Thought for the Day

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop"

---Ovid (43BC-17AD)---

Veggies are Good for You!!

Veggies are good for you and that is what we are doing this Christmas time off! Eating our veggies by just vegging out...doing nothing but nothing. And I have to tell you it fells really good. And it is good for you. You should always eat your veggies!

Jim has surfed and played games on the computer all day and I have scrapped. What could be nicer? But I tell you...we are both tired. I think it is like your body has to work really hard at taking it this easy! LOL

We had an exceptionally nice Christmas. Talked with all the family and went to DD's to grab a nice dinner. It was peaceful and beautiful. Will be doing some layouts to share. Got some very nice pictures and I am also planning...planning!...on doing twelve days of Christmas layouts.

Hope I can carry it off. I am hoping since Terry could do one a day for the month of December I should be able to squeak out twelve!! However...she is a speed daemon and I am a lagger!! So we will hope at this point I can do it. (I am being told all the time to stop organizing and start scraping or I will never speed up! That's right and I have realized I will never have my scrapping things all organized because I keep getting more!!) I think the hard part of the twelve days layouts might be taking the pictures each day. What do I do for twelve days that is worth scrapping? You all may see a strange part of my life!!!

Here is what I have been working on today. It is of Jim's sister and brother-in-law. They loved this scooter...took it everywhere and loved when people would stop and talk to them about it. When people would "thumb" a ride at the amusement parks, Ron would have them jump on and give them a ride. He was always out for a good time!! LOL This was taken at their mobile home park when they were in the St. Patrick's Day parade! It was then the Leprechaun Trolley.

Everyone have a great night and a marvelous Sunday.

My thought for the day.

Enjoy.

Thought for the Day

"Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God."

---George F McDougall---

What A Letdown!!!

It seems the state of the economy has even affected our yearly Christmastime ritual.

We were sitting doing our usual after-work recoup when Jim said...let's go "malling" for a while. For us, "malling" means let's go to the mall and watch the people. Talk about a cheap date...that's one for you.

So off we trek to the mall. Seeing the parking lot we were sure we were in for a real treat of watching the crazy folk go for finish line of "got all the shopping done". There were even four police cars in the lot and had people stopped in cars asking them questions. Not the place for us. Isn't it odd that in your youth you would have stuck around to see what is going on. Old age...get out of there!!! So we rounded the corner to the other side of the mall.

Jim was about to park in no man's land where there are no lights when I wiped that idea from his mind. I am not about to go through the parking lot in a wheel chair to the car where there are no lights!!! Two old people going to a car with one in a wheel chair. Sounds like an ideal set up to be mugged! So we did find a spot brightly lit two spots from the door. Thank you handicap disabled sign!!! LOL

So the lot was full and we get in the mall and while there were a lot of people...no one was rushing around! Not many even had a package in hand. If they did it was only one...many from Victoria's Secret!!! Wonder what that's all about!! LOL

Most were just walking around like us as if that is what they are supposed to be doing at this point in the Christmas rush....go to the mall!!!

Really a disappointment! No mall entertainment for us this year!! Oh well....

We did watch the ice skaters for a while. Always do enjoy this. It was fun to watch families pose on the ice as if they had fallen to have another person take the great pic!!! No doubt a mother that scraps!!! LOLThis mall is in Clearwater and is two story as you can see. The ice rink is always a big attraction to the tourists and amusement to the locals!!! BTW those are strings of lights hanging down from the ceiling. Very pretty in person!!!

While the night was disappointing as to people watching, we did have a nice dinner. We went to a Jewish deli and ate. LOL We go to Jewish deli and what do we eat? Lasagna!!! And it was the most delicious lasagna I have ever eaten other than mine, of course!!!

Well the reason I suggested we eat there was so Jim could get his matzo ball soup. He LOVES that! Me...I opted for good ole chicken noodle...the kind grandmas make!

It was almost like we were supposed to be there. We were at a table and a man our age came and sat at the booth diagonal from us. He struck up a conversation...service being terrible etc...and low and behold, he knew right where we lived. From the area. In fact he built one of the mobile home parks right by us. He chatted for a long time and we had a really good time discussing all sorts of things...but...mainly great restaurants in the area.

Yet what seemed important to me is that his wife was very sick in the hospital. He seemed so sad and lonely...like he just needed someone to chat with for a while. It was almost like he didn't want us to leave. So I feel our trip "malling" this year was a little disappointing in the fact we didn't see many crazy people, but I feel God had something else for us to do this year. It was a good night.

We had a good time and even got home in time for me to get on Designer Digitals chat and for Jim to rack up the points on his games on the computer. Sure wish he would win that Mac Book!!! LOL

That is it for today. It is just about officially Christmas eve.

I will close, wishing you all a wonderful Christmas tomorrow.

My thought for today.

Enjoy.

Thought for the Day

"Mankind is a great, an immense family...This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas."

---Pope John XXIII---

It's Coming!!!

Time is flying by and I know everyone is busy putting the finishing touches on the preparation for the big day. Family is due in for many, wrapping needs finished, food prepared. For some...shopping needs to be done. Hurry and get it all done so you can sit back and enjoy this happy time celebrating the birth of our Saviour.

I finished a LO this weekend. It is of my boss' little girl. I think it is a precious picture. It makes me feel the wonder of Christmas. I think we all love to see the excitement of Christmas in the eyes of the children.

There are so many facets of Christmas that we all love so much. We know the reason for the season is the celebration of the birth of our Savior, but wrapped around that are so many other things.

I know that we all seem, from time to time, to complain about the different things that go on around the holiday...that we are forgetting what it is all about. But as I look at it, all of what we do is all part of what Christ really wants for us...done with the right heart!

I believe...He wants us to gather family around. He wants us to bake, cook and eat..to break bread together...and celebrate His birth. He wants us to give to each other...a part of ourselves...to those we love. God gave His gift to us and Christ gives His gifts to us. We need to give, also. When we give to others, we are giving to Him.

We just need to remember why we are doing what we are doing and celebrate with thanksgiving the greatest gift of all that has been given to all of mankind.

Celebrate the season. Have a wonderful time. Celebrate the old...and make new...traditions.

But let us do it, remembering the reason for the season.

Wishing every one of you the merriest Christmas ever.

Enjoy.

My thought for the day.

Thought for the Day

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus."

---Francis Pharcellus Church---

Woo Wee! It Is Getting Close!

Woo Wee! It is getting close to that special time and I am getting excited!! Well as excited as can be with no little ones around. It is always more fun at Christmas when there are little ones around and you see their excitement.

I just have to show you what Buck brought to me yesterday.

This is the sweetest little giraffe! He and his wife won it and know I collect giraffes and he brought it in to me. It will be my bud here at work. At least I will have someone to talk to that I will see eye to eye with. Well not eye to eye...well...you know what I mean.

It has been a real quiet day here at work and I have finished all that needs to be accomplished so I thought I would update my blog.

I do have something to show you all. I have completed another LO! Yea! I do believe I am getting just a little quicker. But when I do these at work (take it easy, take it easy...I do have my lunch hour you know...and before...and after work while I wait on Jim to pick me up!! LOL) they take way way longer because I have to hunt for every little thing I want to use. I don't have my organizational software here.

Well here goes. This is of Santa and me last Christmas at the restaurant by my DD's where we all gathered.

Credits: Betsy Tuma, Plain Digital Wrapper, For Unto Us/cwills papers 5 & 18, ribbon & bow; LHanks frame, light stars. Delicious Scraps/Charming Christmas, poinsettia. Sentimental Style, Ice Crystals alpha

Planning on doing some Christmas running tonight. Not much to finish up, but a little. Not much time left to get it done. We like to keep the week before Christmas free of hustle bustle so we can enjoy it.

One of our fun things to do is to go sit at the mall a day or two before Christmas and watch all the crazy people running around frantically. Try it. I am sure you will have a hoot!

Have a great night.

My thought for today.

Enjoy.

Thought for the Day

"Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles."

---Unknown---

I'm Feelin' The Sprit

Well, I am beginning to feel the spirit! I get this way each year. As Christmas day approaches I get more and more like a little kid. I start giggling and being silly. But Jim loves it and just looks at me and laughs. I think that is one of the things he likes about me is that I still have that little girl amazement about things even at what shall we say...the beginning of ...shhh...old age! LOL

Do you know what this is?

This is a Jingle Bell Rock. I think some of you are old enough to remember the song..."Jingle Bell Rock". Well, this is a jingle bell rock. When you touch two little silver spots on the top it plays AND sings a portion of the son "Jingle Bell Rock", all the time rocking back and forth to the music! So cute! I love it!! Jim got it for me years ago and I always bring it to work so I can play it for others. Really it is to amuse me but I hate to say that too loudly!

My son in New Jersey can not believe I let people know I have this thing as he calls it. Needless to say his sense of humor and mine are not on the same plane!!! LOL

Got some shopping done last night for DGS and will probably do more tonight for DGD. Other DGS's favorite color is green. I think everyone loves green. Green money that is! That is the easiest to do, too! Have to go to the airport post office tonight and mail a gift. Hope I am not too late...but...I will do the best I can!

Got the tree finished the other night. I think it looks pretty good for as old as it is. It must be every bit of 38 years old. Older than that I think but not sure. It was a really expensive tree when we got it. $80!!! LOL But that many years ago people just couldn't believe we paid that much for a tree. But we were always away through the holidays and didn't want to worry about a fire and we had animals that were there also. Even though it is looking a little bedraggled we hate to get rid of it. It has become so much a part of our Christmas.

BTW. Speaking of my New Jersey son...if by chance he ever shows up on your doorstep to help with your tree...gently decline! What a pain. I thought I was anal. I can't be. I gave it all to him. You see...if you hang on ornament on the left side of the tree...you must hang a corresponding ornament on the right...and so on and so on!! *sigh*

Well, I need to get on with the day but before I do I have to share one more precious thing with you all. This is a picture of part of the manager that my mother made for me. She did ceramics and was very good at it. I love this so much. I know what love and time went into this...so it is a very special part of our Christmas.

So that is where I am so far. But the spirit is on a roll and the old body is gearing in! Hope you all can begin to let go and experience the joy of the holiday!

My thought for today.

Enjoy

Thought for the Day

"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

---Christopher Reeve---

My Hero

It has been a busy weekend! Getting things ready for Christmas while having a bit of time to play, too.

Ready to do the icicles on the tree but still have some running to finish today. We have run the entire day and accomplished only a little. I can explain more later...but remember...it's that "secrety" Christmas season!!! No hints here!!!!

I have finished another LO. I finished it last night but was waiting final approval before I posted it. I like it. For some reason I had a time with this just getting the right look I wanted. I am so picky...I know...but these are important to me and they have to be perfect in my eye!

This LO is of my friend Joanna's son, in honor of him finishing 3rd in the Special Olympics Bowling. And believe it or not...he did this without his glasses!!!!! He has worn them since he was about nine I think she told me and they forgot to make sure he had them with him that day! I think he would have had 1st place if they had done what they should have done. But either way...WAY TO GO BOB!!! We are so so proud of you!

My thought for the day.

Enjoy!

Thought for the Day

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."

---Norman Vincent Peale---

It's That Time!!

It's that time of the year when everyone feels busy. I don't feel busy. I refuse to get into that hustle bustle of the holiday.

We don't have little ones around anymore and that does make staying out of the hustle bustle easier I agree. But one thing I found out is ready or not Christmas will come around on December 25th!

Jim is doing lights on the tree now and refuses to let me help. That has always been his deal with the tree and I guess some things get set in stone...so have at it! I personally think that if we don't get done, if anyone comes I will just take them to the boxes and show them the tree part by part. "Here is our tree topper. I wish I could say it is very old but somehow you always seem to have to replace those buggers every year!" Then to the lights. "These are the cool...no heat cool...lights that are the big kind. I like them along with these little twinkly ones. Aren't they cute. You should see them when they are on. If you would like...I could plug them in! But as you know...they ALL won't light...never do...but you would get the picture." I guess maybe I am getting just a little too laid back!

I guess what it is, is that Christmas is Christmas every year. All those things that seem to bug us about Christmas is really what makes Christmas, Christmas. The tree topper that never seems to work two straight years in a row, the lights all tangled in a never-ending mess, the bulbs burned out after you get them untangled and have no replacement bulbs, the kids so wound up you are about to go off on them, not having a box of icicles to finish up when you are so tired and don't want to have it to do tomorrow!!

All the little frustrations of the season almost seem to make Christmas...Christmas.

Well looky here! The lights are up. The bubble lights need a little adjusting but that will be after a little nourishment!!

So stage two complete! Now to the decorations! We are on our way!!! Yea!!!

But rememeber...after the hustle and bustle... settle back with family and remember what Christmas is really all about and give thanks.

My thought for the day.

Enjoy.

Thought for the Day

"The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good and how he treats people who can't fight back."

---Abigail Van Buren---

On A Roll!!

I am really on a roll now. After being chastised by Terry about organizing scrapbooking things in ACDSee and not scrapping at all, I was told that I should be doing at least three layouts a week! Oh my! Three a month has been about it for me lately. But...as I said I am on...a...roll! I have completed TWO...yes two...in less than a week. So watch out...I could start putting them out like a printing press if I am not careful.

Opps. Sorry. It just dawned on me I never posted credits for the last layout I did. I apologize. Just too new at this! I will have to look those up when I get home and give credit due.

Here is my latest addition. This is Robert, my friend Joanna's son, at the Special Olympics where he took third place!

Credits: Font-New Times Roman, Swenson. Bear Kit by Barbara/justpassingthrough.com, journaling tag and brad.Scrap N'Ezine film strip frame. Boyerville Gratitude frame. MCO Spray of Red and Barbara Lee, Autumn Leaves paper.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was different this year. Each of the children celebrated on their own. I missed them all but we all seemed to have a nice time.

We went to a fancy restaurant which we have not done in such a long, long time and it was so nice. Jim really loves the place we went and it was so nice to see him relaxing so and having such a great time. He gives of himself so much and asks nothing that when he does suggest we do something I know he really would love to do it. We did and he seem to have a great time!

Myself, I took a day of vacation so with the holiday time I had five days off. How sweet it was. Sure didn't want to come back today!! I had a good time cleaning and scrapping. But back to the grind stone today.

A busy night ahead. Hair cuts, dinner and running errands for my brother before...or after...we pick him up at the hospital from visiting his wife. Hoping she gets released tomorrow. It has been over seven weeks and it was just supposed to be a two day procedure! Complications!!

Have a great night!

My thought for today.

Enjoy.