Doodles of Life

Today

2011-03-23T22:45:00.000-04:00

Whew... it has been complete craziness!! This week have been winding down or up my job in my current department and will start my new position on Monday in another department. I am so excited, geeked, worried, anxious, and fearful, all at the same time (yes, it's possible).

Started working on "family" receipe books for the 3 kids who are getting married with their favorite recipes. This one is Jessica's (the top image is the back of the book, and the bottom, the front)...

First "fav" added...

Have a ways to go to complete; more "favs", embellishments, ribbon, etc. Some will be handwritten out, even though I don't really like my hand writing. I have receipes that my Mom wrote out for me and I treasure each and every one because since she's gone, I still have her handwriting to treasure.

Well, off to bed... Take Care... Until again... ~~gail~~

Feb 2011 Kit

2011-03-10T20:49:00.002-05:00

I totally love Scrapbook Sussies kits... Used a great deal of the kit plus other odds and ends in this layout. It's to remind me to take time to enjoy nature and the quiet moments...

Working on a family cookbook for Jessica of her "fav" recipes to have for her wedding. Will post a picture when it's done.

Hope life is treating you kindly... until again...

Ouch

2011-02-20T14:43:00.001-05:00

It's been 5 days since my surgery... Can't wait to be out of this sling....

Where does the time go...

2011-02-13T08:52:00.004-05:00

(Jessica, Steve and Aunt Kathy)

Countdown to Jessica's and Steve's wedding... started looking at dresses on-line. Mother-of-the-bride dresses are such an interesting array of fashion statements to say the least. I "think" I found a dress but not in my price range, so the search continues...

The shower last weekend at Brio's was beautiful, yummy, and I'm pretty sure the 53 guests all had a great time. I know I did and am truly thankful that my sister-in-law (who is more of a sister, not an in-law) threw the shower for them. It was the "bomb"...

With all of the up-coming family events, it has gotten me back into the scrapbooking mode. Lots of planned projects...

Have a wonderful rest of the week-end... until again...peace out...~~gail~~

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T06:49:00.004-04:00

Happy Mom's Day to you!! (you may be a Mom, have a Mom, be a Mom to your kids or a Mom to another Mom's kids...today you are reconized, honored, and given tokens of appreciation.... I am thrilled to be honored today, but, would also appreciate it the other 364 days of the year... and fortunately for me, I pretty much am. Although, I have friends who are lucky to get the dishes done for them today...

A memory I have of this day with my Mom, our chuch always did a Mother's Day Mother and Daughter Tea (if you didn't have a daughter, one was supplied). Since my Mom was the one who put this on, I always had to read a poem or reading (which was supplied for me) that honored Moms. As I read, the Mother's faces in the crowd always beamed and some had tears. At the time, I thought this was such a silly thing to have to do each year. But, as the years have passed and my Mom is gone and I am a Mom, it has become a very fond memory for me.

Do you have a special memory that includes your Mom or another Mom who is near and dear to your heart? Would love to hear it....

Until again... peace out...~~gail~~

Today's Mumblings...

2010-01-30T14:59:00.004-05:00

My poor blog...neglected, forlorn, forgotten, and abused...just like my "last" year's New Year's goal...to get in shape... The photo was taken one year ago..not much has changed in my goals, except I added to my plate, going back to school to receive my Master's degree. I drive to Ann Arbor once a week...not a bad commute after working all day. Get home around eleven, so I can do this for another 30 credits...LOL

Abraham Lincoln once wrote, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Ah, so true it is Abe...if only we all were called "honest abe"...

I need fast, healthy, dinner ideas...please share...

Hope life is treating you and yours' kindly..until again..peace out..

Black Friday

2009-11-27T08:24:00.003-05:00

Don't let this "cute" little face fool you..... Bella had quite a Thanksgiving yesterday while we were gone; she re-designed my cell phone by chewing it. Thankfully, my contract is up so today I'm shopping for a new cell phone.

Hopefully, you're day was uneventful and full of food, family, and fun. May today bring you deals if you're shopping and time to start decorating for the Winter season...

The First Thanksgiving...

2009-11-26T08:42:00.004-05:00

The First Thanksgiving: In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast which is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. This harvest meal has become a symbol of cooperation and interaction between English colonists and Native Americans. Although this feast is considered by many to the very first Thanksgiving celebration, it was actually in keeping with a long tradition of celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for a successful bounty of crops. Native American groups throughout the Americas, including the Pueblo, Cherokee, Creek and many others organized harvest festivals, ceremonial dances, and other celebrations of thanks for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in North America.
Historians have also recorded other ceremonies of thanks among European settlers in North America, including British colonists in Berkeley Plantation, Virginia. At this site near the Charles River in December of 1619, a group of British settlers led by Captain John Woodlief knelt in prayer and pledged "Thanksgiving" to God for their healthy arrival after a long voyage across the Atlantic. This event has been acknowledged by some scholars and writers as the official first Thanksgiving among European settlers on record. Whether at Plymouth, Berkeley Plantation, or throughout the Americas, celebrations of thanks have held great meaning and importance over time. The legacy of thanks, and particularly of the feast, have survived the centuries as people throughout the United States gather family, friends, and enormous amounts of food for their yearly Thanksgiving meal.
What Was Actually on the Menu: What foods topped the table at the first harvest feast? Historians aren't completely certain about the full bounty, but it's safe to say the pilgrims weren't gobbling up pumpkin pie or playing with their mashed potatoes. Following is a list of the foods that were available to the colonists at the time of the 1621 feast. However, the only two items that historians know for sure were on the menu are venison and wild fowl, which are mentioned in primary sources. The most detailed description of the "First Thanksgiving" comes from Edward Winslow from A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, in 1621:
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, among other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed upon our governor, and upon the captain, and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
The pilgrims didn't use forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their fingers. They wiped their hands on large cloth napkins which they also used to pick up hot morsels of food. Salt would have been on the table at the harvest feast, and people would have sprinkled it on their food. Pepper, however, was something that they used for cooking but wasn't available on the table.
In the seventeenth century, a person's social standing determined what he or she ate. The best food was placed next to the most important people. People didn't tend to sample everything that was on the table (as we do today), they just ate what was closest to them.
Serving in the seventeenth century was very different from serving today. People weren't served their meals individually. Foods were served onto the table and then people took the food from the table and ate it. All the servers had to do was move the food from the place where it was cooked onto the table.
Pilgrims didn't eat in courses as we do today. All of the different types of foods were placed on the table at the same time and people ate in any order they chose. Sometimes there were two courses, but each of them would contain both meat dishes, puddings, and sweets.
More Meat, Less Vegetables: Our modern Thanksgiving repast is centered around the turkey, but that certainly wasn't the case at the pilgrims's feasts. Their meals included many different meats. Vegetable dishes, one of the main components of our modern celebration, didn't really play a large part in the feast mentality of the seventeenth century. Depending on the time of year, many vegetables weren't available to the colonists.
The pilgrims probably didn't have pies or anything sweet at the harvest feast. They had brought some sugar with them on the Mayflower but by the time of the feast, the supply had dwindled. Also, they didn't have an oven so pies and cakes and breads were not possible at all. The food that was eaten at the harvest feast would have seemed fatty by 1990's standards, but it was probably more healthy for the pilgrims than it would be for people today. The colonists were more active and needed more protein. Heart attack was the least of their worries. They were more concerned about the plague and pox.
Surprisingly Spicy Cooking: People tend to think of English food at bland, but, in fact, the pilgrims used many spices, including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, pepper, and dried fruit, in sauces for meats. In the seventeenth century, cooks did not use proportions or talk about teaspoons and tablespoons. Instead, they just improvised. The best way to cook things in the seventeenth century was to roast them. Among the pilgrims, someone was assigned to sit for hours at a time and turn the spit to make sure the meat was evenly done.
Since the pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians had no refrigeration in the seventeenth century, they tended to dry a lot of their foods to preserve them. They dried Indian corn, hams, fish, and herbs.
Dinner for Breakfast: Pilgrim Meals:The biggest meal of the day for the colonists was eaten at noon and it was called noonmeat or dinner. The housewives would spend part of their morning cooking that meal. Supper was a smaller meal that they had at the end of the day. Breakfast tended to be leftovers from the previous day's noonmeat.
In a pilgrim household, the adults sat down to eat and the children and servants waited on them. The foods that the colonists and Wampanoag Indians ate were very similar, but their eating patterns were different. While the colonists had set eating patterns—breakfast, dinner, and supper—the Wampanoags tended to eat when they were hungry and to have pots cooking throughout the day.
Source: Kathleen Curtin, Food Historian at Plimoth Plantation

May your taters by mashy, your turkey moist and tasty, and your blessings many this Thanksgiving Day....

Honey, I'm Home....

2009-11-21T14:29:00.007-05:00

Made a visit today to Teemie's Blooms (local folks; ya gotta go there), non-locals http://teemiesblooms.com/! Teemie shared with me the osage-orange, which Karly will be thrilled with. She "hates" spiders and hopefully, this will do the trick.

Osage orange trees are a common sight on the Great Plains today although they were not a widespread member of the prairie community originally. Before the invention of barbed wire in the 1880’s, they were planted as living fences – or hedges – along the boundaries of farms.

The name of the tree comes from the Osage Indian tribe and the pleasant ‘orange-peel’ smell of the skin. The wood of the osage orange tree is strong and so dense that it will neither rot nor succumb to the attacks of termites or other insects for decades. Its strong yet limber branches were prized for the construction of bows by the Native Americans. Many people believe that the fruit of the Osage orange will keep insects out of the house!

This time of year, when the ‘fruit’ ripens, I like to place a few of the bumpy- skinned osage oranges in a wood bowl on my kitchen table and enjoy the sweet scent. Sleepy Hollow Farms (local)http://sheepyhollow.wordpress.com/ shares this info; and I thank you.

Looking forward to going to Teemie's Blooms's the day after Thanksgiving to make Christmas wreaths (I refuse to say "Holiday"; shame on changing the name to be "politically correct"...blah, blah, blah... If you're going to change names, then ya better give every so called "holiday" that made the Hallmark calendar to me off from work with pay, because I just might take offense).

So, light the National "Holiday"...."Christmas" tree (Preident O) in Washington, DC...geez... Our founding fore fathers would roll over in their graves knowing what "change" has come and tremble what "change" is to come. I'm trembling myself above ground with 2 out of work in a household of 6, being the "bread winner". Educate yourselves peeps; check out Teemie's Sunpit and learn how to make one of your own, learn about herbs (you think your health care is going to cover all your ailments), and share... because there may be a day, that we will have to depend on each other, sooner than later... "While the Spirit of neighborliness was important on the frontier because neighbors were so few; it is even more important now because neighbors are so many"...
-Lady Bird Johnson

So, I challenge you this week to get "real"; share and learn the art of being humble and unselfish; above all think of all the things you are thankful for this year; not the materials things you aren't. Although, I'm still assuming that this Thursday is still called "Thanksgiving". Do you know of someone who lost their income this year, had their hours cut at work, lost their home...this is where the sharing part comes in.... "Just Do It"....and you will be more thankful that you did, than the person that you happened to share whatever it is you feel from the heart to share...

So, may this be the first of many "Merry Christmas" this year and to all and all a good night.

Win A Workbox from the Original Scrapbox

2009-10-10T23:33:00.001-04:00

Monday, September 28, 2009
Win a Workbox from The Original Scrapbox!!

The Original Scrapbox is giving away ONE Workbox on October 12, 2009! Win an entry in the grand prize drawing for a Workbox from The Original Scrapbox on our blog!

The Workbox is an amazing organizational product - neatly storing thousands of embellishments, tools, papers, etc. all in one place, that folds neatly away! It would be great for scrapbookers, card makers, knitters, quilters, people who sew, crafters of all types!

And, by entering on this blog, you have a chance to win either the ScrapMaBob OR the Ribbon Box (your choice)!

ScrapMaBob

Ribbon Box

Here's how to enter to win:

Enter on this blog between September 28 - October 8, 2009 by leaving ONE comment in this post! Include identifying information (email, etc.) so we can contact you!

By entering here, you are eligible to win EITHER a Ribbon Box or ScrapMaBob (your choice).
The winner from this blog will then be entered to win the amazing HUGE Workbox!

On October 12th, Rachellewrites will hold a drawing at her blog with a select number of entries for a Workbox from www.TheOriginalScrapbox.com. Each entry will come from a competition held on another blog.

But wait! What if I want even more chances to win??

EARN EXTRA ENTRIES

You may earn 1 extra entry each for doing the following (make a separate comment in this post for each thing you do): No purchase necessary to enter. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered.

· Visit The Original Scrapbox website by clicking HERE and choose your favorite product. Leave a comment in this post and tell me what your favorite is and why you would like this product.
· Become a Facebook fan of The Original Scrapbox by clicking HERE!
· Facebook the contest and share the code for $100 off shipping: 100writes
· Tweet about this contest with link back to Christmas with the Cricut and share the code for $100 off shipping: 100writes (copy and paste http://www.cricutchristmas.blogspot.com right into the text box)
· Subscribe to my feed and/or become a follower
· Add my Scrapbox button or banner to your sidebar/blog
· Comment on any non-contest post (must contribute to the conversation)
· Refer a friend to this contest, make sure they tell me who sent them
· Email 3 friends about this giveaway and CC me: cricutchristmas AT gmail.com

RECEIVE 5 ENTRIES FOR THE FOLLOWING (make a separate comment for each thing you do):
Blog about this contest with a picture of the Workbox. If you have a private blog (one that requires a password), it will not be eligible for this part of the contest. In your blog post, please use the tags: The Original Scrapbox, Scrapbook storage, Workbox.

Blog about any other item offered from www.theoriginalscrapbox.com and include this information word for word: Enter this code when you place your order to get $100 off your shipping: 100Writes

Remember to stop by the other 9 blogs participating in this huge giveaway for more chances!

RachelleWrites
Make It and Love It
Vanilla Joy
Auntie Thesis
The Mommy Files
My Organized Chaos
Life As Lou
PriscillaStyles
Capadia Designs

You might also like:

WEEK4 - Gift Tags & Packaging with DISNEY
WEEK3: Scrapbook Layout
Week2: Layout LinkWithin

Fall is Here...

2009-10-09T16:24:00.003-04:00

The trees are turning and it's pretty nippy for Sept in Michigan. My back surgery went well, got the staples out yesterday and hopefully will not be so sleepy. I've actually slept the last 3 days and nights.

My laptop crashed and is being fixed. Fortunately, all could be saved and I can't wait to get my pictures back. Lesson...back up, back up, back up....

I do have a new toy called Gypsy and goes with my Cricut machine for scrapbooking. So, the blog will have some new turns, twists, and projects thru out the fall, winter and spring months. Summer seems to be my gardening time and I tend to slack off blogging and boarding.

Here's a picture of the Gyspy:
Nifty, kewL, fun, machine; just on the learning curve, so it can be mind boggling also... LOL

Take Care...~~hugS~~ gail

Computers...Luv Em', Hate Em', Can't Live Without Em'

2009-09-19T22:51:00.002-04:00

PC or Mac...

Doesn't make a difference, at one time or another the little mean machines, crash. And that's what mine did with all my pictures, poems, and "stuff" on board. Of course, I never "backed up"; I always cliked "later".

The Geek squad said it was a dead duck; however, a very wise IT guy at my work, took it home and alas, handed me four discs of pics and is in the process of restoring it back to normal. Just in time for me to take it to the hospital on Thursday to use while I'm there. Having surgery on Thursday morning, which I'm very thrilled about. This summer has been nothing but a pain festival for me. Go to work, come home and go to bed to lay on my heated mattress pad. But, the problem will be gone and I'll be back on my feet ready to hit the road running.

Lesson for today....back up, back up, back up..... Until again...

Honey, I'm home......

2009-08-30T18:47:00.002-04:00

Can't believe it's been a whole summer without blogging. Life has been full of joy, trials, and just life stuff. I got kidnapped by aliens (Face Book) and got hooked on "Mafia Wars"; ended up with almost 3,000 friends and a sense of nothing. It was fun at first, took away some stress, but then, the up keep of the game, friend requests, friend gifts, chatting, etc. For me, it turned into another job, a little fun, but way too much for me.

Although, I did pass through some really neat people's lives, learned a few things, forgot many things, and decided to deactivate the account. Blogging is my baby...

News over the summer...Bob is still pretty much deaf w/ vertigo, and a new disease in his inner ear that I can't spell...LOL I've got a cyst growing on my spine (inside not outside) and will find out on the 15th of Sept, what will be done. Stress is a five letter word that causes so much disease, grief, and over night aging. I've learned to let it all go and to rely on my higher source. ;-)

Taking a beginner Digital Photo class at the college on Monday and Wednesday nights. Basically to learn my camera that I've never learned all the bells and whistles. I'll let ya in on any secrets I learn tomorrow night.

Hope life is treating you kindly....until again...

Sad Saturday...

2009-05-09T21:34:00.003-04:00

Until I get the splint/half cast off of my right wrist.. I'm afraid I've got to "shut down" my blog. Doctor is thinking that I've fractured the small bone in my wrist plus damaged the medial/median tendon...the carpal tunnel one. Since I have carpal tunnel...it's really flared up and well, it hurts, by golley.... LOL Thanks for all the kind comments and I'm sorry I can't add to all your blogs right now until I'm in less pain unless I find a great secretary besides dh... LOL I'll try to get one of the twins since they are fast typers and know the ways of adding photos, etc....

So, I'm reading but not typing until I'm splint free.... Hugs and kind/good thoughts to all.... Hopefully by mid-week I'm back in the meme's... Take care...

Black and Blue Friday

2009-05-01T22:32:00.004-04:00

Ha..I say to the color of my wrist, hand and fingers.... I can endure the pain thru Motrin 800's and Vicodin...LOL (literally)

Great news... Jessica and Steve are engaged! He proposed at sunrise on the beach in Savannah. They are down there w/ his family and we have known the last two months. Wow...can't believe our family of six kept it a secret that long without spilling the beans(sometimes, we are like the tv show Brothers and Sisters...LOL) Between siblings, cousins, friends and aunts and uncles...our speed dials can be pretty active...

When Steve went to the car to get the ring, Jess found a whole sand dollar at her feet...how romantic is that?

Anyways, pics to follow of the ring (next Thursday when they get back). It's a carat diamond ring, from the 1920's...she is a "old soul" who loves antiques.... It's gorgeous...Steve showed Bob and I the ring and "asked" our permission to marry "our" daughter... yes, old fashioned is back!

Have a great weekend...and until again when my fingers and hands are a moving....~~hugS~~gail

Thousand Word Painful Thursday

2009-04-30T06:29:00.003-04:00

Join us at Cheaper Than Therapy

Been off the puter... I severly sprained my right wrist. Took the dogs out at 2 in the morning and they found "something" in the wood pile. So, I went to drag them out, climbed on top of the wood, slipped and came down pretty hard on my right wrist. Glad it's not broken, but none the less, typing is painful.

So to make us all feel a little better today... I give you tulips...

Until again...~~gail~~

Kick Back Sunday

2009-04-26T13:44:00.003-04:00

Kicking back and loving the sunshine..... Can't wait for the "official" days of summer... Make it a great one...

~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Wild Weekend

2009-04-25T07:25:00.006-04:00

Over at Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls...

877myjuicer.com Giveaway!
One lucky reader will win this juicer from 877MYJUICER.COM

Here is some information on this juicer: This manual wheatgrass juicer is easy to clean, easy to operate and extracts the most wheatgrass juice over any other manual juicer on the market!

Features:
Super easy to clean
Affordable!
Quality and Durable
One Year Warranty
Little Pressure Needed
16 Oz Juice Cup
100 Lbs of Suction Cup Force
Patented Auger System
Durable Stainless Steel Plates

How to win: You need to visit www.877myjuicer.com then come back and leave a comment at Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls (click link above) and tell her what product you like from their site. If you want another entry? Blog about this giveaway on your blog and leave a post on her blog that you did and where or tweet it. You can also subscribe to her blog / be a follower of her blog / grab her button for additional entries! Winners will be picked using random.org. Contest will end April 30, 2009 9:00 PM EST. Whew....

Nothing going on here except enjoying the 80 degree weather that is suppose to go away tomorrow....back down into the 60's. But all the spring time flowers and buds on the trees are opening. So what's ya doing this weekend?

Have a great weekend...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Aloha Friday

2009-04-24T06:15:00.014-04:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday. http://islandlife808.com/

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is: Since it's going to be in the 80's this weekend here in Michigan, I'm sure I'll be having an ice cream cone.... My question: "What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Join in the fun at the link above and have a great Friday... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Thousand Word Thursday

2009-04-22T21:42:00.008-04:00

"Mom Jen" at "Cheaper Than Therapy" hosts a Thousand Word Thursday, which is a great way to make new friends and surf thru some amazing blogs. Just click the link above and join...

Now that spring is finally sprunging here in Michigan, it's time to dig out those gardening seeds, magazines, ideas, clogs and start getting ready for summer. Move those plants that need to go to another part of the yard or just may need a little more TLC. This year is going to be majorly different since Bob no longer has a job and is my "little" house boy....errrr man... He is taking charge and is going to plant a garden and putz more in the yard than he's ever been able to. Prior to loosing his job and hearing, he worked road construction for 32 years, so his busiest time was during the summer. What's the hardest thing for me...not being in charge of the yard. I love to garden, plant, watch things grow, so this year, I've taken the back seat. I'll still do my herbs and flowers though...LOL

There is a woman at my work who has her "5 year plan", me I'm lucky to have a 24 hour plan. So, here's my May plan (so far); relax and realize that I'm truly blessed to have Bob pick up the "home" front stuff; so this will give me time to re-introduce myself to a hobby that fell by the wayside for a year or so....scrapbooking. Along w/ my flowers and herb plans; my hobby plans:

-Get to know my camera; I have a Canon 40D, which I've never read the owner's manual...it will be a great read in the hammock that I'm hoping to get for Mother's Day.
-May is "National Bike Month"; time to put the ole' keister on the seat and go for more rides since it's getting warmer and I'm attempting to loose some weight.
-Get my hummingbird feeders cleaned and put out.
-Plan my flower boxes and herb beds.
-Learn how to use Excel on my computer, way more than I know to be able to use it more at work and home.
-Practice making a wedding cake since we have been asked to make one in August.

I will check off the list as I complete it and maybe add more to it or take things off that just aren't working out. And pics to sum up all this madness:

"My dream flower box"

"Don't wait for my ship to come in, swim out and meet it".

Hope life is treating you kindly...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Wordless Wednesday...Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T06:29:00.004-04:00

Come play along w/ us at Wordless Wednesday It's loads of fun plus a great way to meet new bloggers and friends...

"Home Sweet Home"....and Happy Earth Day...

~~Until again~~Take Care~~
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Looking At The Sky Friday

2009-04-17T06:17:00.004-04:00

If you would like to participate in Looking at the Sky on Friday, all you have to do is post a photo of the sky on Friday. That's it. So click on over and join in the fun....

My sky this morning; it's early, between 6:00 and 6:30 am.... ready to get ready for work. The sun isn't up and the moon, well, it's going to bed...or....is the moon "half full or half empty"... LOL

Make it a great day...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Thousand Word Thursday

2009-04-16T06:23:00.008-04:00

If you'd like to join in click the link above and you'll get all the info and have loads of fun participating in it....

Last year at this time, we were in DC visiting my fav niece who lives there; boy what a difference a year makes, LOL. Hoping to go again sometime, it was an amazing trip.... A few shots that were my "fav"...

Have a great one... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blesssings~~hugS~~gail~~

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-15T18:39:00.006-04:00

Click on over to Wordless Wednesday and play along with us...

All I can say..... Wow, now, that's a big tree... LOL

Hope life is treating you kindly...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

The Easter Parable of the Hearing Aid

2009-04-11T11:07:00.006-04:00

Last night as Karly and Brian were pulling out of the parking space across the street from our house, Karly called and asked Bob if he had lost one of his hearing aids? He checked both ears...nope they were in. Someone had lost it.... Across the street is the Catholic church and the Fish fry was going on, so we knew that someone lost it then. So, we decided to wait until today to go over and let the priest know that if anyone lost one, we had it.

I got up this morning and went for a mile bike ride; came home huffing and puffing, but decided I needed to put my Detroit Tiger's flag out on the front porch. As I was putzing out there, a SUV pulled up and a woman got out (not unusual since it is public parking); she was talking on her cell phone walking up and down the parking spaces (not unusual because some people pace as they talk); she then went over to the storm drain and looked down...now that's kind of weird. So I walked over to her and yelled a few times, finally she looked up and I asked her; "This may sound strange, but did you loose a hearing aid?" She hung up her phone and burst into tears. Indeed she had...she had been up all night worrying about it.

This morning Bob went to church and before he left he had prayed that the person who lost it, we could somehow find him/her because we know how costly those things are.... She left and I had my "warm and fuzzy" feeling going on when someone knocked on the door, it was her with a pot of yellow tulips, I keep telling her it wasn't necessary, but she insisted; we hugged again and wished each other a Happy Easter..

So this is my little Easter miracle...it's all in the timing.... If I hadn't been on the front porch at that exact moment, had went for a longer bike ride, hadn't decided to put the flag up, if she hadn't pulled in the parking spot to look right then....it may have taken us longer to find her....you may believe that this was all a coincidence, not in my book....I believe in God's timing.... Have a blessed Easter...

May life treat you kindly... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

And Easter Flowers for you....

Sky Friday

2009-04-10T08:53:00.006-04:00

Not sure where Wednesday and Thursday went, but they did...

We're having Easter dinner here on Saturday night because it's just a little easier so the kids aren't having to eat two big meals; plus trying to coordinate times. We're having an Italian Easter dinner theme this year...

Lasagna, Four Cheese Ravioli's, Bruschetta, Spinach & Artichoke al Forno, Chicken Picatta, Caesar Salad. Desserts: Tiramisu and Chocolate Zuccottio Cake.

I think we'll have to pull out the Wii and play baseball or bowl after eating... LOL Or take naps on the couch ;-) Hopefully, it will be light enough, that a good ole' game of basketball can be played.

I've had so many comments on Huey, Duey, Louey, and Fluey, that I think I'll leave them up as my header for awhile.

If you'd like to play along with "Looking at the sky Friday" at Crazy Working Mom just click on one of the links. My sky for today:

Happy Friday to you all... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugs~~gail~~

Ruby Tuesday

2009-04-06T21:31:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that we're into April already (no complaints though); and it's another Ruby Tuesday Ever since I've been doing "meme's", I met some of the mose talented, "kewlest", peeps....ever...

Have you ever joined a message board and then like disappear and no one really knows that you were gone? Not with meme's...you can pick up where you left off "and" for some caring reason...peeps still visit your blog (and sometimes, your email)... :-)

So without further babbling my Ruby Tuesday Pic....(this one's for you Tink..LOL)

Hope life is treating you kindly...take care...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Mellow Yellow Monday #13 + Monochrome Monday

2009-04-06T08:25:00.013-04:00

Another combo Monday....

Monochrome Monday

Have a great day; Snowy, wet Monday here in Michigan; Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Wild Weekend

2009-04-04T15:27:00.005-04:00

Taking a few day blogging break. Lots going on this weekend and "if" I get time will "try" to blog or join a meme.

But click on over to:

For a chance to win her cupcake contest "No Foolin I'm Droolin (a cupcake giveaway, Nugget style) from:

Have a great day.. Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Thousand Word Thursday....

2009-04-02T06:25:00.007-04:00

It's so interesting to me, that some things in life (pictures) included need a thousand word explanation, while others need none. These shots are just a few of the many faces of Karly (this was at Prom time)...

This all took place in the matter of a minute or so...so I guess it's a Thousand Word Thursday all within a minute... Click on over and join us; The Mom Jen has put together this meme and it's a great way to view new blogs and make new friends plus keep up on blogging buds you've already made....

May life treat you kindly today... Until again....
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Watery Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-31T19:34:00.013-04:00

Watery Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday

Tall ships at Bay City, Michigan....

Have a great Wednesday... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Ruby Tuesday

2009-03-31T06:30:00.004-04:00

It's Ruby Tuesday over at Work of the Poet aka: Mary/the teach. Click on over and join us to participate or just to view some amazing photos and blogs. My shot for this week:

Living not too far from the water that separates the US from Canada, I love to go and watch the boats. This shot makes me think of one of my favorite sayings; "Don't wait for ship to come in, swim out and meet it".

Have a great day; may life treat you kindly...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Mellow Yellow Monday #12 + Monochrome Monday

2009-03-30T09:17:00.011-04:00

I love both these meme's so have combined them today since I'm running a "little" behind and gotta get to work. But, both were taken last April when we were visiting our niece, Meghan, in "our nations capital"....

If you get a moment join in the fun plus visit the participants blogs and be truly amazed at the talented wonderful photography and the sharing of each other world's and life...at...(both links are at the right on the side bar....)

May life treat you kindly today.... Until later...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugs~~gail

Do You Twitter?

2009-03-29T15:48:00.001-04:00

I came across this one on "The Good Enough Witch" blog and had to share...it's well "crazy" funny....

~~Peace Out~~gail

Camera Critters Sunday

2009-03-29T10:18:00.006-04:00

Click on over to "Misty's Musings Camera Critter" meme and participate in "Camera Critters"! This meme is all about photos of animals/critters. Make your post, link back to Misty's Musings, and then visit other Camera-Critters links and pics. You will be amazed, entertained, and amused at many of the pictures that are taken each week.; then on Sunday evening/night, a Camera-Critters pic from that week will be randomly selected to be featured in the sidebar of Misty's blog until the next Sunday.

My pic this week; I am in "love" with this shot that I took of wandering cows when I was in Colorado....they were sunning in the road.
Aren't they cute?

Rainy and wet here today, but at least it isn't snow. Went to the DIA yesterday and saw Norman Rockwell paintings...totally amazing. Then went to Polish Village and had some awesome food.

Hope life is treating you kindly...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Watery and Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T06:44:00.008-04:00

Yes.... I am a multi-tasker; being the working mom, 4 young adults (3 still living at home), house breaking a puppy, all while trying to keep sane... I do multi-task...

So, here ya have it... Wordless Wednesday and Watery Wednesday all in one spot dropping...

Shots nature on a horseback ride 10,000 feet up the mountain near Rifle, Colorado. I love it there....

May life treat you kindly today... Until later...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Ruby Tuesday

2009-03-23T16:15:00.005-04:00

It's another Ruby Tuesday at Work of the Poet...please click on the link and join us. If you have time...leave some blog luv along the way....this week I'm thinking..... there's nothin' like a villain in red or a cute boy in red shorts....

Hope life is treating you kindly...until later...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Mellow Yellow Monday

2009-03-23T10:23:00.004-04:00

Okay, since it's
Monday, ya gotta take my header picture into account....w/ the story of them below...LOL

Along w/ one of my fav "summer-time" flowers that I can't wait to plant... Yellow Dinner Plate size Dahlia's

May life treat you kindly today... Until later...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

The Ultimate Blog Party 2009 is HERE!

2009-03-22T07:31:00.005-04:00

The Ultimate Blog Party 2009 has started and it is HUGE. It runs from March 20th - 27th with tons going on all week.

This year there has been added three UBP "In Real Life" parties in NY, LA and Nashville (huge protest...need a Michigan site...LOL). There will be live streaming of exclusive performances by Chris Mann, Leslie Mills and Diane Birch.

It is the mom blogging event of the year — Get the details here Then, grab the button code and invite your friends. Or click on the pic above and......Yes, there are PRIZES!

So, for those of us that were (and maybe still are) partying animals in the errrrr, ummmm, 70's or so... get out those go-go boots, fishnet stockings, mini skirts....errrr, make that a maxi skirt, your crocheted vest...and let's party (oh what a visual that is)...

Okay, forget the last part...but at least join in the great time and just join in the fun and make some "new" blogging buds...

I'll be bring these to the party....if anyone else already hasn't....

Hope life is treating you kindly today... Until Later...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Duck Friends + Camera Critters #50 Combo

2009-03-21T13:40:00.009-04:00

I "think" that this is a combo post...about my ducks and my great fun w/ Camera Critters

Many have asked if I raised the ducks? Yes, I did...LOL My oldest son and his friends had to go to the Farm and Fleet store here in town to pick up something and they each came back to our house and had each picked out a duck (these were 19-20 year old men buying cute little ducks...). We built a "raised" pen with a screened lid with a light and the baby ducks lived in our dining room. Well, as with all baby ducks, they grew. So, the lid was lifted so they didn't walk around hunched over. But as we would eat our meals, four ducks were always watching us.... They loved to watch what we were doing. Their names; Huey, Duey, Louey, and Fluey. As they grew older, they went outdoors and had a small blue kid size swimming pool they would play in all day outdoors and come back indoors at night. The funniest memory that I have is, the day they escaped from our yard during a rain storm and decided to play in the puddles in the street. They were waddling down the street (we live in a small town); my son ran out of the house and grabbed the nearest thing to help him round them up... He had grabbed the spatula from the BBQ.... So, as Jamie was herding Huey, Duey, Louey, and Fluey back home (they were all waddling in single file home BTW), all I said... there goes "roasted", "broasted", "toasted", and "a'la'orange"...hahahaa Our duck friends became very, very big, were very people oriented and we found them a great home in the country with two ponds and chickens and a promise not to eat them...

Hope life is treating you kindly today...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

First Day of Spring

2009-03-20T19:43:00.002-04:00

Hop on over to Ann's to join the Virtual GNO. Sign Mr. Linky and visit those that sign-in! Go blog-hopping! And most importantly, Have Fun!

What does Friday nights mean for you? Me, the end of the work week.... time to spend with family and my religious beliefs. Time to catch up on the home front, laugh, be me, read, and just be me. I "find myself" on the week-end...how about you?...

May life treat you kind... Until again.....
~~Peace Out~~Blesssings~~hugS~~gail....

First Family Garden

2009-03-20T06:35:00.004-04:00

I'm "usually" not a real political type; don't get me wrong, I don have my views and opinions. But, these are typically shared at the kitchen table or around a fire with friends. However, I did sign the petition for the garden...Yea! Thought I'd share, it's a great idea...

On Friday, March 20th, 2009, 23 third graders will join First Lady Michelle Obama on the South Lawn of the White House to break ground on an 1100 square foot kitchen garden that will provide food for family dinners and formal dinners.

According to the New York Times:

The Obamas’ garden will have 55 varieties of vegetables grown from organic seedlings started at the executive mansion’s greenhouses.

And better still:

Almost the entire Obama family, including the president, will pull weeds, “whether they like it or not,” Mrs. Obama said laughing.

Ok, you can stop pinching yourself: you aren't dreaming this and an off batch of sauerkraut hasn't caused a rare case of lacto-fermentation-hallucination.

THEY ARE REALLY GOING TO DIG THIS GARDEN! AND WE HELPED MAKE THIS DAY POSSIBLE!

Those of you who have been part of the KGI community for a while know that this is a long-term project of ours, started in February 2008. It was back in the middle of the presidential primary season when 99.9999% of the population was focused on who the next president was going to be. We were the .0001% of the population that was thinking about what his or her family was going to eat and where it would be grown.

It's been quite a ride for KGI as an organization and for me personally since then. For those of you who are new and weren't with us for the trip, we had some fun along the way. We started following a hopeful little web project called OnDayOne.org in February 2008, read about ourselves in the New York Times in April, began putting our names on a White House Food Garden petition in June, hummed along to This Lawn is Your Lawn in July 2008, read about ourselves in the International Herald Tribune in July, placed bids on the White House Lawn which we had put up for sale on eBay in August, watched with wonder as two young guys inspired by our work set off in a funky bus to take the edible White House idea across the country and back, chuckled our way through September watching the Garden of Eatin', read Michael Pollan's "Farmer-in-Chief" article with great interest in October which also spoke of a new garden at the White House, voted "This Lawn is Your Lawn" onto national TV through the Climate Matters video contest in October, got swept up in the energy of the November elections, leafed our way through the Washington Post in January, pushed hard to get out the vote in the OnDayOne.org contest later that month (and won that too beating out 4000 other ideas), began inviting more people to sign our petition on our campaign site and on Facebook also in January, spoke with and e-mailed various members of Michelle Obama's staff in February (me, in this case, but maybe you did too? They said they were hearing from a lot of people.), and here we are in March 2009 reading the headline above and vicariously walking our way through the delicious garden paths of the future South Lawn:

What more can I say besides thank you for all your support and patience with this project. Many individuals made this great day possible: - Alice Waters, Michael Pollan, John Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt, Barack and Michelle Obama - but we can feel pride in being the community that pulled together and made a difference.

So let's celebrate that. The seeding or the weeding can wait. Tomorrow's about savoring a moment that was a long time in the making.

Roger

PPS: If you are a media person, blogger, or know one, you can find our press release below.

For Immediate Release

100,000 Applaud Announcement of a New White House Food Garden

Environment, Nation’s Food System and People's Health Stand to Benefit

(Scarborough, Maine) –100,000 people signed a petition asking the Obamas to replant a Victory Garden at the White House, and recent news reports indicate that they are about to reap what they sowed.

For advocates of sustainable and healthy foods, this harvest of good news was as welcome as the summer’s first red-ripe tomato. “I’m thrilled for the Obama family and for all who will be inspired by their example to grow gardens of their own this year,” said Roger Doiron, founder of the nonprofit Kitchen Gardeners International and leader of the successful petition campaign, “Eat the View.”

Launched in February 2008, Eat the View proposed that the Obamas replant a White House Victory Garden while planting a few extra rows for the hungry. The campaign used viral videos and social networking technologies like Facebook to grow a large support base, attract international media attention and help inspire a larger grassroots effort. In January, 2009, Eat the View won the “On Day One” contest sponsored by the United Nations Foundation, beating out 4,000 other entries and resulting in thousands of messages being sent to the White House in support of its proposal.

Over the course of the past month, the Eat the View campaign has touted the economic benefits of home gardens as part of its pitch to White House staff members. As proof, Doiron and his wife spent nine months weighing and recording each vegetable they pulled from their 1,600-square-foot garden outside Portland, Maine. After counting the final winter leaves of salad, they found that they had saved about $2,150 by growing produce for their family of five instead of buying it. “If you consider that there are millions of American families who could be making similar, home-grown savings, those are no small potatoes,” Doiron said.

Although the White House garden campaign is now winding down, Doiron says the Eat the View campaign is just getting warmed up. “Now that the Obamas are on board, we’re going to be reaching out to other people and identifying other high-profile pieces of land that could be transformed into edible landscapes. Sprawling lawns around governors’ residences, schoolyards, vacant urban lots: those are all views that should be eaten.”

History of Harvest at the White House

While the Obamas’ garden and the online technologies that campaigned for it might be new, the idea of an edible landscape at the White House is not. Throughout its history, the White House has been home to food gardens of different shapes and sizes and even to a lawn-mowing herd of sheep in 1918. The appeal of the White House garden project, Doiron asserts, is that it serves as a bridge between the country’s past and its future. “The last time food was grown on the White House lawn was in 1943, when the country was at war, the economy was struggling and people were looking to the First Family for leadership. It made sense before and it makes sense again as we try to live within our own means and those of the planet.”

Eat the View campaign website: http://www.eattheview.org/

History the White House as an edible landscape from 1800 to the present:
http://www.eattheview.org/page/history-1

May life treat you kindly today... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Thousand Word Thursday....

2009-03-19T20:27:00.005-04:00

Now I ask you, what's the difference of girl's getting ready to go out or boy's getting ready to go out?

Until again...~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~
Been a way busy week, hoping to catch up w/you all this week-end.... :-)

My World Tuesday...

2009-03-18T20:03:00.004-04:00

My World Tuesday.....

The hubby that has dinner on the table for me every night when I get home from work.... "one" nice thing about him being home, for now....

Until again...~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Monochrome Monday

2009-03-18T19:45:00.007-04:00

Go visit other participants in Monochrome Monday. Aileni is the gracious host.

Better late than never LOL...Now onto catching up the rest of the week.

My fisher girl....the one that went back to grow bigger until next time....

Until again...Peace Out...Blessings...hugS...gail

Sunday Stealing

2009-03-15T17:55:00.006-04:00

http://sundaystealing.blogspot.com/

1. Did you date someone from your school? Yes, but only when I was in school... LOL

2. Did you marry someone from your high school? No, from the high school in the next town over.

3. Did you car pool to school? With my twin brother...LOL

4. What kind of car did you have? My first car was a green Ford Pinto

5. What kind of car do you have now? GM Saturn Aura

6. Its Friday night...where are you now? Hanging out with dh and family thankful the work week is over Sometimes we hang out with Bob's sister and her dh

7. It is Friday night...where were you then? Either at the football or basketball games

8. What kind of job did you have in high school? I worked as a Nurses Aide in a nursing home; and made pizza's on weekends

9. What kind of job do you do now? Work at a community college in the financial aid department awarding scholarships, grants, state and federal funds.

10. Were you a party animal? Yes

11. Were you considered a flirt? Nope

12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Nope Cheerleading, track, basketball, powederpuff football

13. Were you a nerd? Nope

14. Did you get suspended from school? Nope; but I did spend lots of time in detention for talking too much

15. Can you sing the fight song? I still can and remember the pom-pom routine that went w/ it

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher? 3rd grade teacher; Mrs. Hosner; high school, Miss Gage

17. Where did you sit during lunch? With my friends who had the same lunch hour; we had A,B,or C lunch hours

18. What was your school's full name? Armada High School

19. Where did you party the most? 34 Mile Rd; the Armada pits; or Duncan's garage.

20. What was your school mascot? A Tiger

21. Would you do it again? No

22. Did you have fun at Prom? To be honest, I don't remember.... so I guess it wasn't memorable fun... LOL

23. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with? No

24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion? I didn't go to the 10 year reunion, went to the 20 year (had lots of fun); so if there are any more, I'll go. Being a twin, it's fun to go with my brother.

25. Do you still talk to people from school? Not really, my brother does occasionally, so I hear thru him.

26. What are/were your school's colors? Orange and black

Well, click on the picture/link above to join in the fun. I look forward to reading yours...

Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Weekly Winners; March 15

2009-03-15T08:26:00.003-04:00

This is the first week for me following this meme...but it looks really fun, plus another reason for me to use my camera more. My fav from this week: Puppy Dreams...

Bear and our, errrr, I mean Jessica's new mini Aussie puppy, Bella, taking a break from playing.

May life treat you kindly today...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Camera Critters...

2009-03-14T11:30:00.003-04:00

Join in on the fun at Misty's Blog (above) for some great critter shots and fun... for this week I'm soooo thinking hurry up spring/summer, and I can't wait for the hummingbirds to come back...they are such amazing little creatures...

A few years back, I actually got to hold one. It ran into a window and I picked it up and held it in my hands until it got it together enough to crawl up and perch on my finger the flew off. Pretty neat moment.

Hope life is treating you kindly today...Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Looking At The Sky On Friday

2009-03-13T06:40:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite sky pictures from Colorado...love it there...

May life treat you kindly today... Until again..
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Thousand Word Thursday....

2009-03-12T18:38:00.014-04:00

Hah! You say... a thousand words...sounds like alot, but you've never met someone who can say nothing in a thousand words or someone who can say everything in less than a thousand words. Me...in between. Depends...on what the topic is and who I'm talking too.

But for today; it all about the Bear... he totally melts me from the inside out... I can have a really bad day, and he doesn't care if I'm grumpy or not, he still is glad to see me. Nothing like a tail wag, and a wet kiss to brighten up the darkest of days.

This last picture was published in a book....I guess that picture alone is worth the thousand words and still remains as one of my favorites. Bear had a brother Timber who stayed with us for awhile, but, he's now at Rainbow Bridge. What, you've never heard of Rainbow Bridge....

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

Well, that a wrap for today. Hope life is treating you kindly... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Green & Red Tuesday

2009-03-10T06:35:00.013-04:00

Ruby Tuesday is hosted over at Work of the Poet because "Ruby Tuesday" is St. Patrick's Day (hahaha, like duh to me, it's next week, but you get to celebrate it twice), you get to post GREEN on that day, instead of red Shamrocks, clover, leprechauns, ANYTHING you like that's GREEN? Or, it's still okay to post RED, it's up to you. Don't forget to sign Mr. Linky at Work of the Poet and leave a comment. And visit your friends who participate in this meme. :)

I bet you think I'm going to post something garden related.... nope. I'm posting this really "kewl" cupcake I came across over on one of the "cupcake" sites I visit...alot, but for the life of me... I can't remember which one (when it comes to me or someone knows where, let me know so that I can give credit where credit is due). But isn't it pretty?? ***I remember.... Cupcakes Take the Cake...

**Edit** Since I'm on way too many cold meds, I got to work and realized that it's next Tuesday, Green Tuesday, not today... like So, here's my Red for today...

Today is National Women And Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The Red Pump Project
go read, educate, and help Rock the Red Pump in Support.

Hope life treats you kindly today... Until again...
Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Gotta Have Em'

2009-03-09T11:23:00.006-04:00

Since my trip to Omaha, where BTW, I did have "every" morning the "best ever" buttermilk pancakes, I am craving them. Yesterday morning, I went to "Ted's Coney Island" thinking I was going to get them... no buttermilk, and they were "just okay"...I'd give them a 4 out of 10.

My quest... a goal... to find the "best ever" buttermilk pancake recipe. Of course, I'll have to share it w/ Teemie to see if I can get some of that maple syrup she's tapping out of those trees at her house .

My first recipe to try this upcoming weekend (no time during the week to take this challenge on; this is a weekend challenge/goal) is from:

"The Cake Bible" by Rose Levy Beranbaum (to peek inside; go to Amazon)I'm sure at any bookstore you can find it. According to "Rose" "Buttermilk makes the most delicious pancakes, especially if no baking soda is used to dull the slightly tangy flavor. Baking powder and beaten egg whites contribute leavening; in fact, these are the lightest pancakes I have tasted". So there, ya go, we will rate these this weekend.

Home from work again today, still coughing and the fever "finally" broke this morning. So it will be back to work Tuesday for me since I missed Friday as well. It was a pj weekend for me... LOL

Hope life is treating you kindly today...take care...until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Top of the Sunday to Ya...

2009-03-08T20:24:00.005-04:00

We have a new addition to the household....her name is Bella, a mini Australian Shepherd (she is actually Jess's)... And here are a few pics I took of her but Karly has some really great ones in her camera that she has with her someplace and isn't home...LOL..

Bear, is doing pretty good with her. She loves him! She tries to herd him already...LOL Gonna be interesting when she get a little bigger.

It's rained pretty much all weekend, but that's better than snow. But it makes for a dull weekend and it's already back to work Monday. We've been house/pet sitting for some friends and they will be home Tuesday night, which we are truly grateful for because someone had to be there all the time with their dogs. They have two little guys, so it will be nice to have Bob back home since he's been doing it the most since he doesn't have a job.

So, what's ya doing for St. Patrick's Day? Making anything special or waiting until the weekend to celebrate?

Until again...~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Clueless Friday

2009-03-06T08:05:00.004-05:00

Where do butterflies go in the Winter?

Cough, Cough, Cough.... I am clueless to soooo many things....

Why does snow turn grey and yucky when it melts? Why can't it just disappear magically overnight and the tulips and daffodils be up? Why, Why, Why....

Why have I been sick for over a month? But, the other night I did remember a line from the movie "The Bucket List" as I was feelin' "really" bad... "Just think, some lucky guy is having a heart attack somewhere".... If you have never seen this movie, watch it one night w/o the kiddies around. Do you have a Bucket list? I made one when we went out to Omaha for my bil funeral, my conclusion, Omaha was not on my bucket list...nope...even with the Spaghetti Factory's great meal...nope not on it.

My Bucket List

* Spend a week Moose stalking in Alaska, Maine or anywhere there are moose to take pictures.
* See and hear glacial ice breaking off and crashing into the ocean at Prince William sound by canoe/kayak.
* Visit Ireland.
* Teach an adult that it's okay to laugh and not to be serious all the time.
* Learn a language other than English.
* De-clutter my house.
* Show a stranger joy.
* Somehow, someway, let my whole family know how much they are loved.
* Paint my living room yellow and white.
* Make it through these horrific economic times with peace, dignity, not loosing our house or my mind, and by helping neighbors not loose theirs.
* Learn how to go green; my generation is totally clueless on this.
* Learn to knit slippers and make quilts (that also means I have to learn how).
* Teach my children something that my Mom or Grandma taught me.
* Get magazines to quit stuffing their magazines with 10 inserts to subscribe to their magazine...like, duh, already getting it.

Okay that was my brief list that came to me in Omaha; how about you? I'm sure it will change additions, subtractions, cross offs...but, that's it as of today.

Well, that's it for now... Hope life is treating you kindly... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Dogs, Dogs, Dogs....

2009-03-02T20:49:00.009-05:00

We went to the Detroit Kennel Club Dog show yesterday at Cobo...it was sooo much fun. I wish I could have brought these guys home with me for Bear to play with... LOL The one above is a Great Dane named Arthur, as you can tell we became fast friends even without treats.

Here are a few more of the ones I could get a picture of...
I love this Old English Sheepdog...if you have one to spare, drop him by...LOL

It was a great day; lots of fun; and boy do those trainers and dogs work hard. Hope you had a great day... Until again...

~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Time

2009-02-25T19:34:00.003-05:00

Where does it go... I can't believe I've been off of blog land for sooooo long. It stinks being under the weather, but, another day above ground is better than a day under...

It's been raining and I'm getting excited for spring and gardening; I "think" I've got Bob talked into helping (if he isn't working by then). Would love to start the plants indoors, but have never had much luck. What type of lighting do you use? We don't have alot of light indoors and I'm not fortunate enough to have a sun-pit like Teemie...LOL

So....what's up in your neck of the woods?

~~Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

More Snow, Higher B/P, and just a wonderin'

2009-02-21T21:10:00.004-05:00

We just got 6 inches or so of the white stuff (the cold white stuff that is really beautiful on the blue spruce tree, or if you want to just want to watch it fall).... I totally love the white stuff...but am itching to see my tulips and daffodils. But, I do realize that's it's Feb in Mich and I can't expect tulips in Feb... LOL

Poor Dr. O... this week I was probably diagnosed as "clinically a pscy-o". My request for an upgrade was turned down at work - "restructured job duties" = nothing more than $0(and the union worded it as a totally brutal personal thing IMHO, and other, plus my bosses); but that's okay, at least I have someplace to go 5 days out of 7. Then my B/P and other things went off the charts; I had a total human melt down. It really stinks being the bread earner, mom, and wife. The pressure is probably more than I can stand because...my body is fleeing the situation rather than fighting it and just being "me".

Probably why I've been so quiet. No pictures to share, or funnies, just quiet. Have you ever hit that point? I did have a great laugh today....some may find this not in good taste.. LOL... But, Bob(dh) and I and Bear (my Golden)were sitting in silence just trying to figure out what to do next, when all of a sudden, Bear farted (quite loudly)...he got this strange look on his face, raised his eyebrows, curled his lip on one side, and tilted his head....he looked behind him....then it happened again...he farted...looked behind...got up and.....looked under the couch since he was sitting against it.... he thought the noise came from under couch...I laughed my fool head off...poor Bob, since he couldn't hear it... I had to tell him (not as funny as hearing/seeing it yourself).

Well, I hope/pray life is treating you and yours' kindly.... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~hugS~~BlessingS~~gail~~

Stop Now....Do Not Read...if...you...

2009-02-16T20:24:00.007-05:00

want to enter the "bad" things happen to you zone.

Well, after getting back from Omaha, and my bil funeral. I had an overwhelming feeling to call my brother (twin) tonight. I worked till 7:00 and I do my best phone chatting on my way home from work cuz it's a 40 minute ride. He answered and said "I've just been in an accident" and hung up. Oh, rear-ended was in there too. So, I said call me when you can.... I sit and wait. I'm worried but, at this point, pray and will do whatever I can. It's a long way from Michigan to Fla... LOL, but my sil Felicia is great, as well as, my niece, Julie. It's just the not knowing part. I'm starting to feel like "Pig-pen" from Charlie Brown with a cloud over my head.....

Bob and mine Anniversary was on Valentine's Day...28 years (plus we dated 4); it was a great day. We had a gift certificate left from Christmas to a resturant and we went there. The kids showered us with the most beautiful cards (well the cards, but mostly what was written in them), flowers and some humor. Jamie texted us at mid-night "Happy 75th Anniversary"... we got a good laugh from it.

I saw the funniest sign today going to work: "50% off all snow... you remove"....hahahhaa, thought it was cute. I probably would have said "free" snow... cuz, now my gardening bug is kicking in. Do you start any of your plants indoors? I've never had much luck... so I'm need some "secrets" on how to. Wanna share? When would you start your plants in Zone 5 (I think it's my zone).

Okay, question???? Are Pierogis easy to make? Our community ed class has a class on how to make them, but since we're on such a "tight" budget, that I really don't have the funds to spend. It's kind of like, last Christmas, not this year, but the year before, Kirk bought me a pasta maker...and shamelessly, I've used it because it don't know how? So all you pasta and pierogis makers... help please....

Do you have a "go to" friend? The kind that well, it your "go to friend", not family, friend, although, a few of my sil's are both...LOL...? Over the years, I've had three girlfriends who were my "go to" girls; Patty, Val, Linda and Kelle...but they either moved away 3 out of 4 or drifted apart. I've got a couple of work go too's but this is another "pondering" moment for me now. Does age play a factor? I'm not sure, what do you think?

Well, it's time to sign off...gave ya lots to answer, think about, ponder, but must add one more....LOL What 's the trendiest thing you're doing right now? I don't mean right now, but well you KWIM?

Okay, my "bat girls" riddle me this?..... who is/ or was your most favorite female ever... living or dead?

I've missed you all, thought of you, prayed for you, but, most of all missed ya's....I've lost two "followers" and am truly sorry for this...cuz, well, ya, know we all love to be loved or at least followed....(yes, I know shallow...LOL)

Until again...~~Peace Out~~BlessingS~~Until again~~gail~~

2009-02-13T19:54:00.004-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of by bloggin' friends. Bob and I have been married 28 years (plus dated 4). Soooooo, much has changed. The good, bad, ugly and beautiful... LOL

Family, friends, and neighbors, are totally "real" and "kewl" in my world. Honestly, tonight I had a "major" melt down. Work had some things that I "can't" share but are sooo painfully hurtful; plus two more additional funerals/visitations that I need/must attend. Are you really sure you want to know me? LOL I totally wish that I could take off 25% of all hurt and pain awah with a coupon. Okay, here comes a question I "need" to know...when was the last time time you had yourself a "real" totally "me" cry? I've beeen having them this past week, and well, I hit my "core" and feel much better.

There are soooo many family and friends who fill "certain" stuff in my life. There are certain duties that I try to do to make my family healthy and wise and sometimes hit the mark, and other times, come close or miss it. But, consider this... are you at the top of your "game" or at the "bottom"? Me...that's easy and why the meltdown.

Don't ever forget the "Followers" bar. That is the most precious thing since peanut butter and jellly or since hot fudge sundaes... LOL. Give a shout out to someone who cares, shares, and just may call you, they are your sidebar buddies.

Motherhood, Wife hood, Sisterhood, is not easy, but it's a portion of life that somehow is intertwined with us and we can't be without. You may think, you have no friends...but no way Hosea... and has Forrest Gump said "that's all I have to say about thst"... Isn't the internet great, as well as, My Face, etc., I care and so does all your "followers".....I'm a ram bin' now, but it's okay, cuz, I've got to get it off my chest/fingers.

I care about you and yours', thank you for popping in and caring about me, leaving a comment or two or not. My next post will have the usually recipe, pic, and life story..but from my heart.... I pray that life is treaing you kindly..
hugs and loves....

Up Close and Personal

2009-02-12T19:14:00.003-05:00

Quotes... I never can seem to remember them, know them, or even have them in a book...but I came across this one...that seems to hit my heart "Nature never goes out of style". Living in Michigan, this is so very true. Most Michigan folks, love all out seasons for one reason or another. (share yours)... But, how many of us order and browse the seed catalogs pretty much right after we've taken down the Christmas "stuff"?

Nature, have you ever considered having a nature journal? I totally "stink" at drawing, so I take pictures. But, with the crazy, non-stop, life styles we have.... when was the last time we actually went out into nature and "stopped to smell the roses"? There are so many "natural" beauties, flowers, animals, sunsets, weather conditions, do we ever take or have the time to truly appreciate? I'm wildly waving my hand "no"...

After the last weeks, take some time for yourself, nature, and the ones you love... draw, photograph, or journal your thoughts. One person's words can mean a life time of love to another...

~~Until again~~ Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T20:17:00.003-05:00

Family Rocks!

Until Again ~~Peace Out~~prayers~~hugS~~gail

We're Back...

2009-02-11T19:55:00.003-05:00

Here's a shot of us minus me (I'm taking the shot) at the restaurant after Dave's funeral service. I'm one of those people who can't, won't, say the funeral service was nice. No funeral service is nice in my opinion. But, it was certainly "Dave"... KWIM? Who wants a nice funeral service? I want it to be.... a nice life, a great life, etc., why wait until we're dead to say... what a nice funeral. Does anyone know what I mean?... LOL

Although, I did have something happen to me that well, was a surprise. Dave's Dad when we were all saying good-bye hugged me and whispered in my hear... Don't ever lose your sense of humor, or your laugh (my laugh, is rather loud..a belly laugh if you will), and thank you for helping me get through this...in fact, you could be a grief comic. I'm not sure how I took the last remark, but, I think be meant well.

I've officially marked Omaha off of my "bucket list"... not like it was on it. Greece, Italy, Maine, Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, and a few others are...but not Omaha...LOL

At work, I'm now referred to "Pig pen"... the one with the cloud over my head...LOL; my dh goes 85% deaf overnight, dh looses his job the Friday before Christmas, ds looses his job, a friend's son (18yo) commits suicide, bil passes away at 55... Meet Mr. and Mrs. Job....

I'm sorry for not sharing, caring, and well, just being me. But, you've been in my thoughts, prayers, and hugs. I hope/pray life has been treating you kindly... so update me on what's new in your world...

Until again~~Peace Out~~Hugs~~gail

Off to Nebraska

2009-02-05T20:23:00.003-05:00

Well, we got the news yesterday, that our brother in law Dave passed away, unexpected. So we went to Andrew's viewing tonight and go to the airport tomorrow at 6:00 am to fly out for his funeral.

Will have limited email/puttering, but waving to you all and will chat when I get back late Sunday night or Monday....

~~hugS~~gail

Does It Ever Make You Wonder....

2009-02-03T21:29:00.005-05:00

After the events of this past weekend (read below); does it ever make you wonder... if ya, could ya, would ya, should of....

It's a joke at work how I walk around like "Pig Pen" from Charlie Brown with a cloud over my head...and I'm told not to share....

Since the last wk of 2008 and 2009 started....

1. My husband lost his hearing roughly 85% over night w/o any known cause; had "another Cat Scan last week"; results...TBD when he goes back to the Michigan Ear Institute.
2. My husband was let go of his job the Friday before Christmas because of "restructuring" after 32 years of employment to John Carlo Inc; he worked both field and office.... ummmmmmm.....
3. My son was also let go from the same employer because of the Union caught him out on two job sites that were Union jobs, but John Carlo blamed Bob for "setting it up"; which he didn't.... the "new "regimen" has way too much concrete to spare in places it shouldn't be...(sorry)...still praying...
3. A family of 6 is down to one income.... mine.
4. A "brother of another mother", Brandon (Kirk's best friend, lost his brother Satuday night...he committed suicide...doesn't matter why...just another great youth gone)....and a family to love and love...(if you'd like to send a card, let me know).
5. My PA changed my meds because my body was fleeing instead of fighting, long story, but life is full of adventures ;-)...
6. I'm trying to adjust to being a Mom whose children no longer needs her unless they need her (all in their 20's); we're a big family so, sometimes I feel lost.. KWIM?
7. Trying to adjust to a hearing impaired spouse in the family. I forget and talk/yell room to room. I need to remember to look at Bob to talk.
8. I asked for a job upgrade at work since my job is being "restructed" and left the meeting like feeling I had no job worth... "you don't deserve an upgrade". I sometimes hate being one of those "pleaser" people. Sometime I wish I could voice myself with feeling like I was wrong or reduce myself to tears.
9. Anyone need a weekend employee....??? LOL I'll even muck a stall.... ride horseback in the mountains, weed a garden...etc.... I don't do toilet or indoor water sports though... ;-)
10. Doesn't anyone comment anymore to the just plain ole' whining???? hahahaha Or, just plain ole' blogging?
11. Thanks for reading, cuz, I don't know how many listner's I have.... ;-) Although a large family... Bear)Golden) and Bob (who doesn't hear everything) are my listeners... ;-)
12. Let me know you care... email me; mooselovingmamabear@hotmail.com... send a card and though and hug to the Bronikowski's ....it's just a "small" way of caring for such a great loss....
12.(I don't believe in 13) Enough negative... onward forward, because a day above ground is better than a day below ground....

~~Venting, crying, and caring~~ Until Again~~ Peace Out~~hugs~~ gail~~

2009-02-02T08:14:00.010-05:00

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life...then join Peggy and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity...the beauty of the everyday moments around us.

Here's how to take part:

1. Write up and publish your journal page using the questions/picture ideas Peggy has listed on her blog The Simple Woman's Daybook. Be as descriptive as you can! (You may cut and paste them for the purpose to participate in The Simple Woman's Daybook.) Please add your"picture thought" photo at the end of your daybook entry because all we love pictures! Then during the week, take time and visit everyone that you can to read their Daybooks and make new friends...

FOR TODAY February 02...

Outside my window...The sun is just starting to appear, birds chirping
I am thinking...about the Bronikowski family (which I'm sure I didn't spell their last name right, but God knows who they are); (see post below)and praying for them, crying for them and wishing I knew how to take the pain away, except that kind of pain is pain, no putting a band-aid on it, no saying it will be okay, no pretending; we all are feeling it and must feel it, go through together as family, friends, acquaintances, and as a community.
I am thankful for...friends and family
From the learning rooms... Reading a Beth Moore book; but doing more thinking, pondering,praying and learning to love those who are with me everyday, those who can be my sand paper person each day (you know, the ones who can annoy you the most), and just learning to be "real".
From the kitchen... nothing right now except I've got a shiny sink and no dishes
I am wearing...a sweatshirt and red/white moose boxer shorts; ready to go and put my "work" clothes on.
I am creating...garden plans
I am going...to work
I am reading...Beth Moore Book and Twilight
I am hoping...spring comes sooner than later
I am hearing...the furnace kicking on and Bob reading the paper and mumbling
Around the house...not many plans, just keep it picked up and cleaned up. Wishing my living room could get repainted yellow and white.
One of my favorite things...pizza
A few plans for the rest of the week: go to Andrew's funeral, get my first guitar lesson, get to the gym more
Here is picture thought I am sharing...Brian's work
Chef Dan, Jamie his wife "new" pizza place with Brian hard at work...

Until again...~~Peace Out~~BlessingS~~Prayers~~hugS~~gail

Chocolate Give Away

2009-02-02T07:50:00.004-05:00

In light of one of Make Mine a Mojito favorite holidays, VALENTINE’S DAY, I thought it only fitting to have a GIVEAWAY (woo hoo) to celebrate this day of love.

Being a MAJOR chocoholic, February 14th is a GREAT day for me. For Valentine’s Day last year, her Mr. Mojito surprised her with a gift box from Fat Witch Bakery in New York City.

Fat Witch Bakery has been noted to have some of, if not the best, brownies and blondies in America. Fat Witch Bakery has been featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things, Throwdown with Bobby Flay on Food Network, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and New York’s Favorite Food Shops, to name a few. I can tell you from first hand experience that these brownies live up to the hype.

To share the love she is giving awaysome yummy Fat Witch babies to one lucky reader.

The winner will receive a 24 Baby Witch Gift Box which includes an assorted selection of 12 Fat Witch Babies, 6 Blonde Babies, and 6 Walnut Babies. You can also choose all Fat Witch Babies.

Now I know these are not exactly Weight Watchers friendly, but I promise you that they are worth every point…trust me!! !

So how do you fill your sweet tooth and win some awesome Fat Witch Blondies and Brownies?

You can win one of 3 ways:
1. Leave a comment atMake Mine a Mojito post and you will be entered once!
2. Become a follower of Make Mine a Mojito (or if you are already a follower)on the blog leave a comment on the post about the give-a-way; and you will be entered 3 times!
3. Create a blog post about this GIVEAWAY, link back to the post, and leave Mrs. Mojito a comment letting her know you created a post and you will be entered 5 times!!

Contest ends February 8th at midnight!!!!

Everyone cheer for CHOCOLATE!!!!

We all could use some chocolate right now....

Until again...~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

It's a Sad Day...

2009-02-01T17:21:00.005-05:00

We've lost another of our youth to suicide..the details really don't matter.... the fact is the 19yo brother of Kirk's, best friend (Brandon), committed suicide last night.

I really didn't know Andrew, except in passing or thru Brandon (Kirk's best friend) who is over like alot and we totally "love" him like a brother from another mother.... So, our pain is deep and it hurts for the family and Andrew's friends. Many RIP Andrew will be written, but how does family and friends RIP? Having a relationship with God is comforting and helps, but pain is pain. I ask for prayer for this family who is going to experience the worse kind of loss ever. You aren't suppose to bury your children. I ask for prayer and thoughts for this family.... the Bronikowski's... I'm sure I've totally mis-spelled their name, but God knows them.... he knows your prayers...and thanks....

Until again....~~hugS~~gail

Buying Local

2009-01-31T22:30:00.003-05:00

I am committed to buy local, however, the produce section is sure bleak this time of year for me. But, not as bleak as the economy here in Michigan. So it's time to "panty hose up" and get a little creative. I've found this food co-op kind of that at least I can order and get delivered in bulk some great natural good for me foods Country Life Natural Foods With all the food scares recently, it's time to start shopping wiser and healthier in our household.

I've even convinced Bob that if the city will allow us to have a "few" chickens, we could. "kewl" free range eggs... We figured out that we could build a small coop next to the neighbors's garage so that they won't see them. The neighbors behind our garage would have a fit...although, they do help themselves to my raspberries that are close to the fence.... maybe it could be a trade off, but then I wouldn't be able to see them if a dog, racoon, skunk, etc., tried to get into their coop. So the neighbor to the side of us is the best option.

A question I've been pondering.... Do you take your own bags to the super market? Or are you still using the plastic or paper ones provided. Someone told me that they are doing away with the plastic ones (which I'll confess, made great dog do-do bags on our walks w/ Bear).

Until again...~~Peace Out~~Blessings, hugS~~gail

Aloha Friday

2009-01-30T22:13:00.005-05:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

Over in Hawaii, at An Island Life; Aloha Friday is the day that where they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So on Fridays this means an easy posting, too. Therefore, a simple question is asked for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link back to An Island Life via Mr. Linky. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My today’s question is: What's the funniest thing that's happened to you this week?

Mine: Dh and I were laying in bed; he was reading and I had my headset on answering emails, Doing 25 Random Things to Know about Me on Facebook, and he asked me if someone was cooking something? Who knows in our house... with all the coming and going of the kids and their bf's and gf's and friends....cooking may be done at any time of the day or night. I said I don't think so.... Back to reading and puttering. A few minutes later I asked him... do you smell something burning? He gave me the over the glasses look and and said "yes". So, I said , why don't you go and check it out. I put my headphones back on and continued to tap away on the key board. Bob was gone a few minutes, came across the bedroom, and pulled my pillow down...
my pillow was catching on fire behind me.... well, not quite a fire but my pillow case and pillow now have a pretty large brown spot on it from where the light that I set up to read at night so I didn't disburb Bob was resting on my pillow..... Oooops, I'm bad. I thought it was pretty funny especially when it was us catching on fire not anyone cooking. Bob and Jessica didn't think it was so funny....

Until again ~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

2009-01-29T06:58:00.002-05:00

Ahhhhhh, Spring is in the air.....hahahhaaaa, if you're getting the ice and snow storm, probably not. But, Gardening and Seed Catalogs are in the mailbox.

I need to know... which ones are your fav's, and what do you usually order from them? Do you start all your plants indoors? Or start some and then buy at the nursery?

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions...

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

2009-01-28T21:25:00.008-05:00

This very important information was passed onto me, and I feel that I needed to pass it along and hopefully, you will also.

I personally, am not gifted enough to sell (or even give away) anything that I make. But, I do have friends who do and I'm afraid that they may be effected by this. It starts out with a letter to my friend who I've taken her name out and continues on, from where she received the info. Yes, it is long; pour yourself some tea or a cup of coffee, pop/soda, or a glass of water. And take some time to ponder and read...

Dear .....,

These past several weeks, many of us have been quite diligent in our efforts to bring awareness to the public and major media regarding
HR4040,The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CSPIA), the first stage of which will go into effect Feb 10. This law will potentially impact thousands of small and micro businesses nationwide during what is already a challenging economy.

Under the federal law, manufacturers must test for lead in toys, clothes,
furniture, ink pens, books, backpacks, bracelets and anything else
geared for children 12 years old and younger. The federal mandate is so
far reaching that it affects not just children’s products made after
the law kicks in, but toys, books and other products already in
warehouses and on store shelves. This law not only impacts major
manufacturers, but also the tiny ones from those who sew children’s
clothing and toys sold at arts and crafts fairs, to a mother who sews
cloth diapers and sells from a website. Whether you manufacture, wholesale, retail,
sell or buy products, either new
or used, for use by children you will be impacted by The Consumer
Product Safety Improvement Act. To date, few major media sources have picked up this story, but we have not given up. I/ We would greatly appreciate it if you could find time to post a few sentences, or a paragraph or two, with your concerns under the WTW blog post entitled “Repeal or Reform CSPIA HR4040″

Editorial Comment by me: Oh great, guess they can't stop the "toys" and "food" and all the other "stuff" coming in from who knows where and the products are lead tainted, under tested, and probably "winked at" since whatever product it is is a "hot" seller, cheap to buy and has a high selling price here; so now, we'll go after the "locals" to make it appear "we're" doing something... I'm not too political, so this comment may be revoked if someone can help me understand this... And don't forget that all the things at yard sales, church sales, etc., will be under this also.

Sunday, January 18, 2009
Repeal or Reform CSPIA HR4040
If you manufacture, wholesale, retail, sell or buy products, either new or used, for use by children you will be impacted by The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CSPIA), the first stage of which will go into effect Feb. 10. The law, aimed at keeping lead containing merchandise away from children, mandates that all products sold for those age 12 and younger -- including but not limited to clothing, toys, books, sporting equipment, bikes, etc. -- be tested for lead and phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more pliable. Those that haven't been tested will be considered hazardous, regardless of whether they actually contain lead.

Makers of children's goods cannot rely on materials known to be safe, even if the manufacturer of materials and supplies has already tested and certified them as being lead free. Instead they must put a sample from each lot of goods (each model, each size, each color....) through testing after complete assembly, and the testing must be applied to each component. Testing is costly and for each component could cost upwards of $100.00. For items comprised of many components the tab for testing could easily reach into the thousands of dollars.

This law will certainly affect large manufacturers, but small businesses and micro businesses less able to absorb the costs of testing, will be even harder hit. Many small producers who have prided themselves on providing safe products for children fear for their business survival and in many cases their very livelihood.

In recent weeks protests have begun to mount, alarms have been raised at hundreds of blogs, forums and within business groups, including ours, Women Take Wing! We urge you to educate yourself about the CSPIA, and hope you will join us in a call to our elected officials to repeal or at the least reform this poorly written and broad reaching piece of legislation.

To date, few major media sources have picked up this story. One of the best was written by Walter Olson and published on January 16 by Forbes.com . Please write and/or email your local television stations asking for them to give airtime to this issue. Email your congressperson and submit your comments to the Consumer Product Safety Commission which is charged with enforcing the CSPIA.

Take the time to sign one of the many online petitions. Together we can make a difference.

For additional information:
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/legislation.html
http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6627969.html
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2009/01/cpsia-concerns.html
or just do an internet search on "CSPIA" to find many articles and blog entries.

Online petitions (a few):
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/reform-cpsia-hr4040/sign.html
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/handmadetoys/

Class Action Lawsuit:
http://reformcpsia.org/2009/01/class-action-lawsuit/

To submit a question to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, click here.
To submit comments regarding mandatory third-party testing, href="http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/ComponentPartsComments.pdf">click here.

~~Thanks~~gail

2009-01-27T19:35:00.003-05:00

I've been gone to a conference for work the last few days and haven't done any posting. Last Saturday night, we went to a costume birthday party. A friend of our's son turned 16 and he never had or even wanted a birthday party, except for this year and he wanted it to be a costume party. Bob took "The Funniest" costume and I took "Most Original"....hahahaa We cleaned house on the awards. It was great fun, although my back was killing me from having a pillow stuffed down my panthose for my "junk in my trunk"...aka: bottom side.

Will try to get more posting in... I'm all tired out from the conference but had a great time and learned lots to take back to work.

Until again...
~~Peace Out~~BlessingS~~hugS~~gail

2009-01-23T06:47:00.004-05:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

Over at An Island Life, in Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So on Fridays a simple question is asked for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Go over to An Island Life sign up and don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My today’s question is:

Are you planning on gardening this year? And if so, what do you grow?

Have a great day..... and Until Again....
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Thru My Eyes - 2009 Thursday

2009-01-22T06:55:00.005-05:00

Good Grief... Where in the world did Wednesday go?

Busy day at work and I felt really bad for my boss because she had two days off then came back to work sick. She was sick the whole time. You could see it in her eyes that she still didn't feel well... what a trooper....me I would have stayed home another day... LOL

My picture thought is gonna come from by library of pictures, since ds came and got my camera (my first one) because he's taking a photo class at the college (the one I really would love to take...LOL) Anywho...

I need another vacation....

Wanna come? (If you click on the pic to see closer view; I'm the one laughing...:-)

(we all know how to play...just sign up, link up to Follow the Moose)

Until Again~~Peace Out, Blessings~hugS~~gail

Thru My Eyes-2009 - Tuesday

2009-01-19T21:01:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow/Today is the big day here in the states. "Change" is suppose to be a coming... It's exciting to watch sooooo many peoples reactions and listen to their thoughts about tomorrow. I am not political; I am a watcher; a doer; a hopeful Anmerican who has a husband out of work, a son out of work, a daughter in retail who will probably be out of work. So that's half of my household.... So, I guess in our house; it's a 50/50 shot for change.... Ummmmm...

The historic events will be well worth watching and well as, the speeches, and we can't forget the "clothes"....LOL (yes, I am shallow).

Take time tomorrow with a cup of tea a reflect and look forward. My picture today, is of a firework; although cheesey; a firework none the less.

Hook up w/ Mr. Linky if you'd like to join in and Grab the Moose and link back here. With so many other meme's going on, I'm debating of fizzling this out... Anyways, here's Mr. Linky for day (how come there isn't a Mrs. Linky?)

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Thru My Eyes-2009 - Monday

2009-01-18T22:09:00.004-05:00

Next Saturday, we have been invited to an "unusual" birthday party. Well, the party not so much as the birthday boy's request; he wants everyone to come in costume...LOL Kirk and Kourtney dressed up as "into the future". Does it ever make you wonder, 20, 40, or 10 years what you'll look like? So, my costume, is gonna be my "future" self (a hopefully not future self, but a fun self which I will share next week). But to reflect upon it, I thought of the above pic and wanted to share...

Gotta a picture for today you'd like to share? Trying to master or I mean learn your camera? Please then join our small group, we'd love to call you our photo pal as well. Fill in Mr.Linky below with your information and link back here for others to play along....

Make it an extraordinaire day...
Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Quotable Sunday 01/18/09

2009-01-18T12:06:00.002-05:00

Quotable Sunday at A Daily Dose of Toni hosts "Quotable Sunday", and I've been reading along for awhile and thought it looks like sooooo much fun, that I'd join in.

The rules (for newbies)
~Go to your blog and post one or more of your favorite quotes.
~Go to Toni's and sign mister linky with the link to your post and then go visit the other participants and leave some comment love.
~Spread the word of course...we want lots of Quotes to read :)

So, without any further babbling, here are my quotes for today....

Never have an ordinary day (Pepperidge Farms commercial)

There's nothing tragic about being fifty. Not unless you're trying to be twenty-five. (Joe Gillis, Sunset Boulevard)

Anyone who can't keep a secret can't keep a friend (Uncle Martin, My Favorite Martian)

Sometimes the most real things in this world are the things we can't see. (The Conductor, The Polar Express)

My quotes came from "Movie quotes for unscripted moments"; one more to ponder....

People are too busy to meet themselves anymore. Everybody's faxing, modeming, on-lining, inputting, downloading, and overnighting. You can send anything to anybody, anywhere in the world, in seconds. But it still takes the same amount of time it always took to know a soul. (Tess, Touched by an Angel)

So with that all said and "quoted".....

GOOD MORNING, and in case I don't see ya, GOOD AFTERNOON, GOOD EVENING and GOODNIGHT!
(Truman Burbank, The Truman Show)

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Reflection Saturday

2009-01-17T08:09:00.005-05:00

Thanks to all my friends "new" and "not as new" for all the kind words, prayers, and your friendship during this week. It means tons!! Speaking of tons, I officially dropped 9lbs this week (where I don't know, although my pants aren't quite as tight). I go to the Dr. on Thursday because we played phone tag most of the week; then he's not in till then. But, no news is good news.

It is soooooo brutally cold here. It's been soooo cold, that we don't have a temperature. Nope, don't have one, it fact it was negative temperatures the last few days. Yesterday at noon, we finally got a temp of 8 degrees. Suppose to have a "heat wave" in the 20's tomorrow and another 4 inches of snow or so today/tonight. The kids had given me new boots for Christmas, and I've worn them everyday since because it's so cold.

Going to some friends to play games and hang out tonight. Last night had dinner with Kathy and Don and 3 of the kids were able to join us. It's rare to get everyone together all at the same time these days. It was sooooooo much fun!

Teemie had to cancel the sun-pit lecture that was suppose to be for today because of the cold, but at least we're talking "seeds"...LOL That girl is a wealth of information and lots of fun. Can't wait to play in the dirt with her this spring/summer.

Well, gotta get a few things done. Hope you're warm and feelin' well on this great day of the weekend. If you'd like to hook up and join Reflection Saturday add your name to Mr. Linky; grab the "Follow the Moose" on the right, mention it on your blog, and play along....

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

2009-01-16T06:50:00.004-05:00

The week-end is "almost" here. Yea! I tried to get Mr. Linky working this morning before leaving for work, but the little fella decided to give me an error message three times. So, he going to be my project this weekend....LOL

So what are your big plans?

Until again ~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

2009-01-15T20:54:00.007-05:00

Wow, I've been a little popular the last few days...by receiving a few blog awards. And all I can say is awwwwwww shucks, you shouldn't have, but I'm glad you did. It truly brightened my day and week. This award come from Jientje who you can read about above... my photo pal,teacher,life sharer,and friend....

But as always, accepting an award involves certain rules:
The rules for the Honest Scrap award:
The honorees are to:
A) first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
B) pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

1. Yellow and Blue are my favorite colors. I could paint the inside of all my rooms these colors. Along w/ a cream or white.... but that's it.
2. I wish to live on farm in my retirement years. The more animals the better, horses,and more horses, a few cows, chickens, dogs, cats; along with vegetable, herbs, and flower gardens. Natural/organic farming, breadmaking... you get the idea...and have dh just as excited to do this adventure.
3. I want to learn to knit and quilt but don't have the time or money to do so.
4. Every Monday I want to put the covers back over my head for another weekend day.
5. I'm a hard core "night owl",but am trying to get to bed earlier to break the habit because of my work demands during the day.
6. I love the feel of new socks and sweatshirts.
7. I love to laugh; adults don't laugh enough
8. I'm a twin; had twins; and have twin half brothers somewhere (I was adopted)
9. I'd love to go to Alaska, Maine, Ireland, Italy, Colorado (again), Wyoming... oh, lots of places.
10. Chat w/ my blog friends more than my non-blog friends.... LOL

Now, I've got to share this w/ 7 people..... ummmmmmm....this is hard....always is for me....but, here goes everything....

Hip Chick who you can go visit and get to know and love her....
Angie who I just recently blog stumbled upon and loves gardening, poultry, knitting, organic and local foods, cooking, homeschooling, and eco-friendly self suffiency here on her "farm." My hero.....
San Diego Farmgirl another gardener who I'm just being "green" with envy cuz she is planing "stuff" already...
Angie My Fearless Leader from BLBE... read her amazing story of weight loss and healthy eating on her blog.
Linda well, like I said yesterday... Linda rocks....
Stacy who has the cutest ever, brand new puppy! She's also "another" WiiFit Mom, and has lots of great tips.

Well, that's all I can think of tonight cuz, my brain is fried and fingers tried...so until again and more add ons.... ~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

2009-01-15T04:11:00.015-05:00

Hello World...

I'm feeling much better with lots of prayer, meds, sleep and a few adjustments. Still have to learn how to manage stress better, but, in time... "Rome wasn't built in a day", ya know...

Well, while I was "under the weather", two bloggin' friends, Linda and Jientje, gifted me with awards (that I truly appreciate and thank them for).

It's interesting in Blog World, how we may have oodles of followers, but how many actually stop by frequently enough to honestly be called "friend".... ummmmm, so I guess there are "blog friends" and "blog acquaintances"..... ahhhhhh, now I get it.....

This award is from Linda whose Blog home is at Remote Treechanger I can't even remember when we "blogged up", but it's been "friends ever since" and I love sharing my little corner of the world. Although, sometimes I'm not sure with my state side "slang" LOL, if she thinks I'm kind of looney.....

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award."

I am passing this award on to:

"These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends."

In no particular order....

Jientje whose bloggin' home is at Heaven in Belgium who is my picture taken, caring friend, who takes the most amazing photos and shares them and lets me see what it's like to live in Belgium, and shares her life with me.

Pam who lives close enough, but far enough away, that we're photo pals and bloggin' friends. You can see her amazing photos at Splashes of Joy Pam always sends a kind word and thought, which I truly appreciate and we can laugh at one another when one gets slammed with all the snow, while the other one escapes it.

Mary Beth who is part of "Team Lynn" and one of my Biggest Loser Blog Edition friends who I am in awe how she manages everything that she does. And ya gotta love the name of her Blog home.... Boo Bear's Place

Teemie at Teemie's Country Blooms who is my "local" blog to visit (plus it's only a hop, skip, and jump - well, maybe just a tad further, away from me). It's filled with love, cooking, country living, herbal and garden wisdom, local events for my area, and well, I love Teemie's view of life and her giving spirit.

Hip Chick who is another very deserving friend who takes amazing photos, shares recipes, and thoughts of her walk with God. Plus I just love her Blog Home name... Hip Chick's Home

Stacy has one of the "most happening" place to hang out to find some of the most interesting "stuff" and other blog places to visit.

Well, I'm going to have to finish this later since it's time to get ready for work...but, will add the rest plus more tonight (that is if I don't turn green again; thankfully, I haven't lost any more weight, just the 8lbs, and the best thing, I didn't gain it back ;-)

Thru My Eyes 2009 - Thursday

Well, since my camera and I haven't been together much later because of well, errrr, you know....

To play along, "Follow the Moose" somewhere on the right, LOL; and link back here plus see how many of your followers + you want to play along. There aren't really any rules, per say.... A couple of us are trying to learn our camera's and are "trying" to post a picture a day; but the most important reason for playing along is to form/make new friendships in 2009;

I have a new "love/hate" relationship with Mr. Linky.....errrrrrr. I think he has thrown away his old self, went on strike, and has given me his "new look".

Until again ~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Thru My Eyes-2009

2009-01-12T10:47:00.006-05:00

Sorry this is so late; I've been really sick all weekend and took off work today to go to the Dr. I've lost 8lbs over the week-end; not how I wanted to start out my "Biggest Loser" weight loss adventure, but an adventure, never the less.

I'm not sure how much I'll be able to keep up with posting Mr. Linky this week, but I'm giving it a go...if, I don't, perhaps just keep adding it to this one.

01/13/09**Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes; had x-rays, blood drawn, other samples upon samples, drive samples to hospital to lab to be tested...asked if I ate any peanut butter recently (only if it were in a Christmas cookie form/no pbj's recently); new meds; waiting for labs to know which way to treat. I feeling a wee bit better; and sorry, no pictures to share of this adventure...hahahaaaa Will be hopefully getting some blog updates and spreading blog "luv" to all of my blog freinds...**

01/14/09**Again thanks for all the "luv" and I even received two awards for being sick...and the givers will be "formally" thanked and blog "hugged" tonight, because I've got to call the Dr and get to work. I woke up last night w/ an asthma attack (I have stressed induced asthma). Dr basically has told me that my body is in shut down mode(there's that fight or flee mode, well, mine has thrown up the white flag and wants to flee) to all the stress that I'm have been carrying around (Bob loosing his hearing, then his job, Christmas, finances, etc.). All I can say..... Oh Boy.... each day is an adventure...but, it's my adventure that will have a happy ending...one way or another... LOL Make it a great day...Blog hugs~~

~~until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Thru My Eyes-2009 - Friday

2009-01-09T00:06:00.004-05:00

Well another week is done, history...

Any historical "happenings" that you need to take pics of or at least write about? Nothing really great happening here...although, I've had some great moments the last two days with Karly since she has been off from work with the flu. Working different schedules, opposite schedules, from your kids, really stinks...she doesn't get home until way after I've been in bed. So, although this is not a new picture (this is from her birthday in May) besides, who likes their picture taken when they're sick?; she's Kirk's twin; the youngest/baby of the family:

To play along, "Follow the Moose", to the right, LOL, and link back here plus see how many of your followers you can get to play along. There aren't really any rules, per say.... A couple of us are trying to learn our camera's; and well, the most important reason for playing along, to form/make new friendships in 2009;

Make it a great day... Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

2009-01-08T21:26:00.003-05:00

I'm new to this meme, so....here is "my best shot"...well, it's Kirk... LOL and a Mom's love without being there... go figure.....

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blesings~~hugS~~gail

Thru My Eyes-2009 Thursday

2009-01-07T22:40:00.007-05:00

Wow, it's Thursday and another week "almost" done. So, what have you accomplished and what is yet to accomplish? I've had lots going on since dh was let go from his job...both mentally and physically. Although, my picture wasn't from today, it's a picture that takes me to my happy, peaceful place....

To play along, grab my "Follow the Moose" and link back here to Mr. Linky and add your information in Mr. Linky below; nothing like some blog & picture "luv"

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Wordful Wednesday

2009-01-07T19:56:00.008-05:00

Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Capture the 7 Clown Circus button & link,http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/ plus go to 7 Clown Circus and add your name on Mr. Linky..and you're in...
Two of my favorite things...Colorado and horseback riding in the mountains. I must add how much I hate having my picture taken, especially when I've been roughing it for a week without really doing my hair and makeup (not that it helps much, but it does a "little") My dream would be to retire "up the mountain" 10,000 feet up the mountain. I fell in love with the mountains and Colorado when Kirk was a chef at a ranch a few summers ago;which I got to go and spend a week at. Don't ya just love "dreams"...

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Thru My Eyes-2009

2009-01-06T23:37:00.003-05:00

Surprise.... Name Change...the other way was kind of generic...LOL So, same meme, different name...

My picture is of Tweeter, one of my kitties who can pur sooooo loud and is the best kitty to sleep with because she lays on your feet.

Sign up below to play along and be sure to link back here for others to play; and don't forget to leave some photo "luv"...

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

2009-01-06T22:07:00.002-05:00

The teams have been chosen and I'm on "Team Lynn".... yea! I haven't been on a team since playing women's softball and was ..... hahahaha, I "almost" let that slip...

Watching the Biggest Loser tonight, I felt really bad for the new teams that were only there a week, a 9 team members had to go home. At least with the Biggest Loser Blog Edition (BLBE), no one is sent home, unless you don't report your weigh in for 3 wks.

I've been visiting my other team members blogs and leaving blog "luv" and seeing some amazing weight loss journey's already. I've been on so many diets that I can't remember them all. But, am really "geeked up" to loose the weight, but more so get in shape. My "new" love is the elipitcal machine; it tells you how many calories you burn and gives you different courses to work out on.

Because of our food "budget" with Bob loosing his job, it will be a challenge in itself to follow the diet I wanted to (Bob's thinking $5.00 pizzas are a great deal, which they are, but not when I'm trying to loose weight). I'm goint to follow:
Breakfast: 1/2 protein, 1 whole grain serving, and 1 fruit; Snack: 1/2 protein, 1 fruit; Lunch: 1 protein; 1/2 whole grain, 1 vegetable; Snack: 1/2 protein, 1 fruit; Dinner: 1/2 protein, 1/2 whole grain, 2 vegetables, plus lots of water...

I'm always "up" for a cheering section and if you'd like to "groupie" along...please do...LOL

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Photo A Day 2009 Tuesday

2009-01-06T07:02:00.011-05:00

Greetings Photo Buds...

Is is hard finding a photo everyday? I must agree, except when you think about how many images you see everyday and take for granted, bet you can snap just one today...
Make it a great day. Off to work I go and will post my photo tonight...

**Edit** Here is my photo for today; it's my snowman that I put out with the outdoor Christmas lights each year. I think it would be considered a "classic" snowman. It's made out of hard plastic; even the carrot nose that I've managed not to loose over the years. He is kind of ugly and dh isn't thrilled to put him out, but I like him. This year I had to put my Moose to the curb cuz he basically fell apart and I was sooo bummed. We couldn't even weld him back together.... :-( But, I still have my "classic" snowman, at least for another year....

Please join in and don't forget to link back here so others can play along; plus leave blog "luv" and picture "luv"...

Until again ~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Simple Woman Daybook

2009-01-05T19:16:00.005-05:00

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
Play along to meet some really nice ladies...

FOR TODAY 01/05/2009...
Outside my window...It's dark and cold
I am thinking...How good the exercise workout was tonight and that I'm sure I'll hurt tomorrow
I am thankful for...My blogging buds
From the learning rooms...For Me: How to do dh's resume & file other paperwork
From the kitchen...Nothing today; leftovers from yesterday (Chicken Pad Thai)
I am wearing...A sweatshirt and Red/white Moose boxer shorts
I am creating...Garden Plans for 2009
I am going...to bed and read
I am reading...Not sure, going to go to the book shelf and pick out a book; doing a book reading challenge for 2009
I am hoping...to be able to visit Teemie soon
I am hearing...the dryer running from the basement
Around the house...it's quiet, warm, and peaceful
One of my favorite things...new socks
A few plans for the rest of the week...exercise, meal plan, read
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

That pretty much wraps up my Monday "almost"....Take Care ~~Until Again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Photo A Day 2009

2009-01-05T06:57:00.005-05:00

What's your topic today? Anyother "beasts" besides our camera's we want to take control of? Ummmmmm, running late for work, but I've got my "subject" picked for a shoot tonight... Make it a great day....
**Edited to include my pic** My gym shoes that are so old and beat up, but are still my favorites...They went with me for my first trip to the gym tonight**

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessing~~hugS~~gail

2009-01-04T19:34:00.010-05:00

http://biggestloserblogedition.blogspot.com/

Okay blogger family; I'm in.... I've joined The Biggest Loser Blog Edition (BTW; sign up for this round is until midnight tonight, so if you're interested ya gotta get signed up ASAP). Here's the info from BLBE blog:

We are going to be competing as teams and it is going to be your job as a team member to focus on encouraging your fellow teammates while at the same time kicking their behinds if they start to stray off course and start spouting excuses. You have to think of everyone else just as much as yourself because you don't want to let your team down, now do you? Let's not forget that this is a tough love challenge. We all must agree that in addition to being incredibly supportive to one another, you must also be equally open to being held accountable for making excuses and for not "pulling your weight" on your team. AND you must equally be willing to do the butt kicking if you spot an excuse all dressed up as something else!

So the deets of the challenge are very similar to the last one.

To Sign Up: Email biggestloserblogedition@gmail.com and include:

* your name (first and last initial is sufficient)
* blog address
* start weight
* weigh-in day

We are closing the opportunity for sign-ups at midnight Sunday, January 4, 2009.

Reporting: Once we have all of our participants organized, we are going to divide the group into teams and we will post them. Each team will have their own email address to use for your WI reporting. On your WI day, please provide us with your results and the number that's on the scale that day as well.

Timeline: this challenge will end on Sunday, April 26, 2009 where the results will be final. The official "kick off" to this challenge will be next Sunday, January 11th and is for a total of 16 weeks.

Goals: we are all starting from different places and face different obstacles, so here's what I suggest:

* This is an individual thing that you should do for you to help you along in your progress.
* If you think that it's possible to reach your "goal weight" by April 26th, then by all means set that as your ultimate goal. If you reach your goal by then and maintain it or exceed it to the end of the challenge, you automatically "win" the challenge even though you may not have the biggest total body % lost. Obviously if this happens, there can be more than one "winner."
* If you have less than 5 lbs to lose and you really want to be a part of this challenge, you must put up additional stakes. By this I mean that if you achieve your goal (say in the first month) then there must be a fitness goal of some sort that you want to achieve by the end of the challenge. For example, "I want to be able to do 20 free style chin-ups," or "I want to run 5km in less than 30 mins" etc. Try to avoid things like "go to the gym 3 times per week" by being more specific and orientated in achieving a specific measurable thing.
* If you have a lot of weight to lose, your goal will be to work your hiney off to achieve as much as possible (i.e. full court press) all the way to the end (Sunday, April 26th) at which point, you're going to cry with excitement because you can lose a TON of weight in that amount of time months in a healthy way. That's not to say that I'm advising you to pull off crazy numbers like "real" BL does - those people are removed from everyday life and have Jillian and Bob kicking their butts all day long, that's a little different. Slow and steady does win this race in the long run, that is a fact.

Support: We will be linking you to the side of the blog. It will be your job to ensure that you you all visit each other and kick each others arses and applaud where need be. We need to do this together guys and we need to have a presence each and every day. You are in teams and you don't want to let your team down, nor yourself, right?! Lets keep the community busy!

Three Strikes and Your Out: That's the rule. If you do not report your WI and we do not hear from you for three consecutive weigh-ins, then you will be removed from the challenge. If you don't want to be in the challenge, at the risk of sounding harsh, we don't want you in it either. I don't mean that in a negative way, just that it only brings the group down to see blank spaces up on the board, right? Fair?

Friendly Competition: Since there will be teams this time around, we plan on making it fun by talking a little smack and keeping it interesting between the teams as we go along. The more participation in this, the better! :-D

Prizes: I managed to come up with something for Michelle for winning the first challenge, so we will do our best to come up with something for our winner again this time. Any suggestions or prize donations are appreciated. (i.e. if you work for a company who is willing to donate something, please don't be shy and let us know!) I think having a real prize out changes the stakes in your head, even if you don't want to admit it, right?

Results: Since you will be reporting to your "team leader," the results will be posted each week for each team, most likely in the same format at the last challenge.

If this sounds fun and something you'd like, or need, to do....get signed up and here's the radio interview that was just recorded http://users.accesswave.ca/~dmxx67/eastcoastfm941_blbe_angiealltheway.mp3

Take Care~~Until again~~Peace Out~~Blesssings~~hugS~~gail

An Award

2009-01-03T15:07:00.045-05:00

The Lemonade Award

I've been awarded the above award from Stacy at Stacy's Random Thoughts, I gave her a congrats because she won this award and she emailed me back for me to add it to my list of awards. BTW, I love her blog and think you will too, so be sure to visit her and fall in blog love.

However, there are some rules in getting this award. First I have to give give thanks and link back to the person who bestowed the award upon you in the first place (see glowing review above). Second you have to nominate 10 bloggers that you'd like to give the award to. It's that easy, which is really easy and I would have included Stacy, but well, she gave it to me...LOL So in no particular order...

Jientje at Heaven in Belgium
who is my photo buddy and one of the world's best baker and chef, who lives in Belgium where the some of the world's best chocolate happens to be from.

Nikki at Project: Domestic Bliss who is another photographer, graphic artist and chef who also hosts Cook It Blog It just to name a few things.

Audrey at Audrey's Country Crafts who is shares my love of craft designs and crafting, hosts great giveaways, and is another great chef.

Linda at Remote Treechanger who lives in the Aussie bush, takes amazing photos, and "always" has a kind word.

Hip Chick at Hip Chick's Home who blogs from her heart and shares her life happenings. I just love her name... Hip Chick...

Robbyn at The Back Forty who has amazing photos, scripture, gardening, health info, and informative information that I love to read.

Mom2my9 at 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven who hosts Homemaker Mondays is a Mom to 9, has a listing of meme's that you can join 7 days a week, great information, and has fun and informative information on her blog along with kindness thrown in to make you feel at home.

Renee' at Cutie Booty Cakes who is a Diaper Cake Maker Extraordinaire, "always" can bring a smile and laugh to my face, was awarded one of the top Mom blogs in 2008 from MomDot.com, and always has time for you.

Melissa at Pink Paper Peppermints hosts a blog filled with inspiration, faith, crafts, fun, giveaways, and lots of information, and well, be sure you have some time when you go a visiting to her blog.

Teemie at Teemie's Country Blooms who is my "local" blog to visit. It's filled with love, cooking, country living, herbal and garden wisdom, local events for my area, and well, I love this blog.

Well, now comes a "little" twist to this blog award... I, like Stacy, who honored me....would feel bad if I left someone out who is really Blog "worthy"...and gosh, who isn't blog worthy who blogs regularly. So, I'm going to toss out the rule book out and deem anyone and everyone reading this blog worthy of this award! ;) Especially if you like lemonade...then you really deserve this award!

Feel free to post it on your blog to add some blog bling. The only catch, post a comment about the award and link back to the giver of the award (me). If you are a rule person and must follow the rules, then award ten more people to pass it onto.
Yes, I'm shamelessly trying to build traffic back to my blog, but, most of all, make new friends in 2009.

Off to the Wii party that is taking place over at Wii Fit Mommies tonight (join in cuz there are some really "kewl" prizes and giveaways).

Until again ~~Peace Out, Blessings, hugS~~gail~~

Reflection Saturday

2009-01-03T09:57:00.007-05:00

The first reflection of 2009...

Yesterday while driving to work (minus the cat) and grumbling to myself "what was I thinking...I should have taken one more vacation day"... I was struck with thinking..."Well, I'll look at it differently, like... Wow, what a short work week and there is hardly any traffic on the road". By talking myself into looking at the "glass of life" in another way, it was way better than grumbling....

I came across this thought over on Ramblins...that rumble through my mind http://charlaneg.blogspot.com/: Which really is great advice for all of us who are now "job" seekers and us who go to our jobs feeling, well, you know. We/I could use this to look at opportunities in a whole new way. A job coach on Martha Stewart Radio show on Sirius said: "the first thing we should do when offered the opportunity to "reinvent" ourselves is to think "what would I do, if I knew I could not fail." For such a small word, "fail", really prevents many of us from accomplishing the everyday possibilities that come our way....

One of the nice things about putting away all of the Christmas decorations, my house looks as if there is more space...and it gets a great cleaning...LOL I'm starting to get excited for spring...yes, I know, it's only January in Michigan, but I love to plan. I'll be hitting all of the gardening sites signing up to get the "free" ordering books and deciding on what to plant and how to re-design the yard space I have to plant everything. If you have any favorite gardening sites, please share...

Had a great time last night, we had a send off party for Meghan, our niece, who is heading back home to DC after the holidays. Pretty simple; pizza, salad, chips/dip, hot artichoke dip; cupcakes, cookies, and ice cream bars for dessert. A great time was had by all. I love spending time with our families, it is such a blessing to have families who get along so well and truly love each other (well, as far as I know...hahahahaa). This picture is similar to the one on my heading, except Kathy, my sil, is not in the one above, because someone had to be the picture taker...LOL So, she is in this shot.

It was brought to my attention, that perhaps, Photo a Day 2009 should use the weekend for any catch ups we may need. So, it will be back on Monday, but join in Reflection Saturday. Please relink/post on your blog so that we can leave blog luv to everyone who is playing along.

Until again...~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

#2 Photo A Day 2009

2009-01-02T06:50:00.002-05:00

Mine will be posted tonight; I made the huge mistake of not taking today off with the rest of my vacation days over the holidays. So into work I go for one day then the weekend. But, I guess I can consider it a "short" week...LOL

So, if you're playing along, Mr. Linky is ready and able this morning...hahaha Have a great day...

Until again...
Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

#1 Photo A Day 2009 - "Ode to the Tree"

2009-01-01T11:18:00.008-05:00

Starting a "Photo A Day 2009" meme to not only master my camera, "master the beast in 2009, I say", but to document our family for one year in photos.

At the end of each month I'll document that month's happenings with the shots I took each day, and put them in a calendar type of book for the making of a calendar. Kind of, sort of, a scrapbook but not really, but more of a documentary a picture diary of our life in 2009. A backwards calendar, if you will of events, non-events, and everything else worth remembering or commenting about, all gathered in one place and look over at next Christmas.

If you'd like to be a part, please add your name to Mr.Linky (what a silly name I must add), and link back on your blog. I'd love for you to play along, not only for the fun and friendships, but also that you may document your families joys and sorrows during 2009, or secretly you may also be trying to master your camera.

My photo, is our Christmas tree that is going away today...
Bye, bye tree; To the best Christmas tree that we "ever" had (we say this every year BTW). Mr.Fuzz and Tweeter (our indoor kitties) will be depressed because they play "king/queen of the forest" underneath it and attack us as we walk by. The tree takes me to a "happy place" at night sitting on the couch looking at the lights and it smells good, well, it smelled fresher and more evergreener about 3-4 weeks ago.

So, alas, I bid you farwell Christmas tree of 2008...

Until again...~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-31T10:47:00.005-05:00

Until again~~Happy New Year from my "krew" to yours~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Thinkin' Tuesday

2008-12-30T10:50:00.017-05:00

Ummmm, I'm thinkin' about: "My New Year's Resolutions"; besides my two usual ones, lose weight and exercise more; there are three more that are new this year:

Face my fears
Forget my failures
Follow my faith

As we head into 2009 and "World Peace" which was at the top of my list but probably won't be accomplished; and maybe was at the top of yours and go ahead and leave it there, because who knows. But,think about what you really want to do; what you want to face and what you want to forget and

Speaking of "fogetting", don't forget about:
The Wii Fit Mommies are announcing some of the giveaway prizes for their Twitter Party to be held January 3, 2009 from 8-10PM EST. It's soooooo huge, that, well, you've got to check it out here, as well as, get signed up and follow the guidelines to be a part: http://fitness.coolmomguide.com/mommies-party/#more-65 This party totally "rocks" and if you happen to win...all I can say is..."Wow", what a great way to start the New Year especially if you're using Wii Fit as your personal trainer for 2009.

Until again~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail~~

Free Monday

2008-12-29T08:30:00.003-05:00

And if you totally fall in love with this coffee; how about a year's worth?
Head on over to enter: https://www.dunkindonuts.com/contests/EntryForm.aspx

Will post a few more this afternoon; off to the Verizon store to find hubby a phone that is made for people with difficulty hearing and change my contract to unlimited texting.

Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail

Contest Sunday

2008-12-28T14:04:00.006-05:00

Do you love coffee? Or tea? How about Chai? Maybe some hot chocolate? What if there was a brewer that could brew all of the above. ONE brewer that did it all one glorious cup at a time. That's what a Keurig does!

"The Platinum offers the full spectrum of features including Auto On/Off, Digital Clock, Adjustable Temperature Control and the "Set Your Favorite Cup Size" option. The largest available 60 oz. removable water reservoir holds up to ten cups before refilling and the removable drip tray allows for easy cleaning and the use of travel mugs. The sleek, award-winning design is a unique footprint among Keurig's line of home brewing systems and includes both a blue lit water reservoir and blue lit LCD display."

Here's the "full scoop" on the Keurig Platinum Brewer and contest. Keurig is nice enough to be giving away one of their top of the line Platinum Brewing Systems on SITS (a retail value of $199.99)!!! Tiffany and Heather from SITS will be throwing in $50 towards an assortment of K-cups.

So, if you're not a coffee drinker then you can buy tea or hot chocolate. All of the K-cups are big name brands too like Celestial Seasonings, Ghirardelli, and Caribou Coffee.

First, go to Keurig's website http://www.keurig.com/ and look around. Learn a little more about the benefits of all of their great brewing systems and their K-cups. Go to SITS http://thesecretisinthesauce.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment to enter. Post about this contest on your blog and you'll earn five extra entries!! If you are the lucky one to win, you gotta have me over for coffee, tea, or a cup of hot chocolate.

Farmfare Girl http://foodiefarmgirl.blogspot.com/ is hosting a holiday give away and has 5 hard copy books to give away. You can enter until next Wednesday, December 31st; she'll choose and announce five random winners sometime on New Year's Eve.

Audrey is working on her January giveaway over on her blog, which, you won't want to miss out on. Be sure to check out her blog the first week of January to enter, although, you can visit and be amazed at all the "kewl" stuff and happenings before... http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/

The Wii Fit Mommies are announcing some of the giveaway prizes for their Twitter Party to be held January 3, 2009 from 8-10PM EST. It's soooooo huge, that, well, you've got to check it out here, as well as, get signed up and follow the guidelines to be a part: http://fitness.coolmomguide.com/mommies-party/#more-65 This party totally "rocks" and if you happen to win...all I can say is..."Wow", what a great way to start the New Year especially if you're using Wii Fit as your personal trainer for 2009.

Birthday Blog Candy is the prize at Crafts-International in honor of Jude's birthday. Visit her blog for all the details of how to win: http://crafts-international.blogspot.com/ This is what the winner will receive.....Little Claires designs clear stamp"Piggy Wiggy", Rachelle Anne Miller clear stamp "Cuddling" Prima Say it with Crystals large pack new release, Prima Tube "Artful Collage Flowers" new release., Queen & Co felt fusion "Star White" and Me & My Big Ideas x2 packs "Ellen Flowers" &"Fashion Butterflies".

Until again...
~~Peace Out~~Blessings~~hugS~~gail