tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13485894222957548132024-03-12T22:04:43.072-05:00Chriss HillMy life, My dreams, My Writing: My Way.
Author, Contemporary Family SagaLadyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-85293900835654956102022-02-01T08:58:00.000-06:002022-02-01T08:58:34.310-06:00Into February and hoping for better weather<p> It's finally February and tomorrow is when that groundhog will predict the weather. I must say, whatever he sees, it's been a dreary winter already. All this cold weather hasn't been pleasant as I end up at home and binge watch tv and eat too much. I'm ready for spring and warmer temperatures, to get outside and play in the dirt, where I can put down flowers, tomatoes, and a few zucchini plants, or summer squash. I need to walk, to burn up this weight I've gained since Covid hit. I sure hope that comes to an end soon. Just like this cold weather. We might get some sleet this week, on Thursday, along with rain. I cancelled my eye doctor appointment as I don't want to leave home to drive twenty five minutes into the city. I'll just stay home and watch it come down through the window. And stay warm. I hope this month isn't as dreary as the last. We'll see. In the meantime, I'll continue to edit and blog. It's good practice and keeps me away from binge watching tv and eating mindlessly. </p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTBtE4a3Vl8MzbumQlT8iXgA6EQMfIJhHvri9MC5C5lgS8IquI5BCxuC3-sQKfDQMs4yz-LMygJVWwxeAgsanTnP8kxKR3WEgJNMQNN3-xDa7qxSGmeewLh2GQdqmu9nvOQ-Ulekw69p-a27PZX592zNmqXdNIhQMFvzsFRbzN_2gw7NE5GrvGAceLGQ=s626" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="626" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTBtE4a3Vl8MzbumQlT8iXgA6EQMfIJhHvri9MC5C5lgS8IquI5BCxuC3-sQKfDQMs4yz-LMygJVWwxeAgsanTnP8kxKR3WEgJNMQNN3-xDa7qxSGmeewLh2GQdqmu9nvOQ-Ulekw69p-a27PZX592zNmqXdNIhQMFvzsFRbzN_2gw7NE5GrvGAceLGQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-83944989049657345942022-01-29T07:23:00.004-06:002022-01-29T07:23:50.914-06:00A bit of intense humor<p> Not mine, but gave me a good grin. However, my books are available in Kindle. Look for the Cross Passage Series. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijVLTeO8KWVJEGQUTvvYUHw2w8H-dIq-2El4RTKVh4aDt-H4Hph9NhMRLDNzB0OeF6mzUK-SyqOCValg1gw52hNROqJ0XFkCE_v_AuDwqyFIgkWt-VkW63jOdVnnc5PQFf9lYu73WTMuEORRrC5J0LKDbpSWgv53VAjjheeA9k-LxM3-G4nkfW4CjAVA=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="720" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijVLTeO8KWVJEGQUTvvYUHw2w8H-dIq-2El4RTKVh4aDt-H4Hph9NhMRLDNzB0OeF6mzUK-SyqOCValg1gw52hNROqJ0XFkCE_v_AuDwqyFIgkWt-VkW63jOdVnnc5PQFf9lYu73WTMuEORRrC5J0LKDbpSWgv53VAjjheeA9k-LxM3-G4nkfW4CjAVA=w476-h470" width="476" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-72728534067789950412022-01-28T13:40:00.003-06:002022-01-28T13:40:41.423-06:00Changes and learning how to reach out<p> So many changes since my last post on Blog spot. Since then, I have wrote more books in The Cross Passage Series. Seven books total. I have re-edited and made many revisions since then. Are they perfect? No. I have done a lot of learning along the way and technology has changed over the years, since I began this project. Definitely, the younger generation finds it easier to keep up with it, as I've learned from Facebook groups. I began this as a hobby, since nothing out there truly satisfied my book reading needs. I truly find it difficult to realize that most women are not flawed by their upbringing, or the partners they have chosen in life. Hence is why my books don't fit that romance category. However, I do believe that ultimately, as women, we all want that better outcome, and do many things to get there. Some good, some bad. Anyway, I have tried again and again to perfect what I've written and I am proud of the effort. And I re-visited this page to bring it to new life, with an email to capture subscribers, and to update them with information about my books. I have update some links and removed the old. That is progress right? So hopefully, this will be a way to communicate and recapture the passion I have with my books, and other things that are important to me, like work, kids (who are all grown now), and grand kids and pets. I will write here about my hobbies, such as gardening, music, and cooking. And continue to branch out with the series and perhaps begin others. It's my hope you will follow along and reach out to me too.<br /></p>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-67954615065648074482017-05-17T10:52:00.000-05:002017-05-17T10:52:15.276-05:002017 RevisionsI know...it's been another long absence, but a huge change took place in my life. We moved from Central Texas to East Texas in the early fall of 2015. In the first year, we rented a house and hubby got settled into a new job. It was a challenge to learn a whole new area, where the closest city is about twenty minutes away containing a mall and popular stores I like to browse. The town we lived in had a population of over 4500 and it was a huge change from where I moved from, being over 85,000 people. Then in the second year,2016, we bought a house in the fall and moved again, into a very rural area of less than 1500 people. My home is about an acre, is on a dead end street, where I have woods behind me and on the north end of the house. Very peaceful here, but sometimes I miss interaction with different people. It has been an adjustment to this country life, where I see many squirrels, rabbits, birds and the occasional raccoons.
While hubby worked, I had lots of time to get our household in order. I also had time to think about my writing, which was thoroughly lapsing. I had started a new project, "The Groundsman" in 2015, but found I didn't like the direction the story had taken, so I let it lie in the dust of my mind. I do have the beginning of the story in google docs, so at least part of the story is written. I will tackle it again to get the story going again, but first I had to complete the Cross Passage series. This was a must to put off my bucket list.
I read out loud the 2nd book, Falling for Her Heart, and found many things in it which didn't read well or not make sense. So this spring I pulled it off Amazon and went through the manuscript to revise it. I also went through the manuscript for book three, Hearts Restless Winds, which is not published yet and the final manuscript for the fourth book (untitled). All needed a thorough edit. This was quite an undertaking. Sometimes you have to read things several times to make something work and I felt my eyeballs tire. However, I recently re-uploaded the new installment of book two on Createspace and it is available on Amazon. I did look to ensure they had the 2017 revision in place and they do, which is really reassuring. I will have to ensure the correct version available on Kindle too.
It takes time to develop oneself to write. We all start off with grammar mistakes and bad wording, or too many uses of words like "that", "all", or cliche phrases. What diligence it takes to weed such things out. The fact I recognize it now shows growth. Still I do amble a lot and the plot may take a while to get to it's destination. I do write in a soap operatic fashion, where the characters are thrown into challenges unforeseen. When it reaches the end of the story, it feels satisfactory. I did find myself crying sometimes,being too involved in my characters, which are a part of me. My hope is other readers will reach the same conclusion of it being a good story. It remains to be seen.<strike></strike>
Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-62735037824041944552015-07-10T08:34:00.002-05:002015-07-10T09:30:01.688-05:00Three years GoneThe last time I accessed this account seems to be three years ago. That's a very long time to be away. Writing used to be a passion, something I tried doing as a hobby. Then life got in the way as I pursued college, worked full time, and supported my youngest children leaving the nest. They still haven't earned their full wings, but I really wish they would. I have retired from my employer of 25 years and am now working from home part time. It's very nice to have that luxury, but I miss seeing people every day. Except for my hubby, who is home with me due to losing his job last summer. At least he gets his monthly VA check to tie us over, so it hasn't been a bad thing at all. He has time to get to those pesky home projects. And now I have time again to think about writing. I have a new manuscript being developed, The Groundsman. Its a story revolving the turn of the century, between a man keeping up with the grounds of a manor and the woman he falls in love with who is in a wheelchair. There is a time when he has to leave her, due to dire circumstances, and this particular part is difficult. I have to review and research information during the turn of that century, when the railroad was the way to travel across country, when electricity began to filter into homes and businesses, when California began to build up their cities. Other than this, I love the story interaction in the romance. I hope to get this project done by fall. The other thing I need to do is finish The Cross Passage Series. These books are self-published and there are two more manuscripts to edit. From a friend, I have discovered google docs and love the simple way I can edit the work. Perhaps I can get these done by fall and winter. That is my goal now. To get back to these, finish them, and move on to new creative projects. I want to pick up on my hobby where I left off. And to continue with this blog with a fresh outlook. Wish me luck. Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-53477419133487859042012-12-15T13:26:00.000-06:002012-12-15T13:26:49.673-06:00No time to writeWow.. What happened to this blog? I wrote one post at the beginning of the year and failed inbetween since then. Not good. However, I will admit my life has been extraordinarily busy, so finding time to write has been next to nil.
"No bueno", as one of my dearest friends would say to me. Life gets in the way for sure. I am caring for my elderly mother, within my own house. They say two cooks spoils the soup, but in this case, I am the only cook and have to spoil her. Not always easy to do. I am in charge of her medications, doctor appointments, laundry, grocery shopping, and taking her to the hair dresser. She is temperamental and I am inpatient, so we sometimes clash a bit. So far, we do manage to get a long, but there are days I'm not the perfect daughter. I realize i have to work on this myself, to make her comfortable and content at the very least.
On top of that, I'm also going to college. So far, the spring semester brought me A's, and this fall I finished with a B in A&P 1, which replaced a D I made in that course over ten years ago. And I made another A in an internet health course. My GPA is not bad at all. I'm not at a 4.0, but I am trying to be a dedicated student. Perhaps in a year, I will be able to apply to the nursing program. :)
My personal writing has slipped onto the back burner. I have managed to pick up my manuscript twice this year, but have progressed no further in editing it all the way through to get book three into press. I am hoping to get that done in 2013. That's the goal, at least.
Managing my health and weight this past year hasn't been too bad. I have managed to hover around 200 mark, within a five pound range. My diabetes was being managed, but the latter part of the year has brought on stress and my numbers did go up a little. I know what I have to do to bring it down.. exercise. I just need to motivate myself back into it again.
To ease up my stress, i devote my time watching the cooking networks. I love these and strive to find new recipes. Maybe once in a while, i will share a favorite recipe here.
This blog has turned into a diary of sorts and I don't really mind sharing my thoughts with the world. I do apologize that this year has been lacking, but hopefully you can try to understand.
I do wish anyone who still tunes into my blog a very Merry Christmas. Times are hard, but with God's love, we can manage them, with grace, compassion and humility. It is better to give than to recieve, and there are plenty of souls needing help all around. If you have been blessed in your life, share it with someone out of luck. They will appreciate your generosity. If you are one who is enduring hard times, things can turn around. Remain optimistic. I know I take in the little things and cherish my loved ones. They bring me great joy and love and material things can never take the place of that. God bless you and keep you well as we venture into 2013. Hugs :)
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Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-52176704690289856692012-01-01T11:44:00.001-06:002012-01-01T12:10:19.308-06:00Manageable resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy 2012 everyone! Isn't the new year always about starting over and doing things better? Or to stop procrastinating on projects left undone last year? One of mine is to improve the look on my blog. How do you like it? I think it encompasses so much of me that is easily readable by all.
So on day one, I have achieved a simple thing off my resolution list. But how about the rest? The time to make those other pesky resolutions is upon us. Can they last longer than the month of January? Qhite simply, to achive this, we should all make resolutions that are manageable:
I will jot down a few of mine:
<b>Exercise at least 3 or 4 times a week 30 to 45 minutes. (If I do it first thing in the morning or right after work, this should be easy)
Take breakfast/lunch to work instead of buying from the cafeteria. (I can save $800 a year by doing this. Prices in the cafeteria are outragious! And I can choose healthier options.)
Eat more carb freindly fruits and vegetables. (lots of berries and sweet potatoes and more green veggies such as spinach)
Eat more fish and salads (I tend to eat too much red meat so for me, these are healthier options)
Be more mindful of people's feelings. ( I tend to be a bit snappy when crabby)
Get more sleep. (Set my bedtime a bit earlier and strive for at least 8 hours of sleep)
Write more. Get some creativity time in. (I've been lacking on this for quite awhile, so this is definetely for me.)
Take time to study more (I'm taking college classes, so I got to read more and understand my classwork.)
Take time to destress often (Work can get crazy; Needy family members can make you cringe- so I need to find time to listen to music, read, or just sit in quiet to balance out my life)
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I am sure there are more I can jot down, but I believe it's always best to start off with a few resolutions. Why overwhelm ourselves? If we can tackle these items into being routine then soon it should become second nature to us. At that point, we can add more to our list. Anything to better ourselves and get balance in our lives is supurb. It will make us feel better overall. When life's bumps get in our way, we can handle it better. As you jot down your resolutions, I hope you will strive for those that you can easily manage too. Let 2012 be a year you can accomplish all that you dream. Happy New Year to all of my friends and readers.Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-76610675540811828672011-12-03T17:39:00.001-06:002011-12-03T18:29:37.989-06:00Slamdunked in 2011I don't know where to begin, but if I were a basketball in the game of life, I just got slamdunked in 2011. The events that happened to me were in a series of Kapow- Kapow - Kapow!! One, two, three: castrophes, chaos, or just life in general.
Let's see.... what things occurred to make my world rocky to keep me from blogging?
Well, back in Feb / March / April, both my mom and my oldest daughter were ill enough to get into the hospital. My mom had issues with her blood pressure. When she went in, my stepdad went to a nursing home as he had dementia. Then when my mom recovered, she moved into my house and my youngest daughter moved to her place. What an ordail of switching out furniture, getting a storage for my mother's things, and just the hassle of cleaning up at both places. Meanwhile, my daughter, in another state, had setbacks with her kids & spouse getting the crud/colds/sore throats, over and over again, enough to wear her immunity down to acquire walking pneumonia; and then on top of that a type of menigitis. Luckily it wasn't the type that could kill someone, but it was a terrible illness to endure. So I flew out to help take care of the kids, spouse, pets, her household, and especially my daughter. She got through it all (barely), with love and prayers, thank goodness.
But we couldn't catch a break! In May, my stepfather died of natural causes and his funeral was a stressfull event. We didn't get along with his relatives in the first place. At the service, they didn't treat my mother very well or my family, so to endure the ceremony was bittersweet. I didn't get a chance to really mourn for my stepfather as i should have because of the ill will I had felt, but he was a good man to my mom while he lived and my children's "grampa". May he rest in peace.
Now that my oldest felt better, on her first outing, she wound up in a car wreck. Totaled her car and broke a bone in her hand. My youngest granddaughter lost her bottom teeth, the same ones she had been born with! yet, you gotta be thankful things weren't any worse. The vehicle can be replaced, but not human lives. In the summer, she then decided to fly down with her toddler and visit for three weeks. What joy! We played in the pool; we talked a lot; we celebrated her 32nd birthday; we went to the zoo and visited San Antonio for a couple of days. It was terrific!!And I think she really had fun. I love being a Nana and playing with MJ. She is such a beautiful child. Smart, cute. Can't you tell I'm partial? LOL.. and these memories will last long in my heart. But soon, they flew home, back to their normal lives and I looked forward (nervously) to going back to school. This is my third attempt going to college. So when fall came, I began my psychology and american literature classes. Doing homework again has been a challenge; plus quizzes and research papers. The weeks have flown by. I've learned a lot and I find myself learning things, a bit harder but things are sticking to my braincells. LOL.. but the semester is drawing near and in two weeks, I will take exams. It is my hope to have done well in these classes and I believe I have. :)
There was one major challenge that loomed over everything all year long that I haven't mentioned and that was chaos at work. I love my job and try to do the work exediently and correctly. Let's just say that another key player wasn't up to par on her work ethic and was let go. WE got overtime to clean things left undone and I must admit the extra money was great, but it wore me out trying to keep up with long hours I put in. Soon, we interviewed a great candidate and she was hired. Then the training began and I have been doing my best to teach her well, for we want her to stay a long time. Lucky for us, the work she finds interesting and challenging. And we get along great.
So here it is... the middle of December... and I'm finally blogging again. Like I said, this year has been hard on me. I did forget to mention that around the 4th of july, I lost my favorite dogs, Tiny & Bella, within days of each other. Bella snuck out the yard and wondered down to a busy road. She was struck by a car. And Tiny had crawled under a neighbors fence and was mauled by his pit bulls. Horrid to see their frail bodies in this manner after their accidents. Yet I held them in my arms and witnessed their last breaths. My kids were so sad. My hubby just as heartbroken. We buried them on the side of my house- the graveyard of all our pets, it seems. The house didn't seem the same without them. Things were too quiet and it was difficult to come home without them greeting us. So within a month, we bought to puppies. Now, I do love playing with them; seeing their burst of playful energy and personalities take over our household. It will take time to build up a strong bond again, but they are not Bella or Tiny. Those special dogs will live in my heart forever and I can't wait to see them again when/if I reach heaven.
I think with all that's happened, it was difficult for me to write on my own projects. My 3rd manuscript lays in a drawer and it needs much revision. I'll get to it, but don't know exactly when. There will be a short break over Christmas, but in January I will return to school again, taking biology and a speech class this time. Will the new year go by just as fast? I wonder.
My only hope is that 2012 will be much kinder to my family. My hope is that all my friends and family will stay healthy and happy. I hope that love warms their souls and that their love ones will bring them inspiration and great memories. Let's all pray for a terrific 2012 and that God's love will keep us safe within his arms.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my family and friends.
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<strike><strike></strike></strike>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-81974723756839793332011-03-20T19:54:00.003-05:002011-03-20T20:16:55.763-05:00The rising of a super moonThis past Saturday night, we had a full moon. Not an ordinary moon for it was deemed a Super moon. It moved closer to the earth so it either gave off an appearance of being really big or being very bright. I did watch it rise from my front porch and didn't think it any extra-ordinary. Lovely it was and very bright. You can't help but think of the Omnipresence when viewing something so beautiful and un-worldly. <br /><br />I wondered if someone across the oceans had viewed it before me (or afterwards)that sat in the wake of some earthly disaster. Did they shiver in the cold and wish for it to warm them? Did they yearn for the Master upstairs to give them hope and free them from sickness or starvation? Man has seem so helpless trying to deal with their recent suffering. I feel for the people of Japan that have been left feeling so abandoned in their suffering and plight. <br /><br />What is weird to me is to see the reporters speak of them as if they are like aliens from another planet. Why aren't they bringing in water and food instead of cameras? Why aren't they finding a way to bring them medicine and blankets? If the reporters can get in to the disaster areas then why can't humanitarian efforts to help them? It's just beyond me. I sat and watched a few videos the other night of these people caught by surprise of the Tsunami that rushed in their villages and ransacked their livelihoods. It was heartbreaking to see all the destruction, to wonder about all the animals and humans who were sucked into the rapid rising waters of destruction. These images are fleeting to me but they will never leave my mind. For those who experienced such things will find it never leaves their souls.<br /><br />It's also odd how they sit and wait in such chaos when only a few hundred miles perchance civilization as they once knew it still exists. There are Japanese people with homes, water, food, shelter and modern day technologies. Why aren't they doing something to help their brethren? <br /><br />Perhaps they are and I just don't know it. The media only shows what they will us to know about, right? I pray that the Japanese get the help they deserve and soon. I hope we learn from the triple strike to their nation. I truly believe there is someone upstairs rolling the dice for when mother nature will strike, just to remind us that we are not always in control of this planet called earth. Somewhere, he is watching to see what we do for our humanity. I just hope we learn our lessons deep from times of tragedy and do justice for the people caught in such destruction. <br /><br />For the present, that night I watched a a full moon rise and was grateful for my blessings. At least I can write about it, while feeling full from my evening meal; feel quenched from the fresh water I drank; and slept soundly in my warm bed.<br /><br />Yes, I did utter many prayers upon the moon..for that someone staring at it too, far away in a distant land ...that soon... very soon....they would be rewarded with these simple comforts again.Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-39586549178094310452011-02-10T20:44:00.007-06:002011-02-10T21:36:20.606-06:00A very brrrrrrry FebruaryIt's almost Valentine's Day and for once, our forecast here in Central Texas will be pleasant. As if we just didn't suffer two back to back weeks of Arctic air, bringing with it a snow day in one week; ice/sleet in the second. Frigid air assaulted our temperatures and forced them into the low twenties. Wind chill dipped even lower, like cowards. What it meant for most folks was chaos, of course. We're southerners remember? We are adjusted to searing temps going up in the summer, not dipping and freezing our spicket faucets. <br /><br />Several folks like me altered our schedules, cancelling appointments and staying indoors like hibernating bears. Schools were on delayed schedules or closed all together. It really was too cold to go play in the wet snow, but many children did chance it. How often do we see snow typically? So I can understand the reasons to build a snowman, even if the snow wasn't very cooperative. And right on cue, by mid-day, the clouds allowed sunshine in to melt the white powder and ice away, bringing welcomed relief to those who had to get to work or run errands. <br /><br />I guess we were lucky, as over half of the country had to stay in the cold/ice/snow for weeks at a time. I imagine it put those folks a little bit on the edge. I can understand, as we suffered cascading power brown-outs to conserve energy demands. Many travelers endured sliding cars on the streets. Even if the ground hog did predict an early spring for this year, many were stuck deep in winter havoc.<br /><br />Afterwards, the first time I ventured to the grocery store, it was already jammed packed, worse than pre-Christmas holiday shopping. The sun was out and many folks were out to stock up, and to just get out of the darn house. Quickly, the shelves emptied of their products. I was lucky to find at least some necessities, such as coffee and sugar; the nectar of God that brightens up my early mornings. <br /><br />But now, thank goodness, our dear weatherman has predicted a beautiful weekend, with temps rising in the fifties and sixties. Gosh, that's almost wearing shorts weather, isn't it? LOL. I know many folks will be tempted to do something to their gardens, but it is too soon. The last time we had a beautiful weekend, over two weeks ago, I busied myself in mine too; digging up weeds, transplanting a few buried plants; ridding debris and making the flower beds look fresh again. I can't wait for springtime to plant, but I realize I must begin fragile sprouts inside my warm house and keep them safeguarded until the last chill passes our area. I'm sure after Easter, it will be safe to dig them into the dirt. <br /><br />I noted at the stores that many Valentine displays are up and stocked to the gill,with cookies, wrapped candies, teddy bears, and many assorted gifts. I look at these items and think it would be great to buy these for someone, like my kids and grand kids, but my family is too large and I'm not that rich. I suppose the only one i should worry about is my husband- my sweetheart. Yet, he too, is a lot like me and really candy or stuffed bears aren't impressive and neither of us need them. I think the best present we will give to ourselves is an evening out at Applebees, but most likely this will occur on another night other than Valentines. The restaurant will be too busy and we like to enjoy the ambiance of a quiet dinner. Are we getting old and fuddy duddy in our ways? I wonder, but that's just the way it is with us. I bet by 9:00 p.m, we will be tucked in for the night anticipating going to work the next day. <br /><br />But that's just getting back to normal and I like it when things are routine. Perhaps I'm weary of snow/ice days putting kinks into my schedules and forcing me to stay indoors mostly. I want to be set free of the extraordinary and just live day by day. Yes, I guess I'm very much a creature of habit, but I like it. How about you? How do you feel when mother nature puts a kink to your lifestyle? How much has it impacted you? And do you feel that holidays aren't as important like when we were young? <br /><br /><br />*********************************************************************************<br /><br />On a separate note, have you heard the latest? A study of more than 2500 people who drank diet soft drinks were shown to be more at risk for heart attack or stroke. Aren't diet drinks a better choice than real soda? I know there's always been a debate over this issue. I wonder what their co-morbities or medical histories were when they did this study? <br /><br />For example, in my history, I'm prone to diabetes because of several factors. Of course, diet and exercise can decrease risk. So I'm thinking if someone likes to use diet soft drinks and they care for their health, their chances of heart attack and stroke might decrease right? <br /><br />Watch the video link and judge for yourself: <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/video/health-15749655/24150602">http://news.yahoo.com/video/health-15749655/24150602</a>It's just like anything else: you gotta use things in moderation. Mix things up. don't just drink all coffee; all soft drinks or diet soft drinks. Add a little juice. Lots of water. Drink milk or soy milk. That's my theory on it.Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-83012625901656881822011-01-23T20:56:00.003-06:002011-01-23T21:12:16.051-06:00Setbacks and willpowerI have suffered some minor setbacks getting back into exercising again. First of all, after all that holiday nibbling, I found I couldn't stop myself. There was still left over candies and snacks about the house or at work. I was just getting over a bad cough. I suppose my will power just went down the drain. Thank goodness for having friends going through the same issues. They help inspire you to do the right things again.
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<br />I've met a couple through my favorite diet website at www.myfitnesspal.com . Here is a place you can simply load up a profile , enter your goals, and a time frame to reach your goal. It tabulates your calories burned through exercise and how much you've eaten each day, provided you log into it faithfully. Here is a forum of advice to help you meet your goals and a way to make new friends to support you through daily posts. My friend Nikki and Jen, who also live in Texas, struggle with the almost the same issues I do. they encouraged me to come back to log in my progress.
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<br />But again, fate threw at me an unexpected challenge- a pulled muscle in my back. After suffering with this since Wednesday morning, and I had assumed I got it from sleeping wrong on my lumpy old mattress, I finally sought medical help on Friday. After hearing my summary of symptoms, the doctor offered a shot for my back, a muscle relaxer and pain pills. Needless to say, it left me groggy and loopy all weekend. Also to my rescue was my dear husband, who went to Walmart to buy a massage pad to sit on, a medicinal patch to apply to my back, and a heating pad to put on my bed. Ahhhh, relief couldn't come soon enough. But I'm still on the mend and I want to take it easy in the next few days to come.
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<br />So exercise is on the back burner again, but it won't be for too long. I was making steady progress before this injury occurred and now my will power has been enticed with the success of seeing my blood sugars stabilize a bit more. So its my hope to get back to the gym and back to eating healthy every day. My long range goal is to lose another twenty pounds by summer and if I don't get with the program, summer will be here before we realize.
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<br />I know it will be an uphill battle to lose more weight. But with friends, and my youngest daughter's willingness to be my work out buddy, I think I can succeed my minor goals. We should all strive to set these goals and meet these challenges, for it just makes us stronger inside. Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-16463550841352433282010-12-28T04:17:00.006-06:002010-12-28T05:14:33.540-06:00Goodbye Thanksgiving, Christmas, Germs and Happy New Year<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TRnCepR3D6I/AAAAAAAAAqk/FYUz3kPWweg/s1600/Copy%2Bof%2Bfeathery%2Bhappy%2Bnew%2Byear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TRnCepR3D6I/AAAAAAAAAqk/FYUz3kPWweg/s320/Copy%2Bof%2Bfeathery%2Bhappy%2Bnew%2Byear.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555685447070846882" /></a><br />Thanksgiving and Christmas is past us and I'm really happy they are over. They sneak up on us too fast and then get chaotic buying groceries and shopping for that perfect gift on each person on your list. It gets crazy and stressful. Not to say that I don't enjoy spending time with the family, because I do. <br /><br />It's just in November, I was taking two courses at work; one part of a six month college preparedness program and the other to prepare for a national exam in trauma coding. That on top of my routine daily work and one co-worker being out for part of the month (for a seminar and vacation). Somehow I pulled it off, but not without consequences. <br /><br />My kids have different places to be when the official Thursday Thanksgiving comes around and I am usually offered the opportunity to work on the holiday, so I did. Our official family get-together fell on the Saturday afterwards. I cooked and made deserts and the family came over around noon. Everything was terrific. The turkey tasted great with Rosemary spices and was not overdone. The meal side dishes was a hit and around two o'clock, we had gathered outside in the chilly fall air to watch the kids run around in the yard. That's when it struck me, this horrible headache and a touch of nausea in the pit of my tummy. By the time everyone had left, I felt worse and by nightfall, I had a slight fever, chills, and a sore throat. <br /><br />The next week was a kaleidoscope of symptoms that went away and new ones that appeared: a sour stomach, body aches, a nagging cough without production of phlegm. By the time I saw the doctor on the following Thursday, nothing came up when I blew my nose, but the raspiness had settled into my chest. She told me it was something viral and that I just had to tough it out; but she did give me a strong cough medicine to take with codeine. So another week went by, miserably with a stronger, hacking cough. The cough medicine brought me no relief at night and I still had to go to work every day. The raspiness in my chest sounded thicker within my chest; but I was not wheezing. I was so sick of coughing. Finally I emailed my doctor and she prescribed me an antibiotic. Within three days, the raspiness was breaking up and I was coughing less. Thank goodness!<br /><br />Yet, everyone around me was coming down with different ailments too: tummy bugs, strep throat, and even the flu. My kids got sick. My co-workers got sick. And I was struggling to avoid having a relapse. In December, I had stopped going to the gym because I was too worn out; and worse, I was over eating. There were too many sweets around and I was baking for the Christmas season. I just couldn't say no and I gained back a few pounds. We also had a death in the family right during the week before Christmas, which added to my stress levels and over binging. Gosh! It got to be too much!! Yet, Christmas arrived with two family celebrations and thank goodness most of us were well enough to enjoy it.<br /><br />Now it's the week into the New Year and I sit here updating my blog. My son has come down with a temperature, sore throat, and a fever just yesterday. Poor thing. I hope it's just a temporary bug, but I'm trying to avoid him and really wish for a can of Lysol to be found. I must send my hubby to the store later to purchase some. Who wants to start the New Year getting sick? I don't. I hope my son bounces back quickly and not have this linger on. <br /><br />I so always enjoy the meaning of the holidays but I really can do without the stress and craziness of these bugs/illnesses floating around. I think much contributes to our bodies breaking down resistance. Like the temperatures in Texas. Starting in September, our temperatures go up and down, from 70 degrees to twenty degrees and back. Its never constant. In November and December cold fronts zoom into our area. Since the temperatures don't stay steady, the germs seem to go into hyperactive growth drive. Cultivating like fungus. Plus with everyone hugging and kissing their relatives, and traveling to see them again, the germs just have a field day. <br /><br />So my hope for the New Year, when things calm down and the temperatures finally stay steadier, because it is officially winter time, is for everyone to stay well and healthy. Forget about money, or finding love, or prosperity. We can always have these things, but our health helps us appreciate what we have. It helps us endure and carry on. So for me, it's back to the gym to exercise and lower my blood sugars, to build resistance; it's constant hand washing; and buying that can of Lysol to keep around the house.<br /><br />I am sure 2011 will be a better year for all of us. It's been an up and down ride in 2010 and at times fun, but I want to tuck it away in memory, just like I download all the 2010 pics to put away on a disk and see at a later time. I will remember the good and forget the pain of family discord and a recent death. Hope, health, and a new commitment to be a stronger person is my New years resolution. Whatever yours may be, best of luck and may God continue to watch over you and your loved ones. <br /><br />So, Happy new year, friends. Welcome to 2011. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TRnC5szwx1I/AAAAAAAAAqs/G01tqrWQ1Ao/s1600/happy%2Bdance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 112px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TRnC5szwx1I/AAAAAAAAAqs/G01tqrWQ1Ao/s320/happy%2Bdance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555685911874815826" /></a>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-44088965750083600452010-11-21T07:16:00.004-06:002010-11-21T07:38:40.427-06:00Simple Side DishesMore dishes for your holiday meals :)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Cheddar Corn Casserole</strong><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />•2 eggs<br />•1 can cream-style corn, (14 3/4-ounce)<br />•1 pint sour cream<br />•1 small box cornbread mix (approx. 8 ounces)<br />•6 tablespoons melted butter<br />•1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese<br /><br />Preparation:<br /><br />Grease a 9-inch square baking dish. Beat eggs in a mixing bowl. Stir in cream-style corn and sour cream until well blended. Add salt, cornbread mix and melted butter; mix well. Stir in shredded cheese.</p> <br />Pour casserole ingredients into prepared baking dish. Bake in a 350° oven for 25 to 30 minutes<br /><br /><br /><strong>Southern Home-styled Cornbread Recipe:</strong><br /><br />This home-style cornbread recipe is made with fresh cornbread crumbs and optional diced chicken.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />•6 cups crumbled cornbread<br />•3 cups soft bread crumbs<br />•4 ounces butter<br />•2 cups onion, chopped<br />•2 cups finely chopped celery<br />•3 to 4 cups chicken broth<br />•2 cups chicken, diced, optional<br />•1 heaping tablespoon dried sage, crumbled<br />•1 1/2 teaspoons dried leaf thyme, crumbled<br />•1 teaspoon dried marjoram, crumbled<br />•1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, chopped<br />•1 teaspoon salt<br />•1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<br />•2 eggs, lightly beaten<br /><br />Preparation:<br /><br />Heat oven to 400ºF. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread and white bread crumbs. In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onion and celery in butter until tender. Do not brown. Combine the sautéed vegetables with the bread mixture. Stir in chicken broth, using enough to moisten. Stir in the diced chicken, if using, and the seasonings and beaten eggs, blending well. Spread the mixture in a large shallow baking or roasting pan measuring about 10" x 15". Bake for 20 to 30 minutes.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Classic Green Bean Casserole</strong><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />•1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup<br />•4 cups cooked green beans<br />•1/8 teaspoon pepper<br />•1/2 cup milk<br />•1 1/3 cups French fried onions<br /><br />Preparation:<br /><br />Mix soup, milk and pepper in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Stir in beans and 2/3 cup of the fried onions. Bake for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees F. Top with the remaining 2/3 cup fried onions and bake about 5 more minutes, until onions are lightly browned.<br />Serves 6. <br /><br /><br />Here's a variation of a cranberry side. <br /><br /><strong>Cranberry-orange relish</strong><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />•2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed and drained <br />•1 large orange <br />•3/4 cup sugar, or to taste<br /><br />Preparation:<br /><br />Finely chop cranberries in food processor or put through meat grinder. Peel orange, without too much of the white pith, reserving peel; remove seeds and white membrane. Put orange and orange peel through grinder or chop in food processor. Mix all ingredients together and store in covered container in the refrigerator. Refrigerate several hours before serving.Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-81458156729024549882010-11-19T20:12:00.008-06:002010-11-19T21:23:53.396-06:00Favorite Holiday Recipes<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TOc4B-55MSI/AAAAAAAAAqI/VLyV3rnCjrM/s1600/5668_product_2103046539_thumb_large.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TOc4B-55MSI/AAAAAAAAAqI/VLyV3rnCjrM/s400/5668_product_2103046539_thumb_large.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541459473219531042" /></a><br />My kids have been raiding my cookie dough! Darn it!<br /><br />See, a few weeks ago, as I was browsing recipes in a magazine, I thought it would be a great idea to stock up cookie dough ahead of holiday time, and assorted ingredients to make other deserts. I mean, don't we (women) go through enough stress during the holidays, sorting out our shopping lists, for groceries and for gift giving; driving through traffic and visiting busy stores, which even inside seem like rush hour at only 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon? With all the cooking we must do to provide for our family, potatoes to peel, basting turkeys, and ensuring there aren't lumps in the gravy, wouldn't it be great when we settle down on a cool evening to pop a tray of cookies already prepared weeks in advance? <br /><br />Such was my thinking. However, yesterday my daughter Kayla admitted to snagging part of a roll of oatmeal cookie dough and tattled too of how her brother ate some too. Ok, my little snitches... won't you please leave the rest for the family? And don't you know how raw egg in it isn't good for you? I know... cookie dough is tempting to eat. But resist the urge. Please. <br /><br />Now, I love this holiday time, when baking can be fun and creative. I love sitting cozy on the couch at night, with a cup of hot cocoa or even flavored coffee, and munch down on a tasty treat fresh from the oven. There are so many varieties of breads, cookies, pies and deserts to make, it can get crazy choosing a favorite, but keeping recipes simple and easy are always best. <br /><br />So I'd like to share a few of my favorites as we wind into Thanksgiving week and into the wonderful time of Christmas. Perhaps even until New Years Eve too, when we all stop to reflect on the past year and what lies ahead. I'm grateful, as always, for the loyal readers who stop often to read my blog and I'm happy to share these delightful recipes with you. If you have a recipe you'd like to share in return, just leave it in the comment. So enjoy, be safe if you travel, and God bless. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TOc4kOUdYWI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/0YBrEf0uUnA/s1600/cookie-recipes.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 210px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TOc4kOUdYWI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/0YBrEf0uUnA/s400/cookie-recipes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541460061473038690" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TOcw8irATbI/AAAAAAAAAp4/cFaT4n0cWY0/s1600/snowmen.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 43px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TOcw8irATbI/AAAAAAAAAp4/cFaT4n0cWY0/s400/snowmen.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541451683160149426" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Oatmeal Cookies</strong><br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 cup all purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1/4 cup shortening<br />1/4 cup butter or margarine<br />1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />1/3 cup packed brown sugar<br />1 egg<br />2 tablespoons milk<br />1/2 tsp vanilla<br />1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats<br />1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)<br /><br /><br />Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. In mixer bow beat shortening and butter for 30 seconds; add sugars and beat till fluffy. Add egg, milk, vanilla; beat well. Add dry ingredients into beaten mixture until well combined. Pour in oats and walnuts. Chill dough 2 hours; form 1 inch balls. Dip tops of balls in additional granulated sugar if desired. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 36. <br /><br /><br />Peanut Butter Cookies<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 1/4 cups all purpose flour<br />3/4 tsp baking soda<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/2 cup butter or margarine<br />1/2 cup of peanut butter<br />1/2 cup of granulated sugar<br />1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />1 egg<br />1/2 tsp vanilla<br /><br />Stir together flour, soda, and salt. In a mixer bowl beat butter for 30 seconds. add peanut butter and sugars; beat till fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture; beat till well combined. Shape dough into one inch balls; roll in granulated sugars if desired. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet; criss-cross with the tines of a fork. Bake at 375 degrees oven about 10 minutes. Cool about 1 minute before removing to a wire rack. Makes 48. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TOc8kA10sBI/AAAAAAAAAqY/2B8-JLuoJQ8/s1600/snowmen.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 43px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TOc8kA10sBI/AAAAAAAAAqY/2B8-JLuoJQ8/s400/snowmen.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541464455901392914" /></a><br /><br /><br />One of my favorite childhood memories is having a cup of hot cinnamon cocoa, carefully simmered on the stove with cinnamon sticks included with the cocoa. As he milk simmers, the sticks get really soft and you can pour it into a cup. It blends very well with the melting marshmallows my mother use to add on top. The cup of hot chocolate was a delightful treat. Now, when I want to take a fast trip down memory lane, this is an easy version:<br /><br />Take about two cups of milk and simmer it on low on top of the stove in a pan. Add about two to three tablespoons of Hershey's Cocoa and a dash of salt. Stir very well until the cocoa is blended into the milk. Keep stirring so the milk doesn't scald. Add a dash or two of ground Cinnamon. When the milk is heated all the way through, add a dash of vanilla. Pour into your favorite holiday mug, add marshmallows or whip cream to top, and enjoy. It's a great treat to enjoy with your young ones.Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-47890381616944148622010-11-07T18:43:00.007-06:002010-11-07T19:31:02.775-06:00A lovely fall dayToday was one of those fantastic days where you wish time could stop still forever. The sun was out. The temperatures were in the high 70's and the light breeze kept things moderately cool, but not uncomfortable. I call it sweat shirt weather. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TNdNd0-SEmI/AAAAAAAAApg/WMx1BB5BL3o/s1600/PecanNutFlickrCoreyLeopold.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TNdNd0-SEmI/AAAAAAAAApg/WMx1BB5BL3o/s320/PecanNutFlickrCoreyLeopold.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536979441706734178" /></a><br />So in this perfect day, my daughter, her boyfriend and I decided to visit one of the local parks to find pecans. Pecan trees are tall and some are centuries old. They grow in in abundance in Texas. They are native to this region such as the oak and the spruce trees. We found many still in their protective green/black casings. Not yet good for eating. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TNdOktpwQpI/AAAAAAAAApo/2THTVCA6gTU/s1600/squirrel-on-tree.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 124px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TNdOktpwQpI/AAAAAAAAApo/2THTVCA6gTU/s320/squirrel-on-tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536980659512296082" /></a><br />As I searched around scattered leaves and twigs in hopes to find one good nut, I stopped to look up into the tree. High on one of the branches, nestled close to the thickest part was a lone squirrel looking down at me. We made eye contact for a moment, but then he scurried up in silence to meet up with another squirrel and they disappeared around the circumference, overshadowed by other large limbs. I went back to my task, thinking how odd for it to be so quiet, because sometimes squirrels have a way to send out chatty, shrill cackles. I've heard them cluck at my dogs before in the backyard. Perhaps this squirrel thought I was out of luck finding a good stash of pecans. Perhaps he had them hidden in the tree and was being quiet so I wouldn't follow him up. <br /><br />After walking around the park a bit, my daughter and her boyfriend followed me along <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TNdO9ZYN7xI/AAAAAAAAApw/_M43IxwI9uc/s1600/430northtrail.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TNdO9ZYN7xI/AAAAAAAAApw/_M43IxwI9uc/s320/430northtrail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536981083566763794" /></a><br />as I walked to investigate a hiking trail, dipping into a wooded nook. It seemed far removed from the parking lot and felt cooler. The smell of dirt and dampness penetrated my nostrils with each step. Long gray shadows fell onto the ground of heavy leaves and long stringy vines. I could imagine a possum coming out at night to scurry through it. Strange to feel this close to nature while still in town. We wanted to walk along more, but decided to head in. The afternoon seemed to be waning quickly even if we were affected by daylight savings time. We headed home in the car, thinking how terrific it felt to get out into nature and to get some exercise. We vowed to return again another weekend soon. <br /><br />It had been fun and I love fall days such as these. It gives one a bit of inner peace in an otherwise hectic life. In my imagination while I was playing an explorer, I wondered if whether the Pilgrims felt such a bond in their surroundings, with dark woods, chirping squirrels, and the occasional Indian visitors stopping by their cabins? I imagine it would have been a pleasant time to be close to nature, but then the spoiled creature in me doesn't think I could survive very long without our modern conveniences, such as a grocery store, medicine, and electricity; most importantly, a bathroom. <br /><br />So back to my hectic life I did return, with only a minor stash of pecans. The time out there didn't seem a total waste. It was fun to get outside to enjoy a beautiful day. I look forward to more walks in search of better pecans to put into a pie. After all, Thanksgiving is almost upon us. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TNdLDam7qRI/AAAAAAAAApY/hmj_J0lqoxU/s1600/wicker+oval.+gif.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 399px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TNdLDam7qRI/AAAAAAAAApY/hmj_J0lqoxU/s400/wicker+oval.+gif.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536976788929620242" /></a>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-80234729416697073672010-10-03T22:30:00.006-05:002010-10-03T23:01:01.133-05:00Library Renovation ceremony with local author book signing<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TKlK0ZKcjcI/AAAAAAAAApI/3Nn96cKitUQ/s1600/Oct+3+library+ceremony+book+signing+010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TKlK0ZKcjcI/AAAAAAAAApI/3Nn96cKitUQ/s320/Oct+3+library+ceremony+book+signing+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524028681914977730" /></a><br /><br />The Temple Public Library recently had some major remodeling done and today marked the official showing of all the updates. Along with this was a ribbon cutting, where our mayor, along with other dignitaries, lined up, gave speeches and cut the ribbon with a giant pair of scissors. There was also a children's dance ceremony and an author's book signing. <br /><br />It was officially my first book signing. Ironically it wasn't one of my own romance suspense books on display. Instead I proudly showed off the book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Our-Written-Voices-Voice/dp/1449901107/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286164673&sr=8-1">Our Written Voices</em></a> - the book collaboration done with fellow authors from the Cafemom group, <em><a href="http://www.cafemom.com/group/45990/">The Written Voice</a></em>. Along with the books, I offered business cards and bookmarks. <br /><br />It was interesting to see how other authors displayed their books and what tokens they offered their potential customers. One put out a dish of hard candy and had box displays to hold up their books in a handsome visible style. Several toted their supplies within pull along luggage. One author, very gifted indeed, not only displayed her books but offered a CD of her own guitar music, which I quickly bought. Another dressed up in fashion of a woman of the early 1900's, as her children's books are based in that early time period. <br /><br />I traded one of my books with a gentleman who was from Iran, a convert of Muslim faith to Christianity. I can't wait to read the book he offered. There were some authors I didn't get to meet personally, but I think the festive occasion was a great time to bring us together. I had a great time and learned a lot. Mostly I found that I could muster up the confidence to speak publicly, making my sales pitch about the book. I had some interests, but a lot were casual lookers more interested in all of the festivities. Still, I chalk up this book signing as valuable experience. It's my hope another opportunity will present itself again in the near future. <br /><br /><strong>Here's Me:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TKlKbQSbNWI/AAAAAAAAAo4/OMucn-PJY_8/s1600/Oct+3+library+ceremony+book+signing+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TKlKbQSbNWI/AAAAAAAAAo4/OMucn-PJY_8/s320/Oct+3+library+ceremony+book+signing+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524028250035795298" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Me and My children who attended:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TKlLFHLWnFI/AAAAAAAAApQ/Xr_x3ZGvM9w/s1600/Oct+3+library+ceremony+book+signing+019.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TKlLFHLWnFI/AAAAAAAAApQ/Xr_x3ZGvM9w/s320/Oct+3+library+ceremony+book+signing+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524028969144720466" /></a>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-51772504100740045752010-09-03T20:15:00.005-05:002010-09-03T20:40:10.183-05:00Book Signing at my local libraryIn my hometown, our public library went through renovations during the past few months. The area will open up to the public on Sunday, October 3rd. I, along with some other local area authors, have been invited to this, to do a book signing of my books, or to just be there to speak one on one to the public visiting the facility. I am very excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to putting out a little home town press about my pastime hobby. I would say it could be a career, but my books weren't meant to be the next "Daniele Steel's". Still I put a lot of energy and time into my hobby, when I don't slow down to life's little bumps. i am also invested through an online writing group which has helped me grow as a writer. I'm far from perfect, but through this collaboration, I've learned a lot. Its my hope, that by meeting the public and other authors at this function, we might be able to produce a writers club locally. To me, to be involved with different caliber of writing talent, would be another chance to improve on the craft I love so well. <br /><br />As I get more details about the book signing, I will post it here later. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TIGjXTd7egI/AAAAAAAAAoo/s2Kxgy2IiEE/s1600/picture+writing+siggy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TIGjXTd7egI/AAAAAAAAAoo/s2Kxgy2IiEE/s320/picture+writing+siggy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512867039636322818" /></a>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-39684453267444611102010-08-27T21:35:00.011-05:002010-08-27T22:37:01.562-05:00Time in a bottle<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s1600/1457745k8p286od3g.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 57px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s320/1457745k8p286od3g.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510290012622427506" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh6Nw5i03I/AAAAAAAAAnw/8NQ-dXKxLWA/s1600/project+grad+006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh6Nw5i03I/AAAAAAAAAnw/8NQ-dXKxLWA/s320/project+grad+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510288520970949490" /></a><br /><br />Gosh, today was one of those you wish you could freeze time somewhat or put it in a bottle, as the song goes. I had a day off and the best part was having my daughter hang out with me. Kayla will be attending college come Monday, so today was like sharing the last day of summer; the last day of being a kid to becoming a young responsible adult. I enjoyed my time with her, talking, eating, laughing. i just wanted to freeze certain moments from today and store them into my memory forever. I'm going to miss the "kid" inside of her, but I know it will peak out from time to time. I luv it when she reverts to this little girl voice and squeaks out "MUMMY!!!" as to when she is pleading for something she wants; or just to get my attention sorely on just her alone. Ok, is she a little demanding?? LOL. <br /><br />We worked out at the gym this morning and we started off on the elliptical machines. After we built up a sweat, we climbed down and tried some of the weight machines. Gosh! My arms are so weak! Now they feel like rubber and a bit sore from trying to maneuver them with the smallest of weights. Yes. The smallest. She wanted a gym membership so she can go on her own. Perhaps we can build up our muscles over time in the fall; not that I want to make them look like the women in Muscle magazines. LOL. Just enough to build up strength. <br /><br />Afterwards, we cruised through the college parking lot, looking for her buildings where her classes will take place. At least she is getting this done now and not in the panic of trying to get to class on time. <br /><br />We also had stopped by her high school to pick up her graduation DVD and her last year book. We flipped through the pages and found she's in it at least three times. yay! And she also got to stop by her English teacher's classroom while she was inside and read a section to her new students. How interesting? Kayla doesn't realize it now, but high school days will certainly be a fond memory for her.. at some point.. but not now. She just laughed today, as she was under dress with a spaghetti top, holding a hall pass to get to the office where her yearbook was at; and teachers looking at her like she's late for class or for going after her for improper dress code. She said, "I wanted to shout out, "I'M NOT A STUDENT!" but she held up her pass to them. Yes, all the struggles of high school is definitely behind her. For me personally, I am just glad she's out of the TISD public school system. <br /><br />Afterwards we grabbed lunch, ate Mexican food, and then came home to hang out. I got a swim in the backyard pool while she played on my computer inside, just like the kid she always was before: tongue sticking out as she writes poems; reads fan fiction, and then scampering to my fridge to raid it. I'm going to miss this kid. My baby girl. But I'm looking forward to the woman she will become. Hellooo Temple College! <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh6YJaibKI/AAAAAAAAAn4/xOVTX9E3Sog/s1600/Senior+Pictures+001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh6YJaibKI/AAAAAAAAAn4/xOVTX9E3Sog/s320/Senior+Pictures+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510288699350477986" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s1600/1457745k8p286od3g.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 57px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s320/1457745k8p286od3g.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510290012622427506" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s1600/1457745k8p286od3g.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 57px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s320/1457745k8p286od3g.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510290012622427506" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THiBc4vMuCI/AAAAAAAAAoY/o4mIO9-C3Ls/s1600/treadmill.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 160px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THiBc4vMuCI/AAAAAAAAAoY/o4mIO9-C3Ls/s320/treadmill.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510296477354473506" /></a><br /><br />Update on my weight loss project: This past Wednesday, I had my check up. I had lost five more pounds!Whippee! So I've lost almost ten pounds since I've started going to the gym. I still have a long way to go, but I'm not giving up yet. Every thirty days is a new challenge for me. My next appt will be on September 22nd. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s1600/1457745k8p286od3g.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 57px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s320/1457745k8p286od3g.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510290012622427506" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THiCVIuAAxI/AAAAAAAAAog/W-tt6x-kYjY/s1600/Markus+Sr+prom+2010+with+Kayla+007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THiCVIuAAxI/AAAAAAAAAog/W-tt6x-kYjY/s320/Markus+Sr+prom+2010+with+Kayla+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510297443717088018" /></a>Kaching! Kaching! Me and Brucie will be heading out Sunday to go to Marksville Lousianna. We will stay over night at a lovely hotel and casino. (No, the pic on the left isn't it; just a picture of a game table )<br /><br />Of course it takes about seven hours to get there by bus and we will leave early Sunday morning and be back late on Monday. I can't wait to go. This is our second trip to this place and I've heard they have made some remodeling renovations since our last visit. I hope I have time to take a few pics. it's just nice to get away from it all sometimes and every year, near our September birthdays, we do this for ourselves; our own treat. I hope we come back with a little money in our pockets, so wish us luck. My son will stay home to housesit and take care of my babies (Tiny, Bella, and Chico; plus the two cats outside! :)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s1600/1457745k8p286od3g.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 57px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s320/1457745k8p286od3g.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510290012622427506" /></a><br /><br />Wow! out of the blue I had an email from the director of our public library. they had some remodeling going on too. Their unveilment of this will be the first weekend in October and they wanted to invite local authors to do a book signing. I have two books on display there right now. i've got a third book co-written with authors from my writing group i could also showcase. And with any luck, perhaps the 3rd book of my series will finally be written. I need to hurry and get it done! And so I'm editing again! I sure hope I can pull this off. The good thing will be that my name will be in the local paper. Do I feel like a minor celebrity or what? <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s1600/1457745k8p286od3g.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 57px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THh7klu-FXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/rGlL142TXiw/s320/1457745k8p286od3g.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510290012622427506" /></a><br /><br />Well I hope those who follow this continue to stay well. Hugs to you and your families. I apologize for the late blogging, but the older I get, the more my time snowballs me away from the computer. LOL. Take care. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THiAmjQxm5I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/hehg3wTHUxU/s1600/book+of+life+siggy.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/THiAmjQxm5I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/hehg3wTHUxU/s320/book+of+life+siggy.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510295543876787090" /></a>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-69227722239174798392010-07-24T00:08:00.005-05:002010-07-24T00:21:15.261-05:00First 30 days update<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TEp2Wcaf7II/AAAAAAAAAno/GqrvLoeF3jc/s1600/happy+dance.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 112px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TEp2Wcaf7II/AAAAAAAAAno/GqrvLoeF3jc/s320/happy+dance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497336423115648130" /></a><br /><strong>Update on my first 30 day diet/exercise challenge</strong><br /><br />As of Wednesday, July 21st, 2010:<br /><br /><em>Ok, my weight this afternoon: 202 on the scale. I lost five pounds from my last visit. Patrick is the pharmacologist who sees me on a month to month basis to help me analyze my diet, medications, and exercise since I'm diabetic. It's part of a medication management program and it has helped me a lot. <br /><br />My AIC is still up, but on my last visit the level was 9.8 and now it is 9.2. He expects as long as I continue to exercise, this level will go down further. And he said I was on target for my daily average glucose readings by 40 % versus the 8% I did last month. <br /><br />He was very proud of me and I was too. He wrote "great job" on his comment sheet. <br /><br />I wished I had lost more weight but what I have done so far is very encouraging. It does prove how exercise and watching what you eat does make a difference. Whoooo Hooo!! </em>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-73107573386555843862010-07-08T09:40:00.003-05:002010-07-08T09:57:01.681-05:00First results in my new regime are awesome<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TDXnDrwS3kI/AAAAAAAAAng/8rub6EEwW5k/s1600/lab+report.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TDXnDrwS3kI/AAAAAAAAAng/8rub6EEwW5k/s320/lab+report.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491549371119099458" /></a><br /><br />Just checking in:<br /><br />I went to see Marty, my doctor's physician assistant, for my regular checkup yesterday. He asked how I was doing and I couldn't wait to fill him in of my finally getting with the program: to eat sensibly and exercise at the gym. I told him I was about three weeks into it and have already seen changes with my glucose numbers. Of course, he was pleased and went to look over my lab values. However, the lab had made a mistake of not taking the main one, the A1C level, where it evaluates the three month value of the average of my blood sugars. I know on my last visit, I was around 9 something. Too high when the goal is to be around 6. And they forgot to check my thyroid levels as he had made an adjustment on that medication on my last visit too. <br /><br />Still, we discussed the numbers that did show up on the lab:<br /><br />My daily blood glucose level was showing 125 vs on the last visit, it being 177.<br /><br />Blood pressure had dropped about 30 something points: from being in the 140's to being down to 110. <br /><br />My triglycerides had an outstanding drop: from 250's down to 134. <br /><br />And to him, I dropped just a couple of pounds from my last visit. Of course, my weight always yo-yo's so I'm ok with that. <br /><br />I made him smile in my excitement of reading those great numbers. I yelped out "Whoo-Hoo!", because for me, it's a testimony that I'm actually doing something in the right direction. <br /><br />He decided he'll get my A1C when I come back in October. Three months from now. If I continue on this journey of walking and sticking to watching what I eat and how much I eat, then I can't wait to see what my number will be then. <br /><br />But as far as my mini-30 day challenge, I will see the pharmacology guy in about two weeks. That's when I want to take note of my weight. I started off at 207. Yesterday, I weighed in at 204. Not a big drop, but at least it too is going in the right direction. Whoo -Hoo!!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TDXmts8vbXI/AAAAAAAAAnY/Qmj42paEm5c/s1600/treadmill.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TDXmts8vbXI/AAAAAAAAAnY/Qmj42paEm5c/s320/treadmill.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491548993482616178" /></a>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-8058310220880975472010-07-03T10:04:00.004-05:002010-07-03T10:59:18.520-05:00My personal challenge<a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/usa3ku0.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/usa3ku0.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />First off, Happy 4th of July! I hope everyone enjoys their family time and be safe while traveling and doing any outside activities.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/godblessamericablondedoll.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 301px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/godblessamericablondedoll.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />I watched the weather report this morning and it seems like parts of Texas will have plenty of scattered rain showers all weekend long. Just what we need. Humid warm air as people spend time outside grilling, watching parades and enjoying 4th of July holiday activities. Our annual parade in Belton, a must see for plenty of Central Texas residents, is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. And when I awoke this morning at six a.m., it was raining. But now, at parade time, the skies are overcast and the air is sticky. I didn't make it to the parade even though our Safe Kids Van is being driven by one of my co-workers. She is our Injury Prevention coordinator for our hospital. I could have gone to support her, but I opted this morning to tend to me. <br /><br />Recently, I joined a gym. Actually, it was about three weeks ago. And ten days ago, i began logging my activities/food diet on <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/"><blockquote>www.myfitnesspal.com </blockquote></a> I utilize this to keep my progress tallied. My starting weight is at 207. My blood sugars have been up over 200's for quite a long time. I've been living in denial too. It helps to have monthly visits with the pharmacology folks to monitor my diabetes. And finally, I have a guy I see to discuss things vs these skinny, young woman who are too lovely and may never have worries about a chronic disease. It might be their job to help me, but it's hard to take their advice. I can't sympathise and feel they judge me. <br /><br />So after shuffling my appts, I landed seeing a guy. For the life of me, I can't think of his name, and yes, he's thin too, but his mannerism towards me is like, "lets see what we can alter or do to get these numbers down. Fill me on your foods you normally eat." And then he challenges me, "Try limiting red meat, breads, pasta as your triglycerides are up. Let's park further down on parking lots", "try walking 40 minutes per week". <br /><br />It's like he's coaching me or being on my side. I like him. So, ok..the last challenge got me to thinking, I can do that. How easy! 40 minutes a week is nothing. I can do that at least 3 or 4 times a week. And for one month, I made an attempt to do it. I got it done only 3 days out of a whole month. Horrible. I was disappointed that I had failed this.. and failed him too. And then on my last visit with him, he explained to think about my high blood sugars like rocks in my system. The bang, bang, bang upon my vital organs, causing them to break down, tear down, and not work for me. All those little capillaries and nerve endings too. What a mental picture that made for me. I decided I would do something about it as I walked out the door at the end of the appointment. <br /><br />I began to evaluate everything. My home life. My stress. My lack of commitment. And then I have one of my co-workers, who has budding diabetes, (which means she is suppose to manage with diet and exercise and takes minimal pills for it) who is in denial of her blooming weight gain. "As long as I'm healthy," she says, while grabbing a whole pint of ice cream from downstairs and eating it about an hour or two after we've eaten. And she had a lot of carbs for lunch. Through her, I can see myself and my own stupid denial. Her advantage is that she is about thirteen years younger than me, so there is time to make adjustments if she gets serious about it. <br /><br />So, I decided to get serious. I would make myself a thirty day challenge. By the time I go back to see my pharmacology dude, I would strive to:<br /><br />* Hit the gym three to four times a week. <br />* Increase my stamina on the treadmill. <br />* Watch my diet and use fitnesspal to keep tally on my carbs/fats/protein and most importantly, my calories.<br /><br />I set my goal at around 1200 calories a day and 40 minutes of exercise per day, but I don't always make that. Sure I flub here and there as I make adjustments to my other commitments and to my meal plans. But I try not to skip but one day in between of getting exercise. If I eat one bad meal, then the next will be even better and on target. <br /><br />Really, when you start seeing the amount of carbs/calories/fat grams one actually consumes, it is a real eye opener. I'm doing better lately. I do think I've lost five pounds so far and my blood sugars are finally hitting the normal ranges. I have lab and my regular doctor appointment on Wednesday and perhaps my recent workouts will make my lab values better, but I'm just starting out again. If they are not up to snuff, then long range, I have three more months before I go back to see my primary doc. In between, on monthly visits, I have my guy. I am in the mindset to make myself healthy again, the right way. <br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/whoohoo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 357px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/whoohoo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>And just this morning, when I skipped going to the parade to concentrate on myself, I actually worked out for sixty minutes. And I did 3 miles on the treadmill. Whoo Hoo!!!<br /><br />When I complete the initial thirty days, I will set more mini-goals. My long range goal is to be around 180 by the time my birthday falls in September. Wish me luck. <br /><br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/butterflyart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 388px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/butterflyart.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-83369242566459037442010-06-21T17:12:00.005-05:002010-06-21T17:46:56.428-05:00On the First Day of SummerFun things to do:<br /><br /><em>1) Find a pool, lake, pond, brook to dip your body into and play/swim.<br />2) Find a good shady spot and nestle with a great book.<br />3) Find refreshing recipes for cool drinks and light hearty meals.<br />4) Gather friends to share some salsa/chips and drink a margarita or two. <br />5. Decorate your patio/backyard with garden lights and place strategic torches on the lawn filled with the right citronella fuel to ward off mosquitoes and then sit outside to enjoy an evening breeze.<br />6. Light up a grill and barbecue your favorite steak or chicken. Mmmm, yummy. </em><br /><br />For me, the first day of summer is sort of like a halfway point of the year. It's on days like these, when the sun is really giving out the heat, that I stop to reflect upon my younger years and wonder how I got by without air conditioning? I recall constantly playing outside, wearing flip flops, and either rolling skating, riding my bike, or sitting in the shade playing barbies with my two best friends next door. Now as an adult, I really want to retreat indoors and the only way you find me doing anything outside is if it's not too hot or I'm near water or if there is food/drinks/friends involved. That's just me, though. <br /><br />Today, my kids packed up a few snacks/drinks and decided they were going to the lake (just a fifteen minute drive away). I recall many times I would pack them up to do this when they were little. It was almost free ( usually about three bucks a car load to enter the park) and it was a great way to just let them swim until they were tired out from being in the sun. We would all come home being tanned. Ok, the first few times we'd come home red, but eventually our skin turned darker. I was surprised the kids were making this trek on their own, without their mama. They did ask if I wanted to tag along, but I thought, no. They are young and wanted to have fun. And I really didn't want to get away from the air condition. Ok, I admit it. I'm spoiled. But it's good they did an adventure on their own. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TB_pMhelfLI/AAAAAAAAAnI/HKP3oqC23uU/s1600/Kayla+graduation+Day+060510+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TB_pMhelfLI/AAAAAAAAAnI/HKP3oqC23uU/s320/Kayla+graduation+Day+060510+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485359272514911410" /></a>With graduation out of the way now, I can relax. My daughter, the high school senior, will become a freshman in college this fall. She is a grown up now, 18, and can figure out all the how's and why's of her life, with just a little help now and then from her mama. She's gotta learn how to make these decisions for herself and live with her own consequences, right? It's hard to let go, but then again, it's kind of nice too. I've been set free from the 100% demand of being the parent. It's my time to observe and see how well she can do it on her own; if I taught her right. We'll see. <br /><br />There's time for all that, but for right now, with the temps climbing to 100 degrees and up, when I come home from a hard day at work, I just want to grab a good book and listen to some music. Once in awhile I will venture outside, with a cool drink in hand, and go read a book. And when my hubby comes home from his long day, I will ask if sandwiches will do for supper. Usually he nods as he works going in and out of a big truck all day, in the heat of it all. He's all for kicking back in the air conditioner for awhile and if he's in a really good mood, later in the evening, I can usually talk him into sitting in the tent screen outside, with the tiki torches and the garden lights all lit up. Then it feels sort of romantic for us who are young at heart.Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-31529849481878147862010-05-30T20:50:00.010-05:002010-05-30T21:47:01.850-05:00Summer Heat<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMeeq5OqHI/AAAAAAAAAmY/N8nxHnz_0U0/s1600/Kayla+random+summer+pics+014.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMeeq5OqHI/AAAAAAAAAmY/N8nxHnz_0U0/s320/Kayla+random+summer+pics+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477255084071889010" /></a><br /><br />The temperatures lately are in the mid-90's and already I'm scrambling to put on my window air conditioner units. I try to procrastinate as long as I can, but the humidity in the air is somewhat unbearable. My house is not geared to open up the windows if a breeze happens to flow. Plus I have animals that either want to escape out (the dogs) or want to escape in (the older cats). The cats had recent litters each (YIKES!) and when they got old enough, we managed to get rid of most but three. Well, actually we told Kayla she could keep one of the male kittens if she opted to get the older females fixed, plus the kitten. I had given two to the woman across the street, but she promptly let them outside again. So twice, they found their way back into my yard.I couldn't bare if they got accidently runned over by a car or chased by stray dogs, so they wound up in my home again. Then I find myself falling in-love with another kitten, because it is extremely furry and just lays anywhere to sleep- alot! I don't know if my hubby will be too keen in letting me keep it though. I've been trying to find them homes, but no luck so far. So they might end up going to the no-kill shelter soon. I've been procrastinating, but every morning, as they meow in unison for food, I know this must be done. I can't keep all of these animals. It's too much work and they need their own homes. <br /><br />Adding insult to injury, last month's rain produced fleas in my back yard. I've treated it about four times already, with different chemicals and still they exist. It doesn't help how my neighbors on all three sides of me appear to have two to three dogs and don't treat their yards. I've not witnessed them outside spraying their perimeters with Spectracide. My poor small dogs endure baths twice a day it seem. Well pretty often, just to ensure they don't bring the little varmits in and I'm only letting them out long enough to do their business. They aren't staying out any longer than ten to fifteen minutes. Sigh. I think I'm fighting a losing battle. <br /><br />We did fumigate my house mid-week when hubby and I stayed elsewhere for our anniversary and that helped out a lot. But I've got to win this battle. Hubby swears there is a powerful chemical to put on the grass that he can pick up at the local feedstore. And I'm all for that, but my question is when will he go do it? He's not the one bathing these dogs. I am!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMe9ULnxII/AAAAAAAAAmg/1BvtteqoHyQ/s1600/frantic+woman.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 84px; height: 117px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMe9ULnxII/AAAAAAAAAmg/1BvtteqoHyQ/s320/frantic+woman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477255610550961282" /></a>Procrastination is a bad thing in a marriage. There comes a time for a woman when one must bite their tongue and when to cut it loose. However, if done continuously and too soon, the woman is percieved to be the big "B" word or a real nag.... and I hate when it's aimed at me. So right now, I'm binding my time and biting my toungue, waiting for my hubby to get off his touche and make that errand run to the feed store.. and to do all the countless other mini-projects so needing his attention. I do my share of the bill paying, grocery planning/shopping, errand running every single day without being told what must be done. Why can't he?? I think men have it somewhere stamped on their genes to be lazy, don't they??<br /><br />So between the heat, the dog bathing, and procrastination, I'm going a little bonkers. And I've got a grad party to accomplish on Friday. I was hoping my hubby would put up the pool so the kids could swim. Well, I've volunteered to work tomorrow and he's got the day off for Memorial Day. Maybe while I'm gone, inspiration will hit, ya think???? I'm keeping my fingers crossed.<br /><br />On the bright side, I had a recent visitor in my home this weekend. For about two years, Dee and I have been conversing on line in our little writing group on Cafemom, the Written Voice. We even co-authored the book produced for a charity, Our Written Voices. She didn't have major plans for the holiday and decided to take a road trip to meet me in person. Just me. WOW! I felt so honored and excited. I so hoped my hospitality made her feel comfortable as I introduced her to most of my family. I think the only one she missed meeting was my son, Keifer, who had to work and was off helping out one of his friends this weekend. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMfv0Voi0I/AAAAAAAAAmw/l34LldC3d6I/s1600/visit+with+dee+and+vfw+karoake+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMfv0Voi0I/AAAAAAAAAmw/l34LldC3d6I/s320/visit+with+dee+and+vfw+karoake+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477256478176348994" /></a <br /><br /><br />On Saturday nite, I took Dee out to the VFW to enjoy steak and karoake. My daughter, Tracy, and her family, joined us. We even got up to sing, which probably entertained Dee to no end. LOL. Karoake/steak/ and margaritas/and one tequila shot made for a fun evening. We had conversed about our families, our interest in writing, and about ideas for our online group. I found we had many things in common and we shared many hopes, ideals, and dreams. So much shared between us which just sealed our friendship further in friendship glue. I found her to be a delight, very smart, and a woman who has firm common sense about a lot of things, which was equally an eye-opener for me and very refreshing. I can't wait for us to get together again, for she is indeed a wise, wise woman and a remarkable individual. I need people like her around me for sure, to make me think, grow, and aspire to become. Yes, she is an awesome friend. :) <br /><br /><br />><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMgNLlIv_I/AAAAAAAAAm4/iihhRiqsHFk/s1600/visit+with+dee+and+vfw+karoake+005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMgNLlIv_I/AAAAAAAAAm4/iihhRiqsHFk/s320/visit+with+dee+and+vfw+karoake+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477256982631596018" /></a> <br /><br />After breakfast this morning, she returned home. And I felt sad. Wished so much we lived closer, because I don't really have alot of good friends like her close by. I know acquaintances, but the connection Dee and I made on line is so strong, that I deem her to be a sister in my life. How better can feelings be for one person? <br /><br />Not to leave anyone out, but I do feel this way for a few other individuals in our online group too; something strong which has built up over the last couple of years. It's my dream that one day I will get to meet them in person too. Or that we will all get together at a common local. Perhaps one day it will happen if I keep my fingers crossed on this too. :)<br /><br />Of course, I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and has taken time to honor those who served our country. I believe most of the country had good weather. We finally got a break from the heat with an afternoon shower, which cooled things off for a bit; something refreshing and a needed break from early summer heat for sure. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMhr-mVCmI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Brk7VTASM6w/s1600/godblessusaheart.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 234px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/TAMhr-mVCmI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Brk7VTASM6w/s320/godblessusaheart.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477258611234507362" /></a>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-32943991912366811412010-04-25T19:13:00.008-05:002010-04-25T20:16:17.481-05:00Editing and being clearly understood<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S9TkWThnGgI/AAAAAAAAAlo/Zdr0CkLtLxg/s1600/book+cover+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S9TkWThnGgI/AAAAAAAAAlo/Zdr0CkLtLxg/s320/book+cover+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464243319756757506" /></a><br /><em>Have something to say, and say it as clearly as you can. That is the only secret.<br />Matthew Arnold</em><br /><br />I've taken a break from my co-admin duties on Cafemom's <a href="http://www.cafemom.com/group/45990">The Written Voice</a>, in order to have some time to read and edit. The 3rd part of my Cross Passage Series,<em> Hearts Restless Winds</em>, had sat dormant on my computer for quite awhile. Although I had one printed copy of the manuscript to peruse, once I got to reading it and furiously scratching out parts, I realized the manuscript needed a huge make over. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S9TlWlHhutI/AAAAAAAAAl4/JOfLT_gKz-o/s1600/twv+book.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S9TlWlHhutI/AAAAAAAAAl4/JOfLT_gKz-o/s200/twv+book.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464244423990819538" /></a><br />Yet the fall, my original conception for publishing it, came and went because I got involved in another book project. Hence, my online group produced <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Our-Written-Voices-Voice/dp/1449901107/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272244440&sr=1-1">Our Written Voices</a>, (poems and short stories), which I'm very proud to be a co-author. <br /><br />But the New Year came around and then Valentine's and I realized I wasn't getting anywhere closer to getting the manuscript in order, so I told my group leader and dear friend, Susan, how much I needed a couple of months to concentrate on it and my family as well. Begrudgingly, she granted me the time and wished me luck. <br /><br />And luck is what I need indeed. As I peruse each paragraph with a keen eye, I realize all the blunders within: the misuse of grammar; the occasional typo; the long winded-sentences; the lack of laying out the character's feelings or history. I suppose in hindsight being part of <em>The Written Voice</em>, where I enjoyed countless of poetry and short story submissions to read over, helped me with my editing process. I look at my writing a bit critical than before. Can't I take this eight sentence paragraph and punch it up with more active verbs? Can't I reduce it so it's not so long winded? Can't I take out repetitive phrases and make it more concise?<br /><br />It is a grueling process.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S9TlrB--J5I/AAAAAAAAAmA/j-qRKG-NWow/s1600/Cropped+cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S9TlrB--J5I/AAAAAAAAAmA/j-qRKG-NWow/s200/Cropped+cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464244775336945554" /></a><br /><br /><br />I wish I had this critical eye a bit more available and knowledgeable when I produced my first book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hostage-Her-Heart-Chriss-Hill/dp/143436044X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272244180&sr=1-1">Hostage to Her Heart</a></em>. There are many pages flawed with a redundant usage of the word "that", where I could have easily substituted another more meaningful word, but I didn't know it then. I do now and this is where I have grown ever since. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S9Tl9PtO19I/AAAAAAAAAmI/fT2Fkd12FKA/s1600/CoverPreview.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S9Tl9PtO19I/AAAAAAAAAmI/fT2Fkd12FKA/s200/CoverPreview.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464245088258283474" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />My second book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Her-Heart-Sequel-Passage/dp/1440473986/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272244221&sr=1-1">Falling for Her Heart</a></em>, reads a lot better. And thanks to my participation within <em>The Written Voice</em>, I find it has also shaped me into a better writer. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Do I still make an occasional mistake? Of course I do, but every good writer researches ways to make their craft better. The bottom line is to produce a book easily read and understood. We want a good story to tell and we want our characters to spring to life. When we accomplish this well, our readers convey to everyone what a wonderful story they've read. There's no better sense of pride when someone comes up to you and say, "Wow! I loved your book!"<br /><br />It's what I'm trying to accomplish with <em>Hearts Restless Winds</em>. With luck, I may have it ready for a second proofread by mid-May and then final publication by June. One can crossfingers, light several candles to send up prayers, and then email me words of encouragement until I've done it.Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348589422295754813.post-22979796964266198692010-04-18T10:00:00.018-05:002010-04-18T11:19:44.448-05:00Family Picnic and Senior Prom<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8spZ-H0sFI/AAAAAAAAAkA/aT3NpGxotMk/s1600/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8spZ-H0sFI/AAAAAAAAAkA/aT3NpGxotMk/s320/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461504499266138194" /></a><br />These past couple of weeks have been busy (as usual) and exciting. There was a family picnic, where the last six siblings born to my natural mother, Guadalupe, got together with our families on a picnic. It was amazing and fun. <br /><br />We all gathered here in Temple at Miller's Park. It was a bit windy, but with a full sunny day, the temperatures were in the high 70's. Perfect weather for fun, pictures, and family getting reacquainted. We never got around to doing our genealogy charts as I had hoped, simply because there was so much going on. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8spx81_F4I/AAAAAAAAAkI/8WWNquyibmg/s1600/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+012.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8spx81_F4I/AAAAAAAAAkI/8WWNquyibmg/s320/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461504911239747458" /></a>My hubby Bruce was busy grilling hot dogs, sausage, and hamburgers, while me and my brother Tomas got it all assembled. My sisters, Mary, Delia, and Virginia were all having fun with their grand babies, as well as Richard and his wife Sarah. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8sqRTXxQXI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/6mhWcfuuMyo/s1600/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+047.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8sqRTXxQXI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/6mhWcfuuMyo/s320/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+047.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461505449862971762" /></a><br /><br />There were about 15 youngsters running around, playing on the playground, to feeding ducks and geese by the pond; to busting open a pinata. They had even more fun when little prizes were given away, consisting of kites, coloring books, and - gasp!- water guns/toys. Even the grownups played. And, oh yeah.. they got some of us good! LOL. My granddaughter Mariah and my daughter Kayla snuck up on me once! Can you say Gotcha!! <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8srmcExOrI/AAAAAAAAAko/MVcqWESQ4c4/s1600/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+041.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8srmcExOrI/AAAAAAAAAko/MVcqWESQ4c4/s320/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+041.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461506912488078002" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8sqpH0_BDI/AAAAAAAAAkY/qGNfCJFC1wk/s1600/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+054.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8sqpH0_BDI/AAAAAAAAAkY/qGNfCJFC1wk/s320/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+054.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461505859081143346" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8sq3ERK9SI/AAAAAAAAAkg/Tedktg0i2tY/s1600/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+073.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8sq3ERK9SI/AAAAAAAAAkg/Tedktg0i2tY/s320/Family+picnic+millers+park+sat+april+10th+2010+073.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461506098643793186" /></a><br />At the end of the picnic, which seemed like 4 hours was not enough time, we vowed to do this again. Some of us shared face book connection to keep in touch. And we shared some pics. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8ss79qZXCI/AAAAAAAAAkw/M72PzTp4puE/s1600/Senior+Prom+2010+013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8ss79qZXCI/AAAAAAAAAkw/M72PzTp4puE/s320/Senior+Prom+2010+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461508381793147938" /></a>The next celebration was for Kayla, my high school senior. The prom preparations were fun, from getting a perfect mask for the masquerade theme ball, to finding that perfect dress to match. We've always had luck getting something from Killeen Mall and the dress we chose was not only on sale, we got an additional 10% off for giving them an email for future advertisements. <em>Debs</em> is definitely the place we will always go to for special occasion dresses. Kayla already had high heel shoes from last year's prom and a wrap coat. She had already decided to wear her hair down (straightened with the hot iron) and so all was left to do was get her nails done. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8stVsjtbUI/AAAAAAAAAk4/yPLmmwTmVAE/s1600/Senior+Prom+2010+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8stVsjtbUI/AAAAAAAAAk4/yPLmmwTmVAE/s320/Senior+Prom+2010+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461508823878298946" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's kind of fun to sit and watch the process. She just chilled talking with mariah next to her, getting her toenails painted and her fingernails tipped and painted. I sat and watched their tv on the wall, just relaxing. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8stxiIhqyI/AAAAAAAAAlA/lwCbxIgvnrc/s1600/Senior+Prom+2010+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8stxiIhqyI/AAAAAAAAAlA/lwCbxIgvnrc/s320/Senior+Prom+2010+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461509302116264738" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8suQiHaRfI/AAAAAAAAAlI/kknMP3oNDI0/s1600/Senior+Prom+2010+010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8suQiHaRfI/AAAAAAAAAlI/kknMP3oNDI0/s320/Senior+Prom+2010+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461509834687530482" /></a>When prom night came, Kayla didn't have a date this year, so drove the car to pick up one of her girlfriends. It felt a bit odd, as all of her previous dances were escorted by her ex-beau, Chris, but this year, he was still at Army Reserves AIT training and her current beau was unable to go. I peaked in on her in the morning, as she slept, getting the camera from her purse to download pics. Surprisingly, she didn't take a whole lot of pictures at the occasion. I whispered, "Did you have fun?" and she nodded, with a small smile on her face. I think of all the dances, her senior year one should be memorable somehow and I suppose being stag, with all of her friends in attendance, will be something wonderful to recall after all. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8su3SqAzNI/AAAAAAAAAlg/R0YN9Z9nzsg/s1600/Senior+Prom+2010+008.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8su3SqAzNI/AAAAAAAAAlg/R0YN9Z9nzsg/s320/Senior+Prom+2010+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461510500552592594" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8suwXlU6HI/AAAAAAAAAlY/SD5GSEXRf1E/s1600/Senior+Prom+2010+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8suwXlU6HI/AAAAAAAAAlY/SD5GSEXRf1E/s320/Senior+Prom+2010+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461510381616031858" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8supZF0OpI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/7kQau9gcWOc/s1600/Senior+Prom+2010+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u0RQOqwAfUU/S8supZF0OpI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/7kQau9gcWOc/s320/Senior+Prom+2010+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461510261761653394" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />So now we must think ahead to her graduation party (first weekend of June).I've plenty to do, from ordering invitations, getting food, to preparing a guest list. We've got a month to do it, but I fear it will go fast. For all the years my kids were in school, it's bittersweet for my last child to finished this saga of her life. But she's a bright kid with goals for her future, so I think soon enough, she will be a freshman year at college and going beyond. It's just part of watching your child grow up, but it's tough on a mom's heart to let go. <br /><a href="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/po6s9h8ug41550p.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 420px; height: 406px;" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z68/txladybug41/Giff%20file/po6s9h8ug41550p.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>Ladyauthor2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07047406796698397844noreply@blogger.com0