"Are you all ready, are you ready.....

get set, are ready get set, are you ready?"

Why yes, yes we are.  As ready as one can be for what is being described as a catastrophic storm.

We have cleared the yard and secured as much as we can.  I must confess I feel just awful looking out at the few birds who are seeking food at the bird feeder, which has now been moved inside for safe keeping.  I hope they will soon huddle together in the bushes surrounding the house.

We were blessed this morning that the rain held off and daughter #1, who had to evacuate her home on Sunday, and I, were able to walk the four basset hounds currently residing under our roof.  Tired dogs make for quiet dogs.  And that's a good thing.

We have stocked up on food, have radios, flashlights and candles at the ready, and plenty of blankets for both two-legged and four-legged occupants.

I've filled both a large bucket and washbasin with water, and washed the clothes, sheets and towels in case we lose power.  Having an electric stove, we have already hard boiled some eggs and lined the cupboards with items which do not require cooking.

One of my big concerns, should we lose power, is not being able to make coffee.  Daughter #2 assures me her generator will be able to accommodate a coffee maker should the need arise.  That information has given me much needed piece of mind.

Thoughts and prayers for us all for safe passage through this storm.  May we all fare well and be of help to those who need us.  

God Bless all the police, firefighters, and first responders who will be working tirelessly to keep us all safe.  Bless also the families they leave behind to cope on their own.

And as the check-out lady in the supermarket said to me as I left yesterday,

"This too shall pass."

Friday Fitness!

Friday Fitness time has come around again, as I connect with daughter #2's blog, Mommy Musings.

As you can see, I did stick to my plan and purchased a pedometer - for less than ten dollars!  I didn't want all the bells and whistles so to speak, just something to give me a rough idea of how many steps I am taking each day.  

I'm happy to report it is working exactly as I hoped.  It motivates me to push along just that wee bit more on some days, while on others, it surprises me how far I've actually walked.  Maybe not "all the way to China" as they used to say, but far beyond the recommended ten thousand steps.  So in that respect, "mission accomplished".  

At this stage of my life, I know it isn't realistic to think I will suddenly take up running or cut my calorie intake in half.  I am, however, working on baby steps.  I've said no to a few desserts and asked for smaller portions.  I didn't have the cold shrimp at lunch yesterday, which I love, due to my cholesterol levels and the doctor's urging to lower that.  

I'm trying by making small changes and sticking with them.  Reminding myself that I'm doing the best I can, for right now.  Knowing I will be writing about my efforts every other Friday is a wonderful motivator.  I'm so glad my daughter invited me to do this!

Click above and join us!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Oh, so very true....

Wednesday's wisdom....

Let it go, let it go....

Years ago, I used to watch the Australian home organizer Peter Walsh on a program called "Clean Sweep".  He and a team of people would come in to someone's home, help them clear out all their clutter and reorganize what was left.  

Peter had the most wonderful phrase which he would almost sing to the people who were having difficulty giving up their possessions.

"Let it go, let it go."

I thought it was brilliant. Simple and to the point. Peter wasn't just talking about the objects themselves, but also the emotional attachment the owners had ascribed to each piece.

Frequently, I find myself "singing" the same phrase.  However, I don't use it in dealing with all the bits and pieces that might be hidden in the closets or up in the loft, sorry, attic.

I use it when I find myself turning things over in my mind, again and again.  Rethinking a decision or suddenly coming up with a comeback for something that was said.  I can literally waste hours rehashing  events or playing out in my thoughts how it all might have turned out differently had I said yes, instead of no.

And on and on and on.....

These days, when I find myself going down the path of "what ifs", I think of Peter Walsh's phrase and make a conscious decision to let it go - to just stop thinking about alternatives.  To accept it happened the way it happened and move on.

If I'm really stuck and holding on to thoughts, I try to picture writing them all down, inserting them into a balloon, which I then release to float off into the atmosphere.

I must say, the Englishman is also quite good at helping me with recognizing the value of letting things go, when he notices that I'm starting to turn them over and over, getting myself in a muddle.

 Hmmm....maybe having foreign accents makes he and Peter Walsh so wise!

  

Tip for a Tuesday....

Take a book....

or Nook or a magazine with you when you head off to an appointment.

Just back from my annual mammogram.  As I headed out the door, I remembered to grab a magazine to  stick in my purse.  The inevitable waiting time seems quicker, and less stressful, if I have something to read.  Waiting rooms sometimes have their own periodicals but I prefer to bring my own - which carry only my germs and don't include starving models.

A Monday memory....

Do either of these photos look familiar to anyone?  It's difficult to make out, but the sign above the "store" above reads: Van Riper's Farms

While growing up in northern NJ,  my family and I made countless trips to this farm, and others nearby, for locally produced fruits and vegetables from Spring right through to November. The highlight, however, was going to Van Riper's during the Halloween season.

Year after year, they set up the same scenes - the pumpkin head couple in the horse drawn wagon, the couple standing in front of the cornstalks, the scary witch flying on her broomstick at the far end of the displays and the sinister looking red devil man.  It was something you could count on - like an old friend - the familiar displays, the smell of freshly made donuts, the buzzing of the bees around the candy apples.  I loved it.

Fast forward to my years as a young mother, and despite the onslaught of "progress' in the area, the Halloween traditions at Van Riper's remained.  I was so pleased that my own children would be creating precious memories beneath the same displays while searching out the perfect pumpkins. Oh, but wait - something new had been added.

A Hayride!

Always on the lookout for something slightly unique as a venue for any of my girls' birthday parties, I decided the ride might be just the thing to celebrate daughter #2's birthday with the girls in her Fourth Grade class.  My memory is a little hazy on some of the details of that outing, but certain moments are deeply engraved.

Picture this.  Naive mother arrives at the farm with three daughters of varying ages and four Fourth Grade girls.  Darkness is descending as we peruse the corn field before purchasing our tickets and lining up for the hayride.  

Finally, it's time to climb up into the long wagon attached to a tractor.  Most of the girls choose seats opposite me on the long benches which line the sides.  There is much excitement, demonstrated by the giggling that inevitably follows young girls.  For the first several minutes the only sounds to be heard were the "oohs" and "aahs" as the wagon started to circle behind the store.  The wagon stopped.  Silence.  

Suddenly, without warning, there rose from the ground a giant of a man with a running chain saw and shouts of menace!  Within seconds, I had three or four young girls scrambling to climb on top of me, screaming in my ears and clinging to any part of me they could latch on to.

Poor things!  Poor me!  What I did find somewhat amusing, as I peeled away the small bodies, was that my youngest, probably all of six years old, as well as several other tiny young children seated on the ride, did not exhibit any of the fright the Fourth Graders seemed to be gripped with.  Perhaps they were just too young to understand what it was all about.  In any event, E looked at me as if to say, "What's the big deal, Mom?"

Everyone gradually regained their composure, reclaimed their seats, and we bravely finished the ride.  I packed them all back into my station wagon to head for food.  Following this harrowing experience with dinner at Friendly's, and lots of ice cream, helped enormously. In no time, squeals of laughter once again rang through the air.

For the girls and I that was our first, and so far, last, hayride.  In hindsight, they probably did have the word "Haunted" printed prominently before "hayride". Perhaps if I had paid closer attention.....

Friday Foto....

Happy Birthday to my sweet A!

Wishing you all the happiness your heart can hold as you enter your 30's!  

Good Lord, where has the time gone?

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

Found this on Pinterest.  I like this girl's thinking. 

(For you non-Brits, "fringe" is what we refer to as "bangs" on a haircut.)

Now, I've worn my share of mini-skirts, halter tops and "hot pants". However, I was in my teens and early twenties when I donned those outfits. So yes, I can understand young women wanting to wear the latest styles or show off their figures.  

What I don't understand is all the cleavage and short skirts out there on women past their fortieth birthday, some even older than I am!  They seem to be everywhere.  It is not attractive. Have all the mirrors been broken?

I often say to my girls that I'm tempted to approach these women and say, "Face it - if you didn't show it off when you were young, you missed your chance.  Honey, that ship has sailed!"

"The less you reveal the more people can wonder," is something to ponder not only about one's attire, but about one's life too.  

Wednesday's wisdom....

Just because you think it, doesn't mean you have to say it.

I started to realize this a few years ago.  Put into practice, it can be a wonderful tool with which to maintain peace and relationships.

Tip for a Tuesday....

Discount Time!

Always on the lookout for some money saving opportunities, I have noticed there are numerous sales starting both in the stores and online. 

For those of you who regularly follow this blog, you may remember I once highly recommended products from Sweet Grass Farm.  I'm a huge fan of their offerings, most especially their laundry soap, all-purpose surface cleaner, and scented liquid soap. 

My favorite scent? Lavender.

The Englishman's favorite? Fresh White Lilac.

(Yes, he actually uses it in the kitchen après woodworking or creating a culinary masterpiece.)

Well, the good news is that their latest email indicates they are offering 25% off all items, from now until midnight October 19th.

(You must type in the code: 915F9 at checkout.)

I highly recommend you join their email list and "like" them on Facebook.  (and no, I don't work for them or receive any compensation.  I just love their products and style.)

 If you shop Lord and Taylor as I do, there is a huge sale starting today of 25% off almost everything.  The best part - they've added 10% off cosmetics and fragrances!  I've been waiting for this to replenish my stock of mascara, blush, and lipstick - ready for the new season.

From now until the end of January is my "busy season" as far as birthdays and holidays. So I have prepared my lists and am picking up items as I go along.  Making note of sales and special offerings via store emails, websites, flyers in the newspaper and mail, is how I am able to be prepared and save a little money at the same time.

"It's all good" as they say.

Thursday's Thought for the Day....(posted Friday)

"Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world wasn't formed in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build upon them."                                          Lee Haney  - Body Builder (courtesy of BrainyQuotes)
                                                     

Daughter #2 is beginning a "Fitness Friday" link up on her blog, Mommy Musings.  I've decided it would be a good idea for me to join in.  Since the bout of pneumonia I dealt with in early July, I've fallen far off the wagon as far as exercise and good health.  The steroids necessary to calm my lungs have unfortunately created havoc with my weight, and the doctor wants me to lower both the number on the scale and my cholesterol levels. 

One of the requirements for participating in my daughter's program is writing a blog post about fitness, hence the choice of quote above.  Of the numerous quotes I scanned through, this one seemed the most appropriate for where I am at the moment. I've decided it is best to first, make a start, then, set small goals as suggested. I know myself - too many or lofty goals will only discourage me and I will give up before I've begun.  

So I will begin with this post. Tomorrow, the plan is to purchase a pedometer.  I've already tried to increase the number of steps I take each day - parking farther away from shops, walking into town rather than taking the car, walking up and down every aisle in the store, etc.  My hope is that seeing the actual number of steps on a tiny device will spur me on to daily increase my number.

Fingers crossed...... 

"Click" on this button to join in the fun!

Friday Foto.....(posted on Thursday)

*It is in fact only Thursday, but I need to post my "thought for the day" tomorrow in order to participate in daughter #2's Friday Fitness.  As they say, "all will be revealed...." tomorrow morning. Please tune in.

It's been an absolute joy to have some extra time with "the grands" this week.  They seem to be growing right before my eyes, so I consciously soak every moment, take it in, and store in my memory.

Here they are, rockin and rollin....

M discovered some stickers in a box I keep in the kitchen which is filled with items to amuse her. The idea of placing them all over her was a joint one and it spurred many giggles on both our parts.  I especially love the "twinkle" in her eye...

It's hard to capture Miss C in a "reclining" pose these days - she is on the go the moment her tiny feet hit the floor!  Here she is with her beloved bunny and "nuk".

These two darling treasures of mine seem to spend so much of their day giggling away.

I told my daughter I think it's a reflection of all the love and care they receive from their adoring parents.

And who can blame them?

Wednesday's wisdom....

Less really is more....

As the Englishman and I plan ahead for our eventual move down to "the retirement" house, we find ourselves sorting through our many belongings and making decisions about what to keep, what to give away and what to discard.

I have to admit that we have a fair amount of "stuff" that we have accumulated over many decades together. We have been blessed with the many gifts we've received, as well as the items we have purchased ourselves.  But I can see this future move as an opportunity to really pare down to what is most important and let go of the rest.

So I've started clearing off shelves and emptying cupboards.  And do you know what I've discovered?  I actually like empty space - on shelves, in closets, on the walls.....

I also like the idea of being able to pass on certain items, now, to our daughters, so they can use them and enjoy them for many years to come.  Our local library is very appreciative of the books we donate, as is the Vietnam Veterans group which has come to our door numerous times for items they can sell or pass along.

The reward for all my hard work?  I'm finding a real sense of freedom in clearing out and keeping only that which is truly important and necessary.   

There should be some benefits to this "getting older" stuff, right?

Tip for a Tuesday.....

"T" Time

There was a magazine article years ago in which someone famous was interviewed about her wardrobe.  For the life of me, I can't seem to recall who the woman was, but I do remember her saying that at every change of season there were particular items of clothing she made certain to purchase.  Among the most important staples she stocked were t-shirts.

That makes a lot of sense, I thought at the time.  T-shirts are extremely comfortable, easily washed and dried, and come in a variety of colors.  (My personal preferences are white, black, navy and gray).

As the seasons and my daily wardrobe change, I heed this advice and look to be sure I have an adequate supply of t-shirts.  Long sleeve t-shirts are in order for the Autumn and Winter months, but short sleeve ones can continue to serve a purpose year round.  They can be used for layering under other items of clothing, giving one that extra bit of warmth so vital here during the colder months.

T-shirts look fabulous with a blazer and trousers, as well as skirts, jeans, and sweats.  Throw a bright colored scarf around your neck and "Bob's your uncle", you look smartly dressed and ready to take on the world.

Once t-shirts have seen better days and are looking a bit drab, they can be relegated to pajama tops, before making their way to the cleaning closet for duty as dust rags.

All in all, from start to finish, I find t-shirts a worthwhile investment and solid staple in my closet.

Friday Foto....

More from the wedding....
Where, clearly, it was all about the eating and the running......

All of which, inevitably, led to a moment like this....

Wishing you all a lovely three day weekend.  

*Just a small reminder that you can in fact sign up to be a "member" on this site.  Think how wonderful it would be to see the number climb!  And....you can also sign up for the "Follow by email" list, which will automatically email you a copy of every new post I write.  Please consider doing both.  Thank you!

Thursday's Thought for the Day....

"Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success. "                                                                             Louisa May Alcott
                                                                

I love the simplicity of her message - have routine, mix pleasure with work, and feel gratitude for life itself.  A woman after my own heart....

Dear friends once took my girls and I to Louisa May Alcott's home, Orchard House, in Concord, Massachusetts.  What a special day that was, especially for daughter #2 who has read Little Women well over a dozen times.  The house itself had the most calming feel to it and the surrounding New England countryside is just stunning.  A destination worth seeking out one day.

Wednesday's wisdom....

It won't last forever....

Ever find yourself in the midst of what feels like an eternity - a time in which you think things will never change, it will always be this way.  You know, those times when you think you'll never get all those term papers written, you will always be unemployed, your kids will spend the rest of your lifetime in diapers, you will never have five whole minutes to yourself.....

Oh, I know those feelings very well.  The good news?  They do NOT in fact, last forever.

It just feels as though they will.

Years of experience, and frustration and a many a tear shed, have taught me that nothing lasts forever. Most experiences in life have a beginning, a middle and an end.

You do eventually graduate from school.  You find a job.  OK, not your "dream" job, but one that pays the rent and allows you to eat meat once in a while.

Kids do grow up.  They evolve and develop into little people you can talk to, reason with, and kiss goodbye as they head off to grammar school.  Then they find a life beyond your home. And you find your are truly happy for them, and you.

Because now you have found five whole minutes to yourself!

Of course the flip side is that the "good times" don't last forever either.

I guess the trick is to enjoy each moment, phase, trial, as it happens, knowing that as they say, "This too shall pass."

I have most certainly found it to be true....

Tip for a Tuesday....

Change with the seasons and decorate....

It might be the Teacher in me, but ever since I married and started setting up a home, I've "decorated" for the change in seasons and all holidays.  I enjoy hanging tiny lights, changing out dishtowels, bathroom towels and tablecloths, and switching things around. Masking tape makes it easy to hang cardboard pictures, such as Snoopy dressed as Santa or Scarecrows and pumpkins on doors and walls.

A few examples currently in my kitchen .....

My "Muffy Bear" is sporting a cat costume, as she sits atop my stack of bowls on the windowsill.  I wonder if M will find her....

My sources?  Craft fairs, supermarkets (paper goods section) and "dollar" stores.  I find I don't have to spend a lot to make even a few minor changes. 

While I am pleased that my girls, and even the Englishman, always seem to notice and enjoy the changes, the truth is that I really do it for me.  And I've learned that is reason enough to take the time to do it.  How about you?

A Monday memory.....

For those of you who are my "friend" on Facebook, you may have already seen this video which I posted on Sunday.  For the rest of you, I wanted to share with you a video of one of the most amazing young men I have ever known.

We first met "Chris" when daughter #2 entered Kindergarten.   He was an adorable little boy, one of a great group of kids in that class. Many of them stayed with "A" as they rose through the grades of the school and then graduated from Eighth Grade.

"A" kept in close touch with several of those classmates, as many headed off to separate high schools.  She invited Chris to be her date to her first Semi-Prom, at her all girl high school.  I wish I could find a photo from that night - they looked so cute (and nervous!). 

They've maintained their friendship over the years, made easier with all the wonderful technology we have today.  Our family has often held Chris in our thoughts and prayers as he has so bravely dealt with more than any one human being should have to withstand.  His incredible faith, and that of his family, is something to behold.  

Chris would like to share his message of hope, faith and courage with as many people as he can.  Won't you take a moment to watch his video?  Please "share" it in any way you can - either through your expansive, or limited, knowledge of technology or simply by word of mouth.  Just tell your friends to go on "YouTube" and type in "Thank you letter to my family and friends!" and look for Chris.

Let's show him that his courage in putting himself out there is not in vain.  Let's "share" him in the hope that knowing he is actually making a difference will give him the strength he needs to keep on fighting.

Simply click on "Thank you letter..." and it will take you to his message.  Every "view" is tabulated - wouldn't it be wonderful for him to see that number grow?

Thank you letter.....

And while you're at it - please say a prayer for Chris. Let's face it, you can never have enough prayers....