White Dusting

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I had a fun filled morning frolicking around in the snow with the white stuff providing a coating as far as the eye can see. And the forecast says we’re getting more snow through Thursday.

Here’s a few pictures taken early this morning from my yard

Sunrise


Bird Feeder


Baby Pine ~ No more than 2’ tall ~ Even the old weeds from summer are taller than this little guy.


Pine Cone


Bridge


Early Morning Light


We had a very enjoyable weekend ~ spent a little time with friends ~ went shopping ~ snuggled under our cozy little throw while watching a pretty snowfall ~ Watched NASCAR and some football ~ I did get sick Sat evening and by late Sun morning was feeling better. I’ll be starting my week with more drawing in hopes to be finished with the pansy by the end of the week.

My Week In Bullets

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I take pleasure of our pretty sunrises out back now that the leaves have fallen. This is the sunrise up over the hill this morning.

The week has been filled with lots of interesting things and I thought I would stop by to share what’s going on.

  • We had a couple more visits with the builder this past week and I think all the kinks are worked out to the point we’re ready to start the foundation. The builder is working on clearing the lot as we speak and it’s just a matter of time for things to start taking shape.

  • We started our 10th annual Christmas Newsletter and I’m happy with the progress so far.

  • I’ve been working on Christmas songs lately and have nearly 700 Christmas songs on my ipod. I love the Holidays so much that I’m already soaking in the Christmas spirit.

  • We were so tired last evening that we went in for a nap at 8:00 pm and slept ‘til morning. I feel like a brand spankin’ new person today.

  • I’m doing really well on the nutrition front in hopes the cholesterol is dropping. The weight continues to drop but I’m more concerned about the cholesterol. I’ll find out next month.

  • Hubby is off to Maryland for the day and I’m finding pleasure in a nice clean home with the laundry and ironing complete. This means I have the day to…

    Here’s wishing all of you a pleasant Thursday.

    • The Pansy’s Return

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    I’m finally to the point where I can concentrate on drawing again so here’s where we are so far today. I should have a few more updates this week.


    Wishing all of you a splendid week!

    Time For Change – Update

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    Photo taken today after I had yet another cut. I wanted a little more stack in the back. It’s hard to see in the pic but I’m happy with it.


    Photo Taken Yesterday


    Anyone who knows me knows that when the urge comes for a change, I don’t wait long. When my hairdresser couldn’t squeeze me in this week, I called someone that could take me at a moments notice and this is what we came up with.

    It’s very similar to the old bob that I used to wear with just a little stack this time. It’s so much lighter and I won’t be searching for pony tails to get that stuff out of my way. I just wish I had taken my camera to have a picture of all the hair I left behind. I highly doubt I’ll ever see a pile like that of my own ever again. Then again, time will tell.

    I Voted

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    Since our little town didn’t have “early” voting, we were up and to the polls just before 6 am. We had virtually no lines to speak of and I was the lucky #13 in line at the poll today! We were there before they opened the booth (yes, that’s booth singular) for our “little” district and we were able to stand in the comforts of a nice heated building. As a matter of fact, from the time we left the house, voted and got back home was a very short 25 min! Voting has never been so easy! Happy Voting Everyone!

    Cute little story – Hubby was telling me this morning that when he was a little boy that he wanted so badly to be an American. He wanted to be an American because his mommy always said they were Irish and Dutch.

    The Secret of Cold Springs

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    We enjoyed our weekend around the house and it was the perfect time to recline and visit with Liz from Mabel’s House author of The Secret of Cold Springs by Elizabeth Owen. Liz is such a talented author and I’ve enjoyed reading her blog for quite some time. I have high hopes that one day her book will be published but for now she is sharing her book for free for any and all who would like to read.

    Description:

    The youngest of three teenage sisters, Nora Charles is used to being the brunt of their teasing, but that doesn’t stop her from making tenacious plans to travel the world, write books and ride elephants. After the death of their father, the Charles women seek to make a new start in a new town. Cold Springs is a historic village, its rainbow-hued gingerbread houses clinging to the side of the mountain. Nora and her sisters soon discover that this quaint town has a dark and disturbing history. It’s up to the Charles sisters to save a new friend and discover the dangerous secret behind a mysterious group of women. This tale unfolds amid winding Victorian streets, jack-0-lantern filled shops and hidden passageways. The girls humorously bicker their way through the most dangerous adventure of their lives, only to come face to face with the irrepressible bonds of sisterhood.

    I’m not sure how Liz found me but I’m ever so glad she did. It’s such a joy to visit while she decorates, bakes and shares her love with precious Mabel found here and here and her beloved husband Matt.

    I finished every juicy detail of The Secret of Cold Springs and hope you too get the chance to enjoy as well.

    Treat Of The Week

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    There’s something about autumn and Halloween that set the tone for the upcoming holidays. It’s been a week of celebration here in blogland and therefore I choose to celebrate the holidays.

    I won this prize from Tanya over at Sunday Baker. This is going to be my go-to “goodie” cookbook this season as I didn’t think to bring any of my cookbooks to the apartment. So I’m elated right now! Thanks again Tanya!

    Tanya is having another giveaway going on through the weekend, so if you would like the chance to WIN something fun, I urge you to visit Grab Bag Game – New Giveaway – Winner! But most of all, you’re going to be a winner as you will fall in love with Tanya’s Blog, she’s amazing!

    Wishing all of you a wonderful blessed day.

    Don’t forget to visit with Tanya, she’s amazing!


    Little Chop Here – Little Chop There

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    I just had my hair cut a couple weeks ago but something was just not right. I have been letting all my layers grow for the last 2 years and finally it was all one length again. I think the all one length is the part that’s not right. So, a couple days ago I grabbed the scissors on a whim and gave myself layers.

    Reasons/Excueses For Cutting My Own Hair

    1. To get the “feel” of it before I officially commit

    2. I “think” I know what I want but toy with it before I exhaust my stylist

    3. I’m a visual kinda gal wanting to “see” what it looks like before hand

    4. To completely “SHOCK” my stylist when I go in with long hair in the back and on one side but the other side completely chopped off. I’ve been known to do that on more than one occasion…

    5. It’s fun and I think anyone who hasn’t tried it – Well what are you waiting for, give it a try sometime…

    6. Saved my biggest reason for last – I’ve secretively wanted to work in a salon since my high school days. I think cutting hair would be a total blast but my biggest worry is that I would do something wrong and upset my clients. That would devastate me, so I’ll continue to play “salon” happily ever after in the comforts of my own home.

    Boots and Britches

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    Here we come!


    My little wish for snow came true yesterday afternoon and it snowed and snowed all afternoon! Nothing stuck but that didn’t stop the snow from falling and on into the night it snowed and it continues to snow today. By morning we ended up with a little white dusting and below you will find a little sample of what it looks like around here.

    Looking through the brush out back


    The leaves still cling to this tree/bush but just a matter of time and they too will be gone


    The berries all nestled in


    A little coating


    Things I Love About Where I Live

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    Having lived in 7 states and outside the country for 2 ½ years, the north was never on our radar. There were too many other places we wanted to live and living overseas again was one of the things we wanted to do.

    So, here we are and I wouldn’t take it back, not for a second. I was tagged by Linda from Florida last week (while I was out of town) asking me to post 5 things I love about my state.

    5 Things I Love About Where I Live

    1. Number 1 has to be Home – “It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.” – Author Unknown

    2. The country – I love the country side – It’s a place where things move at a slower pace – I find tranquility no matter where we go and I love living where there is virtually no traffic to speak of.

    Photo taken last Autumn


    3. Autumn – Autumn is my favorite season! I love the cooler months leading into winter – The changing of the leaves has me mesmerized to this day. The photos below were taken last year and my readers who have been with me for a while have already seen these.

    4. Winter – I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for snow. As a matter of fact it was in the forecast last week while I was out of town but no such luck. I was rather delighted as I didn’t want to miss our first snow of the year. We have a mixture of rain/snow/wind in the forecast today and I keep looking out in hopes to see the white stuff.

    This was how I spent last Valentines Day!


    5. Animals – Oh how I love the animals that I’m not used to seeing IRL. I still do a double take daily as I see the deer stroll through the backyard. And I stop what I’m doing and watch them ‘til they’re out of site.

    Beauty in the front yard this past summer


    Hope you enjoyed!

    My Trip To FL And A Giveaway

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    Oh my word, I can’t believe I didn’t even post “something” in here while I was in FL this past week! There were days while I was there that I never even once turned on my computer so I’m blaming that on the decline of posts. My trip was fantastic and I enjoyed spending time with my parents and my brother and his family. My nephew wanted a drawing lesson with me and I can’t begin to express the fun we had. By the end of the day his drawing improved from looking cartoonish to “the real deal”. Way to go buddy!

    Mom and I shopped, strolled by the lake and sat on the bench by the bank of the lake visiting, went to lunch together and numerous mother daughter stuff. Mom has been like a sister/best friend/and mom all wrapped into one ever since I can remember. Well the “sister part” within the last “15” years or so but my best friend and mom always! I should state for the record that Bobby is my “Very Best – Best Friend”!

    I had fun with dad too as I helped him with some projects around the house and it’s always a pleasure working and visiting with him. He’s a character though let me tell ya and he can keep me on my toes. And with him, jokes and laughter are almost constant.

    We had several dinners out and mom of course cooked my favorite things when we were home.

    I arrived back home with hubby late Saturday evening and I’ve been totally soaking in the time with my dearest. At one point Saturday, hubby called me on my layover stating that he couldn’t wait to wrap his paws around me. And I checked my watch counting down the minutes to be caught up in his arms. He had the apartment completely clean, bed made, his laundry finished and grocery shopping complete before I got home. And when I walked through the door, the place looked so warm and welcoming. It’s truly good to be back home with the man of my dreams…

    I’m so far behind with all of you and look forward to catching up now that I’m back, I’ll be seeing you around.

    Now for some “FUN” – My friend Tanya is hosting a giveaway and you are all free to to join! Just click on Tanya’s name (above) to enter and perhaps “WIN” this amazing cookbook!


    I WON

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    I can’t believe I was one of the winner’s at Jan and Tom’s Place. She threw a Birthday Tea Party for herself on October 8th and had a drawing after the party. Several of us that commented won just by stopping by and wishing Jan a Happy Birthday.

    I was so surprised when this arrived in the mail today!


    Well I had no clue what I was going to receive in the mail but these gifts are very special to me. I arranged the gifts on my bed for a picture to show the array. In the very front bottom right are Green Tea Body Lotion and Green Tea Body Wash. I’ve already used the lotion and I love it! That tube is going in my purse after my flight tomorrow! (Speaking of flight, Bobby’s taking me to the airport at 4:30am tomorrow!) Then there’s a nice bag of “Tea Of Life” to the left of the lotion/wash. I’m going to wait ‘til I return home to have my cup of tea. In the box there’s a wonderful heart frame and shoe box labels. I’ve got just the picture for that frame and it’s going on my little night stand. In front of the box is a nice set of beautiful note cards – sorry for the glare as they are sealed in a plastic wrap. To the right of the cards are a set of four fruit – fruit scented candles. How did she know how much I love candles??? Moving along to the back left is a book, “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace. Jan, this book is going on the flight with me tomorrow! To be a better wife to my dearest loving husband will give me joy. Next to the book is the prettiest card from Jan in the shape of a beautiful pair of shoes and in it were some very lovely words. And that cute little card holds a wonderful array of needles. I can always use needles.

    Thank you for these special gifts Jan, I will think of you when I use these little treasures.

    It’s Still Autumn

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    The view from my window this morning


    It’s a cool dark and rainy autumn morning, but beautiful in my eyes. It’s the kind of day that makes me feel rejuvenated. Well it’s a good thing as I have much to do. There’s errands to run, groceries to get, and laundry and cleaning these next couple days.

    Bobby’s sending me to FL to visit my parents this Saturday and I can’t leave without having him fully taken care of. Normally I lay his clothes out each day (he’s color blind) that’s my excuse to dote over him more. So I’ve promised to have all of his work clothes hung together in sets complete with the tie he’s to wear. I’ve asked him to help me with a list of things he wants for meals and that’s getting checked off today and tomorrow. And I’m leaving him to a spotless abode so I had better get busy. Man I’m gonna miss him.

    A Trip To The Spa

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    The last three weeks had me stressed a little more than I realized. After hearing such great reports from my Dr’s office, a huge weight was lifted but I was left with knots in my shoulders and back.

    So last evening I casually mentioned to Bobby how tight I was feeling and that’s all it took for him to insist that I have a massage. He didn’t have to twist my arm and I was able to work a two hour visit to the nearby spa this morning. I’m feeling a bit sore but the knots seem to be worked out. (sigh)

    I took the camera as these beautiful autumn days aren’t going to last forever. So here we go… The pictures below were taken at the resort.

    A tent all set up for somethin’


    A peak through the leaves at the golf course


    A little winding path


    A cool cabin


    Ducks up ahead on the left – I believe they are either headed south or will be headed that way directly


    A few of them up close – Have a safe trip dear feathered friends


    Better than the Dr’s office


    A New Lease On Life

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    Today must have been the longest day for me ever! I had more blood work and urine testing last week due to the blood in my urine 3 weeks ago. The sample was sent to the hospital for testing and I was told the results would be in today. After looking at all the possibilities on-line the big “C” is what I feared as I didn’t seem to have symptoms of the other things listed. The weekend went really well but today after Bobby left I felt so alone and scared. It’s times like this when I don’t know how to pray that all I can really pray for is God’s perfect will to be done and just leave it in His hands.

    Well, I finally received a call from my Dr’s office a few minutes ago saying everything was perfect – and no more blood! I have never been so scared and happy like this all in the course of a day ever! People, I truly could scream from the mountain tops and I thank my Heavenly Father for this good news today! Thank you Jesus!

    Now all I need to do is bring the cholesterol down and I feel quite certain I’m going to be able to do just that. I’m asking for God’s help and also doing all I know I need to do as I believe God will help me if I help myself. I’m still on the same eating pattern eating at least 9 fruit and veggies – nuts – yogurt and consuming at least 21g of fiber and 50g of protein a day. I’m getting my protein through beans, nuts and the like and added soy to my diet as well. And as for my beverage, water is still my go to drink and have not had any diet soda in 2 weeks!

    I knew exercise was a biggie and I just started my exercise program last week. Bobby got the wii fit for me last weekend and I’m putting it to good use. I’m exercising between 30 and 45 min a day and I’m thrilled that I have not skipped a day of exercise all week.

    I’m so thankful for the warning and so happy the really big scare is over. Now I can concentrate on eating healthy and exercising. I have just over 2 months before my next cholesterol checkup and I hope to see a considerable change. I feel I’ve been given a new lease on life and I’m truly grateful and blessed.