More Than a Typical Monday

Yesterday was one busy day and it started with the news from BlogHer telling me my blog was one of the hot blogs for the day!  I was SOOOOOOO excited.  My day was the usual workout and shower, ready for the day.  This past weekend I spent three solid days cleaning and setting up Christmas and Monday was just a continuation of that event. 

• Workout,
• Shower
• Drop stuff at Goodwill from my closet
• Buy HUGE poinsettia for living room
• Work:  Invoicing, open mail
• Bank
• Post Office to mail invoices I typed
• Grocery to buy stuff for the Beef Bourguignon and rest of meal
• Radio Shack - cord to hook up DVD player to my little TV in "my room" - it worked
• Liquor Store - wine for guests and to cook the BB
• Home
• Dinner
• Cook the BB - took longer than the 30 minutes stated on the recipe.  Thank goodness I started last night.

Today I'm too busy to cook the BB but apple cobbler is to be cooked so will be warm for my guests.  I have a hair appointment to wash the gray away, work, art class and then it is party time.  WHEW!  I'm tired I can tell you. 


A side note...I'm listening on my iPod a book called Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay.  It is a very powerful book.  I "listened" to another of her books, "A Secret Kept" and really enjoyed the way she writes but it mindful it is really the way it is read as I've only listened to her books but they are well worth the listen!

Writers Block

It has been nearly 3 months of writing every single day here at Jill of All Trades and frankly, I'm finding that writers block is becoming a problem.

I interrupt this post with a most important message.  I just received an email from BlogHer stating that: 
Good morning,


We loved your post, VHI or MTV, so much that we selected it to be promoted on the BlogHer.com homepage today, in the Featured Member section of the site. We’ll also be promoting it on the BlogHer Facebook and Twitter accounts. Thanks for blogging on BlogHer.com.

Denise

WHAT!!!!!  That would be yesterdays post about my rant on music videos.  I'm so excited although that post is not one of my best.  I guess I need to really get over this writers block thing don't you think.  (By the way this is post number 998.)

On to writing.  It's funny that I get this email now.  This posting every day has been hard and caused me to think about not blogging anymore, but I'm a bit renewed by this nod.  I know it is probably just because I was next in the list of many but I will take it in any way I can.  An ego boost is always a good, don't you think. 

This past weekend I have accomplished so much around the house and I have a great sense of, well accomplishment.  The tree is up and the house decorated for the holidays.  My laundry is done and put away and that includes the several baskets that were clean but being lived out of .  My bad, as that is such a horrible habit.  The whole house has been organized and picked up and ready for a good wash down by the house cleaner today, just in time for the first dinner party tomorrow night.  There were to be 4 couples but I received an email that one of the husbands won't be here.  Drat.  Oh well, onward.  My menu is planned and simple.  I have a list for the grocery store, liquor store and Whole Foods for flowers and appetizer stuff.  Next week is to be the second dinner party with 9 people in attendance and the same menu. 

Appetizer:  olive medley, various cheeses, crackers and wine

Filet of Beef Bourguignon

Tossed Salad

Bread

Apple Cranberry cobbler

What do you think? 

Then comes the end of the week which is very full for me.  Actually, the next week and a half is stuffed with stuff.  Friday is payday, pick up art at TCC show, birthday luncheon for cousins birthday (I'm not doing, just attending).  Saturday is another luncheon of the Alpha Rho Tau art group.  This is a big one.  Sunday daughter B wanted to do a jewelry show like last year at her friends house.  Kind of an open house sale for a few hours but the friend does not want to do it.  Well friends, I've opened up my house.  There will be several vendors hawking their wares including some of my art!!!!  It's kind of scary to have strangers in my house but they are mostly friends of the girl and some of mine.  If you are in the area, Tulsa, and wish to come shopping for Christmas goodies, contact me via email (ebby43 at aol dot com) and I will give you the address.  Sunday 1-4, Dec 5.  There will be a few snacks so bring credit cards, cash or check and enjoy.  Later Gators.  Happy Holidays!

VH1 - MTV

What has happend to VH1 and MTV.  Years ago when videos first came out we watched them on an odd channel and then they started appearing on HBO.  Then MTV and VH1 popped up.  We were in absolute heaven.  We love our music videos in this household, but wait a minute.  What has happened to VH1 and MTV. 

VH1:
Real and Chance
My Big Friggin' Wedding
Brandy & Ray J
Bret Michaels:  Life as I Know It
Celebrity Rehab
Football Wives
Celebrity Fit Club

MTV:
16 and Pregnant
Jersey Shore
Made
Cribs
True Life
The Hills
Real World
Pranked

Now these are just a taste of what those two channels have to offer.  Where is the music.  Oh, I must say that early in the morning, like 5 am VH1 has music videos that I do treadmill work to.  I think MTV has videos, sometimes, but I have given up on that channel a long time ago.  They really need to take the words video and music off of their titles because clearly they don't offer them anymore.

O' Christmas Tree

Yesterday I was bound and determined to get my Christmas tree and all the fixin's up.  The first step was the tree.  I promised The Hubby last year that I would get a smaller tree.  Our tree was so massive that we had a terrible time getting it in and out of the attic on top of being extremely heavy.  So this past week I went to Garden Ridge and got a new tree.  I didn't want a short tree so got a 7-1/2 foot tree.  Garden Ridge and an excited Christmas tree decorator and a credit card is not a good thing.  I ended up spending a bit on ornaments too, like I needed anymore.  I climbed into the attic yesterday morning and sorted through the many Christmas boxes to find what I needed and got them to the ladder ready for me to try and get them down.  Let me say I have a fear of heights, any kind of heights and for me to climb into the attic and do this is a big thing for me.  I made the first climb down with a load in one hand hanging down and a box on my head.  Smart huh!  I made it down and then The Hubby came out to help.  YEAH!

The first picture is the new tree.

The second picture is from 2 years ago.  Do you see any difference.  Rats!!!!!  The only difference is a bit smaller around.  It's the same size.  Drat!

Some of my new ornaments...

Aren't they cool.  I decided to add some birds.  I love them. 

Now the pictures are bad but the next two I'm quite proud of and only represent a couple of several of my counted cross stitch ornaments I've made over the years. 

By the time I got up this morning and set feet on the floor I knew that I did something yesterday that was not good.  My aching back and my legs from the step ladder.  I think the back was from bending over spreading out the branches, fluffing. 

Today I will focus on cleaning the house and my laundry and hopefully tomorrow will truly be a day of rest.  We are hosting the first of several dinner parties this month on Tuesday evening. 

Clayton enjoyed having me home all day long. 



Sleet to Sunset

The morning started early, chilly and dark.  My job was to bring ham, creamed corn and an apple pie.  B had me take her artichoke heart salad as she was tending to her Mr. B.  He had hand surgery on Wednesday on his broken finger.  He had an accident at work when a forklift tine and his finger met.  Not pretty.  Poor guy. 

That is ice on the tree limbs.  Thank goodness it didn't stick to the road.

The drive was a little over an hour to the community center in  Eufaula to be with The Hubby's family.  We kind of grew with a few extra friends added to the family dinner.  Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to include those who do not have family around to be with.  We had plenty of space and tons of food for all to share.

The masses arrived and milled around until the word was given...ready, set, eat!

Dessert time!

Oh my gosh my tummy was about to bust!  The food was delicious.

A little chit-chat with The Hubby and his nephews.  I'm sure the subject was all about hunting.

The meal was over.  The chit-chat was not at an end but the need to return home to feed Clayton made us have to get on the road.  I wasn't looking forward to the cold and rain but, wait...a peak of sun and blue skies was waiting for us to enjoy.

But first we had to clean up and load up the leftovers in The Hubby's truck.  The creamed corn was a huge hit!

The sunset was just stunning and topped off a wonderful day with family.

Happy Holidays my blogging friends and happy shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I'm thankful for my family, friends, and life.  I'm thankful for good health and sound mind.  I'm thankful!

iPhone, Droid, etc

The Hubby and I are having a HUGE debate right now.  In June I asked for an iPhone for my birthday, yet I'm still my old phone from about 4 years ago.  Let me tell you it is very difficult to text a message on which we only got last year.  Because when we buy phones it is many for our employees and I guess I'm an employee too he wants to stay with the same plan.  That plan is U.S. Cellular, Droid country.  I do not want to be "one of the guys" but my own person and I WANT an iPhone.  He is still insisting on at least checking the different ones out but I'm going to do a little tantrum and stomp my foot.  Especially after the little red Miata went bye-bye.  What kind of phone do you have?

Wild Hogs and Sheets

 Check out my new duvet for the guest bedroom of the cabin.  I had a bright yellow denim fabric before but wanted something for the winter season.  I found these at Pottery Barn and fell in love.  I just put it over the yellow duvet.  There are actually two twin beds in that room but...

the other one was covered with the sport of the season, hunting gear. 

It's actually deer season but there are also the wild hogs that are ravaging the land right now.  There's not a season for them so...well.  These were not taken but just photographed to see how many there were and there were MANY!  They are just tearing up the trees and land to nothingness and they multiply like cats. 

Tis the Season

Tis the season to pay property and real estate taxes.  Yikes!  This is the time of year that I forget we have decided to own lots of property.  It's kind of scary when the County Treasurer has to mail a "packet" with all the invoices.  So this morning I'm sorting and organizing and planning to pay a BUTT LOAD of money but that's okay.  I'm good. 

Just to update everyone that today is my 992 post.  I have gone back and forth about not posting everyday, spreading them out till Christmas or the end of the year but with only 8 left, well, there you go.  So November 30th should be my 1,000 post and I'm trying to get something special going but who knows it may be just an ordinary day of babble. 

Last night The Hubby, B&B and I went to see Wicked.  It was good but you know I didn't really think it was GREAT like all the hype that has gone with it.  It was long and some of the songs were really not necessary and not well written, in my opinion.  Honestly, we've been to Les Miserables twice and would see it again in a heartbeat.  It was the most awesome thing ever.  Absolutely powerful and the music brings you to tears. 

Potatoes, Potatoes, Potatoes Everywhere

This weekend was the annual Thanksgiving dinner at the lake for all cabinites.  I was one of many who helped peel, cube and cook the 60 pounds of potatoes for the mashed potatoes.  We were fed french onion soup, rotel cheese dip and champagne for our troubles, but really it was great fun had by some great friends. 

A Little Romance

Last night The Hubby and I decided to walk up the road to S&J's for a beans and cornbread dinner.  The evening was beautiful.  The moon was nearly full and the wind had finally died down a bit making the air perfect for a jacket walk.  I was toting my bag of appetizers (veggies and dip) and a bottle of water as all of a sudden The Hubby stopped in the middle of the moonlit road and kissed me, kissed passionately.  WOWWIE!!!!  He hasn't done that in a bit and it took me off guard.  He was happy and feeling so much better, especially since he has had a head cold.  Today is the opening day of gun deer hunting season and he was going with his buds.  It was a perfect evening and everything was right in his world.  I got the benefit!

Shower Time

When I was little, growing up in our house with my brother, sister, mom, dad and one bathroom, the luxury of a long, hot shower was not to be.  We had to take a quick bath most of the time.  We weren't even allowed to do showers until we were much older, so a bath was very little water and a very quick shower.  It wasn't to conserve water but hot water for a family for a family of five.  This morning as I was standing in the shower letting the hot water run over my sore body I was reminded of Granny.  When we spent the night with Granny and Granddaddy it was always just one kid at a time.  I'm not sure if it was Granny's rule or Granddaddy's but it was awesome to be an only child for a night or two.  The one thing I loved was that we could use their shower and Granny let us use all the hot water we wanted too.  I would stand in that shower and play until the water began to run cold and we didn't get into trouble.  I have to watch myself now to not use all that water but instead enjoy the hot tub.  What happens in the shower for me is that I get a lot of thinking done.  I am totally alone with my thoughts relaxed by the running water so my mind does all kinds of things.  I make lists, visit memory lane and sometimes have a blank mind.  Today it took me to old wonderful memories! 

Recipe Box

Had to make a quick run to Daddy's this morning after my workout.  He's been bugging me to return Momma's recipe box.  I took it when we were re-doing his house so I could make copies of the contents.  I just have not had time or memory to do the project.  So yesterday I was a copying fool so I could return it.  He said there were recipes that momma left for him to use.  Really most of the stuff was cakes and several copies/versions of cavatini that she created.  I have returned it to him!  I think it is more that it was a powerful connection to Momma and it gave him comfort.  I'm glad he is happy. 

Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter

 Which is your favorite?  Mine is Spring, Summer and Fall.  I even like Oklahoma hot, humid summers.  HATE winter and with it usually comes depression and weight gain.  Can you blame me.  Have to stay very busy and exercise, exercise, exercise.

SPRING

SUMMER

FALL

WINTER

My Lucky Day

Yesterday was my lucky day, or lucky night.  After a long day at the office and a bit of sketching I was pretty much done with the day but I forgot.  I forgot that I had our last meeting of the season with the art group I'm a member of.  I was driving my 75 year friend, neighbor and art class buddy.  So I woofed down a small dinner and then we were off in the drizzle on the still rush hour packed highway.  We sat through the business meeting and listened to all the winners names of blue ribbons from the art show, blah, blah, blah.  Then came time for the special guest to give the talk/demonstration.  His name is Dale Martin and pastelist, nationally known.  He quickly sketched this with charcoal and within 20 minutes this is what he accomplished while answering questions.  The whole time he was working on it I kept telling my friend I wanted it.  It is beautiful and it was fascinating to watch him.  Finally, he signed it and turned around and we all applauded and awed.  The lady that introduced him said that it would be for sale for $150.  I immediately piped up and said I wanted it.  There was no auction of dickering.  She told me to tell him and I did, I wrote a check and I cheerfully carried it home, thankful I had a plastic bag in my car to protect it from the rain.  My new proud possession.

Coffee Please

This morning I fully intended to get up and do my extra cardio workout but things just got in the way.  First, I got up to make my usual cup of cold process coffee and when I opened the refrigerator I realized I forgot to make some last night as we ran out on Friday.  Oops!  I have a coffee maker but I had to find it and I HAD to have coffee this morning at 5 am.  I found it on the top shelf of the pantry and that meant that I then needed to find my step ladder.  I'm a short person!  I looked in the place it was supposed to be in but, nope, not there.  Looked in the garage, nope, not there.  Ah Ha, maybe my closet from the closet cleanup day.  Eureka!  I found it hiding behind the ever open door, imagine.  So I trudged off to the pantry, scaled my two-step ladder and found the coffee maker.  I had to dust it first since the last used was probably three years ago.  Then the hunt for coffee filters but I had a good idea where those were and it was an easy find.  I had three of them.  (Note:  pick up coffee filters.)  Now the learning curve to figure out how much coffee to add and how to work the dang thing.  I'm so spoiled by my cold process coffee from the Toddy Coffee place.  By the time I found all the makings, got it working, snatched up the paper from the driveway and sat with my coffee it was 5:30.  Whew, I had already done my workout.  No really, I know I should go but I've been so tired this week I'm just taking it easy.  I promise I'll get it together but today it is slow as a turtle.  Good Monday morning all.  Have a great day.

A Walk

Took a walk with sweet Clayton today....ahhhh...enjoy...



So Quiet

We have ventured up to the cabin this weekend amid the first nice rainfall we've had in a long while.  It rained cats and dogs but I loved it as I knew not many would be there because of it.  I like this time best at the cabin because most of the people that have kiddos who love the golf carts and go zooming by are staying in town!  This morning as I stepped out the door it was crisp and cool and the rain had stopped.  All you could hear was nothing, absolutely nothing.  Then the birds started singing but they are different bird sounds, fall birds as some of the summer sounds have migrated.  I know that soon the quiet will be broken by the sounds of gunfire as hunting season is upon us.  I'm actually fine with that as the deer population is just over the top here and the food is eaten.  I grew up with that so I'm used to it but the quiet of the fall then a gunshot is something to ponder don't you think.

Goals

I am getting close to my goal of 1,000 posts and as I near it I am trying to come up with a giveaway.  I think it should be Big, Big, Big, don't you think!  It's very important to me that I have accomplished this goal along with posting every single day for the past 3 months.  Definitely, it has been a struggle I'll have to admit but so worthwhile.  Writing everyday hones those writing skills although some of the gunk I've written is, well gunk.  So be prepared to follow, comment and pass the info on when I come up with a good giveaway soon. 

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The Holiday's are fast approaching and I/we have decided that instead of "me" doing Thanksgiving we will spend it with his family this year.  It has been several years since we've done The Hubby family Thanksgiving and it is time.  Part of the reason is that since all the stuff going on with Sis, I'm just needing some distance.  I will have Daddy to the cabin and the turkey day feast there next weekend, so time spent with him will be accomplished.  Christmas on the other hand will hopefully be here on the eve with The Hubby's family and Christmas day at my Daddy's.  We've kind of got a thing going on with Daddy and Christmas Day, and since his house is in such good shape now we can enjoy the time spent there.  We've also hosted some major parties in the past for the Christmas season, but this year I decided to break it up a bit.  Hosting parties for 50-75 people is daunting in the least and I'm not up to it right now.  So I've broken up some groups of our friends and am hosting dinner parties.  The first one is November 30 with three other couples, so 8 people in all.  I am a very laid back kind of host and so the menu will be beef bourguignon, salad, bread and a fall cobbler of apples and cranberries.  How does that sound!  It will be easy and I can even fix it ahead of time so the main thing is to visit.  I'm excited.  I will have the next group the next Tuesday and then a night of neighbors with heavy appetizers.  I think this should all be great fun.  There may be more but for now that will do. 

Our Children

I'm sort of at a loss for words when it comes to this subject, our children.  It is not "MY" children but the world's children and what is happening right now at my back door.  In the past week we've had the most horrendous stories with crime against children and it just makes me sick.  Here are the links to them if you dare to read.  I can't say too much because it just makes my stomach knot up.  What in the world is going on here.  Our children are ... oh, just tears is all I can put here.  We, as mothers need to stand up and fight these crimes, just horrible. 

Church day-care worker charged in abuse had clean background check - this lady had background checks, was cleared, yet now we are finding out there were other incidents.  Really.

Man arrested after Muskogee child stabbed to death


Mother charged with child neglect  - Really this was much, much more than child neglect.  It is drugs and the idiocy of DHS when clearly she was a drug user and the baby had the effects of the drugs and DHS had already take two of her children.  This should not have happened and makes my skin crawl. 

These are just a few of the stories that have graced our local paper from our area but there are more and I'm sure there are more around the country.  Parents we have got to take back the safety of our children and stop the drug use and creepy crawlers that lie in wait for the innocent children.

Audrey The Rainmaker

We've been lacking rain and this came to mind.

Time Flies

Time flies when you are living life doesn't it.  It seems that as I get older time goes faster and faster.  I'm finally at an age and financial stability that I can enjoy my life and all that entails yet the time to have fun with it is escaping me.  You work and work to achieve and if you're not careful you won't be able to enjoy it.  Several years ago The Hubby and I used to get together for dinner and a good game of spades with our friends Gail & Kelly.  We enjoyed the company at least once a month if not more.  We talked about everything in the world, our kids, work, our homes, parents, you know the usual life in general.  Often the subject of retirement would come up and they talked a lot about selling their house and moving to California or even Florida.  Gail love both sunshine states and couldn't wait for Kelly to retire.  They planned as much as we do but sadly Gail died very suddenly in 2006, never to enjoy that time with Kelly, their Golden Years.  She wasn't sick, just keeled over in mid-sentence and was gone.  That is what scares me sometimes.  The Hubby and I talk all the time about retirement and we are just tired.  We've worked for 31 years of our 35 year marriage hard for what we have and we are looking longingly forward to the fun years.  Time flies doesn't it.

Clayton

A morning in the life of Clayton in love and content with his life!