Time

Time.....Do you ever wonder where time goes?

One day can seem like an eternity and then the next day goes by so quickly you wonder what happened with the day.

But why? Why can two days be so different? You can do the same thing each day, but they can be so different when it comes to the time.  Why does time get away from us? Where does it go?

As a child you don't think about days coming and going. You're a kid! But, as an adult, you blink your eyes and your life is almost over. Your children are now grown, they have children of their own. And before you know it, their children are having children.

As I type, I reflect upon my own life. I'm 61 years and 30 days old. Over this past year I've thought about things such as this. What have I done in my lifetime. Not much. Did I do what I really wanted to do with it? Is it too late to start? At this point in time, I have no desire to take on a new job, nor accomplish higher education, nor start a business.

Oh don't get me wrong, I tell myself that I would like to take on that business project; because in my mind I'm young, I'm a go-getter, I'm ready to conquer the world. But in reality, nope....I'm older, I want to retire, I want to be able to sleep til 2 in the afternoon if I want...NO alarm clock to get me up!!! In fact, I yearn for that day.

I don't know if my parents ever thought about this subject or not. Maybe they had questions as I have had.

Sixty years ago, did they say they lived in a fast pace society and that it was becoming faster?
In sixty years, will my grandchildren say they live in a fast pace society, and as they age say it's getting faster?

I don't know, but I do know this.... The actual day for me to retire seems like eternity.

OH Weight!!!

When I was younger weight wasn't an issue.

As an older person, I've longed for the younger years' weight!!!

The past few years it seems like an never ending battle to get these pounds off this body. I lose two pounds to gain five pounds back! UGH!!!

Now-a-days those extra pounds have created a very fashionable inner tube around the waist and bigger butt!! Both are so beautiful I hate getting rid of them. NOT!!

In my mind the pounds come off easily, and I exercise daily.

Ah....but the real story is, my daughter Stacy, the exercise queen, is not living with me any more, getting me up every morning to go exercise with her. She's not here telling me, "you shouldn't be eating that". It's not her fault that these pounds have found my body and loves being on it.

The question should be, "what motivates a person?" Is it money, end results, what? I have come to realize that a certain person saying to me, "you can't do it". And I come back with, "watch me!" Is what I really need. That certain person believes I'm incapable of doing anything, from adding 1+1, to being the President.

So, getting my mind in the game without that "you can't do it" has been a real struggle. I believe I really have it under control and then poof!!! It's gone.

Recently I was told about a book, Trim Healthy Momma. I have purchased the book. I've probably read the first 10 pages. That's as far as it has gone. These first few pages sound very interesting and that they have it under control.  I'm anxious to read more and hopefully incorporate it into my own life. The reviews have been great and encouraging to read.

As quite a few people, I'm not any different than another, it really comes down to life changes. Am I really going to go through with this plan? We shall see!!!


October 16th.....A trip to the Dr. office.
If you know me, Dr.'s are not my thing. It was my first visit, and of course, quite a few questions were asked. Not by me, by the nurse. Not sure if she thought I was crazy or not. 

It seems like yesterday I had gone in for some type of test or sickness. When I really think about it, it's probably been 20 years since I've had any test done, or visited the Dr. office for being sick.

I attribute this to our Heavenly Father. Yes, I have had a cold, or some other sickness during these few years. It's not something I dwell on to make myself even sicker.   But my Lord has been there throughout whatever illness I have had. He has given me speedy recoveries each time. I am blessed and highly favored!!! Thank you Lord!!!

Closet Revamped

All I have to do is mention to Don I would like something done around the house.

When Don and I first got married I told him I wanted to remove the fireplace, something I had not previously used, or remodel the main bathroom.  Don chose the bathroom as the first project. Later we did the fireplace and we put down hardwood flooring in that room. (What a difference it made in that room.)

So of recent (not really of recent, but a lot more recent than I've mentioned over the last six months), I had mentioned that the master closet needed to have shelving.

The closet turned out great!

I have shelving on one side along with an upper and lower hanging rack on the other side. (For shirts) In the middle is a place for dresses or longer items. It's great!

It's like now what can I ask him to do?

I feel like I have all my projects done.

Oh...wait!!!

I want to add on to the family room and kitchen.

And then remodel the kitchen.

Now where will the money come from??? Those projects are not cheap!

Lottery winning's where are you???

First Day of School!!

My grandbabies are growing up way too fast!!!

Alea is now in First Grade. 

Isaiah has just a few short years before he will start school. But that will be here before you know it!

My nephew lives in Arizona and posted pictures on facebook around the 7th of August stating his children started school. That is crazy!!!

P.S. I have four other grandchildren too. 

Sam is a Senior this year, Wesley is (whoa, I hope I get this right) a Sophomore, Alexis is in 7th grade and Taylor is in 5th grade. Maybe I should check on this to make sure I'm correct.

(Of course, every time I talk with Alexis about her age I always have her older than she really is.) Remembering their ages and school grades isn't one of my greatest attributes!

Hope all the grandkids have a wonderful year in school!!!

Love you!

Don and I are headed for the farm!!!

Well, in another week that is. 

Not sure Don is that excited for this adventure, but I surely am. It's a way to get away from the hustle 'n bustle of the daily grind. It's a laid back, back in the hills of West Virginia FUN! (As much fun as a you can have on a farm. lol!)

On her blog, Suzanne states that she is preparing for her next group to arrive. It's a five day event, but we will only go for three days. We have signed up to make cheese from beginning to end. (Can't remember the other projects she has in-store for us to do). Although I've milked a cow in my younger years, it shall be something different. Not sure why it will be any different, but it will be. Maybe just because I'm older and know how to really milk a cow.

 So excited!!!!

A Great Weekend!!!

Amazing how time gets away from you. (Here's my story about our Weekend Farm get-a-way!!)
(It doesn't help when you can't remember your password or user name to get into your account. What a challenge that was in itself!!!)

I am the type of person who would rather stay up late to get things done rather than waking up early and trying to get something done then. I had the plan of leaving after work (approx 11p.m.) to head to WV. Tam-e on the other hand thought we should get some sleep and then drive down. I wasn't totally in agreement, but I did try to sleep some and then we left.

We left around 4:00 that morning and with Tam-e talking the whole entire drive to WV it made the time go faster!!! AND it keeps you awake!!!

We arrived 7:30 a.m. at Sassafras Farm an hour before our day was to begin. We were greeted by Suzanne McMinn, (Chickens in the Road) and Kelly Walker, our art class instructor. As they continued to prepare for the workshops to begin Tam-e and I occupied ourselves with more conversation and walked around the farm.

Wasn't really prepared for the cooler weather, but we were grateful for our boots that we took and a jacket!!

Suzanne had prepared breakfast for everyone. Ham, eggs, biscuits and coffee with real cream!!! YUM!!

The theme for the weekend was centered around Julia Child's cookbook. Chicken Fricassee' was the first recipe we made it was the heavy duty recipe! As a group, we prepared our dinner. We cut up the chickens and the vegetables that were needed to prepare this dish. I'm not a "skin" person (and I don't believe others were either), nor do I like the legs or dark meat either.

What wasn't used for dinner was placed in a pot for broth (chicken parts) and the veggies were thrown out for the chickens to eat. After each "preparation" session, Suzanne cleaned up the area/s. We had time to visit the animals!

This little one looks like he is smiling at you!

After our dinner preparations were completed. Our art class began. We painted our picture and later (the next day) we painted gourds.

 I added a few more items to my picture (white sheep w/one black one.)

Tam-e added a little more to her picture too, but I did not get another shot of the completed product.

Tam-e painted the peacock. I wasn't that intense with painting. It's just painted!!! (Unfortunately, Tam-e's fell off the table and the neck broke.)

During our time on the farm we made Queen of Sheba Cupcakes, a mousse, and Grandma's bread. The next day, Suzanne had prepared another version of the Chicken Fricassee but this one wasn't as heavy as the first one.

We took our paintings & gourds home along with the cupcakes and mousse (if you didn't eat it...but that didn't travel well), our bread, and recipes of items that were made during the weekend.

We met several great lady's, and a couple men. We had a fun, relaxing weekend!!!

In the fall, my husband and myself will head to the farm. This time we will make cheese from the beginning to the end!!!

Sounds like fun!!!!

Weekend on a Farm

I am a follower of another blogger. Chickens in the Road

I like to see her pictures and read her stories about the farm animals. It brings back so many memories as a child living on a farm.

I got married when I was 17, and then moved somewhat to the city. As I've grown older I've wanted to go back to the farm life. I wouldn't need many acres, maybe five to ten. That would be plenty and probably more than enough to handle.

The last weekend in April this blogger will have a weekend of cooking and painting. She has had events before and I thought it would be interesting to attend one. But who knew where she lived!!! And how far I would have to go to get there!!! Come to find out she lives in West Virginia, only a three and a half hour drive. I could handle that.

My daughter, Tam-e, and myself will get up early on Saturday morning, and drive, drive, and drive. Our event that day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end around 6:00.  (I may need to take a nap to be able to function.) She will prepare our breakfast and lunch. We will prepare our dinner for our first evening on the farm.  Most likely more food consumption in one day than I normally eat in three.

 I look forward to this event not only for the time on a farm, but to be able to spend time with my daughter. Something that does not happen as much as I like.

At a later date, I hope to post a couple pictures. Maybe even my painting. OK....Regardless how bad my painting turns out, I'll try to post it so the whole world can see what a great artistic feat I have accomplished.

Age!

Where does time go?

I have turned "60"!
(Of course, my birthday was a couple months ago.....lol! Better late than never to write about it.)

The Ohio Aging Program has sent me my "BUCKEYE CARD"!!!

Unfortunately all that card means is that I've turned 60! Not many places honor that old age card.

I decided in December 2013 that once I got my card I would frame it! It's in my purse not on the wall!!!! You just never know when that thing might come in handy!

New Grandchild

Brandon & Anjie had a son Isaiah Jeremiah Kinnard on Friday, April 13, 2012.

Once again it was exciting to see a baby born and especially a grandchild. I love watching the birth. It is such an experience that you cannot believe it happens unless you see it yourself. Yes, you know that it happens, but there is nothing like watching that baby come into this world.

I've had the privilege to see Sam, Alexis, Alea and Isaiah births. And I've even video three of those births. Of course, the first one you didn't see anything but the side of Tam-e's leg. Tam-e wanted to see the entire birth of one of her children born, and with Alexis to be her last child, she was the star of the movie. I spent a week with them anticipating the arrival. That day finally came and Tam-e got her wish. (She called it the "Baby movie".)

As age creeps up on all of us, I do not believe there will be any more babies born to my children.
I now look forward to "Great" grandchildren. Sam will be turning 16 in December; before long he will find that special someone and will start the life circle again.

Wedding Day

On April 2nd, 2011, Don Martin & I were married. I would love to be able to post all 1100 pictures but the few I have posted will have to do for now.

Don's family. Steve, Rhonda, Marty, Don, Derrick, Jerry. (front row) Ivy, Andrea, (Emma) Rheve, Jennifer.
Everyone loved the "hot pink" Converse shoes!!!

A black & white with the colored shoes!

My beautiful LaPaloma girls!!!! Flower girls: Rachel & Jessica & Corissa stood up with me.
My wonderful children.......Tam-e, Stacy, Me, Brandon
The wedding party. Seven flower girls, four bride attendants, best man & grooms man, Rheve ushered & of course, my son walked me down the isle.

My family: Bobby, Tam-e, Stacy, Me, Brandon. (front row) Sam, Taylor, Alexis, Wesley, Alea, Anjie.

Mr. & Mrs. Don Marin.........Whoa!!!!
Alea
Alea
Alea
Ivy, mom Ann, step-father, Bill

It was such an exciting day. Only a little glitch, we were not married by our pastor (his mother passed away two days before the wedding), but we were able to get married & that's all that mattered. We're still having fun & loving each moment!!!!

Happy 8th Birthday Alexis!

How high can I go?

BJ & the trampoline. Look at Alea's wild hair. She loves the trampoline!

I am rich! When can I go shopping?

Lip Balm

I recently found out that "Berts Bee's" does NOT protect you from sun rays!
My trip to W.V. a couple weeks ago, resulted in a "sun burned" lip. It really didn't hurt until the last week of it's healing process. (I still have scabs on my lip. Thank goodness it is no longer bleeding.)

The above photo looks better than what it did before the photo was taken.

Moral of the story is: Don't use Bert's Bee's for sun protection, but use Carmex, or Blistex or Bert's Bee's for out in the sun (it's white....ugly)

More Pictures of Alea

The other day this bird feeder/bath had water in it. She thought that was great to play in.
An angelic look!

I love you Stoney.

The neighbor & his dog stopped by.

It's over there!

What shall I get into now?

My dad, mom & ME!........Alea

Alea....so adorable!

94 pictures later........Just a few of those pictures for you to see. Alea

She found a spool of thread in my sewing cabinet.

I love this photo. So, so cute!


She has started to climb. This is a favorite to do at Memaw's house.
Climb on the small coffee table.
I purchased a chair for Alea.
One shoe off & one shoe on.
She likes to stand in it.
Here's that face again. So cute!

We're getting ready to go home. Not sure where she's running to.

What?

Listening to the wind blow!

Where is it?

She found the wind chime. She had fun playing with the butterfly.

A gate has been placed at the top of the basement steps.

What I act like when I don't get my own way.

We took a walk outside.

Here's Rocco's door to get into the garage.

She likes Rocco's door inside the garage too!

Daddy playing with Alea!

Daddy rests...........Alea plays!

Hair in my eyes!