WOW! it's been awhile since I have posted

Well, hello again to all...I didn't think it was that long since I have posted, but then again time waits for no one and flies faster than we think possible.

I hope all who read had a wonderful Holiday. Mine was great I couldn't have ask for a better end of the year. But, the biggest thing on my mind was all the people without for those Holidays. I just couldn't seem to get them or the image I had created out of my mind. How can we as human's let or for that allow this to happen?

For my own Holiday the gift I recieved was not what came in a Kohl's box, it was the presence of all my children. my grandbabies and looking at my daughter's first Christmas celebration in her own home. Her meal was incredible, her face priceless, and to be in her presence after so many prior complications was more than I could have wished for...between her and her hubbee Aaron, I felt I was finally home. Home hmmm...it's not a certain place or a building it's being in the heart and if where fortunate it's also in the presence of those who love us. When you have those opportunities soak them in they make you richer than anyone in the world with money and things. When you do that it will humble you heart and soul. So, when am going to the nursing home? LOL I had to add that for a bit of lightness if you know me it's what I do!

Which takes me down this path...my mother passed in 2005, my father in 1986 I will always miss them both it's a given. I get visits in my dreams, visits that are just as important as if they were still here. The last one I recall was about 2 weeks ago, we were sitting in my kitchen here in my apartment. My father was at the chair by the door and my mother was a table length across just as when we did when I was young as we sat to eat. I can't recall exactly the conversation word for word but it was a simple visit, simple conversation a very warm feeling accompanied by a smile when I woke. I was just as grateful for that visit as I would be today if they were alive. The mind is a wonderful tool, it's ability to retain moments and store them when we want to travel back in time. I find it just as wonderful as the heart. Funny, although my father passed she never found anyone again or for that had the desire to do so. For that I alone I hand them a respect I can't begin to describe. In the end my mother passed NOT in a nursing home but in her own home. I couldn't have ask for anything more for the way she left this earth. It was right where she always wanted to be.

I often don't understand or can I wrap my mind around a nursing home when those people who live there have family alive. It's almost like taking a dog to the pound and saying I don't want to do this anymore or for that at all. It's just too much trouble. How can a human be too much trouble? How can any human be too much trouble? I know one thing for sure we are all reminded of this someday, we all grow old it's the travels of being alive. One day we all walk in the same shoes those old worn tattered shoes that we pass to the next generation who then pass them to the next, till we are all but a memory. In the end I believe the most important thing is not whether we lived it's how we lived, did we give our hearts to those we love, did we make sure they knew they were loved no matter how diffucult there life or even the choices they made. Did we listen, process, respond with our hearts without judging. It's truly not what we say it's what we do that really counts.

Here is my secret and truth to a happy life....get to know yourself first! Accept yourself flaws and all it's okay they are yours and that makes them special and unique. Do NOT focus on what others think of you that are not part of your life... it truly doesn't matter to your life. Accept accept yourself for just being a part of this earth this journey. Place your hand on your heart and say these words, I love you. Once you do all this everything else will fall in place. You will find a happy, peaceful, simpilier life ahead.

Happy New Year to all be safe, be happy, have fun, but most of all give love to those important in your life and a hand to all.

Do I ever have a bad day Sure!

As I sit here thinking and writing I wonder if anyone out there is thinking does this woman ever have a bad day? I can honestly say no, but I do have bad moments usually with technology. Lol...Tonight I am sitting here taking deep breathes and picturing my grand babies I spent the evening playing with and trying to relax from a technology situation that only takes common sense (while talking to a representative on the phone) to figure out.

As I always say I am 53 years young, I am able to move with the times can keep up on technology and know the ins and outs of a computer. So much is done today by computer even paying bills on line.

I am one who can hang with the phone prompts that say press this button or enter this number then select from the following next prompt. What I have a problem with is the human I ask to speak with called the representative. If you explain your situation it's always followed by the same darn speech I firmly believe they pass around like notes in high school. How may I help you followed by I apologize for the wait and any for any problems you may be experiencing. I think I might print that on a tee shirt. Which reminds me of those darn lines in the grocery store as the person behind you stands and inspects your body begins to sigh, grunt, and groan as your thinking the same. What is the hold up. Well not me I just flow with the day...but I hear it all the time and speaking of time as we all know it getting shorter and shorter as the world moves faster and faster. Huh, why the hell am I still in menopause if everything else is moving so fast. Wow another spontaneous thought has leaped in...lol Have you ever had someone ask you "where does time go?" I have to laugh how does one answer that without saying how the hell do I know! Wait while I try to contact Freud and find out...I am sitting her laughing again. Laughing for me is probably like a sedative to someone else. I LOVE IT!

I decided I will print a tee saying while you are standing here waiting and inspecting my back side could you please fix anything you notice that is wrong? Oh, and by the way you have a booger in your nose.

So in the end I have come to the conclusion you might as well learn to deal with technology avoiding it only prolongs the obvious and makes you appear old. Keep waiting in line and take time to listen to all those prompts when calling a company and think of this when you do...it's a moment in this fast pace crazy world when you can use those times to relax and simply breath. Save your blood pressure for things that are really worth the higher readings.

Have a wonderful, happy, relaxing day and I can't stress enough find a way to laugh!

The many faces of MY BIRTHDAY!

Yes, the many faces of me consuming an entire cake on my own with the exception of one piece.

It was my birthday August 31st and my grandson's. Yes, my first born grand baby was born on my birthday. It doesn't get any better than that!! Of course I love the way he says our birth date August thirty thirst. Lol...bless his little heart. I couldn't be more blessed in my life. Thru the many ups and downs I am still and will always be so grateful for this life.

Its been 53 years of sheer where the hell did they go! Lol...I had a blast on my birthday. I thought about walking outside nude at the moment I was born if I hadn't been sleeping and if you know me well, I would have done it. I am spontaneous if nothing fun loving and adventurous. My daughter and son's could tell you. One never knows what to expect from me.

So I sat on the floor and ate the rest of the cake within a 36 hour period while watching the Jerry Lewis telethon off and on...I laughed as usual had my son put my grandson on the phone to say happy birthday to him and what does he reply with...I already turned 5 grammie and ran from the phone to play with his toys. I have to tell you something I just did...I have a tooth that has been bothering me lately. I just put clove powder on it and the pain is gone literally gone. I found it on a site while searching and it works! Just a tad of information. They say clove oil is best but this worked too. If you crack a tooth or loose a filling just put it inside or on your gum around the tooth. See you can learn at any age. I wonder if it would work for a teething baby?

Well, I ate the cake and didn't give a darn...it was my birthday so I did what I wanted. I love chocolate I don't know many woman who don't. Clue guys you can never miss with chocolate and for those of you who don't know what romance is I am about to tell you...it starts from the moment you wake up its not so much the things you say its the things you do that she doesn't ask of you. Like doing the dishes, laundry, cooking, put the kids to bed or get them ready for school, surprising her by being spontaneous, taking her out unexpectedly, calling her in the middle of the day just to say I miss you, it's the little things that she does that you don't notice or take for granted. You have to do this and not just one thing come on guys I think you understand. If you can get yourself dressed and off to work you can figure this out. Romance is not groping her or tapping her behind or even sex. All the above leads to sex. A little kindness does go along way. I kinda got off track lol but then that's me!

A BFF brought my cake to me unexpectedly and it was a wonderful gift. CHOCOLATE. My daughter was ill so my birthday has really been delayed for a tad. I guess I really am not 53 after all, not yet according to my children. But for me they are worth the wait always!

No one should ever be without a birthday cake on there birthday. I think about all the children and people in general who may be forgotten and there day and I want to say God Bless you and again if I could have shared my cake with someone who didn't get one on there special day I would have done so no questions ask. So those of you who are reading know this I am sending you a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me. Have a wonderful day, a wonderful life and laugh as often as you can!

My cantaloupe!

This was so delicious I can't begin to tell you how sweet and juicy it was....I didn't get many out of the garden as these are very hard to grow. They are so prone to fungus. I wanted to sneak it in so you could see all my wonderful organic veggies.

Tons of Tomatoes!

Here is a picture of the tomatoes I have gotten out of my organic garden. I planted a variety from better boy to early girls, cherry, etc. As you can tell there are many sizes but all taste so yummy. There is nothing like homegrown tomatoes. The taste again is so much better than the store bought. I think I have about 12 tomato plants growing with all producing just wonderfully. I have frozen some for winter stews and soups. Tomatoes thaw mushy so you can't slice them or put them in salads. I also plan on making sauces to freeze. I have done the water bath method and the canning however freezing is easier and less time consuming. To freeze them I wash them in my hand one by one with running water then I blot them dry with a towel. I then slice off the top and any bruises or blemishes cut them in quarter use my vacuum packaging machine label them then put them in the freezer. They will last 6 months. I have a lot of tomato season to go so I will have a good supply for winter and don't forget you can also freeze green tomatoes. Process as above only slice in thin layers do not quarter. Take each green tomato slice dip each side in cornmeal lay on a flat pan and freeze. Once frozen store by layering one on top the other leaving a 1/2 space in plastic container or freezer bag and you can use a vacuum sealer. I love my sealer it's so easy and wonderful for vacuum sealing which makes food last longer. I also have frozen many snap beans from my garden.

Now I am waiting for my fall garden. Currently I have planted a row of peas, green beans, butterhead lettuce, carrots and beets. With everything I have learned I am looking forward to next spring. I plan on adding strawberries to the mix. Before I close for the night I have to say I never knew how important bee's were to the production of our food till I planted a garden. In order for watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, cucumbers and more to produce a good crop bee's must pollenate each flower that blooms on the stems. So the next time you see a bee or it lands near you think twice before you swat the insect that feeds you. It's amazing what you learn about life when you least expect it. Keep learning it truly is fuel for the brain. Till next time blessings to all and remember to offer a smile to everyone you pass today even if they don't smile back you did a good thing. Knowing that is all that matters. :0)

My first Homegrown Organic Cantaloupe!

Well it took a bit of time but I finally grew my first organic homegrown cantaloupe. It smells absolutely amazing compared to store bought. It's not one of the larger melons it weighs 2 lbs 11 oz. but the size is actually due to the lack of rain. Cantaloupes are very hard to grown. They are susceptible to so many diseases and they like being watered using a drip method. They also have to be raised off the ground with a can or a flat rock so they don't rot while growing. I did not know how sensitive cantaloupes really were until I grew them. I lost about 5 plants in the process each had a softball size melon attached but I still have about 10 melons growing. What I really found fascinating when they mature they just detach from the stem. Unlike watermelon they let you know when they're ripe. I will be digging into this little guy this weekend.

Watermelon Yum!

My baby...yup a watermelon. LOL! I am currently gently caring for 13 baby watermelon. I have one that is the size of a small child's basket ball. These are organic crimson sweet watermelon. They get to be about 20 to 25 lbs at largest. The key is picking them at just the right time and keeping them free of weeds. It takes a lot of care to plant an organic garden. Keeping up with the weeds is the hardest task and chasing away any unwanted predators. I get such a kick out of all the insects I have seen in just one summer garden. I enjoy it all. No personal accomplishment with your hands is better than planting your own garden...caring for it and eating the rewards. It is truly a inspirational, spiritual, self esteem charging process I have embraced with all of my being.

When you have an organic garden it's important to keep the weeds at bay. Especially around watermelon, cantaloupe, and green beans/peas. Keeping any weeds at bay is highly recommended but very important to certain veggies. The key to picking a watermelon is the underside, it should be yellow where it lays on the ground. Picking too soon renders a blah watermelon and picking too late renders a sour one. The tentacles the curly little guys on the branches will also turn brown when the watermelon is ready. But when you taste this home grown guy you will look at store bought so differently.

If I could share or feed every starving human in the world I would do so with no questions and a humble heart. I would like to take a moment and Bless those without may they find the helping hand they need to survive. The next time you bite into anything remember those without, your heart will thank you by growing humble and as it grows you will find yourself stretching your hand where needed. Have an awesome day and smile at anyone even if they think your nuts or they don't respond, it feels good just to know you did. Blessings to all creatures and every human in which I share this world.

Garden Update

It's been awhile since I updated my blog concerning my organic garden. I can't believe how fast the summer has gone by and now my winter garden is planted. Children have no sense of time which is why days just seem to go on and on. I truly believe it is the key to making your life longer. Just imagine if we weren't aware of time. If time didn't matter than age wouldn't matter and the world would not care so much about aging...Maybe! Here is something else I found to be true. When I was young I use to make sure I looked presentable when I went out almost always worried about who would be watching. NOT anymore in fact not for quite awhile and I LOVE it. Now I am not saying I don't bathe or brush my teeth that is common sense. I just don't apply the makeup as much or for that hardly ever now and you know what I discovered? Most of the population is the common people everyday ordinary workers, walkers of life. I am treated fair better now than ever before. I believe it all has to do with keeping my appearance natural. By doing so I am just an average everyday walker of life threatening no one. I interact with everyone I pass or stand in line with even if its a simple smile and hello.

I remember when I was younger woman would stare, men would gaze, and I would be amazed. I certainly didn't understand. I was no picture perfect beauty but some seem to think so. My mistake was dressing the way people perceived me. Wrong! I had to look as though I came off a run way or was polished by the hair patrol when in fact inside I was actual just a simple soul that needed nothing other than simple surrounds, necessities, laughter and love. So many saw me as high maintenance. Wrong again and they would be shocked when they found out who I actually was has a person. Humble, practical, simple, intelligent, giving and loving. What does this have to do with gardening? Not a damn thing LOL!

So the tomatoes are awesome in flavor. It is no wonder people love home grown veggies. The lettuce has pasted it is a cool veggie. I did plant more for fall. I did however find a gentleman on one of my tomato plants, don't get excited it wasn't a man it was a tomato worm. I will post a picture later. He was enormous and ate quite well off of one plant. They are so hard to see they blend right in with the green of the tomato plant. The tomatoes I am picking are just awesome in flavor and I planted just about every species possible. Next year plant tomatoes even if they are in planter you won't be sorry you did.

My Grandbabies

I have two beautiful grandson's that I absolutely adore. I went to visit Friday night and had a blast. Although by the time I leave I am just totally exhausted it is well worth it. I wouldn't miss one chance to spend quality time with them for anything.

Brennan is 4 almost 5 the end of this month. Brennan and I share a birthday together... what could be more wonderful than to have your grandson born on your birthday. I just love the way he says August 31. He says August thirty thirst. To hear him say that is a moment to Cherish. It makes my day and leaves a lasting smile in my heart. This little one love video games, is so incredible intelligent I am always in aw. I know being a grammie I tend to be bias but this statement is so true. He well surpasses most 5 year old.

Then there is Owen 17 months of pure gooey, mushy, sensitive, lovable, hugable, clingable love. I use sign language with him as much as possible to help him communicate the words his hasn't found yet. When I tell him no I sign the word and for the first time he signed it back as he said Hey No. LOL! Another lasting smile to my heart. Although they are both very sensitive personalities Owen is the one who loves to be held will sit in front of you when you watch TV and make sure your arms are wrapped around him. He will sit there as long as I do.

I always bathe them when I visit...I put them in the sink the way I did with my children and let them splash away. Brennan is tiny for 5 so he fits just fine. Owen always slides around the sink like a fish out of water. It's a picture perfect moment. Water goes everywhere and I say who cares it's the moment that matters a mess can always be cleaned but there moment is one that only last for the time your there. It can't be replaced once it's over that moment is gone. These are the moments with my own children and grand babies I cherish in my life. Every word spoken, every position they create and every look they give is worth stopping your world to enjoy. My wish for the people of the world is to notice these moments, embrace them and never pass one by for anything or anyone. If you can do this you are truly living life as it's meant to be. I also chase them, watch cartoons always asking questions to let them know I am interested in everything they do.

By chance I meant a man at the grocery store, his name I can't recall...I could only recall the statement he made that sadden my heart. A married man who struck up a casual conversation with no intent other than to talk to another human being. As we exchanged words I learned so much even in his appearance. Tall, gray hair, mid forties, well polished with cologne. I knew just from his appearance what it meant. I knew he had a position in life that made him money. I ask he confirmed...a corporate attorney, once prosecuting attorney. He expressed how much he loved being a prosecutor so I ask why corporate? He answered with this...I have children. I returned with...and how much money do you think your children need? He just grinned. Then I said, "have you ask your children it that is what they really want or do you think they might want more time with you?" Again he grinned and shrugged his shoulders and we went our separate ways. My only hope is that he though about the question I had ask and then applied it to his children.

In my experience with children I understand they ask for a lot of things but in the end if we would ask them what they really want from a mommy or daddy they will say time and love. Offering money and material things does not build character it only creates an empty, insecure, lost child, a child who has no idea who they are in this world and the only thing that defines who are then becomes things that lead to many more things. I am saddened that in this World we have created today, time is limited, both parents are working barely making ends meant causing verbal confrontations which our children absorb like sponges. This is what corporate and government has created for our children today. It's no wonder the children today our lost, disrespectful, unruly, who is left there to discipline. We can't always place blame on the children.

Speak out for the children...listen to your children...spend time with your children...find the time always, tell them you love the always and this will give them more than you know. Children cling and look forward to those who acknowledge them and I don't know about you...but that makes my heart feel wonderful! To my own children and grandchildren I love you always, always.

I also have a new blog which can help you understand more about your children, spouse, etc. Simply go to http://www.gotcha-personalityreadings.blogspot.com/

This is a salad from my organic veggie garden. I add black olives, mushrooms, tomatoes, cheese, salmon. Then I top it with OVOO with vinegar, and seasoning. Shake it up and there is my salad. It is just wonderful. The lettuce, romaine, carrots, tomatoes are all out of my garden. Sometimes I top it with my snap green beans. An organic salad taste so much fresher and the taste itself is so different from store bought or even eating at a resturant. This salad was all veggie no salmon.

And now the final product! This turned out so awesome. I delivered it to my daughter who just moved into a gorgeous home with her hubby...a marine who served three terms in Iraq. I admired her for standing strong and by his side while he was in Iraq, I don't know if I could have been as calm as she appeared and sounded...I also want to thank my son in law for inlisting and going to Iraq with such courage. He made me realize exactly what a band of brothers meant. I came to understand no matter what we might feel about the United States his choice and there commitment to each other is truly remarkable....Thank you to my son in law and every other soldier that braves the land of the Middle East. Bless all who loose their lives both military and civilian... For the military who remain God Bless all I hope you come home soon safe and sound. So my daughter said she ate two slices when I left last night and loved it. If you'd like to make this cake or want to order one just email and I can give you information. I also make children's birthday cakes like spiderman, sesame street characters, etc.

I used canned frosting for this project...and I also ate the slice that leveled off the bottom. Of course I frosted the slice first. Who can cook chocolate without eating it? Wow...it was definitely an aw moment when I bite into the slice. I applied the frosting with a spoon dabbing it on the entire top. Then I took the spoon and evened it out. After that I took the same spoon started at the top and followed the swirls. Topped it with large candy dots and sprinkles.

After leveling the bottom of the cake I covered it with a layer of frosting to bond the top and bottom together. You have to see it to believe it....this cupcake is the biggest I have seen. I also need to tell you it took 60 minutes for this baby to cook. Although it's huge you can't believe it serves 10 to 12 people. Next comes the fun of decorating!

Here is a picture of the top and bottom. The right as you can tell as swirls it's the top of the cupcake. The other side is the bottom that will get leveled.

The Making of a Huge Cupcake!

Here is the start of the biggest cupcake I ever made!! The pan was amazing and the cake released very well. The pan is a Dimensions Bakeware product for those who are curious.

There are a few things I will do different next time. One is don't follow the directions completely. The directions say to put 4 1/2 cups of the cake mix in the left side top of the cupcake I would shorten that by not measuring and just pouring the cake about 1" from the top of the rim. The rest obviously in the right side.

Skunk Sundae and a Gorgeous Sunset...

Before I tell you what a Skunk Sundae is I first have to tell you about the pics...you'll want to read on about the Skunk Sundae its actually edible.

I had to add some more pictures. The one on the left is a sunset on Thursday. It was just to unusual not to photo. The colors the way the clouds seemed to be dancing in the sky and then there is a pic of my yard. Of course it doesn't go back that far...you can see my garden on the right and on the left is the neighbors garden. He does his every summer, he actually has two, the other is in the front of his home that sit way back off the road. Anyway I posted the picture on the right as this is where all the deer come out. I stood Wednesday night and watched two play in the lot on the right where it's just dirt. I am just in aw everytime I see them. They are so graceful and elegant...such a free spirit, so light on they're feet. I just love watching them in the wild. Then a car came along (the other side of my garden has a side road) and they took off. It was just beautiful even if it was only a short while.

By now I am sure your wondering, "what the heck is a Skunk Sundae" well it goes like this...A friend of mine stopped by last night a male yes...I seem to get along better with males than I do females although as I have gotten older and wiser it makes sense to me. No need to explain to anyone. So back to the Skunk Sundae...he stopped by we talked and he ask if I wanted some ice cream. Well, you don't have to ask me twice about ice cream or chocolate. I do my 30 minute walk at least twice a week sometimes three and sometimes I just say I need a break. I do my best not to eat junk food, rarely eat fast food although chips and chocolate seemed to be my enemy and you know what they say about enemies...keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer. LOL...so I do but I do it in portions most of the time. I eat a lot of salads, fish, olives, tomatoes and shredded cheese plus chicken if I am going out. I don't eat red meat. Okay Okay now the sundae....

So we went to the get ice cream right down the street ha ha...of course thru the drive thru. He ask what I wanted and I said a sundae, "what kind, he said. I replied, "a tin roof" he said "what?" I said, "wait I'll have a skunk sundae" he replied, "it's not listed" of course it's not neither is the tin roof but it's on the menu inside." So the girl says, "can I help you?" He replied, "I'd like a Skunk Sundae" she said, "can you spell that?" So he says, "S K U N K! I couldn't help it as hard as I tried not too... I started laughing just as I am written this down. The girl wouldn't come back on... so he pulled around to the window. This guy approached the window opened it...while I'm sitting there laughing so hard I had to get out of the truck. I knew the girls knew me, once they saw me... then my truck. They figured it out. They know I love to laugh. He gets out he's appologizing and everyones laughing. He kept saying Screw You. I couldn't help it...anyone who knows me knows I love to laugh. I couldn't believe he spelled it. All he kept saying till he left was screw you... I can't believe I spelled it....I've been laughing all night.

Now you know there is no such thing as a Skunk Sundae and so does he! Have a awesome day and keep laughing as often as you can...you'll find it really does feel good. Blessings to all.

New pics of my garden

Here are some recent pics of my garden, as you can see its come along way. I am in the middle of freezing green beans so I will be back to add more in a few...my beans are blanching right now and I am writing waiting for the time clock to let me know they're ready to cool down and then freeze.

I am back I finished the green beans I had washed and cut. Once you wash them you have to process right away, in fact, once you pick them you only have two days to can or freeze. I prefer freezing as it leaves in more of the nutrition.

So here is my garden. The first row is carrots. I have learned with carrots its best to keep the weeds in them as they grow. One it keeps away the little flies that attract them and secondly they get a chance to grow a strong root. I keep the weeds cut to the length of the green top of the carrots. The first row are baby carrots. Actually you can leave carrots in all winter long. Just cover them with mulch or fall leaves even straw and you can have carrots all winter long. Strange I know.

My second row is lettuce WOW! did I plant way to much. This stuff just keeps right on growing everything you pick. Unless you leave it alone and let it top. Which I am doing now. This particular brand is great to work with has a great taste. It's green salad bowl lettuce. You just have to watch for cabbage worms they like it too. So plant spinach away from lettuce I learned this the hard way. My daughter had one in her bag of lettuce and that's after I washed it.

The Third row is mustard spinach...I love this spinach. First time for me. Has an incredible dijon taste to it. It's actually considered a green like collards etc. I love it in my salads. I have been giving away extra's that I grow. Behind the spinach which is hard to see is parris island cos much like romaine. It's just about ready to harvest.

I AM HAVING A BABY YEAH! NOT....I am talking about my little cantalope in the picture on the right. When I was weeding and I saw this little guy I yelled "I am having a baby" it was so awesome to see. I can't tell you enough how rewarding and delicious growing an organic garden can be. The food itself taste so much better. I had some of my green beans last night and the freshness the crunch everything was just awesome. I know I will be doing another organic garden next year.

The pic on the left side is my veggie squash. Now, I have heard a lot of different opinions on this stuff. You put the whole thing in boiling water then split it open in the center is a spaghetti type veggie. You can add tomato sause or olive oil and seasoning. Some say its awful others say it's okay. Well, I decided to try it! There are so many growing now...maybe about 10 just about ready to harvest.

So now you have seen my garden to date. I said I had a bigger one this year and I wasn't kiddin'. The weeding is relaxing...I always leave weeds up around the root of the plant until it gets strong and beds deep into the soil. Keeping the isles clean is what I do most of unless it rains...then the next couple days you already know what you'll be doing. Stop back again I will keep you posted or just share my day. Keep safe, keep smiling...Blessings to all.

Car Bumper Stickers Ouch!

Often when I sit at a red light I look at car plates, bumper stickers find some that make me laugh or I find one that just gets me thinking. The ones that are funny are so great for the spirit leads me to this thought...One of my favorite shows is Criminals Minds, profiling. I have always had an interest in people. I watch them when I am out much like I watch my children if you read my previous blogs. I listen to words (this tells me where their head is in life), the way people dress the prints the words, how they stand, what they drive right down to the car plates and stickers. All of this tells so much about a person. I don't even know if they realize what they are saying. Many of us do like myself. Quite sure I am not the only one.

I realize that people do these things for many reasons of there own liking and thats okay I am not here to pick or judge anyone. If I can touch one persons life by just reading my blog I have made a different in connecting with a fellow human that I share this planet with this amazing life. I hear so many people say "what can I do I am only one person, I have no money or power, who's going to listen to me anyway." Trust me when I say I promise someone will and they do. I have learned the best way to make people change there thinking is not to impose your opinion but to ask questions that make them think. Words often can go in one ear and right out the other where a question takes thought that involves the brain. That thing between our ears which includes the rest of our head. That thing that looses brain cells as we age trust me I know, LOL! As you keep reading you will learn I love to laugh at myself it keeps me healthy and balanced ...that.. I too am not perfect and the laughter just says for me...that's okay.

I remember in school the teacher saying, if you have any questions don't hestitate to ask. Then there was me sitting there with this question lingering in my mind followed by okay if I ask what if it's a dumb question. Let me tell you NO question is dumb if it's something you don't understand or need to know maybe about a word, topic, etc. NOTHING is too dumb. Let those who know go ahead laugh make there remarks but you have just grown and that's all that matters. Besides I am more than sure if they haven't already they will someday ask a question that will make someone else laugh. You are never alone in this... only alone in the moment and moments pass. So...ask, ask, ask all the questions you need to in this life it leads to growing ...that's how we build our character, wisdom and it's how we get to where we need or want to be. So guys it's okay if your traveling with your wife find yourselve lost and stop to ask for directions. The measure of a man or for that a human being is not admitting we're lost or don't know the answer to something. Keep this in mind the next time your in the kitchen and can't remember why your there! LOL there I go again are you smiling yet?

So this bumper sticker I was looking at and wasn't hard to find as they posted it up by the window of there mini-van. Right there in red and white. But as I said I look anyway...this is what it said, "have you lost your job yet? Keep buying foreign." I sat there for a second processed the sticker and came to this conclusion in the end. I did my homework to locate an answer and some common sense was added and here is my answer. Okay...first I understand a lot of people have lost there jobs, factories have laid people off and jobs are hard to find with enconomy so dry. I understand people are scared, lost, loosing things that took them years to obtain. But trust me from someone who lost everything not long ago in my life...I mean everything, imagine me in a truck with what I owned in the back and driving around in the snow with no where to land my feet. It was the first time I truly realized what little value things really have if your alive. I applied it most of my life but didn't acknowledge it till it sat right there in my lap...But that's another story someday.

So, here is my thought on the sticker.....first I felt sad for the person who posted it...they must have lost there job or knew someone close to them who did...and then they made me think...yes, think and that's important. I thought...I am not responsible for the loss of there job even if I drive foreign. Many foreign car parts are made in America and I didn't have anything to do with out sourcing jobs by driving foreign. NAFTA is the answer and who put it together and signed it..not me. No one sent anything or came to me and ask if it was okay. Just because I would choose to drive foreign does this mean I caused jobs to be outsourced. Do we have enough people in the US to make these products and who benefits from this out sourcing? So now it's time for you to think...when in life is it ever okay to get comfortable when your working for someone else and assume they will let you keep your job the rest of your life? Take care of you the rest of your life? Are you really angry because you put your trust in someone and they failed you? Did they take away your comfort zone?

I will end with this thought...there are only three people I trust in this life....my maker (this is whoever you believe may be), my spirit, and myself. In the end as we grow old we are consider less valuable. This is sad but true in America. At some point whether loosing your job, or whatever it may be I can guarentee as you grow old at some point you will have to reinvent yourself. Will you be ready to stand strong take care of yourself and do what has to be done? If your struggling right now this very minute....you are not alone...as long as your still standing your a survivor...trust in yourself.

A reminder of 2005

It was the year my daughter graduated. How can one explain the joy a child brings to your life. I wouldn't have missed this for anything this world had to offer to stop me. Life seems kinda twisted sometimes. We start out knowing very little and learning as we go. We get to middle age and suddenly things make sense. I hear so many people say, "if I could go back with what I know now I would change certain things" I wouldn't change a thing and trust me I made some banger mistakes. But were all individuals come to this life on different levels. Some more mature than others. I was meant to be taught things that others may have already known. They had there own lessons. It doesn't make me dumb, stupid whatever words you want to choose. It just made my life my own. I wasn't born to be like anyone else. I love learning even if its the smallest thing. In fact my daughter just taught me a few years back how to recognize a mosquito. LOL! It felt great to learn. Not, that I want to smash them as I respect all walks of life. But, when they bite it's a natural reaction. After all it does hurt!


As you can probably can tell I love to laugh. I will sit alone think of something just laugh and when I am done it's feels awesome, so calming. I laugh at sitcom repeats I see a million times(exaggerated) and say out loud thank you. I will put a cd in my dvd player crank up the music and just go crazy. And, of course I talk to everyone. Really people are interesting they are a part of my life I pass them everyday why not say hello and chat. Besides I love to make people smile. By the way (if I am correct) put simple dogs together and they mingle, often play. How often do you see them fight? By the way...it's really okay to wrong or incorrect. It's funny isn't it practically every species will fight for the change to be with the opposite sex. Unlike the black widow who kills her mate or the pray mantes who takes his head off. Wow! Now that's really going out for the opposite sex. Right now I am sitting here being thankful I am a female and laughing again.

So back to my daughter and how twisted life seems to be...here is my theory. I think it's backwards. At the expense of our children, families we start our journey in life confused looking for our place.... only to end up in the same place as everyone else... going into the kitchen and wondering why we are there. I do this often now... I stop say, oh damn, walk back in the living room sit down, then say oh, that's right. Back out I go I get what I wanted... it's all that matters. I just seem to be leaving brain cells everywhere these days and that's okay. How may cells does the brain have anyway? Maybe I better look it up! Maybe I should keep track of how many cells I have left? Im laughing as I type thinking... won't I loose track eventually as they go? Oh...well.

My daughter is just as wonderful as my grandchildren. I remember watching her as she grew up. I remember watching all my children. Oh yeah there were times I'd think... calgon take me away but then they'd do something amazing as a simple new word, bye bye, or fall asleep and I'd stand there just starring. I did that a lot as they grew... I know they didn't notice but they have been told. Children say so much without saying anything at all...just a look, a facial expression, body posture, the songs they choose, the shows that interest them will tell you so much more... then there words will ever say. Not one moment when they walk in my door do I not notice everything about them, it tells me so much.

Now to my point of 2005 I was at the gas station today...I heard these words from a song...the time of your life. It was the song her class picked for there school graduation. I may not be exactly correct, but I heard it and immediately I smiled. These are the moments of the past you hold on too. They are the ones worth keeping and replaying. These are your aw moments. Everytime you say aw it feels wonderful, try it....to watch her graduate see her in her cap and gown was an aw....however her wedding day well you can only imagine...I looked at her hubby to be then watched her dad walk her down the isle and I smiled, cried tears of happiness said to myself I see the beauty of this life before my eyes.

My first Garden! Yeah!

I planted my first garden this year or should I say first full garden. I have grown tomatoes and a few peppers but they where always just in the back yard. This time I have access to a wonderful huge garden. This is not a current picture I will post one later so you can see how it looks now. I can't tell you what gardening truly does for your life. Not only do you get to play in the dirt which brings out the child inside that needs to play to stay active and young at heart. I get to connect with my spirit which keeps me grounded teaches me so much about myself and then I thank god for everything.

Everytime I go out to the garden my first thought I can't wait to see what has changed and then I get to pull weeds. I am an artist so pulling weeds is like painting or sketching a picture. After the weeds are gone walla a masterpiece. LOL....I know the time I spend in the garden is actually time I am spending nurturing my spirit. It's a place that keeps me humble, grounded, reminds me that we share this planet, this earth, with everything, you reading, the trees, insects, animals, water, the sky, the ground, just everything. Often I go outside at night sit on top of my car close my eyes and just listen to the sounds of the night. So much goes on even as we sleep. Then I open my eyes lie down and look at the sky. Even the stars have a place that create a gorgeous and calming picture. How lucky we are to be able to be a part of this masterpiece called life. If only we could all see and understand life go back 100 years and tell them that everything they wanted the future to be...is....I am sure they would be proud, but, sadly that is not the case.

I have seen so many wonderful things and so many sad happen in my lifetime. Between them both well for me has helped mold who I am today. To realize no matter what you accumulate in material things or in money in the end we all wind up just as everything else in life gone. We don't get a season of changes renewel as years go by...just time. I will tell you a little secret of what I do almost everyday...I thank my heart, yes, my own beating heart for taking me through another day and then with my hand on my heart I say to it... I love you.

Before I go back to what I am growing in my garden I'd like to remind you of a song by Ann Murray...words are truly so important...listen they do speak.

I rolled out this morning
Kids had the mornin' news show on
Bryant Gumbel was talkin' 'bout the fighting in Lebanon
Some senator was squawkin' 'bout the bad economy
It's gonna get worse you see, we need a change in policy

There's a local paper rolled up in a rubber band
One more sad story's one more than I can stand
Just once how I'd like to see the headline say
"Not much to print today, can't find nothin' bad to say",
because

Nobody robbed a liquor store on the lower part of town
Nobody OD'ed, nobody burned a single buildin' down
Nobody fired a shot in anger, nobody had to die in vain
We sure could use a little good news today

I'll come home this evenin'
I'll bet that the news will be the same
Somebody takes a hostage, somebody steals a plane
How I wanna hear the anchor man talk about a county fair
And how we cleaned up the air,
how everybody learned to care
Whoa, tell me

Nobody was assassinated in the whole Third World today
And in the streets of Ireland, all the children had to do was play
And everybody loves everybody in the good old USA
We sure could use a little good news today

Nobody robbed a liquor store on the lower part of town
Nobody OD'ed, nobody burned a single buildin' down
Nobody fired a shot in anger, nobody had to die in vain
We sure could use a little good news today

Please think about these words we all need to find a way to co-exist no matter what color, religion, race, gender, etc....we are all human together.

So...here is what's in my garden, my spirit of course, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, corn, carrots, green beans, watermelon, cantelope, butternut squash, veggie squash and tomtoes. I wish I could share it all with everyone...I do share it locally with those who need help...God Bless everyone...everywhere...be safe. I love you!

July Fourth Weekend

I had a wonderful weekend. I spent the most part of it in the garden and creating other items knitting, sewing, etc. I mangaged to see a few fireworks, danced in my driveway to the music of Heart (your never too old to dance) and had a blast! I did fit in my 30 minute walk before my own fourth of july evening. But, the ending to a wonderful weekend was the best ever.....I spent it with my grandbabies.

Spending time with Brennan (4) and Owen (18mos.) was so spectacular. Better than any fireworks show. We went to the park across from there home (behind a grade school) while Brennan showed me how well he could swing I sat on a swing with Owen in front on my lap. What a smile as we started to swing. We moved from there to those climbing devices with the slides and tons of other functions. I watched Brennan do them all and praised him. The sun was getting to Brennan's eyes so he ask if I would let him wear my sunglasses. Sure, I said and within seconds he replied Wow grammie I can look at the sun with your glasses Thanks, Grammie.

After awhile Brennan got hot and went to the shaded area yelling grammie come over here no sun. I thought thank God! I am sweating and a hot flash is not helping... so I took Owen by the hand and we headed over to Brennan, he was in a huge area with a hill. I chased them both up and down the hill around the trees, found a golf ball watched Brennan throw it into the pond over the fence. Finally I took of my sandals at the top of the hill started to run towards the boy's with my arms out like an airplane tilting back and forth it was excellerating. I felt like a little girl all over again. The boy's laughed and of course tried the same. Then Brennie decided it was time to lay down on the grass at the top of the hill and roll down. However, he decided he wouldn't do this without grammie participating. I can not tell you how amazing it felt! Although a bit dizzy in the process neither of us could stand right away. Then Owen began walking in last falls leaves listening to the crunch how precious a simple sound, a new sound, a different experience captured his attention. I felt gifted to see such a site. A moment that lite up all my senses.

We ended the evening by going to Burger King watching them play in the playroom through all the tubes. Then it happened Owen found himself at the top inside the tubes and couldn't find his way out. Brennan left him and went on to play. He cried and cried I took off into the tubes started to round one of the corner when I saw his dad's legs heading to the top where I was going next. Hearing a child cry in all those tubes trust me makes it hard to find them it just kept echoing. Of course his dad came out Owen in arms and dad saying I'm getting too old to climb in those things. Okay, he's 28 I am 52 and he thinks he's getting old. You just do what ya have to in a time of crisis. After Burger King we took off to Krogers, a local store, Owen and I waited in the truck then we headed home. I decided to bathe Owen in the sink just a quick dip to get the evening sweat off. Next thing I know I am putting Brennan in other side of the sink. Boy oh Boy! water went everywhere and who cared Nobody it was another gift to be in the presence of such a moment.

I will tell everyone who reads...I am very blessed in so many many ways. But, the greatest blessing of all...I started to focus on my own life by looking inside myself ( no matter what I would fiind) accepting and changing the negatives focusing on my positive qualities, became a spiritual person, accepted and let go of the past... which lead to all the blessings that followed...I opened my eyes to life. A complete life a new awareness of family, friends, and this wonderful earth.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY to everyone!

Thinking about those darn Gas prices!

Often when I knit (which i love doing) I will hear something cross the news or when I am on the internet I'll read something that just makes me shake my head and wonder what are people thinking are they thinking at all. Plus what is it going to take for us to really do something about the gas prices? When are we really going to stop saying I am just a common person I can't help I'm nobody with no money. Who's going to listen to me?

I read yesterday where a chinese investor paid 2.1 million dollars to eat dinner with jimmy buffet. I just sat there and said WHAT! There are people all over the world starving, people in the United States without healthcare struggling to feed there families and someone pays Jimmy Buffet 2.1 million to have dinner. How on earth does anyone let this happen or for that stand for it. I don't care to hear about things like this what's it purpose to rub it in people's faces. I do believe there are more common people then rich and I also strongly believe Jimmy Buffet wouldn't be where he is without those common people. So where is our cut of the 2.1 million? I certainly don't want to hear it was donated to a worthy cause as those worthy causes only give the rich more tax breaks. A worthy cause to me is taking that money and writing a check to every common person struggling today. Which leads me to this I believe the government is way to involved in our lives and actors, singers, and sports figures are way over paid.

I can remember growing up in a middle class common household in the 50's till the late 70's when I reached my 20's. A time when neighbors got together at some point in the day to say hello and chat. A time if you where new in a neighborhood someone made a dish and welcomed you to there area. A time when neighbors made a point to help each other. I grew up in the last of the best era that makes me happy yet sad at the same time because its over and things have changed people have changed. I had a good childhood strange at times in many ways, always wondering if anyone else was experiencing the same often looking at other kids and homes wishing I lived there, it must have been nicer or happier, so through my eyes it looked and seemed. Everything that wasn't me around me or in our house seemed nicer. I was just too young to realize everything is always the same no matter where you are and situations, problems are just different or more intense. That people with money or no money or maybe just enough money had happiness along with sadness. Neither knows no dollar amount. Money may help in some areas but in others it means nothing. Ask the child who's passing of cancer about his families money I am sure you'll find it worth nothing if it can't save the child's life.

I use to ask myself or say to my friends and family how is this happening why don't people with money help instead of wanting more? Well, as you get older your realize just how it's happening and just where there head sits. You understand why the not so pretty girl has the great looking guy or visa versa. You understand more than you want too. I certainly believe that's why the middle aged and elderly get so plunt and outspoken. They know the world for what it really is...and that makes them angry mislead, and untrusting.

have to close for now will continue later.....

Its early morning hours!

It has been a long day so this entry is going to be a bit shorter as I am tired and getting ready to call it a day. I got to see my grandbabie today ain't nothing better in life then to fall in love all over again. But, at this age it's getting harder to keep up, gosh the energy they have and I give it my best to play with them. After all isn't that what grammies do spoil and play with there grandbabies. However, I do delight in sending them home. LoL! Not that I couldn't hug them forever but this girls bones are tired after raising my own.

My garden is going really really great! It's organic and I have already had many wonderful salads plus blisters on my hands. I do love it tremendously! I have found a new respect for farmers and especially those decades ago that had to rely on producing there own food. When you get out there and really find yourself taking care of a veggie garden without the pestisides and using good old fashion weeding, hoeing, planting you realize how tough it truly is...by the time I get done I am exhausted. It is a wonderful exhaustion when you see your garden producing veggies. Its a real accomplishment as it comes with hard work and great rewards. I seem to be cradling it like a new baby. I even look forward to next season as I have learned so much this season. So I say for those of you who think you can't do it...go for it you will be surprized plus the food is so fresh in taste.

If you are curious and have any questions regarding planting a veggie garden feel free to ask I will be happy to help. For now though I am closing for the night. I hope you will stop back as I do plan on tapping into many different subjects including creating ideas.

It's been a couple days...

Wow! how time flies even when you live alone. I use to think that when my kids grew up I would have more time in my day. Not always so. Time just has a way of slipping by then one day you turn around and you can't believe how many years have passed. Living alone has it's perks and it's down falls just like everything else in life. We seem to always want what someone else has or we think they have it better. Not true everyone has a story it just doesn't seem like it till you get to know someone or just communicate on the web. Speaking of communication my oldest of children has been with his girlfriend for 6 years now. They have two children (my adorable grandbabies) and live in an apartment. I am happy it's been that long people seem to be just as disposible as anything else in this world today. Its been a tough year for them so far..heck it's been tough for them since they've been living together. Winter was especially difficult with the economy making for less money and working days. Money seems to tear a lot of relationships apart with stress of just living.

Anyway they did there complaining and yelling at each other which is often normal in those situations, but, it's not good for tiny ears to hear. This was the first time since they have been together it looked like everything was going to fall apart. They threatened each other with leaving, did the name calling, I did this you did that. Much like two kids on a playground fighting over who's marble hit who's first. My son called me often during this time and I found myself struggling a few times just to listen, but I did. The one thing I offered him was my ear. I had to remind myself although I was his mother and him my son he was no longer my child. He was his own person now, aloud to make his own mistakes. My role had changed it was now a role of listening and asking key questions to make him think. It's something I do with my children. Instead of preaching (to which they tune you out) I decide to start asking questions about the situations they where in which forced them to find the answers. I also give them options when they can't make choices. It's either this or that you choose... is how I respond. Children tend to process more if they are made to think over telling them or preaching. I really do have good children and that's not being bias it's being honest...all apply what I have taught them. I am blessed truly. It wasn't always this way it took awhile. Common curtosy was the tough getting them to tell me where they were in there day and at night. Oh, yes it wasn't easy you always have one that fights it a tad. But I kept at it telling them it wasn't that I was trying to watch there every move it was about leaving me sit wondering what may or may not have happened. How I would picture the worst and ask them how they would feel if I left them wondering about me. Well, they all learned and applied it by there teenage years. In fact they still do today with there significant others. My oldest is struggling with his girlfriend in this area. He is trying to teach her how important it is and that it's not giving up your freedom it's about not leaving the people you care about worrying. I also worked very hard at not yelling at them if they did something wrong or were somewhere I didn't think they should be. Everything I did landed me children that opened up to me on many levels and that for me was a huge achievement not only has a mother but on a personal level too. No award or any statis in life could ever measure up to that!

So in the end I did my best with my oldest son and his girlfriend. I tried to help keep them together by letting him know life isn't always easy and it's the easy things that truly are not worth having. It was truly a task many times they planned on callling it quits. I made sure I listened closely to hear just where my son's heart truly was...even though he would say he was leaving the minute he knew it was falling apart he would have a change of heart tell me he loved her. That for me was enough to know there children deserved a real chance at having parents who didn't take the easy way out the disposible way. Well good news! They are doing better today some things have changed but they know they have a lot of work to do. They want there children to have both parents not just for the children ( which should always be considered) but for family there own family and that makes me proud too.

The End of A Wonderful Day

Tonight I put together a wonderful homemade strawberry shortcake. It was actually very easy and so delicious. The recipe goes like this:
1-box of yellow cake mix ( the ones with pudding are the best to microwave)
1-quart of fresh strawberries or 12 oz. frozen
1- box of strawberry gelatin or 1 package strawberry glaze will work too!
whip topping
all you do is follow the recipe on the box for mixing, then pour it into a 9" microwavable 2" deep round dish. Microwave on high for 10 minutes. Check to make sure the center is done. If you need to put in back in at 50 seconds at a time. Its easy to burn a cake in the microwave so be sure to watch it as you do this. Microwave 1 cup of water in a 4 cup measuring glass for 2 1/2 minutes on high add your gelatin stir then add 2 cups of cold water stir again put in fridge till it begins to set. Add you strawberries mix it lightly. Cut your cake in cubes place a layer on the bottom of the same dish you made the cake in and then add a 1/2 of the strawberry mix over top the cake. Layer the last of the cake on top the strawberries then add the rest of the strawberry mix on top of the cake. Add your whip topping and you've got a moist freshly made easy strawberry shortcake. This is great in the summer when you don't want to run a hot oven not to mention you can get the same great taste in the winter months. If you try the recipe let me know what you think. You may have some really good ideas of your own to add.

My daughter joined me tonight for some of this wonderful dessert. I am blessed to have such a wonderful girl. We have some really good talks, some down right weird and funny. I don't believe there isn't a topic we can't discuss. I have with her a relationship I never had with my own mother. Not only are we mother and daughter but I believe we are friends too and that for me is like the icing on the cake. It doesn't get any better then that! On that note I say till we meet again....Goodnight.

It's been a great day so far!

Hi to all....today has been a great day although it's only 3:40pm EST. The weather is comfortable gosh I love it that way! Of course menopause demands such comfortable weather. Menopause itself is another story I will be tapping into! Imust say I have been waiting for mine to end got as far as 7 months and bingo I won the game. Yes, back at square one. Then don't yeah just love the commercial that goes from menopause to then osteoprosis and I thought birthing a baby was a job. Just being a woman is a huge job by itself. Men just don't have any idea. What the only commercial you see about men...hair loss and erectial disfunction oh Wow! How would they like to wear a diaper once a month most of there life? Not to mention the mood swings, the fatique, bloatness, and as they say bi- zitchy. Just one month I'd like to see every man experience what we woman do. The key to the whole menopause thing is tapping into your spirituality and laughing at yourself as often as possible.

Keep stopping back I plan on tapping into so many issues and publishing my book a babyboomers life on my blog. Everynight I will add a new page for all to read.

Life truly is a roller coaster!

I have come a long way in this life. I have had many rides on roller coasters I didn't stand in line for, in otherwords the roller coaster of life. We all have seem to have one and the ride can often be exhausting. My best advice put on your seatbelt...you never know when your going to take a strong turn. The funny thing I don't like roller coasters...that is the real ones you do stand in line to ride. I prefer lifes roller coaster I may not like what happens all the time but at least it keeps my feet on the ground.