HAPPY NEW YEAR !

If you like cats make the picture of my desk calendar picture bigger. I couldn't get it when I just tried and have been spending the day cleaning up my pictures etc on the computer and am getting tired. So I guess I will spend the rest of the day finishing my slippers and watching tv... hope I can find something good to watch....
Hope everyone has a nice evening and a Happy start to the new year.
Sandra
"Remember: When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. How you perceive the world is an extremely powerful tool that will allow you to fully bring the power of intention into your life."

My Pets

The Picture was nice and clear when I started but I guess I must have done something when resizing it... but you can get the idea of what happened when I brought in the new pet dishes... Seems like their order is in the way we got them... Peaches had the first drink, then Charlie and poor little Twinkie had to wait his turn.... I guess that is the way it has to be in the animal world. Just so they don't fight I won't interfere.
The weather here in Green Bay is very dreary this morning. Winter seems to be more dreary than sunny here. Its a little warmer today but cloudy and may even rain which will cause icy roads later tonight... not good. I think it would be better is it just stayed cold and sunny but I guess its not up to me. :>)
I guess now I should go and get some work done... gotta keep up on the house I guess. wonder when its time to put the presents away and all the decorations... that will keep me busy for a few days too. Its so hard to believe its almost New Years. Time to make new resolutions again... I don't think I made any last year... this year I will make one but don't know when I will start it... doesn't count until I start so I won't think I broke it if I never started.... it has something to do with dieting but I have to get all the stuff out of the house and be in the mood. I hope the mood comes soon as I need to lose some weight.... darn..... Do You make resolutions? and if you do what are they?????

Sandra

Seed Catalogs

The seed catalogs are on the way already. I have gotten 3 in the mail already... but I haven't had a chance to sit down and go through them yet... Im waiting just a bit longer because I should get a few more yet and want to look at them all at once, no playing favorites here, lol  I haven't gotten a Thompson and Morgan yet and that is really my favorite catalog. The pictures are prettier and its more like a book than a magazine... The picture above is really much prettier than it shows... the tomatoes are much reder on the cover of the catalog.
   Yesterday I went to a yarn shoppe with my daughter Shari and her daughter Mindy... Why is it when I go to a shoppe like that I can never go away empty handed.... they only bought one and I bought 3 yarn some needles and some other gagets...Now I will have to start knitting again. As soon as I remember how I will make a pair of mittens and then Mindy wants me to make her a pair too. I have to make a practice pair first so I do a good job on hers... She wants to learn how to knit but I think making a scarf is an easier way to go, don't you? For a first project anyway.  I looked over my books and found a couple about learning how to knit in them...They are old and yellowed but I don't think that ever changes... So I had to go into my big box and get some books for her and a bunch of needles... I hope she likes it. At least she should be able to get started.
  Yesterday we went to a few stores, one for the pets. I got some pet food and a toy for Charlie and a new bowl for Peaches and twinkie...  I just put it out so I hope they like it... I will take a picture later... Its 2 bowl in one sort of kinda thing...lol
   Now I must get back to doing the laundry.... Its a dreary sort of day but is getting warmer... the chill seems to go right through me though on a day like this... I will have to put my little fleece jacket on in the house today I think... Tomorrow its supposed to get into the 40's but rain and freezing rain later.... would rather it just stayed cold if that is what is going to happen.... not up to me though is it.... :) Have a nice day, Sandra

Is Christmas Over already???

I hope everyone had as nice of a Christmas as I have had. It was especially nice because I either saw or heard from all my kids! Mike and Teri and Tom and Cindy are in Florida and they called each more than once too. :)  And the rest came home Christmas eve. Shari and Dan and Tyler and Mindy and Julie and Mark and Dan and Minda and Rick with Carley and of coarse Gary. Julies boys couldn't make it and either could Minda's children as they were with their Dads... I got to send their gifts along though and that is good.... The food even turned out good. Carley was so happy with all her new things and for awhile they were playing a game on tv that she got from someone.
   Then Christmas day we went to church and after Shari and Dan invited us for brunch. Shari and Dan both did the cooking and it was so delicious, yummmmm We had sausage and bacon and eggs any way we wanted and the nicest pancakes you could ever have and even toast and jam and coffee and orange juice... then we all decided to go to a movie later in the day ~ It was funny " Meet the Flockers" it was called. Then after the movie it was dark and Dan took us all over town to see all the pretty lights. So it was two busy days for us and a very nice Christmas. Today after church Leo and I went for lunch and to exchange a gift... I had already had one so we decided to take it back right away and I got the prettiest deep blue bathmat set for my little bathroom and a pretty white and blue and silver soap despenser. I got lots of nice presents. I am spoiled I think. This afternoon I was reading and falling asleep. I guess catching up on some rest... Now I will be raring to go again tomorrow... haha
I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas this year too, Sandra

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

"May the gentle Spirit

of this Holiday Season

fill your Hearts with Love."

since I couldn't send you all a card at home this is a copy of the ones I sent out this year!

                                The Lonely Crib   

       I pity the slender Mother-maid
    For the night was dark and her heart afraid
As she knelt in the straw where the beasts had trod
    And crooned and cooed to the living God.

And I pity Saint Joseph whose heart wept o'er
    The ruined stall and the broken floor
  And the roof unmended for Him and her,
     And to think himself was a carpenter!

O Thrones, Dominions, Spirits of Power,
Where were you there in that bitter hour!
   And where the Cherubim-wings withal
     To cover the wind-holes in the wall!

      The faded eyes of a wondering ass
Were dreamy mirrors where visions pass.
    And a poor old ox in the stable dim
  His moo was the song of the Seraphim

Merry Christmas everyone and may God Bless You.

Sandra

Sunny day

I got out today and the sunshine made me happy. I have to know I can't stay in the house for days in a row or I may get sad... Our neighbors were going for a walk but its soooo cold out and icy. I would rather go and walk in the mall. :>) Anyway we went to get the groceries for tomorrow night. I also got myself a pretty red santa boot full of flowers and Charlie decided he likes it already. They stuck some of those flowers you use for drying and I think he likes those. The flowers are not poisonous though so I won't worry about him and if he ruins it I know I can always get artificial flowers to put in their place but I just missed fresh flowers so much. I will take a picture before he eats it up and may post it in the next day or so. Christmas is fast approaching now isn't it....
   I got some new teas at the store too. One is The holiday herb tea " Sugar Plum Spice" I like that one and then I had to get the Mint Medley for my stomach (just in case) and then I saw a box of What is called "Weightless Tea" I guess you drink it before meals and it is supposed to help you not retain water... Its also supposed to help maintain normal body weight but it says to take it for up to 4 weeks.... sorry but it will take me longer than that to get to a normal body weight. maybe it will help me get started though and that is what I need, some kind of a boost.  One thing I can't understand about tea though is the directions they give you... it says to pour boiling water over the tea bag and steep for 10-15 minutes.... now I like my tea hot so what do you do then... I suppose put it back in the microwave???? Says to cover it but you would have to cover it with something I don't have and it still wouldn't stay hot would it..... Let me know if you have figured this one out please... Sandra

"Give Love and unconditional acceptance to those you encounter, and notice what happens."

-3 today when we got up, brrrr

I just can't seem to get going this morning... I had one cup of coffee and I think I will have to have another... I did get the bed made and thats it. The dogs went out earlier and could hardly make it in because their little feet were freezing... You want cold ~ well we have cold and I don't like it. Somehow the 8inches of snow we got yesterday is prettier if its warmer out, haha.

So today I will have to try a little harder to get the Christmas spirit. I'm afraid its one of those days where you just sit around the house and eat too much. Ever have one of those days when all you do is sit? I sure hope I think of something useful to do today. I will let you know. Sandra

Snow day

Some days a person just has too many pictures and can't decide which to

Share so I put them all in. If you have the time I hope you enjoy them

I was in a sour mood today and couldn't figure out why but taking these

pictures and eating some of the goodies in a couple of the pictures is

snapping me out ot it I think.. Funny what chocolate and keeping busy

can do for a person. That and keeping my mind on HAPPY  thoughts

is helping. I think I get too nervous before Christmas... gotta learn to

relax. I always think I have something( make that everything) to do with how everyones Christmas

is. Big head I have, right.... Hope you are in a happy mood today. I have to

go finish my laundry now... almost finished.  Sandra

Its Snowing

It is freezing cold today but it is snowing never the less. Im sure we will have a white Christmas as its too cold lately for the snow to melt... Today I have to make the puppy chow and the hot chocolate mix and do a little laundry...
Really isn't enough snow yet to shovel and they say its supposed to get windy this afternoon and that will make it hard, If we shovel ( not a whole lot of snow) it will be back this afternoon. My husband is frustrated I think so he went back to bed with the dogs. I think he has the right idea. I can't go back though once I get up. I will have a nice cup of coffee and start my day on the computer. Hope its a good day for you, Sandra

ITS REALLY REALLY COLD OUT

I could be downright sad today, The Packers lost and its so freezing cold, brrrrrr but Im not. I have too much to be happy about. Everyone is healthy and no one is mad at anyone and We went to church today and had a nice mass and then went shopping and to eat lunch.... Leo bought me a pretty new jacket, red.... my favorite color with a black fur edged hood... I think its going to keep me warm as its a longer type one....I usually can't find one I like but I found 2 and couldn't make up my mind but I took it too him in another part of the store and he liked the red one best too... Black can be so sad and anyway I have a black coat. I'm glad he liked the red one the best on me too... We agreed on something, yah.... :>)  I thought the jacket I had on was nice and it was warm ~~~~~ until today anyway... I think it was only about 15 for a high today and if it gets colder and I know it will I had to get a warmer jacket... his treat too and he is getting me a bunch of other things for Christmas too. But he likes jackets too and this way when he finds another new one he won't feel guilty buying it...We did buy some new coats last month for the coats for children campaign and I suppose I should give one of my coats away too. This is a bad time of the year for some people, very cold for them. I hope and pray they all have some shelter tonight.
I hope you all are happy, healthy and warm. Sandra

Our Waving Snowman

I'm glad I took a picture of our waving snowman because last night while I was here on my computer someone came and took it away.... I didn't see a thing but we are a little sad today because our Grandchildren didn't even get to see it.... darn darn darn... But what are you going to do. Nothing I guess and be grateful it wasn't something more important..
Its a dreary day today and I wonder if it will snow. I guess the weather man is saying it may snow a little but not a whole lot.
Our son Tom and his wife Cindy came over last night to exchange Christmas gifts. They came a day early so we didn't have anything else ready for them but they are so excited about their trip to Florida starting early in the morning... Cindy had a scare with breast cancer and she found out yesterday it was just a cyst I guess and not to worry and come in in 6 mo and have the test again and Tom had a problem with a colon scope and that is cleared up too so they are going to have a nice 2 week vacation in Florida. I'm happy for them. I got one box of presents out of the living room too, LOL They are bringing Mike and Teri's gifts with them to Florida.
I started my candy making this morning... my easy easy candy making that is. I covered a bag of Almonds with chocolate and am waiting for them to dry so I can do the pretzle ones... rolo candy in the center of a little round pretzel and then after they melt you put a pecan in the center. It should be good and a little tasty.  mmmmm I just read that again and it doesn't sound right but you know I covered each almond and set it on waxed paper... It did take time but was super easy. :)

were back.....

We just got back from the movie(Spanglish) and we both liked it a lot!!!! Im so glad we took time out for a movie. There are lots of good ones at this time of year so Im hoping to go again soon. Its nice to do things together now that fishing is done for awhile. :) So If you are thinking of going to the movie I recommend it.... It is a Good movie and I give it a 9 at least. My kind of movie. 
 We had to go to the store after and didn't think of stopping to eat on the way home then... oh darn. Next time we will though you can be sure. :)  Sandra

Wraping finished

Sweet Charlie is doing something like I would like to be doing... just sitting in a corner and keeping warm. I think I may have to keep my Christmas afgan out all winter as he seems to like it. I just finished wrapping my gifts.... hip hip hooray! Now my bedroom looks clean again! The presents are all in the living room though. Actually I don't use that room very much so that is ok with me... Just so Charlie leaves them alone for about 8 more days.... Now all Im going to do is make a few little pretzel candies and some of the yummy puppy chow and cover some nuts with chocolate and make some hot chocolate to last the season.... I put it in jars and you just have to put a spoonful or so into the cup and add hot water.... Maybe I should get some little marshmallows too ~ what do you think?
  Not much else going on around here. I would like to go to the new movie tomorrow though with Leo.... The one with Adam Sandler called Spanglish I guess. He was on Letterman last night and was very good. He even played the guitar and sang a Warren Zebon song with the band. He was good, I didn't know. :>)
  Cold here today but the sun did shine. Hope its nice by you too, Sandra

Busy Busy Busy

My Grandchildren took an early Christmas picture and sent it to me so I could print it out for the Holidays.. Kevin is my daughter Julie's son and Becky is his wife and the children are Morgan and Brenna. It can't get better than this can it?
I have been very busy lately. Hardly a chance to sit and enjoy my coffee, :>)  Only kidding ~ I always make time for that. Yesterday and the day before we had some shopping to do, grocery ( had to go to different stores so made it a two day affair. :( Now after everything was put away and the laundry was finished  Gary came home and noticed the refrigerator wasn't cold.... so guess what we are doing today. You guessed it just before Christmas we have to get a new refrigerator... It wasn't that old but this is the second time this has happened and we can't let it go on.... So I had to put things in the freezer downstairs and the other things in the garage... good thing its cold outside... hope the milk etc doesn't freeze though. I suppose it won't be delivered tomorrow either...
  My dogs are at the vets this morning getting their Christmas grooming so we have to wait til they are finished to get the refrigerator. I have to get my wrapping finished too because my son Tom and wife Cindy are leaving this week end for Florida to be with son Mike and Teri. My daughter Shari and family may go too so I better wrap all the presents soon. It will be nice to have it finished and won't be hard because I use the bags now in my old age and money cards, lol 
The sun is shinning and it is a nice day ~ although a little windy and pretty darn cold. Hope your day is sunny and happy, Sandra

So, I didn't get a new refrigerator today but mine is nice and clean, inside and outside and its working again too. We had to wait until the dogs were back home to go shopping so Leo decided to take a second look. Yesterday he took one of those appliance brushes for under the refrigerator and stove and washer and dryer and cleaned it underneath.. We figure he went a little too far or I think got carried away as he does when he decides to do something and he must have bent the fan. He opened the back up and saw the fan couldn't move because a blade was bent.He straightened it out and its working just fine now. Its clean too because I couldn't put everything back in when it was not really clean..... Would have been nice to get a brand new one though but oh well, we didn't have to spend about 700 so that was nice wasn't it? :>)  and we don't have to get the old one picked up at the curb and all that kind of stuff either. So I went shopping with my daughter for awhile this afternoon instead.... To Taylor Creek and bought myself 2 more tiny snowmen by Jim Shore... I love his snowmen and santas and angels!!!! I think Shari is getting me one for Christmas because she told me not to get any more. I won't I promise, lol

Brrrr

If you want something to be happy about look at the artic cam in my favorite sites.... no matter what your weather looks like it isn't this bad unless you do live there.... and besides its dark most of the time too... check it out and be grateful.

Hope your having a nice relaxing day today and are finding lots to be happy about,
Sandra

Ps the sun came out and I got busy... the sun sure can give me energy. I had some changing to do in my bedroom and got it done... funny how much dust can get in the back of a dresser that is against a wall on two sides isn't it? Well that is gone now and so are unnecessary things. I wanted my husband to take a unnecessary bar off my dresser so I could make more use of the top... he did and I did... Now Im happy!  Doesn't take much for me but I never liked that bar and it must be 20 some years old so wasn't it time, lol. Now Im finishing watching Dr Wayne Dyer on public tv.... I need to be reminded what he says from time to time... he makes sense to me!  You need to be reminded to be gratefull.
The sun is no longer out but its still here in my mind. :>)

 

Rain, rain go away!

Here is the picture of my decorated tree. I figured I should decorate it as long as Leo brought it up a few days back. Today I wrote out my 40 Christmas cards ( big family) but again I can't find the stickers and I have to get postage so I will probably mail them in a few days. I don't like to mail them too early but I like to know they are ready. One more thing I must do and almost forgot... I always put the snowflakes on the front window that my Mother and I crocheted... also some from a few craft shows... Then I must wrap the presents but I will probably wait a couple more days for that too.  And a couple last minute gifts to buy and then to decide what I should make for Christmas eve and Christmas.... something good and something easy that everyone likes.... Oh boy isn't that a big chore. Its hard because Leo can't eat everything and I want to make sure he can eat whatever I make. So I shall be looking at cooking shows and recipes in the next week.
Its raining today but it is supposed to change to snow. That sounds like trouble to me on a Friday night... ICY ROADS, not good. Hope it stays warm until late tonight when everyone is home and safe. :>)
Hope you are all safe too and looking forward to Christmas. Sandra

SANTAS FOUND

Can you believe..... the Santas are finally found. I was doing a little Christmas shopping and Leo said he would look up in the attic one more time... well he did and they weren't.. He decided to look in the basement just one more time and there they were as big as life in a red and green plastic container. The only trouble was I put a sled in front of them and didn't see the box. It was on the bottom shelf of 3. We have shelves all around the room under where the family room is... Lot of shelf space to look through. I never even knew we had 2 containers like that... When I got home Leo had  it sitting in the middle of the kitchen and it said "Merry Christmas" on it. He thinks now that is another of my Christmas presents, hahaha. I guess thats only fair though isn't it. :)
Hope you had a happy day today, Sandra

Still Looking for Santas

Its frustrating to look and look for something and not find it don't you think? I am getting the basement cleaned a little though. Leo even came down and helped me. I was saving boxes, shoe boxes and collectors boxes... Well I decided they were taking up way too much room and since its the day for recycling tomorrow we tore up all the boxes and put them in 2 big boxes for the curb.... then I found some Christmas things etc that we aren't ever going to use again and we packed them up for St Vincent de Paul.... I had some nice things and some like new  Christmas teddy bears etc etc etc.... almost 10 bags full. Sure hope they make someone happy. Im happy to have the room in the basement. Maybe now I can be neater and find what Im looking for on my shelves... We still have to get rid of quite a few more things but its looking better. BUT WHERE OR WHERE ARE THOSE SANTAS. Very frustrating. I have one more place to look and then I will call it quits. I have two storage areas under my book shelves in the family room, one for pictures and the other for odds and ends. I don't think so but I hope that is where they are. My last chance. Then I have to get busy and finish decorating the tree and wrapping presents and getting the Christmas cards ready to mail out...
I wonder if anyone else has this problem. I save things because I think the "kids" may want it.... I should know better as that never happens. Not anymore anyway. I think its just an excuse because its hard to give some stuff up.... I'm liking neat now better. :)
Today its a rainy day, in fact it rained all night and you would never know we had all that beautiful snow. The only place you can see it now is where the snow plow piled it up... Hope we get some more for Christmas...

"Be a student. Stay open and willing to learn from everyone and anyone.
Being a student means you have room for new imput."

It Snowed last night

We woke up this morning to a beautiful winter scene. Yes we got our first real snowfall last night. Its supposed to rain today so I guess it will melt. Its so pretty this morning that I had to stay up and take pictures.... Leo said, lol He is out there using his snow blower for the first time. It sure doesn't take very long as he is already finished. It is taking him longer to brush off his van. He lets Gary and I use the garage. :)
Not much else to say as Im still thinking of going back to bed. Only had 6 hrs last night. Probably won't be able to sleep any more now though.
Did you watch the movie last night on tv? The Five People you meet in Heaven? I thought it was good only problem ~ too many commercials.
Sandra

Big Bird

This hawk paid us a visit yesterday and allowed me to take pictures from inside before it flew away. I got so excited I forgot to focus my camera properly though and this is the best picture I could get... We are worried about our little dogs when this hawk comes in the yard though so we chased it away. Hope he found what he was looking for in another yard. The little birds didn't seem to mind him being there, wonder if it doesn't like birds.... maybe he eats mice. I hope anything else is off limits.
   I went to the craft sale at church today but didn't find what I was looking for, darn. Now I will have to find another one somewhere or be satisfyed with what I already got.... I did get a couple of things for the kitchen and even got a sloppy joe plate to go... We looked above the garage for Santas and didn't find any. we found some baby clothes and some clothes that wouldn't fit me even in my dreams so off they went to St Vincent de Paul.... Im still looking for the Santas, darn anyway. I really don't NEED them but now I can't stop wondering where they are or if I gave them away too.... Not on purpose though you can be sure of that......
   Leo found his ice shanty up there and he was playing with it and fixing it up and now he is fishing. Its nice and quiet in the house this afternoon. Almost too quiet but when the guys get home on go the tv's first thing so I am enjoying the quiet for awhile.
Did anyone but me enjoy the Nascar banquet last night? I stopped watching just as they were announcing Busch because I really don't like his attitude. I'm  a Jeff Gordon fan and I thought he did so well, didn't you. Imagine and he was not feeling so well after just getting out of the hospital with the flu. I think he gave a better talk sick than most gave feeling well.... thats my boy!  I didn't care for the music though. You would think they could have gotten better... I could have gotten better but someone must have thought it was great. :>) Just wasn't my style.
Hope you are having a nice day, Sandra

"Life presents itself to you and asks nothing of you. You can take Life and swim deliriously through it, or you can fight it. But when you ellect to spend your time fighting it, you can't use the same time to enjoy it."

I finally finished decorating my little tree in my computer room. Its nice to come in here at night with the lights from the tree on. I didn't get finished what I wanted yesterday because Leo decided to get the big tree upstairs and of coarse I had to change things around in the living room and go to the basement and look through boxes. I still have not found the santas I always put on my mantle.... wonder how many boxes I will have to go through. I didn't feel well last year so didn't put them out. I will find them eventually. I haven't been in a hurry but now I am, well sort of anyway. :>) Then I did go grocery shopping and found another little gift for Leo and a Christmas rug for the kitchen.
We got a dusting of snow yesterday and its still on the ground but I imagine it will be gone today if the sun comes out.The roads are clear though so that is a good thing.  Today I think I will do laundry and maybe get back to a little decorating.... maybe. I still have to decorate the tree but Im not in the mood for that today. I will get there sooner or later.
Hope everyone is having a good day today, Sandra

"Don't equate your self-worth with how well you do things in life. You aren't what you do. If you are what you do, then when you don't, you aren't.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOAN

Today is my sister Joan's birthday! If you are reading this Joan I hope you have a fun day.  Here are my Christmas bells and you can actually see them now. I took the picture last night and it worked better. Janice said there was a way to take it but I didn't read the instructions on my camera yesterday. I guess its as easy as moving the little wheel on the camera, maybe I will try that later today, lol
We are still trying to decorate for Christmas but its going slowly. I like the way the house looks nice and cleaned up before the decorating so maybe I won't put everything back after I take the decorations down, who knows. I have way to many pictures on the walls and on tables but what is a mother and grandmother and great grandmother to do... and then there is Peaches, Twinkie and Charlie's pictures too. I guess I will put them all back, but maybe I will take my time, haha
I'm just thinking about it because Im going to take pictures down today and put them away so I can put the nativity set up... Will do that today and finish decorating my little tree and then maybe even go to the store... need laundry soap etc etc etc.... Snow is coming and I would rather not drive the first day of the new snow if I don't have to. People forget how to drive in the snow from year to year I think so I will try to wait until they get it all out of their systems. Always seem to be more accidents than necessary because they forget you have to slow down etc. Well anyway I hope to have a good day. Hope you are going to have a nice one too... Sandra

  Todays quote:
"In a state of joy, you feel full filled and inspired in all facets of your life. In short, gaining freedom from anxiety and stress is a pathway to rejoicing with the field of intention."

I got home just in time.... we are now getting snow. Probably not much but its snowing and Iam very glad Iam home and in the house with my shopping finished.

Beautiful Sunny day

This is the strangest picture.... I was trying to take a picture of my Christmas bells I put on my window and no matter what I did I could not take a good picture to show how the bells really look. It will be a challange now ~ maybe nighttime will be the time I can take the picture. 
We havent gotten any snow yet but its here in Wisconsin so it should be headed our way soon I guess. Milwaukee got some pretty snow yesterday and thats not too far, funny though, its south of us and we should have gotten it first.
Yesterday we got our flu shots finally. We went to a place near us and it was cancelled so I made an appointment at my doctors clinic and we had to wait a month. But we got it now and are all set. We had a nice day after that. We went to Wal Mart and did some shopping. They had a Barbie suitcase I wanted to get for my Grandaughter and I found another little gift for Leo and a couple of gifts for those who find the pickle on the tree. Then we went to a favorite place to eat lunch and to Kmart to look for a christmas throw rug... did not find a rug I liked but we ran into Leo's sister and talked and talked. Have not seen her for a long time. She is always so busy.
So we had a nice day. Just didn't feel like getting groceries so today will do that. Gotta eat I guess. Hope I find some healthy good food today.... I guess I should make out a list.
Hope your day is sunny and happy, Sandra

Pretty day!

83 Days til Daytona 500

I just had to add the cars... and am counting down til the first race. 83 days doesn't seem so bad but then when you figure out its less than 12 weeks it is even better. Or you could go with the months and its then down to less than 3 months... and then if you go to the championship race in France its even less.:>)

Iam still trying to work on my diet although Thanksgiving did set me back a little........ or.......... back to square one as they say.
I saw this card with these words written  that Iam saving on my desk.....
"You've been provided with a perfect body to house your soul for a few brief moments in eternity. so regardless of its size, shape, color, or any imagined infirmities, you can honor the temple that houses you by eating healthyfully, exercising, listening to your body's needs, and treating it with dignity and love. "
Sounds to me like it may be a good place to start over. I figure Monday is always a good starting day, don't you? :>)
I found some cute Jim Shore snowmen in the mall yesterday and I got myself 3... I really love them and today guess what? good ole QVC had him on and I bought 2 more. I just loved them and couldn't pass them up. They will make my winter I think and put some pretty color in the house. Now I have to go into my boxes of stuff and see what I can give away. Iam sure there are a lot of things someone can use and I won't be so I will share. I have way too much Christmas stuff  for one person but I do get tired of it after so many years. I saved because times were so tough when we were young and raising a family. They don't seem to be that way anymore. Maybe we have just learned some things aren't necessary. I know, I know that these cute snowmen aren't necessary but they are pretty and I like pretty things. So I will share the others and won't feel so bad getting some nice new things for myself. I won't get to many this year so I can add as I go along. Im sure I will like them for a long time. I will keep them out all winter, Probably til Easter time when I can put my bunnies etc out...
Hope you are having a happy day. Sandra

My little tree

Good Morning,
As you can see by the picture I started putting my tree up in my computer room. I got the tree up and noticed that one of the legs it was standing on was broken so I got some masking tape and "fixed" it. (tree skirt will cover it) then starting to fluff it out and fix the lights but it just wasn't working so I took the lights off and fixed all the branches and put the lights back on. I got some ribbon hangers from K mart and started putting those on all the ornaments. It was fun and now I won't have to look for the hangers anymore when they fall off. the ribbon hangers are from K mart ( good ole Martha)
Here is a quote for today and then Im off to get ready for church and our shopping trip. :) No game today and no race so we will take our time...... I guess we won't have a choice as its probably going to be crowded at the stores today... Have a fun day!
Sandra
"Personal rewards multiply when you're focused on giving rather than receiving. Fall in love with what you're doing, and then "sell" that feeling of love, enthusiam, and joy generated by your efforts."

Laundry day

I just wanted to add a little entry today because I don't want to be reminded of that turkey everytime I come in my journal, haha
I already have it in my mind what to do next year.. and it won't be a tough turkey or probably not any turkey.. I figure you should be really thankful and eat something you really like. Thats why I like Christmas better because I never made it a habit of making the same thing every year.
  Today I did my laundry and straightened the house and I got 14 gifts in the mail ~ didn't have to go to the mall on black Friday. The other day I got more in the mail so now I just have to get something for my young grandaughter and my 2 greatgranddaughters and I expect that will be fun. Then I can look around and see what else to get for Leo and decorate the house.  I am finally learning not to stress myself out so much. I will enjoy it more.
Today I ordered a fishing calendar for Leo. One that tells about what the weather was like on each day this year and gives room to write what it will be next year and where the fish are biting in Wisconsin on any given day... He should like it and I should get benefits too about the weather etc. He says his snow blower is his Christmas gift this year but I am finding little things for him to open too. Hope you will have fun getting ready for Christmas too.

It's that time, again
The days are getting shorter now.
I feel a snow flake on my brow.
The leaves are crackling as I run, (I walk)
The squirrels' searching almost done,
The turkey's restless in the pen,
Oh! No! I see my breath again!
It makes a person take a pause
And think about old Santa Claus!!!!
            Grandpa Tucker
                          1996

Hope the day is a good one, Sandra

Turkey

Thanksgiving meal is finished.... I decided I don't even like turkey. That must be the reason I don't like making the dinner for everyone anymore. This year I got this small turkey, about half the size I usually get and it was dry and tasted like it was wild turkey, blah. I used to get it at my neighborhood store and that is gone so I tried a different brand and I did not like it one bit. I had it in the oven for over 7 hours at 350 and that should have been enough for 11 #'s but it tasted tough and not moist even if there were plenty of juices at the bottom. but I did find something that worked like a charm if I should evera want to make or have to make a turkey again. you put large whole carrots on the bottom instead of a rack and its much easier getting it out of the pan and no rack to clean. I alwo found out I love pumpkin fluff. :) so it wasn't all bad and we have a nice looking pumpkin pie I made just waiting for a plate and whipped cream. So I guess it wasn't all bad. I also found out we like cresent rolls from Pillsbury too, and I got a great buy on some nice jumbo olives. But the turkey :( I had to wash my hands several times to get the smell off. I hope you had a good turkey or whatever you like for Thanksgiving. I think Iam turning more and more into a vegetarian. Probably a good homemade bowl of chicken vegetable soup and crackers with pumpkin pie would have suited me better. hahaha

John Scalzi's # 36

John finally has a weekly assignment I can do. He wanted to know what to do with the change he had in a cup on his desk, and also a pic of what we put our change in. I put mine in this cute little kitty bank I found while shopping in one of my favorite stores. It isn't nearly full yet though so I haven't a clue as to what to do with the money... vacation money maybe or a day trip to my favorite store to get something to match? Now as for John, I say he should do something special with the family. If you like movies John there should be a good one to take your wife and daughter too ( a funny Christmas one) and get them all the candy and popcorn that their hearts desire... or whatever they have at the movies where you live) Hows that for a good fun day? You could also get one of the new blow up Santa's or snowmen for your front yard this holiday season or maybe 2. I think you should do something fun and the next time it gets full your daughter can decide what she wants to do with it.... tell her far enough in advance so she can think about it and wait with excitement as to when the cup will be full.... she may even add some of her own change from time to time to hurry it up.

a little bit of fun

We had a bit of fun today after we got the groceries for tomorrow and everything was in order in the house. Leo put the snowman up. We bought it than took it back and bought it again and then took it back and the third time is supposed to be the charm because we got it again today and Leo put it up right away. It is so cheery and I love snowmen so much. Its arm waves to everyone that passes and to the children in the house accross the street. We got it up while it was still easy ~ the ground is not frozen and it has not snowed yet either. Besides I was in so much pain last year at Christmas time and before and after that I couldn't enjoy Christmas, this year I hope to make the best of all of the stages of the season. It can't start too early or last too long for me. When we have to take the lights down it will be a long snowy winter and a waiting time for spring and my flowers again. So I will make the best of this. And then it will be a time for Leo to use his brand new snow blower and me to take pictures of the beautiful snowy days. So this is a nice beginning of the winter... Its getting very cold out now here in Wisconsin... and will be getting colder ~ I have not worn my winter jacket yet but I probably will tomorrow if I go out at all.  Hope everyone will have a beautiful and happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the parade and football if that is your choice.
Sandra

Little poem

                           Giving Thanks

For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,
For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,
For the sun and the dew and the sweet honey comb,
For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home--
                  Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land,
For the cunning and strength of the working mans hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendshop that hope and affection have brought--
                  Thanksgiving! Thannksgiving!

For the homes that with purest affection are blest,
For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest,
For our country extending from sea unto sea:
The land that is known as the "Land of the Free"--
                  Thanksgiving! Thansgiving!
                                    author unknown

I'm getting ready to prepare a nice dinner for my husband and son and whoever else shows up. I bought the turkey today and a few other things but tomorrow will be a busy day with making the pies and stuffing and making sure the darn bird is thawed out.... Even if its a small one I think Im a day behind. Oh well, I will get it all done and we will have a nice dinner... :>)
I spent most of the day today cleaning my family room. It wasn't so bad but I wanted to take things off the shelves and mantle to get ready for the Christmas and winter decorations. I can't believe how much Im getting done. I even put a Christmas record on that was nice.
Leo went fishing  because it was a beautiful warm day today... think the high was 48. that could be the last of our warm weather so he put the blue icicle lights on the house. He still has to put the lights on the blue spruce in the back garden. I like that one the best because I see it the most. letting the dogs in and out and getting a drink of water etc etc. I always hate to see the lights come off because that is the part of winter that seems to drag on and on... Maybe this will be a good winter and I will get some of my projects finished and even get a chance to put some puzzles together and read some wonderful books.
  I hope you all had a nice day today too and are looking forward to the season, Sandra

Cleaning

The Packers won another in the last minutes of the game. I believe Brett loves the excitement.
I was thinking of putting a small Christmas tree up in my computer room but first I had to do some major cleaning. Who likes to clean I wonder? Well the cleaning is mostly finished and maybe tomorrow my husband will get the tree down from above the garage and I will put it up and decorate it early. It will be nice to come in here with the lights on the tree etc. Cleaning got someone some nice things I believe because I took out 10 bags of Clothes etc. Things I have not used in awhile and I think someone else can get some use out of. I don't know how it happens but I have more than I can use in 2 lifetimes. Its actually fun to send it off to someone else. Some darn nice things too but How can I use so much. Its a lot neater in here now and I am going to benefit from that. Now if I only remember not to bring so much stuff in. Ive had it both ways ... too little and too much. Too little is easier to clean, lol
My diet went well too because while I was cleaning I didn't think of eating. So I lost the pound I gained after starting my diet and 1.5 more. Not bad. I should have enough incentive now to stick with it. would be nice to spend the summer gardening without huffing and puffing.
Hope your day is going well, Sandra

Good Morning,

Its a cloudy day here in Green Bay and looks like we will be getting rain... not snow. We are all ready for the snow though if it should happen to come.Everything is put away and cut back or pulled out etc etc etc. Leo even put lights on the evergreens in the front already. We won't turn them on though until after Thanksgiving sometime. Its just that its so much easier to put them on before it snows.
The above picture is one I put in my calendar. I thought the clover and the spots on the deer was pretty and it kinda matches doesn't it.
Yesterday I started a diet and gained a pound.... what do you think of that? It's just not fair is it. My husband knows I retain water and it has been very humid so he says its a water gain... I will go along with that but cut back some more I guess. I thought I would have lost a half because I did cut back and worked outside yesterday plus went shopping ~ I guess I have to try harder or just not weigh myself everyday. Anyone else picking this time of the year to start a diet? But if I don't I will really be chubby by the first of the year. Seems I am always dieting but I will hang in there. Wish me luck. I need all the "luck" I can get.
Hope your having a nice day today!  sandra

The Making of a Calendar

I spent all day yesterday on the computer and looking for pictures I have taken during the last year to make a calendar. You have no idea how many pictures I had to go through to do this and then take them off the disk and put them into the site. It looks like it will be a good one though. All the pictures are of Animals and if this turns out I have one with flowers waiting to be sent out. I hope it turns out nice so I can have a new hobby. Wish I would have thought of it sooner as it would have made nice Christmas presents at a fair price too. darn. Deborah you did remind us of this awhile back and I put it in the back of my mind. Christmas is coming so fast now that I want to do things like this for everyone.... darn darn darn. Maybe I can do early for next year ... well as soon as they will do the 2006 calendars.
  Hope everyone is having a nice day today!  Sandra
This picture is one I want to put on the cover of my next calendar.

Just a cloudy Monday

I just had to add another picture of the ducks and then its the last I guess. I love ducks! :>) This picture turned out so good I just can't believe it. I printed one out and it looks like a professional picture postcard. Not that Im bragging its just the camera doing its job and the ducks were all looking at me because I had some corn to feed them.
  After church yesterday we went for breakfast and then shopping at Kohls. They had a nice sale and I got a coupon in the mail for another 30% off so I had to go... got 2 christmas presentsand a few other things. Came home to watch the race( got pretty exciting) and the Packer game after the race. It was an early race and a late game. The Packer game got exciting too. We were winning and then the Vikings tied it up and we got the ball at the end and made a field goal to win ... wow. High scoring game too. One to talk about for awhile for the guys I guess.Thats all they seem to talk about in Green Bay, now that the election is over that is. Aren't you glad its over? I just hated getting all those phone calls and junk mail. Didn't like how it turned out but sure am glad its all over.
Now I have to go and get some work done. Have a good day and hope the health issues are getting better for my friends in Georgia and Tenn. God Bless.  Sandra

Beautiful sunny day

I wanted to take a picture of my Christmas Cactus this morning and Charlie had to come and see what I was doing... Aren't cats great. I couldn't have gotten him to pose like that if I tried. I had the cactus outside all summer and when I brought it in I put it in this big pot ( couldn't find the right size) and a week or so later it started to get buds. I thought I was going to have to throw this plant away but its getting pretty now. I guess all it wanted was some fresh air and a bigger pot, :>)
  I still don't think I want to do Thanksgiving this year... I have done it and done it and I think its time for a nice long break. I have done it every year since we were married except for the 2 first years when we go invited somewhere else. It was fun in the beginning but after the kids started getting married and having kids, well it was still fun but every year it seems to have gotten harder and harder and I got pooped out to put it bluntly. You see I always do everything and with feeding 24 its just too much. Thats why noone else does it because its too much. I still haven't told the kids though so we shall see.
Today I got caught up on all my mending. Leo surprised me with 5 pair of jeans he said he wanted shortened and I did 3 pairs of pants for me and made 2 little pillows. Now I have to go to the store and get Gary a tape he wants for his birthday today and see what I can come up with for cake and ice cream for him. Leo went fishing of coarse.... Its cold out but nice and sunny and he said fishing is coming to an end and he wants to see his friends and catch another fish or two...
So that is our day so far. Hope the sun is shinning for you too, Sandra

Getting Cooler

I thought I would add a few more pictures of the Wild Life Sanctuary.
Its easier putting them all in this way and I can add more
pictures. Teri is back in Orlando now and we miss her already.
Now our weather is cooling off. It held out until after she left.
The same thing happened when Mike was here in September we got such beautiful weather then too.
My kids want me to have Thanksgiving here again this year but its so much work. I didn't have it last year and I guess they missed it. 24 people in my house is a lot all at once and I don't know if I can keep my composure for a whole day of that... I'm trying to talk myself into it. My daughter says she would help but she doesn't even cook at home... her husband does all the cooking. Iam torn ...... We shall see I guess.

Wild Life Sanctuary

I went to the Wild Life Santuary yesterday with my daughter Shari and Daughter in law from Florida, Teri. We had a lot of fun and took a lot of pictures. My camera dial moved from Auto to Program though so all the pictures didn't turn out. I'm going to have to check that more often I guess. About 50 pictures did turn out though so I got lucky. We had corn to feed the ducks and as soon as they saw that they were all over us... look at the late comer flying in for a treat. One of them was so anxious he even took a piece out of  my hand... It kinda surprised me. Anyway it was a beautiful sunny day. I think the last time I was there was with Teri about 6 years ago. I miss doing all this fun stuff with her. Wish she and Mike would come home to live again... At least now they both know they are wanted. They do like the warm weather in Florida though so time will tell.
Did anyone see the Northern Lights the last 2 nights? I didn't see the most spectacular part but I did see the lights. They were very colorful this time. Most times I see them I only see the white lights... Hope you saw them too. 
Sandra

Beautiful Sunny day

This is the sweatshirt I got myself at the craft show yesterday... it fits perfect and I have been wearing it every chance I can get already... I also got My Great Grandaughter a winnie the Pooh and a blanket to match. Its so soft and cuddly I couldn't pass it up for a birthday present for her. We are going to her party the 15 and I didn't know what to get her.. It was meant to be. I had given her a smaller winnie the pooh and winnie the pooh books when she was born and her daddy reads it to her almost every night. Now this one will be so soft and cuddly and will get her into the mood for sleeping. So I got 2 really nice things and then I took my Daughter, Shari and Daughter in law out for lunch and we had a special day. Lots of talking and laughing and reminiseing. It was also a nice sunny warm day.
Today after church we went to look for a pasta maker for Teri for Christmas but I couldn't find one. I ended up looking in the QVC site and found one there. She loves pasta and especially home made but doesn't always take the time to make it from scratch because of rolling with a rolling pin... I thought she would have fun with the machine... I hope anyway.
Rich and Carley were here yesterday and today after we got home... Carley played with the neighbor girls almost all afternoon so I didn't have to entertain her like yesterday.... That reminds me I found some cute Barbie clothes for her at the craft show yesterday, Now maybe I can find her the perfect suitcase to put them in and some more at another show. She has so many dolls that I believe this is the way to go... No doubt Rick or her mother will get her yet another doll. :) She does like to dress them and play house with them etc. So that is 2 presents out of 22 ~ Well, its a start anyway. haha  Still plenty of time left but the hardest part is deciding what to get.
Hope you also are having a beautiful day, Sandra
Opps, I repeated myself from yesterday. :(  I forgot I had an entry. Thats what happens when I get busy and excited I guess... Sorry

Good Morning. So far its kinda cloudy here in Green Bay and cool. We are still having nice weather for November. It has been in the 50's and thats good. Yesterday I went outside and cut back my hydrangeas and got the roses ready for winter... still have to add some mulch around them though. I was so engrossed in my work I didn't see the birdhouse hanging and bumped my head pretty good... is getting better already today though so no harm done. When I came in to eat John Kerry was coming on tv to concede. He is a good man and I am sorry how it turned out. The only good thing I noticed ~ no junk mail yesterday and no phone calls on the answering machine... what a plesent relief.
I have a feeling noone is going to be able to read this. too darn small and I set the type at 14... sorry
Hope you have a very happy day!  Sandra
I just got this picture of Carley that was taken on Halloween... she sure looks different with brown hair and braids, doesn't she... I think for now I like her natural blonde hair better but I think she had a good time anyway.... :>)

Charlie and Twinkie

My poor little Twinkie has tears in his eyes because I used a flash... I usually don't but it was such a dreary day today... I don't think I will again especially if he is looking right at the camera. I felt like a meanie but put the picture in anyway because he is just so sweet.
 I spent the day today putting the Halloween things away and doing laundry.... Tomorrow we will go to vote and if the sun is shinning I will do a little more work outside... I guess I won't be finished until the snow flies. I always seem to find more to do but its nice to get fresh air every day too.
I hope whoever you vote for wins and I hope who we vote for wins too... is that possible? I hope we are all voting and voting for the same person, lol
Sandra

Know that the right people, things, jobs, books, pets____ everything ___ will arrive to assist you in every aspect of your life.

VOTE...... VOTE......VOTE....VOTE.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Happy Halloween ! 
Hope you get a lot of little goblins at your door... I just love seeing how cute they all are don't you? We are going to a Packer Party at my daughters house but the goblins won't be coming until 5 so we should be able to cover it all... It should be a fun day... Hope everyone has a fun day and evening too. It looks like Halloween around here with most the leaves off the trees already... Some of the Maples in the neighborhood still have their pretty yellow leaves though so its still pretty.... November is coming too soon I say... Im still waiting for summer, :>)

Sandra
  Oh, I almost forgot, a friend of mine sent me a quince in the mail the other day and I was wondering if anyone had any recipes for quince... I didn't like eating it raw so I added a little water and sugar and put the pieces in the microwave for 3 min and it was good that way but was wondering if anyone knew more... Its brand new to me.

Warm and Foggy morning

My Grandaughter Mindy and her friend Alex went to a Halloween party last night... Mindy the french maid and Alex the Butler who did it... It says I killed him in fake blood on the towel, haha I hope they had fun but I bet it was fun just dressing up... Oh to be young like that again...
Its warm here again in Green Bay today but right now is very foggy. I hope it lifts and we get a little sun. I cleaned off the patio yesterday and put most of the things away but the table and 2 chairs are still there for me to have lunch today...
There isn't much else to say today.... Teri (Mike's wife) and I talked already this morning and she is happy to be home and on vacation... I probably won't see her until Sunday at the party though... It will be a good day Iam sure... Sandra

Rain again

Its another rainy day.... Now I don't have to decide what to do. I know I can finish cleaning my closet( I just did) and I know I can go shopping but I will not be working in the yard. Its not really important anymore to do any yard work though. We just have to put away the table and chairs and a few little odds and ends we had to decorate... most of it is put away already. I remember many years we had snow by Halloween not much but it sometimes starts then... I will be ready... I heard yesterday if there isn't any frost when we get a full moon in Oct. it won't freeze until the one in November... we have had frost already this year so I wonder what thats all about? Anyone know?
I just thought of another thing I have been ignoring... under my bed I have a large box of craft items... I will clean that out and give lots away and only keep what I have used in the last 2 years.... unless its something expensive, you know like an engraver etc... Thats something that you don't always use be its nice to have... Maybe I will hang some of these things by the workbench downstairs.... I have to talk sweetly to Leo and see if its all right ( its his workbench I guess) LOL
Mike's wife, Teri is going to be in Green Bay tomorrow. She will stay with her Dad then her sister and then her Mother for the first part of her vacation and then next week she will stay with my daughter Julie... She is going to cheat and come by us on Sunday though and Julie is going to have a big Packer party.... There won't be a game the next Sunday I guess and Teri is happy about the party so thats good... Shari and I and Teri are going to go to a couple of craft shows while she is here next week.... don't know if Julie will go or not. She doesn't really like craft sales so we shall see. Anyway it will be nice to see her again.
Have a nice day, Sandra
"Keep a solid picture of the task you want to accomplish in your mind, and refuse to let that intention disappear.

beautiful sunny fall day!

I guess Carley figures she had to stand on the sofa because she wanted to get the picture in. At least she took her shoes off first... lol. She was over to keep me busy Sat and Sun afternoon with son Rick. Now I won't see her for 2 weeks, so I have time to rest up. :)

I have been  cleaning my room and basement as I go down there... basement just as I see something I don't want down there anymore and today I got my dresser drawers cleaned, finally. Just clothes etc I use so I won't have to dig for what I want... Its a good thing!  :)Now I only have that one half of a shelf in the closet.... it has some boxes filled with I don't remember what so I will check that out tomorrow and be finished in there...oops I think i have a box of craft stuff under the bed that must be sorted though.... havent used some in awhile so its time to share I think.... Its such a good feeling to have time finally  to clean up the house... I still do have a few things to do in the yard and its a beautiful day yet so maybe I will get out there .... Iam also doing laundry so this is a busy Monday...
Hope you are having a nice Monday too, sandra
P. S. My son Rick took this picture, not me but with my camera
Well, I made it outside afterall. I put the last load in the dryer and went out to play.... it was so warm and nice I was humming to myself while I was taking the vines off the fence for another year. It only took a little over an hour so that was just a nice time outside in the fresh air...I'm already looking forward to them to start growing in the spring, haha...
quote for my day:  There's no actual stress or anxiety in the world;
it's your thoughts that create these false beliefs.

Thunderstorm today

My son Rick came over today with his daughter, Carley. She is happily selling candy bars for her dance class. Of coarse we bought some and also one for her... It was raining so hard when they got here that they couldn't get out of the car for 10 minutes and then it started to rain again for awhile... Pretty hard too and we got over an inch of much needed rain... I went out when the sun was shinning and it was still raining but couldn't find a rainbow.... strange. We played some games and she rode her bike down the hill and had a good time today... so did I... when my son left he said she keeps you young doesn't she, lol   She wears me out is what she does but she is a good girl (most of the time) :>)..Before she came I had cleaned more in my closet and got a bag full of shoes for St V's.... I only have a half of a shelf to do and Im finished.... Of coarse some of the clothes came from plastic boxes I had in storage in the basement so I have been cleaning the basement and everything else as I go along.... Its getting nice though if I may say so myself.... I just hope I can keep it nice now.... Stop buying clothes I think for awhile... someone said they give something away for everything they buy.... That might be hard now that I have given so much away but Im going to try that.I get bored easy and like something new to wear too often. If it was New Years that could be my resolution, lol
hope you had a nice day today too and tomorrow is even nicer, Sandra

cloudy windy day

We got a new bird feeder the other day at Fleet Farm... It was on sale for $12.  Its a very nice one too and is made of a heavy metal and painted nice.... with a cable to raise and lower to lift the top to add seed.... I guess they were closing out and making way for snow shovels etc... I think its pretty by the window and the birds really like it but as soon as I got my camera they all left but this cute little sparrow... there were finches and chickidees before.... Today after I brought more clothes to the St Vincent DePaul bins I went to Steins and got some burlap and bulb fertilizer. I will use the burlap to wrap my roses up for winter and then I will put some soil around them... this worked for me the last couple of years so I guess I will do it again.... not fun but I love the roses I have... some don't need it but some do....
 Tomorrow or next week Leo and I are going to put everything away that needs it and be finished once and for all of the yard work for this year... Really there isn't very much left and maybe even later I will have to get out there and cut the mums back but not yet as they are still blooming.
I have been listening lately to Dr Wayne Dyer and I find him  very interesting.... He has a wonderful way of looking at everything....
Hope you are Happy too, Sandra

Beautiful Day

This is my sweet little Great Grandaughter Brenna Marie. It was her first Professional picture and she is so shy her mother had to take her there 3 times but was it ever worth it... Look at those big beautiful blue eyes.... and those chubby little fingers and that button nose..... I love babies. She will be 1, November 15th.
We started the day in a very dense fog but it lifted around 9 and we got a beautiful sunny day ~ I paid my bills and went grocery shopping and just enjoyed the day and forgot about my fall house cleaning for a day ~ maybe 2 as someone told me we will have another nice sunny day in the 60's tomorrow.
Oh and Leo said he found a place for the snow blower.... only feet from the garage door ready to use... It is in the space between my car and the wall and there is still room to walk past it..... not the best place but it works. He only got red paint on my white car once so far, lol Now I need some blue and I will be set for election day haha   He was taking it off the car as I was walking out the door... I guess I came out a minute too soon, lol.
Hope you are having sunny days too, Sandra

another nice cloudy day

Wouldn't it be fun to go on a haunted hay ride. I still have awhile for someone to ask me... somehow I don't think Leo would want to go but I'm for it if he is.
Today was cloudy all day but it got up to 60 and I didn't know what to do first so I did something of everything... Its amazing how much is still to be done though. I started putting my summer clothes away yesterday and cleaning out my closets and did more of that today... I am almost finished with putting my summer things away and bringing clothes to the mission church. 2 more big bags full and 2 to St Vincent DePauls.... Its a good feeling but Iam so tired again because I also worked in the yard a bit. I had to put pots away and move my bakers rack. I decided to keep it in the back way by the fence and put some bird houses on it and anchor it down with some big rocks for the winter... It should stay ok there and I will be able to shovel the patio easier without it sitting there. 
Leo went to the store and came back with a snowblower.... now all we have to do is figure out where to put the darn thing... I asked him about that before he went but he said he would find somewhere for it.... Ya right. we have a small 2 stall garage with 2 cars in it and a small refrigerator and our garbage containers ( big ones)  We also have a nice size church pew in there.... Now he is saying the only place for it is where my car is..... so he has it all put together and isn't about to take it back  and Iam too tired to figure it out tonight.... I gave him a few ideas but it didn't seem like he liked any of them. I will let you know... he really does like his toys. We do have a small shed in the back but he has a regular lawn mower and a big riding mower plus odds and ends in there already.... And you know even if its a small 5 horse power one it is heavy and hard to move around... and it doesn't fold up anywhere... I wonder if any of them do but its too late now isn't it.... :>) And I will bet because we have one finally there will not be much snow all winter either... boy do I ever sound like a complainer tonight... ;>)  I guess it will get taken care of and we will be happy we got it. I will probably keep you posted as the days go by.
I hope you had a fun day too, Sandra

cloudy day

Looking back at these pumpkins makes me think I should have gotten myself one... maybe I can copy one of these faces on a pumpkin I have.... it doesn't look very hard does it?
  My husband is busy picking up the leaves, ours are almost gone now but you know the neighbors still have leaves and they seem to stop by our yard to say hello, lol
I didn't do much today, just the laundry and while I was doing that I decided I had way to many clothes for just one person so I baged up 3 bags of shirts and slacks and sweaters and 1 bag of shoes... I brought them to our church porch where they will box them and send them to our mission church in the south somewhere... can't remember the name. then came home and ate and baged up 2 more and sent one to St Vincents DePauls and the other is ready to be brought to church... it feels good to give them away and also helps me clean out my closet and storage.
  So now I have to go and see what my dogs are barking about and then make supper I guess...
Hope everyone had a nice day today, Sandra

Dreary Day

You can tell by this picture where our minds are in Wisconsin can't you? Its not winter yet and I heard  we may still be getting some warmer days this week.
I took Peaches and Twinkie to the groomers today... should have taken a picture but they were so happy to be home and so tired I just left them alone. They are so pretty and smell so sweet now. I like to take them there especially because I can't cut their nails without getting too frustrated.... that alone makes it worth taking them ~ had to have them there by 7 this morning though and its just getting  light out at 7... when are they ever going to remove that darn daylight saving time ..... :>)  So I went shopping and bought one of the blow up snowmen for winter.... It seems to be the thing to get lately... Our neighbors have a big ghost in their yard now....Anything for a bit of fun I say and the kids will like it too I'm sure...
Hope your all having a nice evening.... Sandra

Beautiful Sunny Sunday

Here is a pair of scarecrows in their Sunday go to meeting clothes.. Aren't they a cute couple...
The wind died down and the sun came out today and its a happy day.... After Church we went shopping as usual and then came home around noon to watch the Packer game.... It's half time now and the Packers are winning... I wish it was the end of the game and the Packers won. That would mean their losing streak was over but the game is very close 17-10 so anything could happen now.
I have to rest up one more day and then I really must put my summer clothes away and look for some to give to our mission church... I have too many and they need them so it will be good for us both. I will get my house cleaned and they will get something new to wear. Can't do better than that can you.
Not much else to talk about today, Just hope you all have a nice day, Sandra
Oh, before I forget to tell you about the huge pumpkins..... They grow them for fun you could say.  They have a  lot of room to grow them and they see who can grow the biggest pumpkin as there is a contest every year. I don't think you can  even eat these. They got their first seed from relatives in another country( think Holland, but not sure) and now they use their own seeds. She told me you can buy this kind of seed in the store now.... I believe the name on the package is Dills giant pumpkin seed. I suppose they open them and take out the seeds and let the rest in the garden for the deer etc.  Usually they just rot otherwise and make mulch in the ground.....

My daughter

Today its downright cold out. I think its probably about 45* and its raining leaves.... It rained last night and a lot of the leaves came down and now today they are falling with the wind.... It is still pretty but a lot of the leaves are gone... I think by Halloween we will be lucky to see any leaves but November starts winter around this area so its to be expected... We will get a few more days of nice weather though I think and we will be able to finish cleaning the windows outside and I can take the vines off the fence.... that is always the last thing I do and it makes the dogs happy because they can see more and boy do they and they usually bark at all the new things they see.... Thats how I get my fresh air in the winter because I don't like them to bother the neighbors and I usually have to go out and bring them in.... Happy days are coming again, lol
Anyway the picture is of my daughter and one of the bigger pumpkins at the Pumpkin Place.... I will always remember this beautiful fun day.
Hope your leaves are pretty and life is good, Sandra

My Friend and I

Here is another picture from the Farmhouse. How do you like my new friend? ;>)
Today is a cloudy day and its sprinkling a little but I did manage to go grocery shopping and come home and work in my back garden.... The one with the Hostas ~~I have it all cleaned up and raked so don't have to think all winter of having work to do there.... It does look nice and I also tied up the grape vines to the fence.... I usually cut them back but Janice said she leaves hers on the fence and she always has such beautiful grapes so I decided to follow her example... I did get a few bunches on mine but when I went back to pick them they were gone.. I suppose the bird's, squirrels or the boy next door got a treat.... I hope they were good. I know when I have eaten them in the past they were delicious... they are the green seedless variety. Maybe next year I will get more and we all can share.
I hope everyone's day is happy, Sandra

Winter is coming

Oh what fun we had.... we saw pumpkins and pumpkins and more pumpkins and lots of squash and goards and hay and corn stalks and many darling and also ugly scarecrows.... Wish all my journal friends and my sisters could have been there too and then maybe we would even have gone on a hay ride.... wouldn't that be a blast.
Today its only about 50 for a high and there are talks of rain and snow mixed coming our way.... I only have a few more things to do out in the yard so am not very worried. Today was Leo's birthday so we just relaxed and went out for lunch and just a little shopping at the garden center.... they have Halloween decorations and are getting more and more Christmas decorations out.... almost ready to put the lighted and decorated trees out back..... Even if it was a cool cloudy day it was a nice day.  Hope you all had a happy day too, Sandra

Weather man was wrong

The weather man was wrong, Goody Goody for me!  Hehe  I even got to cut back a huge rose bush that was tied to the fence... Its a hardy bush and still had one or two blossoms on it....
My daughter, Shari had an afternoon off today so she came to get me to take a ride in the country to see the fall colors and go to the 2 pumpkin patches along the way. It was a perfect afternoon for that too. The weatherman said it would be rainy and cold but we got lucky! 
I will be putting in more pictures of our little trip as it gets closer to Halloween. We even had an icecream cone at the Farmhouse ( an old farmhouse converted into an ice cream parlor and place to eat.... very cute but I didn't take a picture of the house... Its a two story white farm house that is about 100 years old and just painted white all over and decorated really cute with little crafts for sale in the front room..
  Don't forget to watch the debate tonight... I hope its a good one for Kerry!

Last warm fall day?

Today we finished most of the work in the yard... not all mind you but the stuff that had to be cleaned up before we get snow... Tomorrow and the day after its supposed to rain and then it will only get into the 40's and 50's for the next week and then maybe colder so..... Leo painted the porch railing and I cleaned up the plants around the patio. So we do need the rain and I need some rest, so it will be welcome.
   Before we did our work we went to Home Depot to get the smaller pie pumpkins to set around the front yard... only 59c each and I also got a pot of Johnny jump ups because they were on sale and so pretty  ( Leo pulled out the ones I had babied all summer. He thought he was doing a good clean up I guess) They were only 99c. We went shopping early because it was still cold and wet on the grass etc..
   Hope you all have a nice day tomorrow, Sandra
Opps, I forgot to tell you this is a picture of my favorite rose bush... Isn't it nice that its still blooming next to the porch? Its protected here from the frost.

I'm sorry this is written so small, I have it set for 18 and it just doesn't get any bigger for some reason....

Another nice day

I was busy cleaning up my gardens in the backyard today but before I started I took a few pictures. One of the mum plants hasn't bloomed yet but there are buds... I think it better hurry because the cold days are coming faster and faster now... I think I only have one more day of sun and in the 60's left... I will try to finish the majority of my work so I don't have to do it with freezing hands.. I took the tomato plants out today too and picked the green ones off. I only got 5 nice big tomatoes this year and about 7 green ones I hope will get red... they are a little yellow. It was the worst season I have ever had for tomatoes but the ones I have are nice and no bite marks of anykind on them... 
  So tonight Iam very tired but I have to gear up for another day... It will be a great feeling to have it all cleaned up for another year.
  I hope everyone is still enjoying nice days and sunny skys, Sandra

Beautiful Fall Day

Its a beautiful fall morning! I was looking outside at my birch tree this morning and the sun was shinning on it and I had to get a picture... It was so beautiful. Some falls the tree doesn't completly change I think because it gets cold too fast but this year its beautiful. Last night the weather man said it had already snowed last year by the first of October so we are ahead of the game... It sounds like we are only going to get about a week of nice weather before it starts to gradually get cold.... Usually by Halloween we are wearing winter coats... Yesterday it was warm enough not to wear any coat. The roses are still blooming and I need to take another picture of my favorite rose bush before it really freezes.
Yesterday my grandaughter came over and she was so full of energy you wouldn't believe.... She is already doing tricks on her bike... What a girl and in the house she was the school teacher and I was the student. I don't have to find much for her to do as she has a good imagination and gets me exercising even.... that is a good thing! She was also jumping on my new sofa... She won't make a habit of this I'm sure but she just had to see if I would let her.... Her mother is very strict and she knows Gramma is not... I want her to have happy memories.
So now Iam on my way to church.... Got a late start today because of the pictures and all the beauty in the yard.... I suppose I will be able to watch only 1/2 of the race today. Packers aren't playing so that is also a good thing. Its too beautiful of a day for everyone to be inside watching a game when we all should be outside enjoying the beautiful day.
I hope your day is beautiful too, Sandra

My Charlie

Charlie is a special cat. Maybe Leo wouldn't think so though after last night. I leave this window open for him at night and last night he woke up thinking he heard a baby crying and looked all around and finally came in here and Charlie was on the inside looking out at another cat that was on the ledge right outside the window..... Charlie is fixed so I really can't figure out what was going on.... Charlie has never acted like he wasn't fixed but last night he wanted to get out..... Hope this doesn't happen again... when he got out this morning he just acted like normal and I brought him back in a few minutes later.... Leo said it was a beautiful cat on the other side of the window.... He didn't wake me though and I told him next time he should wake me... Instead he figured as long as he was up and it was almost 4 he decided to go fishing, What fun our furry friends give us, huh?
I emptyed up my ftp space of pictures and I could get some pictures in again. Now I will have to be taking more pictures again I guess..... I was a little frustrated trying to find out what was wrong with my computer and now everything that I know of is fixed or defragmented etc etc etc....
Hope your troubles are few :>) Sandra

Cleaning up Yard

No matter what I do I can't get the pictures in larger. I did everything they said and everyone told me and no luck.... Maybe tomorrow after the computer sleeps I will be able too or else I will give up. I still had to put some pictures in though even if small.
   I finished cleaning up the front yard today and Leo made his 3rd trip to the community compost pile... I will still have to cut the mums back but that will be easy compared to what I have already done... then I have to finish the back and I hope after that there will be some nice days to finish washing the windows and maybe even sit and enjoy ~~~ I think I had better take a little time between working and enjoy don't you? Everything is getting nice and neat and I will be able to rest easy this winter knowing its all ready for me in the spring to start all over again.
I just love working outside... Especially when the weather is so beautiful.
 Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful fall too, Sandra

Mike as a young boy

My sisters have been sending old pictures to our family site and this is one they sent that was taken of my son Mike ( the one that was just vacationing from Florida) It was taken at my Mother and Fathers house .... looks like he got a new watch for Christmas and was wanting to show it off a bit, lol  Look at that neat tree with the tinsel hanging just perfect.. Do you know my Mom and Dad did all that after we went to bed on Christmas eve just so we could come down and see what Santa had done... I tried that too for a few years but it just got to be too much. Now we put the tree up so early.... isn't the same is it?

Any way I found a new way to get to my FTP space thanks to Deborah so I will be able to put more pictures in again... Thanks Deborah!!!!!!!
Now I have to get back to work. I was only taking time out after the mail man came. I filled one more garbage container but have much more to do.
Hope you are all having a beautiful day!
Sandra

My new sofa

A couple of weeks ago we went shopping for a new sofa for the family room and I saw this red one and had to have it!!!! I had a brown one for 27 years and was really really tired of it... My son is supposed to come and take it one of these days but he sure is in no hurry as its still sitting in the room  ;( We told him if he doesn't get it soon we are going to give it to charity) Peaches can't jump up on it herself but with some help she can and seems to like it just fine.... only trouble she can't get under it like the old one.... she liked sleeping under the old one.... she will have to find a new spot I guess.

Its a beautiful sunny morning with the temps in the 50's already and for the next 2 days at least we will have nice warm days in the 70's again. We will take all we can get.... Weather man said its the beginning of Indian Summer and I for one hope it lasts many weeks. We usually have snow fluries by the end of the month. It will be interesting to see what happens this year.

I think I had better eat my breakfast so I can go out and play.... Its too nice to do housework today and much more fun taking care of the yard for the winter.... Hope you are having a nice day! 
Sandra

beautiful day

Today started out very cold (26) but it warmed up into the 60's with sunshine. Some of my flowers did get frostbiten so I spent a couple of hours today cleaning up... I got 3 garbage containers full so far to take to the comunity  compost pile.... Then if I am not too stiff tomorrow I will no doubt have 2 or 3 more and then the next day too and I will be finished with the front..... I must clean up in the fall so I don't have such a big job when spring comes..... You can actually see my front porch again after I chopped the Moon flowers and Spider plants down... they really got huge this year.
For some reason I can't get into hometown again so I guess no pictures are going to be coming until I find out what is wrong.... sometimes I can and somedays not..... still frustrating.
hope everyone will have a sunny day tomorrow,        Sandra

Yellow Mums

We still have some pretty flowers in bloom and I hope they last through the  next frost because its going down to 27 tomorrow night and then we will be into the 70s during the day and not quite as cold at night... I have a lot of buds on my roses yet so I am hoping for a few more nice days before the last rose of summer    :>)  It was a beautiful day today ~ around 72 I guess and sunny.... But it was a lazy day and we just went to church and out for breakfast and then home to watch the Packer game..they lost and Brett got hit in the head so it wasn't a great day for them. Actually it was a very restful day. Do any of you have Helitrope? I have some in a pot and the fragrance is so nice. I have been putting it in the garage at night and out on the porch during the day and its a pleasure to go out in front just for that fragrance and I like the deep purple flowers too.
I hope everyone had a nice sunny day today! Sandra

PS " find yourself having frequent attacks of smiling"  Dr Dyer

Can't get into Hometown

I wish I could get into hometown every time I want.....

I want to add pictures etc and can't put them in the way I want so I decided not to put one in.

Frustrating

I spent some time this morning cutting down plants etc and got 3 garbage cans full. Then I figured that was enough so I put my big lighted pumpkin out and a witch that is a pretty orange and black and cackles. It is October so I figure its time to decorate for fall. I put some indian corn out on the lights on the garage the other day and put some pretty ribbons around them. I don't want summer to end but it is October and I will go along with it and enjoy it!!!! After the yard work is finished I won't have any outside work to do any more... only inside and then when being inside all winter becomes enough Spring will come again and I will be excited all over again to plant pretty flowers.... In the meantime I will enjoy Fall and hope you all do as well.
Sandra

Say "I want to feel good"  when you're tempted to indulge in low-energy thoughts... Dr Wayne Dyer

Watching the Debates tonight?????

I think the debates should be kinda interesting tonight. I thought the day would never come.... Just think only about 4 more weeks before the election... about time right? I for one am disapointed in the way the campaigning has been going...seems like brilliant men who want to be President could find a nicer and smarter way to go about it all. Maybe it takes a woman to show them how to go about it... At least I sure hope a woman would know how to do it better.... Anyway I will watch even though I know who I'm going to vote for but I want to see what they are going to talk about.... Do you think they might have thought of a nice way to go about it so no matter who wins we can all be proud of who the United States will vote for.....

This is my thought for today on my new calendar:
When you apply your unique individuality to tasks, you'll find that you can create anything you place your attention and imagination upon.
                                                                          Dr.Wayne Dyer

FAll is Here

Fall is in the air tonight. Leo and I did some work in the yard this afternoon and it was a perfect day for it too... Nice sunny day with low humidity and in the very low 70's.... Perfect!   Tonight its supposed to go down to 38 I heard and now Leo has the heat on.... What a change in the weather. When Mike was here it was summer and now Fall. At least Winter didn't arrive yet. Leo had backed into my clothes line pole with his riding lawn mower  just before Mike came home so today was the day to put a new one in while I cut back some plants and got some pruned.. I got a nice little start. and Leo got a nice start on the clothes lines. Tomorrow if it warms up he will paint it and put the lines back . I probably won't use them for awhile though as we have something in the air around here that looks like rust on our shoes. It is also clinging to a couple of my bushes. I thought they were dying but Mike says its probably coming from a farmers field or something.... Leo too thinks its some kind of pollen and Mike and Gary both had runny noses and were sneezing so maybe thats what it is.... I wonder.  We haven't had any rain for a long time and all that beautiful weather the last 2 weeks so who knows.
My furry kids miss Mike I can tell as they aren't as peppy now that he is gone and seem to be waiting for him to come home... all 3 really liked having him here but then we all did.... what a treat for us!!!!!!!!!!
Goodnight, Sandra

I can't sleep

I can't sleep yet because if I do when I wake up at 4 am it will be time to get ready to take Mike to the airport..... wish he could stay and stay for good but not to be so I must put on a happy face and say good by..... hard to do. It has been just like Christmas having him home and seeing all my kids so often... It has been nice and we have a lot of pictures to proove what a nice time everyone had. Now he has to go home and repair his roof again. Teri said the water is coming down on their bed under the place where they lost more shingles.... It will be a lot of work and probably a long time before a roofer comes their way too. We heard today that a roofer going there today can expect to have 2 years of work before the damage is all taken care of... Sure wish some roofers would find their way to Florida soon.
I took this picture just the other day... We have had such beautiful weather in the last 2 weeks its hard to believe.... God is good! 
Goodnight, Sandra

One more day?

Mike is home one more day???? will he be able to go though as the hurricane is looking like its getting closer to Orlando now and probably will close down the airport.... Its touch and go I guess and he will have to wait until tomorrow morning to see what he will have to do... He would like to go home so he can rest one day before he has to go back to work. He has been so busy every day... Everyone missed him a lot and had all kinds of fun things for him to do... It sure is nice having him here and I wish they would come back to live but he said he doesn't think he is quite ready for it yet but he is thinking... Thats good  ;>)  Today he is duck hunting with an old friend up north at his cottage. and yesterday he played golf and went to Julie's for supper etc.
  This is a picture of Gary just coming home from work and then Mike getting ready to go out and Tom and Cindy who came over to visit for a little while... they are holding Mickey because Teri, Mike's wife, always has a hidden Mickey when she takes pictures at Disney world.... We sure had perfect weather for him.... If we asked we couldn't have asked for anything better....
    So today maybe I will do a little yard work and again maybe I won't, lol  Leo is fishing so I think I will go for a walk and just relax.
Hope everyone is having a nice day and please send good thoughts to Florida and maybe the hurricane will be easy on them. Sandra
Orlando airport is closed so Mike will stay one more day.... Poor Teri is alone with the bad storm coming and she sounds pretty worried... Hope things calm down soon.

Just to say Hi

I just want you all to know that my son is still here and we are still having a nice time and the weather is also wonderful. All my kids have been here at one time or another and many times even so its a nice time but I haven't been doing much else but thinking of the kids and what they want etc etc.... time for myself in a week or so, lol
Its nice to sit out on the patio every morning for coffee and talks too ... today I didn't get up early enough though as they had their coffee and were gone fishing by 7....
  Hope you are all happy and healthy and having nice weather like we are... even half as nice is great weather. We sure are counting our blessings... Sandra

I guess its the style now for my sons to cut their hair short... first Tom then Gary and Rick and Mike and now Dan... they don't like looking partially bald I guess and it seems to be in style.... Whats a mother to do? LOL and he always had such nice curls too.... :(