Getting ready takes alot of work

Working hard and fast to get everything under control before Gail and I depart tomorrow for our journey to Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC. The weather there is about like H'town, up and down, cold, colder and then warm. Trying to "not pack alot" but pack what the weather dictates is never easy. I hate taking jackets, coats, etc and then having to carry them around when it warms up. But I also hate being cold. so....erroring on the side of caution, I'll take my sweat shirt jacket....not so attractive but warm enough and if I have to carry it, I can wrap it around my waist...YIKEs, how ugly is that! Of course, other than Gail I am sure I won't see or know anyone in either place.

No blogs till I return. Hopefully I'll have lots of pics and be able to download them.

Leaving you with this thought from Life's Little Instruction Book, "Don't procrastinate. Do what needs doing when it need to be done" perfect for packing a suitcase.

Take care and miss me....:-)

Hitting the high spots

BF and I stepped out the other day to the new Kirby's Steak House. Relocated recently to a larger facility, the restaurant is very Texas, blue jeans and flannel shirts are the dress of choice. Cowboy boots help but not a necessity. Menu basically stayed the same, varying choices of barbecue, hamburgers and such. The onion rings that come on the brisket sandwich basket are 2222 die for. And probably will contribute to alot of high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. Couldn't eat them everyday but every once in awhile it's a special treat. It was to cool to sit on the patio, but we'll go back on a warmer day and watch the trucks roll by. The other location was actually prettier in local colour, but I guess they couldn't expand their size. And btw, I did't see any steak on the menu.

Today's thought "What is good taste?" Mason Cooley, U.S. Aphorist (B.1927) "I tried good taste, but the strain was too much for me"...

Pretty in Pink

Happy, Happy pretty pink Cyclamen on the front porch. So cheerful and bright. Spent the a.m. on the patio working on plants. Ducks came about to see if there was anything they might like, try me tomorrow guys....It's lovely out, slight breeze, sunshine fading in and out and the temp is about 70 degrees. Water in the lake is rippling and catching the sun, what a perfect morning. Even the squirrels are out and about playing chase.

These are a few of the reasons I love living "at the lake". BF of course, lives about 2 miles from me, that's another really great reason for being happy here. Not that he lives 2 miles, but he lives here also. Actually he was out here about 3+ years before I retired and moved here. So much nicer than city living.

Today's thought from Life's Little Instruction Book - #99

"Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures."

It always is a pleasant surprise when I open the book - and there it is, randomly appears the right thought for the day. Enjoy :-)

Preserve, Protect and Defend.....

Yesterday, as Barack Obama pledged these words, a new beginning was happening. I confess, I did not vote for him for President, but I am willing to accept change and hope for tomorrow for our country. His presidency cannot be any worse than what we have experienced these last years and hopefully, with time and work, our country will once again regain it's status, strength and accountability in the world. I'm certainly willing to give it a try. You may or may not agree with me, and that's o.k. I just had to express my feelings.

Onward, yesterday was also the Garden Gals meeting, plant exchange and lunch (all rolled into one). It was good to renew acquaintances and I was lucky enough to snag a really pretty Cyclamen. I've had them before and they are lovely. Plus they bloom until fall. How nice is that :-) Lunch was at Caddy Shack and I'm sorry I didn't take a picture of it, what a lovely little spot on the golf course at Walden. Next time for sure.

Today's thought from Benjamin Franklin "To Follow by faith alone is to follow blindly".

Lots of fun today

Beautiful weather, baked a great coffee cake that I've not made since years ago, improvised to bake it sugar free and also baked a sugar free sour cream pound cake for a ladies club function this evening. The sugar free products are really advanced to a new level and it's a pleasure to be able to bake and enjoy the treats. In between, had to purchase a plant for another ladies group function tomorrow, the Garden Gals start the year off with a lunch and plant exchange. Found a nice size green ivy totem in a brown pot. Reasonable and if no one chooses it, I'll choose it and bring it back home. :-)

One of my new year resolutions was to become involved and active again in the Ladies Association. Great way to meet new folks and be busy.

Today's thought skips away from "good taste" and goes to "bad taste" -

from Dorothy Parker, a writer, (1893-1967)

"A little bad taste is like a nice dash of paprika"

New Kitchen Floor

Today's the day - new kitchen floor.....guys arrived on time and immediately moved my refrigerator and stove to the dining room....I'm stuck in my den (with computer handy) since there is limited walking space. Fortunately, I have close access to the bathroom area. It is looking really nice and they are doing a good job, now I'm only sorry that I didn't do the whole house with new carpet before I moved in. Looking around at all the "stuff" that I have, I can't imagine I would have the energy to prepare for such a chore....I will bite the bullet and do it once I have more strength and willingness to leave things out of place while it is done, including me...being displaced. Have been on the computer today much more than usual doing research on Savannah, GA. My trip is just around the corner and Gail and I are looking forward to it. Being a travel agent was one career I never thought about because it is time consuming to cover all avenues of things to see and do with time restraints.

Today's thought was sent to me in a long email of thoughts - this one caught my attention almost immediately "A sharp tongue can cut your own throat"...

Enjoy your day!

#330 in Life's Little Instruction Book

"Rekindle old friendships"......This is definitely one of the best of all the instructions in this little gem of a book. In the last 2 years I have had the opportunity to rekindle a friendship from when I was a little girl (Melanie), a friend from high school who I had lost touch with and we rekindled our friendship in 2003 (Jackie) and now, a friend of the many years ago in the Armed Forces in Munich, back in the 60's, (Diane). Diane and her late husband were close friends when we lived overseas. Through the years we have kept in touch via holiday cards and a telephone call ever so infrequently. Planning all of my trips (one a month) for 2009, I had been thinking about Diane for several months. Sitting at my desk getting ready to blog, I decided to call her. We had a great conversation and I am planning to see her the middle of February. How cool is that! Motto of the blog today, pick up the phone, make that call, share a laugh and be happy....It's never to late. :-)

Faster than a speeding bullet......

BF has me moving into the "networked" generation faster than you can say iPod! He has spoiled me with all kinds of new toys, computer stuff, superduper electric toothbrush, iPod, router, more memory for my computer, etc, etc, etc...oh yes, I forgot Skype....That is a really really cool deal, I have a little camera perched on the top of my monitor and we have a hook-up so I can SEE folks as we speak. My friends in AZ, Melanie & Larry put me on to it as they have a son, daughter-in-law and grandsons living in Israel. You can speak,watch anyone and it's all free provided they are on the network also....(best deal, you can stay in your jammies w/or w/out makeup :-)....

I love my iPod, although I am still a little intimated by it, such a cute little blue device to be capable of so much. and I've just barely been able to be successful with my cell phone/camera.

Never thought I would be learning so much stuff, and most of it at the same time.

BF is really a whiz at any type of electric device and it's a good thing because I'd be lost without him. He has spent practically his whole weekend (Tues, Wed, Thurs) doing maintenance and teaching me. Thanx BF! :-)

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you one and all

How lucky I am!!!!! To be remembered with so many nice cards, e-cards, messages and calls from near and far. It was a wonderful birthday and if I haven't yet responded to your e-card or hard card, forgive me, I'm working on it. BF and I went for breakfast yesterday a.m. to the Old Montgomery Steak House (our favorite of the Montgomery restaurants) and then did some errands. BF had to work so I entertained my self with some expensive (dollar store variety) shopping and working out at the new facility. Rainy and cold. I came home, made a fire, reflected on my life and the many blessings that have been afforded me the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009.
Today's thought comes from me "We are truly blessed by our friendships".

Overcast and gloomy this first Sunday of 2009. Cool front came thru early this a.m. and I have seen no reason to leave home. Cleaning out drawers, paying a few bills, moving everything out of the kitchen (off the floor, that is) because I'm having new floor put down this upcoming week. Providing they have the product in stock, I'll know more Tuesday. Another good reason to plan ahead, many activities are beginning with the Ladies Association and such. This year I plan to resume my ASLA activities, I missed so many last year (2008) because of the accident and recovery time.

From House Beautiful in 1897 (yup, 1897) regarding "Taste" - "Money and taste frequently move in inverse ratio". What are your thoughts about Taste? Taste good? Taste bad? Taste spicy? Taste sweet? hmmmm - pondering....:-)

New Year's Resolutions

Day 2 of working out. Yesterday BF joined me for a short "get back to it workout". Today I did it on my own. Only soreness yesterday was my shoulders from doing some weights. Extended my program today by 35 minutes and enjoyed it all. The machines are so new and in such great condition. It's a pleasure.

White car at the dealership for it's 60 thousand mile check-up. It will be ready r tomorrow. In the meantime I'm driving a 2009 Toyota Corolla. Pretty slick but not something I would jump right in and buy. If and when I ever purchased another vehicle, I'll return to my favorite, Chevy. I've always been happiest when driving a Chevy.

Confused about the days/dates....seems like today should be Tuesday...I always like the holidays to start on a Monday. makes sense to me.

Just listening to the news, sad thoughts for the Travolta family. Seems as though the oldest child, Jett, died on a vacation. Hit his head on the bathtub and suffered a seizure. Even celebs don't get away from sadness and problems. One of the nicest things about looking thru old magazines, you can always find something you missed.

The thoughts for the day for this month will come from an article in Country Living entitled "What is good taste?"...today's thought, from "Good taste is the worst vice ever invented" by Dame Edith Sitwell, Writer, 1887-1964.

2009 to all

Happy Happy and best wishes to all....2009....finally.....2008 seemed to stay around forever, and suddenly, whoosh! gone! BF and I had a nice evening last night. Even managed to stay awake for the fireworks and noise. Watched the big ball fall in NYC - seeing Dick Clark, looking fit until he opened his mouth to speak. Amazing though that he is still able and willing to do what he loves. The power of positive thinking and good therapy. How well I know...

Being good and determined folks, BF and I headed to Snaps this morning for an easy workout. The facility is grand, wonderful equipment, all new and very bright orange, state of the art. And it was crowded. Lots of our neighbors who also take advantage of the nice facilities while we eagerly (?) await our country club to be rebuilt after the first almost 2 years ago. Keeping positive thoughts about a new country club doesn't seem to work well, but there is always 2010.

Rose Bowl Parade and lots of great football. Young players, strong bodies and in most cases good coaching. We'll have our black eyed peas tonight with dinner.

Hope your holiday was all you wished it to be, looking forward to the New Year and having my buddies continue to follow my adventures. Btw, if you've responded with a comment, go back in and check my response. Not quite sure how to do it thru blogger...

Last thought - :-) .....I've said each year since I retired that every month I will make a trip somewhere, this month my friend Gail and I are traveling to Savannah, GA. more info asap...

#67 in Life's Little Instruction Book - "Demand excellence and be willing to pay for it".