to $20.00. It needs a good cleaning and I need to find a place for it to live. My mentor said, "let it tell you where to put it". At the same sale I spied a desk. Probably built in the 50's or early 60's, mid-century modern style. When we moved to the house I had to leave behind a huge oak desk I had used in the apartment and I have been using a folding table in the studio. A real desk with drawers would be so nice and this one was real hard wood, the style I love and clean and in excellent condition. I debated and left it behind, afraid it wouldn't fit, or I shouldn't spend the money. We took measurements and once at home, having a chance to think about it, I decided I wanted it after all. I spent more money than I should have this week, but with the coming of winter, I shouldn't be spending much for a while now.

Thanks to the long-winded seller at the sale, we missed everyone coming in at the finish line.

Later that afternoon was the awards ceremony for the race. Hubby and daughter got 1st place in the tandem division, her boyfriend got second place in his age division and  our associate pastor's two children both podiumed. Following that, it was out to the trails to pick up the signs and the flags. We got a good share of it done before dinner. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at one of the local restaurants that have been very supportive of the race and my Hubby's efforts. The plan was to go back to the trails after supper, but everyone was simply too tired.

Sunday:
Sunday after church we had a family dinner at home of leftovers, then I drove my son the 2 hours back to his place and another 2 hours home. It was tempting to stop at more stores on the way, but it was getting late and I figured it was best I just get myself home.
This week:
Hubby bought blueberries from a neighbor...they are huge and juicy! YUM!! He also ordered firewood and the guy has been delivering a pick-up truck load every evening. Hubby went with me to buy the desk I looked at on Saturday and helped me move it in. I love having a real desk now, it looks much neater and more professional than the folding table did. I'm also trying to catch up on things that were neglected last week like harvesting the garden and getting the studio up and running for fall. I've had a few calls, one of them actually scheduled a lesson time, the others are thinking about it. It looks like my harvesting will be postponed this afternoon, it's supposed to rain and I see the clouds approaching.

I know I have some catching up to do when it comes to reading your blogs - I hope to get to that soon.

If you've read this entire epistle, I applaud you and thank you for your interest.

I'M LEAVING!!

Did that get your attention??

If all goes as currently planned, I will be getting in my little car around 8:00 a.m. and driving south to my favorite little, big city. I must admit my nerves are trying to get the best of me. You see, to most people a city that size is not a problem at all to drive in. To me, not often having a reason to drive in anything larger than a town with one stoplight for 25 years, driving in anything larger can be a bit unnerving. Believe me, if I hadn't done it before and if it was any larger than it is, I wouldn't be doing it. I keep telling myself I can do this!!

I've been wanting to do this for several years now...drive down alone and spend the day going wherever I want, looking at whatever I want for as long as I want and not having to worry about what anyone else thinks or feels about it. 

I'm looking forward to browsing in the one of a kind shops in the downtown area, and going to a real mall. We have a mall...well I'm not sure it really deserves the name, mall because it's so small and most of the spaces now stand empty. Target and Michael's and Kohl's OH MY!! This city offers so much...a good selection of shops and stores, water front parks with great views, areas to hike and bike...it really is the best of both worlds. If I ever have to move from where I am, this would be my first choice of places to live.

After my son gets off work I will meet him and we will spend some time together, have dinner and hang out for a while - just the two of us, then head north again where he will spend the weekend with us since it's bike race weekend. Sunday will mean another trip south to drop him off...his car is in such bad repair that we don't trust it for a trip of any length.

The rest of today will be spent taking care of laundry, running errands and other things that need to be addressed before I leave.

It's supposed to start raining tonight and into tomorrow, they even said something about thunderstorms. I'm praying for good travel and sight seeing weather. 

SEE YA LATA!!