Hello out there! How are you this season? I struggled with a little tug on my heart when the season ended. I wasn’t ready. But we somehow got it together and finished packing up the tree over the weekend. And just yesterday, all of the seasonal things were packed up and put away.

It’s been a long while since I’ve had anything to say on the Blog. And something hit me the other day, the blog juices kicked in from seemingly out of nowhere. So here I am, wishing all of you a Happy New Year!

Typically, when I get behind on the blog, I go into panic mode of trying to play catch up. But just for today, I’m picking up right where I am, in this moment.

In this moment, the bougainvillea by the front porch makes my heart sing. In fact, my heart has been singing for days. It’s getting a little out of control, but I haven’t the nerve to trim it now, in all of its glory.

A little shot up close today.

I worked on my new fun hobby of doing my own nails this morning. It’s amazing the happiness and satisfaction that comes from learning new things. This is truly satisfying.

These are the tools that make the job a breeze. I had most of the miscellaneous files and clippers on hand. But that brush in my hand, is one from the new collection of brushes ordered from amazon. I’m getting into the winter blues and mixing up the designs this season.

More on the joys of 2022 later. For now, I wanted to post a little update from today and share a little joy.

Blessings – Debbie

We have an exciting weekend coming up! Actually, the excitement starts tomorrow. A few days packed with what is sure to be so much fun.  But it requires a little preparation up front.

The hubs and I had a special dinner date last evening, followed with a little jaunt to the mall to pick up a couple of things for the hubs.

This day was planned weeks ago. Get up and apply nail polish on the toes and the fingernails, first thing in the morning. I did debate having nails put on for the weekend, but the negative thoughts of the 3 or so months it takes to get the nice healthy nails back, altered that thought.

Back to the polish, I have this thing about doing nails in the early morning. A thing in my head tells me morning is always the right time to do nails. Why? Because I’m afraid if I don’t give ample time to dry, the sheets are surely going to mess them up in the night. That’s happened to me before.

So here we go, with the fun brand new polish that I picked up this week.

I’m in love with the fresh look of this color. It’s not pure white as it has just a tiny hint of pink. And the thing I love about it is, it is not translucent. The color is called “Barely There”. This may be the color I reach for on into next spring and summer. I like it that much.

The toenails were coated with a translucent skin tone color. with a clear top coat.

Now that the fingernails are dry, it’s time to finish up the afternoon activities around the home sweet home.

I’m not so sure if I will be blogging between now and the flurry of fun events, but I’ll be back Monday or Tuesday to fill in the details.

Blessings – Debbie

I’m blessed and thankful

The show must go on. This bit about getting so far behind on the blog will have to wait for another day to fill in the last month.

What a crazy week this has been.

The hubs has been sick all week. So I handpicked some roses from the garden to brighten his day.

We’ve had over 12 rose bushes in bloom during the course of the week. Spring has showered us with a lot of pretty color.

Even our pink water lily decided it was time to come out this spring. Did you know water lilies go dormant in the winter, losing the pads and everything? I did not know this a couple of years ago when we moved into this home. When the winter came, I thought all the lilies were dying. Then I called the pond guy and he explained the whole thing.

I worked on a

a

Blessings – Debbie

Light is the topic for my project, this third week of the year. So I thought I’d shed a little light on my identity crisis. It’s what I think of when getting used to a new pair of frames.

So I picked up my new prescription and new frames today. I like that they are a tad larger, providing more room for my progressives. I’m sure I’ll adjust to the new me soon.

But the story on finding a pair that I like is a bit crazy.

I already know the style of frame I like. I like as near to rectangle as you can get. I shopped several places in the area and found something I really liked. Only they were a little snug on my temple and the guy (Optician) helping me said there was nothing he could do about it. So I continued to search.

The hubs got in on the search, as he wanted to drive me on up the road a little further to a place that had a rather large supply. That husband of mine rocks my world!

Turns out, I found a pair I liked. Tried them on. But to someone who needs a prescription to see, it’s hard to know if I really like them. So I took a selfie to decide if they were for me. I thought they fit the bill. So we made the purchase and brought them home.

However, I had to have another look at them on a larger screen. So I transferred the image to my computer. I was not a big fan as I found a couple of things that bothered me. I’m so happy they let me return them. Note: I just purchased the frame without the prescription.

Back to square one. This time, I called the place where I originally fell in love with the tight pair of frames. The place where the guy said he couldn’t help me. Yes, that place. Luckily for me, I spoke with a different optician and she told me that they could adjust the frames to meet my comfort needs.

That’s all it took. I got her name and made an appointment with her to nail the frames I really liked.

And just like that, she made the adjustments necessary for a comfort fit and sent them in to the lab to have my new prescription filled.

That was just over two weeks ago. And today was the day my new frames were ready for pick-up.

In keeping with my “Light” project this week, I decided to test the waters and shed a little light on the new me.

I’m so happy I called that first place back. The place where the guy said he couldn’t help me.And thank you so much sweet lady for loving your job enough to help customers in need of a little extra help.

As I see it, I give the comfort level 5 stars, the larger frame 5 stars and my new prescription 5 stars. As for the identity crisis, I should be adjusted to the new me soon.

And there you have it.

Blessings – Debbie

While visiting the library, (yesterday) I couldn’t help but capture the image of this rather large photo. Is this not the perfect image in a library or what?

And I was pretty excited to get my very own library card. Goodness knows I haven’t had a library card since I was in high school. I know, I almost hate to record this bit of info on the blog. But I’m so excited to have my very own card!

I’m so in love with the e-book feature! I had no clue you could check out books, magazines and a plethora of things to read on the kindle. I’ve already read the January publication of Prevention, Better Homes and several other magazines. And I’m excited to report that I’m already reading some books on the Kindle! Where have I been and why didn’t I know these things?

Oh the joys of discovering new things available thru the library.

Blessings – Debbie

Early Morning – Prayers were lifted in the garden.

 Early Afternoon – Prayers were answered.

Early Evening – My heart is filled with joy.

Feeling Blessed…

Blessings – Debbie

Friday was such a beautiful day for a Special Birthday Party.

And we were in our places to form our group for a “BIG” surprise.

We brought the birthday: hat, wand, jewels, a ring, special glasses, blowers, and balloons to shower her.

Once we gathered, we made our way up the street to surprise Lyn.

While I did not get the initial surprise “shot”, Lyn was so excited. And here she is getting all fixed up.

She was given a first class ride to her “Birthday” luncheon.

And this is the beautiful spot where we gathered.

What a beautiful and wonderful group of neighbors and friends.

And what a delight to visit on this beautiful day.

More guests arrive.

And yet another…

And there was love and listening ears, truly taking in the others around her.

Twas such a festive table.

And the lady behind the camera was trying many ways to capture the moment.

And candid images are what I love taking the most.

And another with everything in focus.

This hat says it all.

While we waited for lunch, Lyn opened the cards and shared them around the table. I slipped, and failed to capture images of that moment.

Lunch is served! My salmon was so yummy!

Tracy ordered the fish tacos, they look amazing.

Janene had such a pretty plate too and wanted an image to remember. I tell ya, I could have taken images of the entire table as each plate was positively beautiful and delish!

Happy Birthday too you!

Every Birthday girl must have a special cake.

And don’t forget to make a wish!

And enjoy the moment.

Then blow out the candle.

And of course, enjoy the cake!

That “was” warm chocolate cake. Carol and I shared the above piece together. It was so good!

The whole group of ladies.

And our Fabulous Birthday Girl.

What a lovely day to remember.

The End

Blessings – Debbie

To keep the goldfish or not to keep the goldfish. That’s the subject for today.

Of course we want fish.

But are goldfish what we really want in the pond?

I’m growing attached to these guys. However, we originally got them to see how we would fair with being fish owners.

• Apparently we are doing something right. The fish seem happy. We haven’t had any trouble with sick/dying fish. And they spawned all spring long. We have about 100 (2 – 3 inch babies) to prove it.

And would we be able to keep the predators away?

• So far so good!

The conclusion – While I have mixed emotions, we would like to go a full season with the goldfish, to see how things go.

And this spring, (I think) we’ll be ready to replace the goldfish with a few Koi.

I’m dreaming of a butterfly Koi and other varieties. Until then, we’ll continue to take good care of the fish and find a good home for them when and if the time comes.

The sound of the fountain, providing oxygen to the fish, could be the most constant relaxing source of music to my ears. Ever.

Happy Wednesday!

Blessings – Debbie