Happy New Year - 2024

Rang in the year with Snicklefritz.  Last year we missed hanging because The Hubby and I had the nasty flu, this year, all good and healthy!  She and I watched Harry Potter, played several games of her new Uno game and had glasses of sparkling grape juice.  I'm a light weight because we both hit the bed at 11, ringing in the new year with the TV and NYC.  She was okay with that because she seemed tired too.  

Of course I was up early, as usual but it was the quiet time I like to journal and just be alone.  

It was time to start my new journal of the year.  Last year I went through 3 of them with all that happened.  It was an epic year.

Later I started the dismantling of Christmas and was ready to have her help when she woke up.  She's always such a huge help for me.

These ornaments are my prize collection.  For years now I've worked on them and so far I have 82.  I am very careful packing them away, wrapping them in tissue and they stay in the top box, my legacy to my girls.  We got it all cleared out and even had time to start a new jigsaw puzzle before her momma had to get her.  She will be back tomorrow though.  

Later for dinner we enjoyed steaks, a gift for Christmas from friends and black eye peas, my favorite.

Hello-Goodbye

I just couldn't go away without one last post from 2023.  It has popped up on my FB feed that today is 12-31-23 or 123123.  Kind of funny and eerie all at the same time, and with the kind of year we've had, well let's just say, I'm glad it will be behind us.  We've lost friends, family, weathered, literal storms, and health issues-baby Max and myself, but we've also had good things like baby Max come into our lives.

Here's to GOODBYE to 2023...

and HELLO to 2024!

I'm ready for 2024, a new year, a new start, a new me (hopefully), and new hopes and dreams.  

Happy "Flu" Year

 Happy "Flu" Year

Yes you read that right, flu.  Thursday morning I finally was in the studio and hoping to get some quality time in with my easel when I started feeling, off, just not well.  So I headed home for some lunch and a nap, a two hour nap.  Then again on Friday I got up feeling tired with a tinge of a headache.  I had to go to the office to do payroll then home for yet another epic nap.  As the day rolled on and The Hubby came home it was very clear I was sick and he was too.  I had fever, not bad, low grade but enough to feel like crap.  With my girls encouragement I decided to head to urgent care to get tested for the flu.  I have a huge job to do here in a few days and I NEED to be well to care for our little Min when she comes to stay while Max makes his entry into this world.  

Well, the urgent care said it would take walk-in's so I went in to see if I could get a flu test.  When I arrived there was a lady a few steps ahead of me walking in the door.  At the counter she asked the receptionist for a Covid test for work and another test she would not say out loud.  That had me curious but not my business.  The receptionist said there was only one appointment left at 7 which the non-sick lady took.  She left to return at 7 for her turn.  I stepped up to the window feeling like absolute crap and probably looking like it too.  I told the lady I needed a flu test and said I wish I had been in front of the previous patient.  The receptionist all of a sudden said, "we have a 7:30, would you like to wait."  "YES!"  

I sat down and I waited.  A few minutes before 7 the other lady walked back in for her appointment and all of a sudden they called my name!!! SCORE!  Short story, I have Type A Flu and they put me on Tamiflu and cough medicine.  

I came home to find The Hubby snoring in his chair.  He woke up to my entry and I told him I have the flu and that they said he needs to test too.  He got up yesterday morning and went in where he tested negative yet they still put him on Tamiflu because of me.  He is either too early or more over his than I am.  I suspect he's been sick for more days but because he NEVER STOPS for anything he didn't acknowledge it, possibly infecting others.  What sucks a BIG ONE here is that we both got our flu shots, something we religiously do every year.  The news peeps have been all about touting the effectiveness of the flu shots this year against the strains.  Obviously they are WRONG!  

So last night, New Year Eve, when I have traditionally hang with Snicklefritz, I was in my bed at 7:30 pm and he was yet again in his chair, snoring, not dancing.  Happy Flu Year.

This morning, because of all the sleep I was up at 4 am and The Hubby was not far behind.  Just too much SLEEP!  He fixed me breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns and biscuits.  While he was cooking I decided to get some stuff done.  My plans were to change my sheets, shower, do laundry, take Christmas down and put away.  I got as far as change sheets, take shower, start laundry before I was called to eat.  I was so exhausted from the exertion I could hardly eat, didn't even touch my biscuit.  So here I am again in my bedroom, sitting in my chair and trying to finish the laundry and then will rest for the rest of the day.  Whew, I have got to get my energy back to deal with a three year starting tomorrow!

Merry Christmas and Onward to 2023

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I finally figured out what was up with my phone for emailing, at least I think I did because I was able to email myself the photos of the other watercolors.  

Aren't they cute.  Hope to do some more and play more with the medium this winter.  

Last night The Hubby went with me to attend a Christmas gathering of my high school class, or some of them.  It was much fun but since Roger wanted to start it at 5 pm by 7 I was ready to go home and The Hubby I felt was too, although he said he didn't mind sitting.  Maybe it was just me feeling he was ready.  He seemed to enjoy visiting with several of the classmates he knows and a new one he had not met before.  I'm sure there were others that showed up later on but I just wanted to go home.  WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME!!!!!  Am I turning into my father, antsy and wanting to just be home.  Good LORD I certainly hope not but the indications are I am.....NO NO NO NO NO NO NO....

I think it's a bit because of all that is on my mind, the business shut down, baby Max, Min, Snicklefritz being sick with the stomach bug...a lot on my mind.  I can't even seem to focus on reading lately.  I was even up at 4 this morning (yes a nap is on tap for me later.)  

Christmas Eve for us is to hang at the nephew's house this evening.  I've got to get busy and fix my appetizer to share today.  I'm making deviled eggs topped with bacon onion jam, but will leave some without for the vegetarians and hopefully a chip and dip made with non-dairy yogurt for the vegans.  Tomorrow our girls and their family and one of the bro-in-law's will join us for lunch/dinner and opening of presents for the babies.  I'm really looking forward to have my family around me.  

As we step into the next year, 2023 I need and want my family close.  There is going to be so many changes and happenings for us and honestly, except for the unknown for Max I am feeling that this spring and summer will the bright for us.  Looking forward to not having to head to the office but head to the cabin or the studio to spend all our time.  Hang with family and friends, paint, watch birds, be with each other.  2023 for me feels AWESOME!

Merry Christmas to one and all and I will, should post at least one more time this year on my blog that I have been contributing to for almost 17 years.  

 

Happy New Year

Happy New Year my bloggy friends.  Our Christmas has been kind of quiet, I'm okay with that.  Our youngest and her new hubby have come home a few days after Christmas and we've been having our celebration a few days late.  Our present opening happened the 28th with a fantastic vegan soup dinner that Af cooked, lasagna soup.  Oh my it was so good.  

The guys then headed out to the firepit with a glass of wine and a good cigar.  

Back inside they gathered around the piano for a few good songs and... 

and then on to a jigsaw puzzle that B got from Af for Christmas.

You know what, we finished that thing in just a couple of hours.

The next day was a trip to The Gathering Place (I did not go) and experience a lot of cold. 

Happy New Year friends!

Happy New Year!

Well, well, well, it is officially 2014!  I can't believe it.  When I graduated high school in 1974, 40 years ago (blech-bad taste in my mouth), I never in my wildest dreams understand that I would be alive in the 2000's let alone 2014!  I'm OLD!  EEK!  Not really but when you see the numbers....shivers!

Last night we kept little Rio for New Year's Eve, while her parents hosted a party.  She was good except for trying, yet again, to get her down for bedtime.  Before she came though I spent about 30 minutes of some quiet time with a nice cup of hot tea to relax because I knew I would be busy, and indeed I was, gladly.

Bedtime was a bit rough but she was down at 8 and I soon followed knowing she had a tendency to wake up fitful.  Again I was write because at 12:30 she was awake and not happy.  It was only an hour ordeal :( but she was back asleep but I wasn't.  My mind kept me tossing and turning till about 3 when I finally drifted only to jolted awake at 4 am.  So up we were and she was quite happy, as was I when she giggled at me.  Awww, the joy of a grandbabies!  I will nap later!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2013...What's Next

Woo Hoo! 2013 Here I come!!!!  Can't believe it's 2013.  In the younger years I couldn't imagine the concept of even living in the 2000's, much less living in 2013.  It's a very strange idea really.  Time does march on and you do get older (blech-bad taste in my mouth).  I don't  like getting older at all but it is a fact and you can't stop it.  So as I look in the mirror everyday I have to accept the image that looks back at me, all 56 years of it.  Really, do I have to!

From this .....

to this....

It's a runaway freight train, aging...

Hey, that first picture...looks somewhat little Rio, don't you think...

That's our precious little Rio Rae!!!

Year In Review - 2012

I guess it is that time of the year for a review.  I went back in my blogging this year to January 1, 2012.  The entry was 366 Days  and in it I wrote about:

Blog every single day of 2012

Read as many books in 2012 that I did in 2011 (56 books)

Start the eating thing and tracking my food (smaller plate)

Ramp up exercise

Continue the painting and prepare for my own show this spring!!!!!

I have to admit that I didn't do all of them and that is kind of sad.  The first one I was pretty faithful until about October and November when I just kind of lost my writing mojo.  I think I did fairly well in my endeavour, but still, I didn't accomplish the task I put forth in front of me. 

Books, yes I did finish that task by reading 60 books, surpassing my 2011 total of 56. 

Eating, well, like nearly everyone who sets those lose weight goals I kind of fudged (LOL) on that one.  I did start eating a lot better and have stopped buying diet pop by the caseload and only one when I have a desire or eat out.  I am eating smaller portions but the tracking thing, ick...not happening.  I am just not that disciplined for that task. 

The exercise I have continued my 3 days a week but haven't added anymore but it's mainly because of the knee and now that I've had the surgery and am mending...let that goal roll forward.

The painting, yes, I have done that but my own show...NOT!  I've kind of veered from that by focusing on a, well, "focus" in my art and a couple of weeks I sent a packet to my first gallery for admission.  Now I am waiting to hear but won't be disappointed too much if they turn me down.  I think it was pretty brave for me to apply in the first place.  Now we wait. 

Now I will  work on the new 2013 list. 

Party-Time

Tis the season to stay really, really busy.  Today is our huge party and I'm so excited that of course I couldn't sleep in.  My mind starts going off about 4:30 a.m., just about the time Clayton starts waking up for his 5 am feeding.  Once the mind starts whirring I'm done for and just have to get up.  Especially today as the day for our Christmas Extravaganza has come.  I sent out 92 invitations and as of yesterday am still receiving RSVP's, but that is okay.  I've booked for for 150 with the caterer.  The Hubby and I went to the liquor store and purchase a sizeable amount of beverages, nearly $500 worth but we think we might need more.  I have wait staff hired to help.  Finally, yesterday the wonderful brother-in-law came over with boxes of decor to add to my stuff.  He hung wreaths, swags and set sweet little white baby reindeer (pictures later) around to enhance the feel of Christmas.  The Hubby has gone overboard, when he said he wouldn't, and hung lights on the front of the house and around the backyard on the new landscaping.  It's so pretty.  I think the weather is going to hold out one day for us and stay fairly nice, nice enough that we can leave the doors open and have a nice fire in the fire pit, plus we have the heater outside.  I think we will have slightly over a hundred people in attendance but as it is a drop in kind of thing I don't think it will be all at once but we can handle it.

My knee is so much better and my plan for the evening is to wear this killer cocktail dress I purchased.  I'm so hoping I can wear my pumps, my favorite shoes for most of the evening.  I certainly don't want to be forced to my tennis shoes for comfort.  The one thing I won't be doing this time around is drinking a lot of wine.  Oh my gosh, six years ago, the last time we had this kind of shindig, I was still reeling from the loss of my mother and my best friend Gail and I imbibed a bit too much, a LOT too much.  I spent the night on the bathroom floor sick, SICK I say.  It was just too much after all the loss and I took to the wine to have a release.  2006 was a very hard year for me and 2012, I have healed and moved on and to top it off have reconnected with my high school bestie friend, Sharon.  2011-2012 have been the best for me.  We've completed the house totally.  I found Sharon again.  We had our first grandbaby, granddaughter Rio come into our lives.  And, my art is taking a different direction and given me a new sense of ME!  I'm ready for 2013 and what it holds!

New Years Day Happinin's

For my 366 days of blogging challenge I am going to occassionally follow the NaBloPoM challenge and writing prompts so I don't run of stuff to say. 

Today's prompt was "What did you do on New Years Day."  That is quite easy, not much.  We of course spent the weekend at the cabin with friends.  There was a fabulous dinner of cornish hens, roasted fingerling potatoes and brussel sprouts and I made baked brie and fruit.  Lots of drinking and dancing was involved and three people took a tumble around the rocky porch and yard, one with a knot on his head.  Fun was had by all.  The Hubby and I decided to head back to our little heaven on earth before the new year rang in.  He had a bit more wine than usual and drifted to sleep on the couch about 11 pm.  I was not the least bit tipsy but decided I had better give up the couch while he scrunched down lower and lower.  Asleep I was by 11:45 and was awoken by the distant sound of fireworks at midnight. 

Yesterday morning we both woke feeling just fine, no headache and no remorse!  I was a good girl starting my eating off right.  I had my oatmeal and coffee with no cream (ick) and rushed around to ready for the 55 minute drive home.  I wanted to come home to fix our black-eye peas for good luck.  It is a tradition in my family and in many to have the black-eye peas.  I've never missed a year in my life.  The drive home was a bit weird as The Hubby's truck decided to sound off alarm bells just as we ventured onto the highway!  It said to stop engine NOW!  It's funny that the check suspension light has been on his truck for months and he has not been too worried.  We pulled over, stopped the truck and he checked the oil which read 2 quarts low.  Luckily we were close to a truck stop kind of gas station and pulled in to add some oil.  It was still weird going home but we made it home.  Finally home, the black-eye peas on the fire, a shower, a nap, ah, bring on 2012! 

366 Days

Happy New Year to one and all.  Welcome 2012 it has got to be better than 2011, at least for me. 

This year I am going to "try" to blog every single day of the year, 366 days.  It is a leap year.  It is a huge task but I am going to do it.  I've got big plans for me this year.

• Blog every single day of 2012
• Read as many books in 2012 that I did in 2011 (56 books)
• Start the eating thing and tracking my food (smaller plate)
• Ramp up exercise
• Continue the painting and prepare for my own show this spring!!!!!

There that should do it.  Now here are some pictures of the weekend.

The Hubby burning the massive amount of leaves that have fallen this fall. 

He started the process early Saturday morning but the wind decided to kick up and he stopped.  This morning he's back at it with the calm morning. 

Clayton watching the process.   

He really wanted to be with his daddy but didn't like the leaf blower.

Happy New Year!

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.