Resolutions or Life Changes

Now that Christmas is done it is of course time for the dreaded New Year's Resolutions.  I can't help myself when it comes to making them.  Seems like the new year rolling around makes a great time to start anew and I'm all about starting anew and sadly failing!  I've already started by changing my computer habits, blocking my habitual playing of Farmville!  I was spending hours on that stupid game and it was NOT healthy for me.  I must admit that I am a gamer addict starting with Nintendo years ago.  I may not drink or do drugs but I have food and games addictions.  I WON'T give up blogging!

(Rats, The Hubby just came in and interrupted my train of thought ranting about clothes on his unused workout equipment...yah, yah, yah...)

Whew...

I am giving The Hubby one more month of dancing, if my knee can stand it as I have missed nearly a month, and I promised 12 months last year.  So the month of January is still dancing, then NO MORE!  That twisting and turning on the dreaded floor is killing me.  I can walk and bike, but the dancing is ARGHHHH!  I just signed up for the Fleet Feet Training Program for walking.  It starts in February, twice a week.  I did it a couple of years ago and had a great time.  I'm hoping that giving up a bit of the computer stuff (sitting on my tail) will allow me the time.  I will also have to forgo my TV addiction that has plagued me for years.  I will be recording a lot and just have to play catch up if I really MUST see a program.  The Hubby was just informed of my intentions, including that Wednesday night time slot that he dances in.  "Hmmm," he says. 

This year, since Daddy is finally well and not in need of my constant attention I will devote to me!  Painting, reading, walking, exercise, eating better, spending time with friends*** and family.  This past year has been all about Daddy and the construction and I'm so glad it is OVER!  Life can hopefully get back on it's usual track and rock along for at least a year.  The Hubby and I have made it a must to have dinner with a lot of friends every few weeks or so and will continue that practice.  Have the neighbors over for drinks and show them what was happening in all the construction.  Dinner with old and new friends.  Family time and a trip to sunny California to see A, after I finish the walking program I think.  Lots of stuff for the new year of 2012!  Hope it all goes well for me and everyone else.  Happy New Year to one and all.  I will take a break here and not be back till 2012 to maybe start an everyday blogging fest for 2012. 

Christmas, Family and Memories

We gathered Christmas Eve, The Hubby's family at our home ready to laugh, eat and enjoy seeing everyone.  B had this photo wall for the Alliday Show and brought it over thinking we could use it for pictures.  I was not very happy about it being in the house, but I have to admit, yes admit it was a good idea.  We all had such a great time posing behind the wall, our mugs in the frames! 

Her we all are except little 2 year old AD who chose not to sit still.   

Now to some memories.

Many, many years ago there was a little girl whose Daddy worked at Oertles.  Oertles was a sporting goods and more store, very popular at the time in Tulsa.  Her Daddy worked a lot of late nights, Christmas Eve being one of those late nights.  This little girl was 8 years old and when her Daddy came in the door he told her that there was something on the front porch that he tripped over, for her to go check it out.  She went out to the porch and there was a brand new Easy Bake Oven for her for Christmas!  That story had been told many times to The Hubby by this little girl all grown up. 

This picture is of my bicycle.  Another story, but connected, trust me.  Another Christmas my brother, sister and I saved up our money and went to the local Otasco store in town and put in layaway three bikes.  It was 1966, and I was 10 years old.  Imagine our surprise when on that snowy Christmas morning we three arose to find our bicycles sitting under the tree.  Santa Claus went and got them out of layaway for us.  Our parents were still in bed, as it was still dark and a light snow covered the ground outside.  We knew that going outside to ride our new bikes was not allowed so we rode around our tiny house until Momma and Daddy got up to let us out.  Those bikes got so much use, especially this one.  We rode around the block for years on our special bicycles.  When I married and moved out this bike came with me even though I never rode it again.  It has moved every time for over 35 years.

Christmas Eve while entertaining The Hubby's clan he handed his cell phone to me and told me to talk to my Daddy.  I took the phone and said, "Hi Daddy.  What's up!"  It was a horrible connection but I did get in the conversation, "Go look on the front porch."  Confused I went out to the front porch.  There, sitting in the porch light was this, my bicycle, all refurbished by The Hubby for Christmas.  I was in shock and tears flowed as I was stunned and smiling and crying.  So you see there is a connection because my Daddy was the one, once again to guide me to that front porch to find such a fabulous gift!  Neat isn't it.  Oh, I got diamond earrings too but they don't even compare to this gift.  I married a fabulous, wonderful guy!   

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to one and all this Christmas Eve.  I've baked and cleaned and shopped and wrapped.  It's all ready except for some final touches today.  Making the beds, making the dips, setting the table and dolling myself up, I'm ready for the family and friends to come and enjoy the time of the year I love most.  I love spending time with the family, The Hubby, B&B2 and Sweet A.  It is wonderful!  I hope everyone has an awesome Christmas this year.  Maybe next year I'll get some Christmas cards out.  (Hey, I think I'll start writing them now!)

She's Home

Yes, I'm a happy momma, our youngest is home for the holidays.  My family is in one state and one city, all together.  It's like a part of my heart is missing when my girls are not close to me so it's hard with her living in California. 

Today I will begin the task of Christmas baking, with her assistance.  I'm excited for the season, spending time with family and friends and the happy feeling that this time of year holds. 

Let's make the baking list:

White Fruitcake
Mushroom Turnover appetizers
Crab Wedgies
Cheeseball
Cookies

I need to soften some butter and cream cheese, chop onions, mushrooms, measure and weigh....later all, I have a lot to do!

Tragedy

Do you see this face, this face was one of the sweetest faces you will ever kiss.  His name was Johnny Angel, a Great Pyrenees, a pet and a friend, forever!

Johnny Angel was much loved by many of the children that come to visit and play at our community lake/cabin retreat compound.  My friend P's cabin is down the road from Johnny Angel's cabin and when he sees her grandchildren arrive he would beat it to their door to get some lovin'.  Johnny Angel was a groomed and tagged pet who would grin at you as he came upon you.  Our little heaven on earth place is a lover of all animals, but especially dogs, of which nearly all of us have 1+ that are part of our families.  Johnny Angel's adoptive parents, Paula & Paulla, have picked up many, many, many strays and dumped dogs along those country roads, taken them in, fed, nursed and found happy homes for them.  Johnny Angel was one of those dumped dogs that happened into their lives. 

On Monday, December 12, Johnny Angel wandered up the hill behind "our" property to a very unfriendly neighbor's land.   He encountered "someone" on that hill, at least that is where the blood trail led to.  Paula found Johnny Angel in the meadow where he dragged his maimed body that fateful Monday.  He had been shot twice, his jaw gone.  Loading the sweet gentle giant in her truck with help from sobbing friends he was rushed to the vet and helped to end his terrible suffering.  So many tears have been shed and our hearts are just crushed by this tragedy.

The sheriff was called and several of our residents went to the property where the blood trail led to confront the alleged offenders.  "We didn't shoot your white dog!"  Uh, yeah right.  Unfortunately, in the country, it is a practice that if a dog wanders onto your property you shoot it.  I'm sorry but what about all the many other strays that the P's have taken in that have wandered but usually starve to death or are hit by vehicles and NOT SHOT.  I know they can pack and all but this sweet little guy was groomed and tagged, obviously!  I'm sorry but that practice is HORRIBLE!  It is scary that one of our residents or children or other pets might accidentally wander on his property and one of his hired guns or himself might shoot and ask questions later! 

Now we have to tell those precious grandchildren that their friend that always comes to watch TV and serve as their pillow is gone, forever.  They will never be told how horribly Johnny Angel died as we adults know.  My mind cannot get the image of how he was gunned down and suffered out of my mind.  A great horror has happened and it will not leave my mind.

Remember Johnny Angel.

Done

Here it is the girls fourth video.

 Check out Sangster's Done!

Camera Play

 

Confession

I am making a confession here.  I have to admit, hard as it is, that I am an addict and Sunday evening I went cold turkey.  My addiction is known by many, many people and I've tried very hard to hide it but now it is time to confess.  My addiction was playing Farmville!  Yes, I am an addict, or former addict.  I had all the different farms, the Home farm, Winter Wonderland, English Farm, Lighthouse Farm, yes I was addicted to harvesting cows, trees, hatching eggs, harvesting crops.  It was very sad that I was spending more than an hour or two a day playing that stupid game.  I even went so far as to constantly go to my personal profile and delete any kind of posts from my fellow Farmville users that my have appeared on my profile so people wouldn't suspect that I even played the game.  I was sick with the addiction of playing the game.  Sunday evening I just decided I was done and blocked it.  Yes, I blocked that game.  Here it is Tuesday morning and I do miss it but I don't miss the extra time I now have to other things in my life, like painting or crafting.  I've picked up my counted cross-stitch ornaments again and now I'm making pot holders for the show on Saturday.  Hopefully, I won't relapse and activate the thing again, I will be strong.  I confess I am an addict and will always be but for now I'm in remission!  Whew, I feel better!

Party, Party, Party

This morning starts the week of endless parties and stuff to do.  Last week was pretty calm but this week, wow, we are busy.  Tonight is the huge cocktail party with our bank at Southern Hills Country Club!  I get to get duded-up tonight.  Spray that hair, rouge those cheeks and lips!  Tomorrow night is dinner with my dear high school bud S and I'm so looking forward to that one.  Wednesday is dance night.  I HAVE to make that one as I've missed like four classes in a row.  I may even stay for the whole two hours, maybe.  Thursday night we are having one of our customers over to the house to have a look-see at the new bathroom then we are out to dinner at the Celebrity Club!  Last time the guy spent a ton of money on us so of course The Hubby wants to pick up the tab on this one.  I hope he succeeds.  It's the power struggle over the bill between the guys!  Then Friday is a big work day for me at the office and the set up for The Alliday Show.  I will even have my own booth of art:  note cards, prints, originals, and even some handmade potholders!  If you are in the Tulsa area Saturday, come on by and see me and do some last minute Christmas shopping!

 

Christmas 2011 - The Decorating

Christmas 2011 has begun and yesterday I was successful in tossing a bit of the holiday decor around our house.  This is what my music/game/formal living room looked like before...

Sunday afternoon I climbed into the attic and chose only a few items or boxes that would be necessary in this decorating process.

I decided to only get a few things out and only use part of my ornaments this year.  In fact I had almost decided not to have a tree this year but that was a scary thought.  So I jumped in and offered our humble abode for The Hubby's family gathering Christmas Eve.  We tried that a few years ago and had a huge snow storm.  Hopefully that won't happen again!

Let us begin...

Ta-Da...Isn't it beautiful! 

Now I have to finish the shopping, wrap and bake a bit and I'm ready!  This morning I've already been on a couple of websites and purchased some stuff and checked on something I purchased two weeks ago to find it will not ship until January 12!!!!! YIKES!  Not happy there!

Happy decorating everyone!

Silent

Silent, yes I've been silent as of late.  The blogging block still persists.  In fact, I haven't even written in my hand written journal either.  Feels strange that after over five years of blogging I'm at a loss.  Have I written all I know, surely not!  I guess it is the "just keeping typing words" post to see what spills out of this brain. 

Today I'm staying put in my house.  I told The Hubby and B that I was not budging until I had Christmas splashed all over this house today.  I'm putting a big pot of brown beans on the stove to simmer all afternoon and I'm unpacking ornaments.  I jumped in and put my bid in for Christmas eve with the in law side of the family this year because it forced me to get it all out again.  I was in deep danger of not even putting anything out except a ceramic tree.  I love Christmas and it would have made me sad so tinsel here I come. 

What is your favorite thing about Christmas?  Do you like to bake, shop, open presents, wrap or all of the above.  My plan for this season is: 

• Finish shopping (almost done at this point)
• Put up the tree and all the accouterments that are involved
• Bake a little (mainly my fave White Fruitcake)
• Wrap all the little goodies I've stashed away (my favorite being the little niece and nephews stuff)
• Party, Party, Party

We've got a party this Wednesday night, Friday night, Saturday night, next Monday night...so far.  Next year we will have a rip-roaring party here before Christmas.  In fact it will be the first weekend of December!  I'm planning that date now to ready myself.  We've had them before and usually invite from 50-100 people!  It's a blast and everyone loves it.  It's catered and we have a bartender and everyone we know stopping in.  I'm already gearing up for it so my decorating will be over the top next year.

Sniffles, Cricks, Food & Fun

Yesterday The Hubby and I took a long drive to Ft. Smith, Arkansas to see a lady about some tin.  It was a rainy day but a very pleasant drive over there. 

The Hubby found her at the flea market several weeks ago and what she does he thought would be great for some architectural interest in our new bathroom.  These are some of her work.  They are mostly old ceiling tiles that she paints and then seals.  Beautiful stuff.

This is what we bought.  I love it and it does show something besides just painted walls here.  I have got to see about some photos or painting something for the walls too.   

Friday afternoon I looked out the window of our "old" laundry room and this is what I saw.  Isn't that maple just stunning red.  I love it. 

That night we grilled a steak and I fried up some of Daddy's green tomatoes from his three plants in his yard. 

Amazing that he was not home all summer long but his dear buddy Jay planted those three plants in Daddy's backyard and they were absolutely neglected.  No water, no fertilizer, yet they were the most beautiful plants I have ever seen, and we had a drought!  They didn't put many red tomatoes on but the darn things were loaded with enough green tomatoes...YUMMY!

Poor The Hubby has been battling a head cold for the past few days and this morning my nose is giving me fits.  I hope to goodness I do NOT get his cold.  I do NOT have time to get sick.  I was up a bit before five to feed little Clayton and spent some time looking around the blog world when I got up for another cup of coffee.  I stretched and WHAM!, my neck and shoulder blades spasmed and I had a crick.  B has been battling one all week long and here I go.  It happens to me when the cold weather hits and it was cold this morning.  I've been back to bed with a good dose of Aleve and will probably lay down here again to hopefully let it release.  ARGHHHH!

Thrillbillies

I thought I had seen everything but I was wrong.  The Hubby has found something else to catch his attention for a bit, Thrillbillies! 

Trailer from YouTube...YIKES

Vomit II

Here we go again vomiting on the page.  I am trying to figure out why I don't feel like writing at all lately, not even in my handwritten journal.  It's like I can't gather my thoughts and put them down in any kind of form.  I also have felt like I've had a gag on my mind and that is not good.  I haven't even wanted to take pictures to post here.  My camera, my new camera has stayed snug in the backpack, untouched since our vacation last month.  Really, don't know what is going on with me lately.  So vomit I go again!

Yesterday was a nice Thanksgiving day with a mixture of family, The Hubby's middle brother, their enchanting mother, my Daddy, Sis and her Hubs and their youngest HB.  The night before I wasn't feeling well at all and was concerned that pulling off the turkey day was not going to happen.  The Hubby came down with a nasty head cold too so we were a pair.  Thankfully, I awoke feeling much better and readied the 20 pound Tom Turkey to roast in the oven.  I brined it this year, the first time and it paid off.  The turkey was so moist and tasty!  I was a bit apprehensive about Sis coming as I had only seen her twice since June and we live in the same area but as I have mentioned she has been a bit on the strange side towards me, and Daddy for that matter.  It's very hard to love someone who is so difficult to love but I do love her, I may not like her right now, but I do love her.  When they arrived I went straight to her and hugged her neck tightly to let her know I still love her.  It was a restrained dinner, she was not as jovial or should I say "vocal" as usual.  We had a nice dinner, pleasantries were exchanged and after about 2 hours they were on their merry way.  Very difficult but manageable.

We are now to the countdown of Christmas and I put it out to the family that I wanted to do Christmas Eve again.  For many, many years our house was the go to place for the Eve thing but when the nephews started their families and had the young ones they wanted to have it and I was very happy to let them.  I miss it though and a couple of years ago we were to host again until the snowstorm hit.  We were left with tons of food and Christmas Eve alone.  So this year I will try again.  I mainly wanted to host because my mind was threatening to not even put up a tree and I didn't want to give in to it.  I think it would depress me. 

Okay this has thought process has taken me somewhere else...

Yesterday I asked thirteen year old HB if he had his school pictures yet.  He hem-hawed and Sis piped up to say, "Oh, we didn't buy them."  Okay, well.  Last year they didn't buy BB's senior pictures or even do graduation announcements either, waste of money.  (How can you not be proud that your child FINALLY is to graduate from high school and move on with her life!)  We were chatting about setting up for Christmas and Sis added to the conversation that they don't put up trees anymore and haven't for several years.  She has a thirteen year old CHILD!  Really!  Oh and HB's birthday was the first of the month and I put his card in the mail on a Monday with money in it and by Saturday apparently it had not arrived.  Sis called me to ask where his birthday card was because he was looking for his money!  Really.  Well, I told them that if it didn't come by T-Day I would GIVE him some money.  (It is not a gift anymore.)  She has NEVER given my girls a card or heaven forbid money but I am expected to give it to her kids and she told our father that she expects me to give her children money, because I can afford it.  Wow, I'm ranting!  I think I've bottled this up too long for sure. 

I know, I know everyone will blame it on her meds and things going on with her but I've lived with her "health" issues all my life and frankly she is good and just because The Hubby and I have done well with our lives we should not be expected to supplement her children's finances and I will not fund BB's passion lately for tattoos.  But you know if they could not come up with the money to buy the kids school pictures I would have.  I would put up a tree for HB.  (They both have great jobs and a nice house, no excuse!)

Another worry is her animals.  I've blogged about her strange way with pet responsibility (dumping) and she has a cat and three dogs left.  Her husband hates them all.  Yesterday she was talking about one of her dogs nipping and biting some workmen at their house and it even brought blood.  It has a problem with men and snaps at their heals.  They've had it since it was a puppy and she can't figure out why it goes after men.  I can tell you why, her hubs hates it and kicks at it so it goes after a "MAN".  I'm very afraid that she will dump again or even worse foist one of the dogs on my Daddy.  It would not be the first time, trust me. 

Oh My Gosh...I am ranting.  Is that what it takes to get me off this block thing.  Maybe I need to get political too!  Maybe not a good thing there.  What do you think.  Am I being a bitch, an unloving sister, unrealistic, uncaring, blah, blah, blah!  I don't think so.

I'm Thankful

Decided to to a list today. 

I'm thankful for:

I'm thankful for my Daddy's health and that he is still here and that I'm so enjoying his company.

I'm thankful that 2011 is nearly over and we can move on to 2012.

I'm thankful for a fabulous husband and our wonderful beautiful girls.

I am thankful for my friends, my wonderful and loyal friends.

I'm thankful for my life.  Who would have known I would follow this path my life has taken and how awesome it has been.  I was a small town girl with very small dreams but no way to make them happen.  I've been given a life that was even beyond where any dream I had could have taken me. 

I am thankful! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ONE AN ALL! 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Angry

I am so angry right now and my Twitter was on fire with my anger until I could blog.  Yesterday I took little Clayton to the vet to have his teeth cleaned like the vet advised.  His breath has been YUCK so I was on board.  It was an all day thing where they knock him out and they were to call if there were problems.  No phone call and so I went to pick him up at 4 and took him home.  He ate his dinner but I knew he was not feeling good.  Last night while sleeping he woke me up crying and making a strange breathing sound.  I got up and I took him outside and gave him a treat because I knew he missed one of his meals and thought he was just hungry.  This afternoon while he was in my lap I wanted to look at his teeth and see how good they looked.  Imagine my horrified surprise when I saw that one of his front teeth was MISSING!  I got on the phone immediately and called the vet and ripped them.  Why in heavens name did I not get a call or even when I picked him up that they did not tell me.  No wonder he was in PAIN last night.  My heart is just broken for the little guy.  They said that sometimes there is so much disease that there is nothing left when they get the tartar off.  Granted the little guy had horrible breath which was probably infection but my concern is they DID NOT CALL ME or TELL ME!  I am taking him back to south Tulsa, to my old vet when we lived out there to someone I TRUST!  Poor, poor little guy. 

Five Things I Love

My sweet friend Kay at Musings wrote about five things she loves and I thought I would try my hand at that too.  Here goes!

Our sweet Clayton.  Since he has come into our lives I can't imagine our life without him but I know that someday...sniff.  He is our little joy.

 My paints!  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my paints.  I love mixing and creating.  It has given a new meaning to my life to experience this love of art. 

My books!  Books are so special to me and I shed tears when we were first married when The Hubby wanted me to scale down and GET RID OF THEM!  It was as if I was stabbed in the heart.  I especially love this set of Children's Hour books that were our childhood books.  My mother read to us from these books and I cherish them completely, especially the one of Best Loved Poems!

Now, these are my journals and calenders.  They are me.  My secret thoughts and feelings and along with Clayton and our pictures would be the thing I would grab in case of a fire.

Last of all is my backpack.  I bought this several years ago before we went to Paris and Normandy and along with Paris and Normandy has traveled to England, Ireland and our latest trip to New England.  I carry it often and it still looks brand new.  Love leather! 

There you go, 5 things I love.  How about you.  Can we keep this going and be sure to go back to Kay at Musings and let her know! 

Ribbons

Last night was the TCC Alpha Rho Tau art show.  I had three entries, the max, one photography and two oil on canvas.  I arrived and was pleasantly surprised to receive three ribbons: 1st place, 2nd place and honorable mention!  WOO HOO!!!!!

1st place

2nd place

honorable mention

Trinity

Sadly my sweet Trinity passed away this morning.  She was such a confused canary.  Male canaries sing, yet Trinity was a singer.  She laid eggs constantly, to the point that she lost most of her feathers and I didn't know how to stop her.  I enjoyed her company for over 3 years and will miss her.  Now I'm left with four (2 boys and 2 girls) zebra finches.  Anyone want some finches.  They are not my favorite but I will take care of them.  I want another parakeet and canary but not until I find homes for the other guys. 

Smile

This past weekend we had it all planned to take Daddy to the cabin for the weekend.  He's doing so much better and I knew that he would love the fall air and beauty of Oklahoma that surrounds our cabin, oh and the fishing.  We began the preparation of a big brisket dinner on Saturday night to celebrate his being there and what we ended up with was a lot of smiling.  Actually, on Friday night Harri had a crowd over to their cabin for an impromptu of pizza, wine and cigars (for the guys).  Daddy bundled up and made his way next door (with the help of The Hubby) his walker, and I had his glass of sangria wine.  Daddy had a hard time hearing but he was all smiles and laughing.  He ate pizza and enjoyed several glasses of his wine and the next thing I saw he was enjoying a cigar!  Wow, haven't seen that in a long time.  We eventually ended up around a huge fire pit and his fear of being cold and wanting to go home early was quickly gone. 

The next day he was up at 4 (doesn't sleep much) and we slept till about 7.  I made him fried eggs and bacon and he wolfed down his chow.  It was a beautiful day, crisp and sun shining.  The Hubby asked Daddy if he wanted to go with him to get some shad (The Hubby catches it himself) for fishing and then cast a line or two.  Well, let me tell you Daddy was moving fast with his walker heading for the door with his coat and hat ready to go.  They fished and Daddy caught the one and only fish.  Look at that smile!  That is what it is all about isn't it.

Saturday B came to spend the night too and enjoy the brisket dinner.  We had a houseful of people, good food, music and lots more smiling for Daddy.  The unexpected surprise was that we had an earthquake.  The Hubby was dozing on one of the couches, Daddy and I were sitting on the other one when it began to audibly rumble and shake, rattle and roll!  B was standing with the granddog, Mondo and he kind of splayed out his legs and the eyes were huge.  Daddy and I sat on the edge of the couch raising our voices, "IT'S AN EARTHQUAKE!"  Our high pitch scared voices woke The Hubby who probably would not have felt or heard it.  In mid rumble the phone started ringing and I thought it might be Harri but it was B2 in Tulsa and he was a rock-n-rolling there too.  WOW, that was a first for me and I think all of us except B who experienced one in Mexico.

The earthquake will be the talk for a long time for sure.  Sunday morning Daddy got up at what he thought was 5 but was in reality only 3 am!  We let him drink his coffee and tend the dogs for a bit while catching a bit more shut eye.  Sadly, once up and around we all started to load up to head home.  I told him if he wanted to come back for the community turkey dinner in a couple of weeks he could.  I'm not sure if he will because we wore him out or because it will be a bit colder and he was not on board for that.  A good time he had for sure and the smile continued all weekend long. 

I love this of B and Daddy!

Little Clayton was exhausted too.  B brought Mondo and those two were a going constantly.  Clayton made Daddy's lap his usual place all weekend.  Daddy really enjoyed having a dog to pet. 

Vomiting on the Page

Not sure where I'm going with this today but decided to just start typing, "vomit" on the page, as one writing instructor told me. 

It's Wednesday morning and from the view from my window right now, quite beautiful, windy.  I got the day started with Wade and an excellent training day then home to find The Hubby grousing about the new audio system.  He was trying to get it on to workout at home in the new home gym and it would not come on, the music part.  He was ticked off, as was I because we spent a LOT of money on the darn thing and can't get it to work.  In fact, we couldn't even get it to turn off once it was on.  Never got the music to actually play, but the system was on saying it was playing!  Frustrating.  On the way back from my trainer I decided to spend time on the new bike but with The Hubby huffing and puffing around on his equipment and angry I was afraid it was not going to happen.  Finally, I just ignored him and hopped on to begin the pedaling.  About 35 minutes later and I was DONE!  Adding this more and more to my workout should help me start really losing, I hope! 

Yesterday in art class I was happy to finish yet another painting.  It's of our nephew and his beautiful little girl, our great niece.  I snagged the pic from her mommas Facebook page and just had to paint it.  I love her little hand on her daddy's back, it spoke to me.  I'm giving it to them.

Today is of course dance day so doing the bike thing was probably not good as I will be pooped tonight, but that may work out as sleeping has been tough.  Last night I slept pretty well if you don't count the nasty dream about a HUGE snake!  Then I wake up to the news and pictures of a huge python that swallowed an entire deer.  ICK!  Really don't mind snakes too much but spiders....EEK!!! 

Well, that worked fairly well, vomiting on the page.  At least I have some words to share.  Later gator's!

Recent Stuff

Workout equipment!  Yes we have purchased the workout equipment and I GOT my exercise bike.  I wanted a treadmill in the beginning but The Hubby said there was no room because of the stuff he wanted and since the bike is what I've been using lately, I gave in.  I really should be on it this morning but I slept so badly the past few nights I have absolutely no energy.  Nightmares, hot-cold-hot-cold, and just not being able to sleep.  I do this occasionally and I guess it is the occasional time again. 

I'm trying to get on the blogging band wagon again but the words are just not coming for some reason.  I'm feeling kind of inhibited by all those around me and not being able to express myself.  I love blogging and love for people to read my words but it seems that is a two-edged sword because people I KNOW read my blog.  I have to edit and I don't like to edit myself.  Oh well, just have to be peppy, non-threatening and have no opinion on anything.  Yeah, that's healthy.

I've finished yet another painting.  Check out the art blog listed at the side of this blog to see my most recent.  There is another art show at TCC starting next Monday through Dec 2 and I'll have two paintings and a photography entry.  Slowing down a bit in the art stuff, not feeling inspired lately.  Maybe when I get my space kind of cleaned out again I can focus.  Especially since Daddy is taking care of himself again.  He's grocery shopping and paying his own bills!  Almost don't know what to do with myself.  This coming weekend we are taking him to the cabin and hosting a brisket dinner to celebrate his re-entry in to the world.  He's excited and I can't wait to introduce him to my friends. 

Chapter 3 - Travel

USS Constitution

The Old North Church 

Making Monterey Jack cheese at Pine Land Farms 

So funny here with one of the older ladies on the bus tour.  The Hubby came upon 80 year old Charlsie with her hands prying open one of the cows mouths to count how many teeth she had.  The Hubby quickly whipped out his phone and Googled, "32 he told her."  It was so funny!

Now for some beautiful color!

Albany Covered Bridge - I'm going to paint this.

Unfortunately there were several of the historic covered bridges that were washed away or severely damaged by Hurricane Irene in August!

Captured this fabulous rainbow over the Robert Lincoln family home, Hildene with my phone.  Figures!