Who Wears Short Shorts?

My mom wore short shorts. This was taken around 1956 or '57. I think she was adorable. She had really nice legs. Even now, at 77, she has nice looking legs.  No varicose veins, no wrinkling, no sagging of skin.  White enough to make you grab your sun shades, but nice.  I remember one time when she was in her early 50's, she commented that she rarely had to shave her legs anymore. I was shocked.  I was also excited, thinking "well, there should be some rewards to growing older". Trouble is, she didn't bother telling me  those hairs that quit growing on your legs have to find some place to come out. I'd rather have leg hair than chin hair any day of the week!

I was about a year old when the Royal Teens recorded "Who Wears Short Shorts?". Not that I remembered the year, or even the name of the group, but I do remember singing that song with friends when I was a little girl, as we danced around the yard in our short shorts, thinking we were hot stuff.

I love this video. Get a load of the lack of expression on the girl's face, on all their faces for that matter. Not sure if they were that emotionless, or just trying to look super cool.  I'm figuring the latter. Watch it and see if the song doesn't get stuck in your head.  But first, scroll over to the right and pause my music player. Not sure Kiss From a Rose playing simulatneously with Who Wears Short Shorts would make for pretty music.

I  also love this picture of Nikki. She looks so relaxed and happy. She was taking her vacation days, and though she loves her job working with small children, she was enjoying just hanging out with the fam.

She drove down in October and went camping with us. Nikki, my son, John, my mom & her husband, Mr.Studley & I, our Min Pin Leyna, and Nikki's chocolate lab all in our 5th wheel. It sleeps plenty, but that doesn't mean plenty actually sleep!  It was fun, though. One night Nikki, John, and I stayed awake long after the others watching some silly dvd and giggling like 5 year olds. I can't remember the last time we had that much fun together. Even my son's flatulence was giving us the giggles, and trust me, there's nothing really funny about John's flatulence..

The older I get, the more my memory fails me. By staying away from blogging so long, I managed to forget a lot that I'd learned about it. Add to that, there's been changes around here in bloggerville. She's done gone and gussied herself up a bit since I was here last.  I used to run hollering to my friend, Marilyn, at A Mixed Bouquet whenever  I needed help with my blog. She helped me set it up, and installed the design stuff for me, but Marilyn's got her hands full these days, having gone back to college to get her nursing degree.  Don't expect anything fancy schmancy around here, as I'm just not smart enough to pull it off. I am happy for Marilyn, though, and so proud of her!

Nothing earth shattering  going on around here. I've not even been knitting. What a slump I've been in; just can't seem to get started on anything. Last year, Mr.Studley had a hernia operation, which seemed to go fine until the incision area got infected about a month after the surgery. In & out of the ER, a stint in the hospital, and a couple visits per week to the doctor for a few weeks (won't gross you out telling you what took place there with a really big needle), and he's finally back to normal. Well, all except for his belly button, which doesn't look normal at all now.

In other news, my son, John graduated from his Paramedic course (yea!). He still has to take his state test, which I know he'll ace.  Mr.Studley is almost fully retired, and we enjoy our days together. We've fit into a comfortable routine,  only occasionally getting on each others nerves; and really, I can't even remember the last time that happened.  I'm blessed by God, and I know it. He love me, and He loves you, too!

I'm reading  Joyce Meyer's new book, "Living Beyond Your Feelings", which I got for Christmas. I'm not too far into it, but already I've learned things I know will help me in my life. That's my idea of a good book, one that helps me make changes for the good. Who doesn't have room for improvement?

If you're reading this post, you probably had me in your google reader, or whatever reader you use. I want you to know I'm happy you came by. My post is short, but I'm going to try and ease back into blogging. I don't have much to say, but I remember back when I blogged regularly, the excited feeling I got when someone left me a comment.  Isn't that funny, how excited we can get by the comments of  strangers?  Of course, some of you aren't strangers, at least not anymore, as I got to know you back then. I pray your life is going well, and that you find joy in each day.  Be blessed!

Mike, Leyna, Nikki, & Macy at Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, OK



"Words are containers for power, and as such they have a direct effect on our emotions"
~Joyce Meyer, excerpted from "Living Beyond Your Feelings"

A Man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is!
Proverbs 15:23 Amplified Bible

'Tis the Season

Somewhere near Woodland Park and Divide, CO

I blog in my head all the time. Obviously, what's in my head rarely makes it here. When I began blogging, it was a fun challenge. I had other friends doing it, who encouraged me to join in the fun. You're jumping off the cliff into a lake? Sure, I'll do it (am suddenly hearing my mother's voice in my head). Seriously, it's not that I'm a follow-the-crowd sort of person. Quite the contrary, I'm generally a day late and a dollar short when it comes to jumping on the bandwagon of what's 'in'. I did want a place to chronicle my knitting, if for no one but myself, and to keep up with my knitting accomplishments (clearly little, it would seem). It's also a good means of sharing what's going on in the family with family, except no one in my family actually reads my blog. C'est la vie.

My early blog posts embarrass me. I've shared that before, but feel it bears repeating. As I began to write better (not saying 'good', but better, so don't think I'm bragging, please), it had an upside and a downside. The upside is obviously better blog posts. Comments and compliments I've received are another upside....and a downside. As I received comments or e-mails complimenting me, I suddenly felt pressure to perform. I consider myself a discouraged perfectionist. I am a perfectionist, but I'm also lazy. If I don't feel up to putting in the time and effort to do something 'just so', I don't bother to do anything at all (it shows, in the state of my house). I began feeling like I had to really "write". I couldn't risk those who complimented me regretting they'd done so. Arg, the pressures I put on myself!

I can hear you now (the maybe two readers left who've not unsubscribed to my blog feed), GET OVER YOURSELF! You're right, I should, and I am, by golly! I'm going to write when I feel like it, and say what I feel like saying, and if no one reads but me, so be it. I was reading a friend's blog, Grey-Haired Geek, recently, and I knew Kel was describing exactly as I felt, only she said it so much better than me.

"I’m resurrecting my blog, with a difference.
As a beginner, I used a “Masterpiece of the Month” approach to blogging. I spent a lot of time getting each entry “just right”, so I didn’t blog very often. Unfortunately, I’m one of those “If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all” kind of people."

Kel, I hope you don't mind me quoting you. If you don't, then, thank you! If you do, then oops!

Roasted vine-ripened tomatoes topped with thick slices of fresh water-packed mozzarella, drizzled with balsamic vinegar glaze, and sprinkled with rock salt; Sweet potato soup; and a really good wine. Fresh baked ciabatta bread not in picture

Mr. Studley and I visited our daughter in Colorado Springs, for Thanksgiving. For you who remember she was living in England, she's back in the states as of this past fall. I love that she's had the experience of living in European countries, but as a mom, I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to know she's back on American soil (at least for now). Not that I have anything against foreign soil, but I like knowing she's within a day or so drive, or a short plane trip away, in the event that she should need her family. The food shown above was only one of the many fantastic meals prepared for us during our time spent there. We were treated like royalty on our visit.

One of the ladies restrooms in the Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO. No paper towels or hand blow-dryers here. Baskets laden with fresh, white cloths were provided for hand drying/face washing. A large basket sat below the sink for tossing cloths when finished using. Classy, eh?

Mr. Studley and I toured the Broadmoor Hotel one afternoon while in Colorado Springs. Fabulous doesn't describe that place. It would take a long string of adjectives, and then wouldn't do it justice. Seeing is believing. It's massive, it's opulent, it's old world, it's elegant. It's so many things. The rooms range from $275-$2,000 per night, a little rich for our blood. I hear they do have a special rate/package around Valentine's Day. Maybe some day. We thoroughly enjoyed walking about the place, snapping pictures, ooing and ahhing, with mouths gaping. When I go into a place such as that, I tend to feel like a country bumpkin. I get intimidated, feeling surrounded by people who are clearly in a different social class than me. What surprised me was the genuine niceness of the hotel staff. From those who park your car (free valet parking for those there just to look around), to those who hold open the door, to the hotel guest clerk, to anyone with an employee tag who makes eye-contact with you, they bent over backwards to be exceedingly nice. If you're ever visiting the Colorado Springs area, I strongly urge you to take a gander around the Broadmoor Hotel!

This was Leyna, our last night at Nikki's house. I suspect she knew we were leaving, and was already missing all that extra loving and play she gets from Nikki, who adores her almost as much as I do.

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

~Philippians 4:4-5 The Message

I Fought the Sloth, and the Sloth Lost

This has been my pace all winter. I can't blame snow or ice for slowing me down, as we had none. AT ALL. I'm still pouting about that. Seriously, though, I have felt like a total slug for months. My energy level was lower than a snake's belly. I felt like my get-up-and-go got-up-and-went. I've wondered if perhaps I've suffered from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

This was pretty much me. Well, actually, this is Putty Tat, but I think she was mocking me when this picture was taken.

Then something wonderful happened. The sun broke out, and Linda, the hilarious blogger at 2nd Cup of Coffee, issued this challenge.

Now, I may be lazy, but I am not one to back away from a challenge. She challenged her readers to do one simple thing, GET MOVING! For five days a week, 30 minutes per day, over the course of two weeks, we would commit to get our bodies moving. It could be exercising, walking the dogs, digging in the garden, or chasing the ice-cream truck around the neighborhood, as long as we got moving. There was no "D" word involved, though it was certainly okay to diet if we pleased. I didn't please.
I regularly walk the dogs, but the length of those walks varies. Sometimes I walk them ten minutes, sometimes 30 minutes, and occasionally not at all. In the colder months, I'd fallen into a habit of making the walks short, 'cause even though I've griped all winter about not getting any snow, the truth is, I don't really like to be cold.

Leyna looked up at me with that sweet little face, and asked, "please, Mommy, walk us 30 minutes each night". Well, what's a girl to do? I can't resist a face like that...unless she's begging for my last bite of popcorn. Oh, who am I kidding. It works on me then, too.

So I picked up Linda's gauntlet, strapped on the leashes, and hit the open road, or at least our neighborhood. Mr.Studley and Pepper came along, too, of course. With the exception of one particularly cold night this week, I managed to keep my commitment to do the 30 minute walk every day for two weeks, even on the weekends. For my gallant efforts, I've received the following award (me, and every other reader of Linda's who completed the course).

A very positive thing has happened to me in the course of these two weeks. I no longer feel like a slug. I'm not moving like a turtle. I no longer get mistaken for our fat cat. I have been energetic. I've accomplished some major spring cleaning, along with mucho decluttering. I'm enthused about keeping house again (did I just say that?).
I don't know if it was the regular exercising (and our dog walks are fast paced!), if I was indeed suffering from SAD which went away when spring arrived, or if it was a combination of the two. I just know, in the words of James Brown, I feel good!
Speaking of James, I only wish I could move like him. Check out his footwork in this video. Oh, and you can thank me later for getting this song stuck in your head.

****************************I LOVE You fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength.
The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower.~Psalm 18:1-2 Amplified Bible

Chickens & Dog Spaghetti

Er, that would be dogs, and chicken spaghetti. I'm joining up with the dog lovin' people at Dogs on Thursday this week, which basically means I get to go on and on about my dogs and you can't think any less of me. Well, you can, but I hope you won't.

So, what do you think of Pepper's new 'do'? I tried to get him to stand up on the floor so I could show you the weenie dog in him, but he wouldn't get out of this chair. Pepper pretty much does as Pepper pleases. His body is long and skinny looking, just like a weenie dog, but he has a poodle head. He'd gone so long between groomings that I had them cut him as short as possible, otherwise he'd look even more poodle'ish.

We definitely need to buy him a new collar. What's up with a hot pink collar on a boy? No wonder he's always looking sheepish.

He is a handsome boy, is he not?

Okay, enough about dogs, it's time for The Recipe Swap Box. Once a month, on the first Thursday, Randi, at "i have to say... " hosts a recipe swap on her blog. All who wish to participate post a recipe on their blog, and sign the Mr.Linky at Randi's. We can then visit each others blogs gathering new recipes, and maybe even new friends!

This month's Recipe Box Swap theme is Pasta! Since I procrastinated and didn't get around to typing up one of my recipes, it may appear to some that I'm cheating by linking to a recipe at the Pioneer Woman Cooks blog. Is there such a thing as plaguerizing a recipe? If there is, then P-dub did the plaguerizing, 'cause I've been cooking the same Chicken Spaghetti dish she shares on her site since she was in diapers.

The only thing I do differently than PW when making the Chicken Spaghetti is that I omit the chicken washing step. You read that right. I do not wash my chicken prior to cooking. I read a couple of years or so ago that it's not a necessary step, as the cooking process will destroy any surface bacteria; besides, you run more risk of spreading the salmonella around your kitchen by washing it. Anytime I'm cooking chicken, I wash my hands frequently with hot water and soap, and sanitize all areas where I've had the chicken, in case anything dripped or splashed from it on the counter.

And for the record, no one's ever gotten ill from eating my chicken spaghetti. I was kidding with the plaguerizing remark. I wouldn't want to offend PW, considering I hope to some day win one of her awesome contests. ;-)

I said that was enough about dogs, but I couldn't do a dog post without including Leyna, who is once again, dazed and temporarily blinded by mommy's flash. That's my son's hairy arm in the picture, lest you thought I needed to start shaving.

If you'd like to join in on The Recipe Box Swap, go here; or if you'd just like to read all the recipes that have been posted.

If you'd like to join in the fun with Dogs on Thursday, go here. Or just go around seeing everyone else's blogs... dogs...blogs with dogs!

******************************

A righteous man regards the life of his animal...
~Proverbs 12:10a NKJV

Gettin' Things Done

I sometimes have to trick myself into doing what needs doing. For instance, I NEVER plan on cleaning out my fridge. The times it gets cleaned (and yes, I do clean it on occasion) is when I start looking for something in there and can't find it. By the time I've spent 30 minutes digging through umpteen butter bowls with magic marker scribbled words on them, words like "carrots", "mushroom soup", or "dog chicken" (don't ask) I start hurling things out of there faster than my dog can inhale her chicken.

Two hours later, my fridge is sparkling. The shelves are washed clean, the sticky residue has been wiped from all the jam jars, the unidentified blobs with green fur have been tossed, and decomposing veggies have been relegated to the compost bucket. The drawers have been washed, dried, and put back in their places. I can stand back proudly and announce, in the voice of Zelda Rubenstein aka Tangina Barrows, "this fridge is clean".

If I KNEW I was going to do it, I'd find some excuse to get out of it, but I trick myself into doing it. I am so clever that way.

What, you might ask, does that have to do with pictures of sock yarn? Absolutely nothing. I went for a snack while the pictures were loading, and told myself "you really need to clean out the fridge".

I love this yarn. I think I already mentioned it in a previous blog, but it bears repeating. It is so soft, just like buttuh! The colors are so pretty and springy...like spring, the season, not bouncy springy. I think I may have to trick myself into finishing these socks, though. I have too many projects going at once, and nothing finished to show.

This was an error in judgement. It's my Amanda's Squatty Sidekick, or rather, not so squatty; I cast on extra stitches to make the base a little larger than the one in the pattern. I knit it with some wool yarn I picked up for a song in a thrift store in Little Rock (received a standing ovation-no, not really). It was really old. The label was yellowed and crinkly. It had probably been sitting in some little granny's knitting basket since the '60's.

I thought there was enough of the yarn to knit this bag. I was wrong. I could kick myself. I still have the strap and the flap left to knit, and no more wool. I'll have to either knit the straps and flap with a contrasting yarn, or rip back to the base and re-knit it, alternating stripes of the green wool with stripes of a contrasting color, so the original green will go farther. I'm not really of a mind to go to that much trouble, though. As you've likely determined by the fridge story, I am somewhat lazy.

I saw the furry novelty yarn at Big Lots, and noticed it was the exact same shade of green as the wool, so I bought it to add a little pizazz to the top of the bag. It was really cheap. It doesn't help with my shortage of yarn, though. What to do, what to do?

Pepper Saga Update:

Pepper's still with us, and it's looking likely he'll stay that way. I bet you all knew that, though.

Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

~Psalm 37:4 NKJV

Pepper Saga-Part Deux

It's still raining here in northeast Texas, which means all photos must be taken inside. This is Pepper, looking a little shy. He's actually a beautiful dog when clipped. His former owner, my neighbor L, insisted on paying for a trip to the groomer and vet as parting gifts for Pepper. We went to the vet last week and got his shots updated, and new flea and heartworm preventative meds. We're waiting for warmer weather to arrive and stay before getting his curls shorn.

We took Leyna along for the ride. She was happy as a lark to be going on an outing. That dog's just like Mr. Studley, she loves to GO. She ran over to the lawn area where all the dogs do their 'bizness' before entering the vet. She marked the territory as hers, then happily trotted back over to us. As we opened the door for her to enter, she suddenly realized where she was. She knew this place. She'd been here before. This is the place where the mean people jabbed a needle in her hiney, and she was having no more of that! We literally had to drag her inside with all four feet sliding across the floor, as she refused to take a single step forward. Yeah, she just loves going to the vet. Not.

Pepper really does have the sweetest eyes I think I've ever seen on a dog. These pictures don't do him justice.

One of my blogging buddies, Joansie, at Knitting By The Ocean, unwittingly gave me an idea of how to pawn Pepper off get Pepper a really great new home and family. She sent me a link to Pioneer Woman's blog post yesterday. Now, if you've read PW's blog, you know she's a real sucker for dogs. All shapes and sizes, the woman does love dogs. I love them, too, but from all appearances, PW can better afford taking on a new dog than I. For the record, Joansie had no idea of the scheme I'd hatch when she sent me that link.

So, after reading PW's blog post yesterday, it occurred to me that PW would probably love Pepper. All I need to do is drive to northern Oklahoma, find PW's ranch, drop Pepper off at the end of the drive, and scoot him toward her house. Don't worry, I'll stay parked nearby until I know he's been discovered.

PW will take one look at that face and invite him right in to nap on her couch. I'm just sure of it! She might even feed him some of Charlie's food with bacon grease stirred in it.

Now, all I need are the directions to Pioneer Woman's ranch. Anyone?

PW, I wuv you!

We are assured and know that [[a]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

~Romans 8:28 Amplified Bible

I DON'T WANT ANOTHER DOG!

Queen Wilhelmina State Park, AR. Fall '08 camping trip

It has rained all day long. I didn't mind it, though. We've had a relatively dry winter, no snow, and not a lot of rain. Today was one of those days it was pleasant to be inside. Life seemed to take a slower pace. It felt like a Sunday afternoon. Isn't it funny how different days have a different feel to them? I finished up my Hobo purse. I'm determined to take a pre-felted picture of it, but clearly the weather didn't permit. I can be patient, though.

It seems we have a new dog. I'm not terribly thrilled about it. We had many dogs for many years, and determined when we got Leyna that we'd never have more than one dog at a time again. Ever. Never ever. Sigh...never say never, and definitely not, never ever.

About a year ago, I volunteered to walk a neighbor's dog. Though I'd waved at her on the street in passing, I didn't know her. I began noticing a strange person walking her dog. Out of curiosity, I approached the stranger. It turned out she was a good friend of my neighbor, and informed me that my neighbor had become very ill, spending nearly two months in the hospital. She was back home, but destined to be an invalid due to a chronic lung condition which had worsened. Though she was able to live alone, she was no longer able to walk her dog. She was on oxygen 24/7, and only able to be up and about for a short bit before she'd lose her breath and begin coughing uncontrollably.

My neighbor, L, and I became friends over the past year. She's a very intelligent woman. She had a great job as a college library director, prior to being forced (by her health) to retire. A few months ago, her health became even worse. She began needing a lot more help. Mr. Studley and I pretty much took over the care of Pepper. We knew she was in no condition to have a dog any longer, and yet we knew that dog was her sole companion.

I encouraged her to see her doctor again, and I imagine her two good friends were doing the same. I think she put it off so long as she likely suspected the outcome-confinement in a care facility. She did finally break down and go two weeks ago. The doctor sent her straight to the hospital, as her oxygen level was dangerously low. It was determined rather quickly that she cannot live alone and manage her condition. I feel so sorry for her. She has a beautiful home filled with lovely things., which she may never even see again. Mr. Studley and I couldn't bear the idea of Pepper going to the pound, and L's friends were unable to take him, so we brought him home.

Pepper's a sweet dog, and he and Leyna play well together. I just didn't want another dog. Plus, he's long haired, which means he'll require regular grooming (an expenditure we really can't afford). He has skin allergies in the summer, requiring vet and allergy medicine bills (another expense we can't afford). He's just the sweetest thing, though. He wants nothing more than to sit in my lap. He looks up at me with those huge, sad eyes and melts my heart. Still, I don't want another dog. I have prayed about it. I asked the Lord to send us a good family who would love and spoil him, 'cause I don't want another dog!

I'd say, that's the long and short of how we got another dog, though there was nothing short in my telling of it. There never is. I've said it before, brevity is not my strong point.

Messes and Mudpies Handmade Soaps

If you're hungry in the market for some great soaps, click on the above link. Seriously, her soaps look good enough to eat....but don't; you wouldn't want to end up blind like Ralphie.

In celebration of opening her new web store, along with reaching her 100th blog post, this very generous lady is having a contest in which she'll award a lucky winner with $30 worth of products from her store (shipped free!). If you'd like a chance to win, go to her blog and read about it here.

A [consistently] righteous man regards the life of his beast, but even the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

~Proverbs 12:10 Amplified Bible

This 'n' That

I've been doing some knitting, but I'll have to wait until my son gets back from a business trip before I can take pictures. He had the audacity to take his camera with him to New Orleans. Harumph!

I don't think a post is complete without pictures, so I'm resurrecting some old ones. Since we didn't get our annual ONE snowfall per year this winter, the above picture is obviously an old one. I either took it last year or the year before. I love the way Redbirds (Cardinals) stand out so brightly against the white of snow. I don't know if more of them come around when it snows, or if they're just more obvious then.

I haven't bored you with a pic of my four legged baby in awhile. This is Leyna, sleeping with her head rested on the crook of Mr. Studley's arm. Daddy, to her. This was last fall when we were camping in Arkansas. He was actually eating his dinner. She was so worn out from our hiking excursion that day that she didn't even bother begging for people food.

This is an earflap hat, fingerless mitts, and scarf set I knit for my niece a couple of years ago. Now I prefer to use the Maine Morning Mitts pattern for fingerless mitts.

Right now I'm working on a felted Hobo bag, by Pipp's Purses. I love this pattern! I've shared before how much I struggle with interpreting patterns. I am such a visual learner. Jennifer, the pattern writer, writes her patterns in such a way that even I can easily understand them. I'm on the very last step of the pattern. All I have left is a few inches of the i-cord handle, then kitchener stitching the two sides of the handle together, and that baby is ready to felt! I decided to wait to felt it until after my son returns with his camera, as I want to photograph it in it's prefelted stage. It's huge!

I'm also knitting a pair of sport socks for myself. I am loving the yarn. I bought it at JoAnn's Fabrics when I was in Ft. Worth a few weeks ago. It's the sock weight yarn from the Deborah Norville Serenity line, by Premier Yarns. It's a combination of superwash Merino wool, nylon and soft bamboo. Who knew Deborah Norville had a yarn line? The colors are so very pretty, and it's incredibly soft. I'm really enjoying knitting with it. The next test will be to see how it holds up to wear.

I'm torn between finishing my socks and starting another Hobo bag. I picked up several skeins of Lion Wool at our NEW HOBBY LOBBY recently. I live in a small town. We don't have an LYS (non-knitter readers, that's knitterese for Local Yarn Shop), so getting a Hobby Lobby was a really big deal for us. Anyway, the Lion Wool was marked on clearance for $1.99 per skein. That's $3 off their regular price per skein. I grabbed several skeins, as I'm planning on making felted handbags for Christmas gifts next year. I've now got enough yarn to do me for awhile, so I have no excuse for going back to Hobby Lobby anytime soon. Right? Rooooiiiiggghht. ;-)

But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.

~I Peter 3:15 Amplified Bible

TypePad Glitch Fixed!

Whatever the glitch was that prevented non-TypePad users from being able to leave comments on some of the TypePad blogs appears to have been fixed. I bow to you, TypePad Problems Solvers. I'd curtsy to you, but I'd fall on my fanny.

You know, I'd write more, but I've got nothing. Seriously, I've sat here for several minutes and my mind is a blank. A big, black cavern of nothingness. It could have something to do wtih the fact that it's 2:00 A.M. Putty Tat just crawled up onto the copier beside me, giving me that look, the one that says "turn off the light, woman, I'm trying to get some sleep!"

People just think cats don't talk. Cats talk. They just don't use an audible voice. Their 'looks' say plenty. Our cat has a wide vocabulary of looks. There's the look she gives when she's sitting in front of the waterbowl when it has speck of dirt floating in it, the one that says "you surely don't think I'm going to drink that sewage, do you?" And there's the look she has when she's waiting impatiently for Mr. Studley to sit in the recliner so she can pile up in his lap, the look that says "hurry it up, Buster, I'm not getting any younger here!" Oh, and the most 'colorful' look she has is the one she gives whenever Mr.Studley gives her a bath. That one says "..... on second thought, I better not tell you what that one says. This is a Profanity Free blog. ;-)

I better toddle off to bed before Putty gives me that bathtime look. I'd hate to have to wash her mouth out with soap. One of us might get hurt. What is your cat saying to you?

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

~Psalm 50:23

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...Outside my Window... I am seeing the dwindling down of the Morning Glories. Before long, the view there will be drab. I'm thinking of planting Pansies this year. They bloom through the winter. I love their smiling faces, which always make me smile back.

I am thinking... about our ladies meeting at church tonight. Last week was enjoyable, though I do hope we can spend less time eating and more time meeting. I love the fellowship and sharing of our meal beforehand, but last week, we barely had time for a quick prayer at the end of our meeting, as some needed to go to pick up kids. I feel that prayer is such an important part of our time together.

From the learning rooms... eh...not so much going on there.

I am thankful for.... the two new (to me) burgundy leather recliners in my living room. My next door neighbors ordered new ones and asked if we knew anyone interested in buying their old ones. They aren't old, they just aren't new. They look great, and I know she paid mucho money for them new. She said she'd sell one for $75, and let the other one go for free. You just can't beat a deal like that! ;-)

From the kitchen... there is a queso dip with taco meat in it, ready to take to my ladies group tonight. I just need to stop and pick up a bag of dipping tortilla chips. I need to figure out what to leave here for dinner, though. I'm thinkin' somethin' simple.

I am wearing... my nightshirt and flipflops. I haven't even had my first cup of coffee or put in my contacts yet. My day is definitely out of order.

I am reading... eh...not so much. Does bathroom reading count?

I am hoping... I can sell the two small wingback chairs I had in my living room.

I am creating... dishcloths and hats with my knitting needles.

Around the house... I've been decluttering. It's an ongoing chore around here. I've always been such a packrat. I've either bought (mostly at thrift stores) or been given way too many things over the years that I've kept for "some day". I don't do that anymore. I have a hard and fast rule with myself now. If I can't use it now, or at least within the next season, or if I don't know someone else who needs it, it doesn't come home with me. The problem is, I have years and years accumulation of "stuff" that I got before I instituted that rule! Which reminds me of one of my favorite movie lines, from the Jerk.

"I don't care about losing all the money. It's losing all the stuff"

One of my favorite things... is apple crisp. Maybe I'll bake some today!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... to go through the antique buffet in my dining room, which is used for anything but a buffet table. It's a huge piece of furniture with three drawers across the top, and a cabinet on each side below. There are things stuffed back in those cabinets that have probably not seen the light of day in fifteen years. Disgraceful, I know. It's definitely time.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...of my little dog, Leyna. Bear with me, I don't show a fraction of the pictures of her that I'd like. I do realize not all people melt into puddles over cute pup pics the way I do. When my son and daughter were packing their overnight bags to go to 6-Flags last August, Leyna crawled into one of their bags. My son zipped it nearly closed and snapped this picture of her. I think she wanted to go to 6-Flags, too.

~Visit The Simple Woman's blog to see how you can participate in the weekly Daybook on your own blog. Click on The Simple Woman's Daybook icon in her sidebar for instructions.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

~Jeremiah 29:11

The above scripture was spoken to me by a friend the day after I learned my late husband had drowned while scuba diving. I felt like I was drowning in despair, and truthfully, the scripture did not bring me great comfort at the time. However, she told me God gave her that Word for me. In the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, I did cling to that Word from God. I stood on it as His promise to me, and He kept good on His promise!

Say "Ah"!

I snapped this photo just as my dog was yawning. She really is a cute dog, though this picture doesn't prove it!

You're all I want in heaven!

You're all I want on earth!

When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful.

Look! Those who left you are falling apart!

Deserters, they'll never be heard from again.

But I'm in the very presence of God— oh, how refreshing it is!

I've made Lord God my home.

God, I'm telling the world what you do!

~Psalm 73:25-28 The Message

Guess What's Up

My mother and my brother have both required blood pressure meds for much of their adult lives, whereas, I have not. I've always found this fact surprising, considering they are each naturally slender people, and I am fat not. Secretly, to me, it was a small sliver of justice. They've gone through life thin, and with perfect eyesight. I've gone through life fat struggling with my weight, and Mr.Magoo eyes (I wear contacts). My biological dad died in his early 40's. I'm not sure if he had to take blood pressure medicine or not. I do know he wore glasses, though they were not of the Mr.Magoo sort.

Reality came and bit me in the keister this week. I was in Wal-Mart pharmacy the other night and decided, on a whim, to check my blood pressure. First try equalled shocking (to me) results. Second try, numbers came down only slightly. Third try, no difference. My top number put me in the stage 2 hypertension category, and my bottom number put me in stage 1 hypertension.

So much for justice!

I have not gone to the doctor. Not having medical insurance, I don't tend to go there often. The first thing I did was to quit eating Doritoes Chipotle Ranch flavored chips. I knew better, but they are just so good. All the watermelon, tomatoes, and canteloupe that I've been eating doused with salt? Screeching halt! No, I've not given up those goodies, but I did give up the salt shaker. Really, I knew better. They're so incredibly tasty, it's not like I even needed the salt to enjoy them. Another treat I've all but eliminated from my diet is roasted peanuts in the shell. We keep them on hand and snack on them nightly. I only ever eat a small handful at a time, but they are loaded in salt.

I am also cutting back on red meat. Eating it as often as we now do is a habit we've gotten into in recent years, since a wonderful little meat market opened up near our house. Again, I knew better.

I've also upped my walking. I walk two dogs a day, mine and a shut-in neighbor's. I'd recently shortened those walks due to the heat and humidity. I hate getting all sweaty and icky feeling. Now I just shower more frequently. My water bill may go up, but hopefully my blood pressure is coming down some.

I'll go back to Wal-Mart in a few days, one week after the disastrous readings. If it's still in the danger zone, I'll consider a doctor's visit. I know I need to lose weight. Not to sound cliche', but that is so much easier said than done. I am open to suggsestions of natural means of lowering my bp.

Meanwhile, I hear spending time with pets is supposed to lower your bp, so I'll spend some time cuddling this...

*****Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
~III John 1:2 NIV

Monday Bath Day

That's it. I'm calling the CPS (Cat Protective Services)!

I walked into the living room tonight to find the cat lying on one of the tv trays, a tray on which I had planned on setting my plate to eat dinner in the living room with Mr. Studley. He sat across the room as if oblivious to the fact that anything was out of order. It's not that he's a slob, far from it, but he has this major soft spot when it concerns Putty Tat. My reaction was less than pleasant, so he quickly piped up that he'd bathe her after dinner. Yeah, that's going to help me. The tv tray needs bathing!

True to his word, Mr.S. did give her a bath. The pitiful moans coming from the bathroom were a surefire indication that someone wasn't enjoying the process. Putty Tat wasn't any too happy, either. I wanted to get a better picture than the one above, one of her dripping and showing her displeasure. Unfortuantely, with her claws sunk into his arm, Mr.S. wouldn't accommodate a pose for me. Harumph!

A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

~Proverbs 12:10