tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73880251849662136322024-02-02T02:05:03.507-08:00RED CROCHETSJust an obsessed crocheter! There is no cure except for more yarn!!Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-40101776399481972292014-06-16T06:46:00.002-07:002014-06-16T06:46:48.362-07:00People get less time for murderThat's what my DH always says when he talks about our upcoming 20th wedding anniversary. It makes me grin every time I hear it. Mostly because it's true. Marriage is never always easy. I like to think of ours as a work in progress. Every day we work towards the common goals. We dreamed together and made plans together and every day we have been working towards making those dreams come true. Sometimes the dreams change. Sometimes the plan changes. But our happiness for one another never changes. I want my DH to be happy. No matter what he dreams. And I know he wants the same for me. Ultimately when we are both happy our marriage is a happy place. The scales can tip - and often do - but we each share the common goal of "centering" that scale. People in prison for murder should be so lucky as to have a sentence of 20 years for being part of a team like ours. <br />
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Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-4806802251458761502014-06-13T09:46:00.000-07:002014-06-13T09:46:03.677-07:00Rewarding? Or the reward?Is there a difference? I think so. I wonder at times if accomplishing the task is rewarding or the reward. I wonder if completing a project is the reward or is it rewarding? You might say they are one in the same, but to me they are not. One is a verb; rewarding in that I feel the journey as the important aspect. The noun - reward is that the completed project itself is what matters and not the journey. Sometimes I think I complicate things too much by dissecting to this level, but for me it brings clarity and appreciation. I compartmentalize a lot. It helps me to see different levels/views. Things don't overlap well for me. I don't like overlapping. I like clear dilineation. Something is either complete or it's not. There is no "almost". Not for me anyway. So when I look at it from that aspect it's the finished product that is my reward. I don't seem to enjoy the journey and maybe I should. Too many outside variables influence the journey. Too many people with views different from mine; styles unlike mine; priorities not my own. I think that's the "rub" for me. <br />
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Why is it you only get one life? It's way too short for me to do everything that I want to do. My list of things to get completed seems to grow and although I do check things off, they are a far cry from the ones I add. Wonder if you didn't die until your list was finished to your satisfaction? I've met old people who say they are "finished" and are ready to leave. Their list has been checked off item by item and they are done. Nothing left for them to do "here". <br />
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Money and time seem to be a common theme. We lack time due to the need for money which requires work. Work takes away from often doing things on her list, although I agree work can also be on the list... Are we supposed to stop making money to complete our list? Are we supposed to make due with what we have earned and stop adding new things to our list? Is our list influenced by the money we make? If I had to choose between more money or more time I would always choose more time. Always. Time for me provides way more satisfaction than money. Money is fleeting and the things that come along with it. To me time is the investment; not the money. <br />
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And so are my thoughts for a drizzly Friday... Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-37872324503263825462014-06-10T09:03:00.000-07:002014-06-10T09:03:04.971-07:00Gettin a little bumpy up in here <div style="text-align: left;">
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That's a favorite line of a co-worker of mine. And she's normally right. Last week brought a shake up long overdue and I'm still on cloud 9. Euphoria is a very good thing. </div>
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The funniest part has been the people. I won't get specific, but suffice it to say many are acting in a way that is almost comical. There is no stress as a result of this change. As a matter of fact there is less and in some cases; it's now completely vanished. Put that into perspective. Bottomline is work has improved for me 100 fold and I couldn't feel more blessed or content.</div>
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Crochet. For a while it was on the back burner because I was trying so hard to get away from the things that were bothering me. Now I am finding the same joy I used to crocheting. I'm in the middle of my fair afghan. I must admit this "new" pattern is a lot of fun and I am really liking how the colors seem to work out without any planning. Although I am a very balanced person (Libra) for some reason the randomness of this feels "balanced" to me.</div>
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We have made some great strides at the ranch. I am slowly creating the space I've always wanted. I have been experimenting and having much success with seeds. Ohio is a marvelous place to plant and as a friend of ours loves to say, "You can grow anything here." And he's right. Even for a brown thumb like me I'm having a lot of fun and success planting flowers and making our space look pleasing. The red "K" was a find at a flea market and I think it's perfect.<br />
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I've been trying to work with Dolly as she needs it and so do I. She's been a willing partner. Second day in a row I've gotten her out to do ground work and just sort of peak her curiosity and I think it's working. She's smarter than I am and she likes to have a job; even if it's to walk smartly across the green pasture several times with intent. Intent being the operative word. Walk with a purpose. Walk like it's my job. Walk like it's the most imporant thing I'll do all day. And she enjoys it. Her ears are up; eyes bright and her step always light. Then she gets my phone and takes a selfie. Yep, she's feeling good, too.</div>
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Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-90606923107817960292014-02-11T09:17:00.000-08:002014-02-11T09:17:00.394-08:00Music<div style="text-align: left;">
Anyone that knows me even a little knows how much I love music. It is my salvation. It is where I find my voice when I cannot find the words. It is where I find my heart. I am open to all kinds of music, because good music crosses all genres. I grew up listening to Elvis and Merle Haggard. By choice. I had a very broad range of musical interest. I listened (on my own) to Wayne Newton, for instance. I grew up knowing every word to every song on every one of his albums. Didn't make me popular at school, but what it did give me was an appreciation for talent, looking outside what the world around me was telling me was "cool". I also listened to Bob Seger, ACDC, The Eagles, The Monkees, U2, The Osmonds, Jackson Five, Jimi Hendrix, CCR, Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, George Strait. The list goes on and on and on... </div>
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Today my musical taste hasn't changed. My iPod is a mixture of bluegrass, gangstagrass (look it up), country (old and new), rock, pop, alternative, metal and classic rock. I like it when others tell me about bands they listen to I might not know about. I just found two that way; The Black Angels and Golden Animals. Although I am 50, and hardly likely to be a fan, I am enthralled with Default, Theory of a Deadman, Staind, and Cage the Elephant. I am a long time fan of Daughtry, although that's not a surprise. Bluegrass music was something my Dad listened to and although at the time I certainly didn't have the appreciation for it that I do now I realized it's significance in American musical culture. I love the newer bluegrass bands like Newfound Road and Steeldrivers. </div>
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Music is my salvation. </div>
Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-61441745029210001982014-02-07T05:46:00.001-08:002014-02-07T05:46:23.184-08:00Hope floatsI wake up every day with a positive attitude. It's as if the slate is wiped clean from the day before. All the people that got on my nerves is forgiven. All the work that was so frustrating is a memory. I exit the elevator on my floor hopeful that today is the day. It normally doesn't take very long for that old feeling to creep back in. People are creatures of habit. If they are normally late for meetings, nothing is going to miraculously happen overnight to make them less late. Sigh. I love that saying "Hope Floats". To me it resonates sunrise and a new day. A new beginning to do better and be better. I wish others could/would embrace it. But we are often stuck in ruts too deep to get out of. People often don't like feedback or criticism, so approaching them to make changes can be a struggle. I'm not perfect and I take way too much personal when I shouldn't. But I think I am very self aware. I realize when others are silently criticizing me for things I fall short on. I would prefer to fix those before they feel the need to make a suggestion. Others don't seem to follow this lead. I often wonder if they have an attitude of self-importance. Like people who are habitually late for everything. It's been my experience that these people think it rude others don't wait for them. I know there are often circumstances outside of our control, but people need to take accountability at some point. <br />
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Okay, I'm off my soapbox. On to better things...<br />
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I am in the middle of 2 blankets; one Ohio state and another signature throw. The signature throw is the furthest along, but the Ohio state blanket needs to be finished first. That's my first priority this weekend. It's for a coworker's husband and a surprise for him. I bought some beautiful purple yarn for the next signature throw and I can barely contain my excitement to start it and see if the colors are as amazing as I think they will be. I've had a lot of traffic to the Etsy shop lately. It seems they are checking out my sold blankets, so I feel a little driven to get something out there for inventory.<br />
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I'm hosting the February Craft Club. We are going to make our own personal mini pizzas. We have two new members and they are younger so it's nice to see their interest and enthusiasm. <br />
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My sister is hosting a jewelry party on Saturday. I am looking forward to going and maybe finding a cool piece or two...<br />
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Off to start my day. Yay, it's Friday!!!Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-72559303106224734592014-02-05T04:13:00.000-08:002014-02-05T04:13:05.573-08:00WFHWFH = Work From Home, for those that aren't aware of that acronym. Yesterday I left work around 5 and had clear weather the entire drive. DH and I decided (unwisely) to have grilled sandwiches for dinner. Now, on the surface that doesn't sound bad, but have you ever had one of those meals where NOTHING tastes good?? That was our dinner. We have this tradition where if dinner sucks, we have to make up for it with a DQ Blizzard. So, he buys and I fly. Now DQ is only about 5 miles down the road from our house and a straight shot, but when I opened the door onto the deck, I realized my drive could be a little more dramatic than I expected. The snow had started coming down with a vengence! But I was on a mission, so I got into my trusty car and headed out. Honestly the driving conditions were alright for someone taking it slower than normal and paying attention. DQ was empty as one would imagine and I got our make-up dinner and headed back home. I was behind a car who was directly behind a salt truck. So it was even slower travel. I pulled into our driveway and my DH is there to greet me. He was worried sick about me being out in that after he realized it was coming down so hard and how long it had taken me. We enjoyed our blizzards and listened to the freezing rain hitting our house. It sounded like rocks being thrown. I went to bed and it was still coming down. I woke up at midnight and it was still coming down. I was up at 5:30 to feed the cats and after evaluating the road conditions in front of my house I made the command decision to WFH. Many others are doing the same. It's just not worth an accident. They provide a laptop and access to their network. It's sort of a no-brainer. <br />
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I'm anxious for the sun to come up so I can see what we got! The lights shining on the snow/ice make for a lovely scene! We have dripping ice off of branches, picnic tables, porch rails... Although quite a few have braved the roads and there is traffic on our street, it's moving really slow. I've yet to see a salt truck this morning. <br />
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Hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday!Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-38295422858633616542014-02-03T04:35:00.001-08:002014-02-03T04:35:17.727-08:00No rest for the wickedGreetings. Apologies for my absence. Not what I had intended. Let's see if we can't keep this rolling, shall we?<br />
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1. Nashville is a great city. Loved everything about it. <br />
2. I Love Lucy musical was awful. I've seen better high school musicals.<br />
3. Boo on the Super Bowl. Not only because the Broncos lost, but it just wasn't a "good" game to watch. I thought the commercials (save for the 2 by Budweiser, the T-Mobile ones) were awful. <br />
4. Bruno Mars was great.<br />
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The DH and I went to a Super Bowl party and because it wasn't far from where I work we got a hotel. I learned something about myself and my DH. I learned that how I cope with my job isn't congenial with everyone. The DH doesn't like being outside his comfort zone. He is a homebody of sorts. Being in a hotel for me is just something I do sometimes. It's not ideal. It's normally not "fun". It's tolerable. It gives me a break from my hour commute. It breaks up what would otherwise be a long week. For me it's not a big deal. For him, it was a very big deal. He definitely doesn't like new things. 1150. That's how many days I have till retirement. At least that's the magic number right now. If things go well, that would be greatly reduced. Time will tell. <br />
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FoFo I apologize for not getting back to you about a visit. My daughter had plans for us all weekend and as it turned out we had such a good time Friday night, Saturday morning and into the afternoon were spent recuperating. :) I will go back to Nashville though. I really loved it. What a great music town. I mean, I've heard that before, but I guess I just never believed it. Boy, was I ever wrong. <br />
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Hope everyone has a great day!Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-48455439790964813622014-01-20T09:57:00.000-08:002014-01-20T09:57:31.252-08:00Time is on my side<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every once in a while I start to let age get to me. I start looking back instead of looking ahead. Back I see missed opportunities. Back I see half a century. Back I see a girl who had many dreams. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm not completely unhappy where I am now. I think everyone dreams big and over time realizes it's quite impossible to do everything and be everything. But we certainly still want to, don't we? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I know that somehow I am exactly where I am supposed to be. The people and places I've come in contact with are all part of the plan for me. Finding that piece of the puzzle in everyone and everything is often hard. I don't leave anything to chance. I believe everything happens for a reason. I often over analyze looking for that reason. It's hard to accept God's plan without question. "Jesus Take the Wheel" seems like the perfect phrase right about now. </span>Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-45400562769248617372014-01-17T09:42:00.002-08:002014-01-17T09:42:20.667-08:00TGIFSnowing like crazy here. It's hard to keep my mind on the business at hand. I would much rather be on my couch, hook and yarn in hand enjoying the snow falling from my window at home. Not much expected; 1-2 inches, but it seems we've already gotten that. Time will tell, I suppose. <br />
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This is the recent Signature throw that's been completed and already sold. It's a very nice feeling blanket; heavy yet so much that you have to shed it after only a few minutes. It's a very fast moving blanket because you change colors every second row. Stopping off at the store to pick up my next colors. I have some scrap yarn coming to me from one of the yarn gang gals on Sunday. Can't wait to see what she gives me! <br />
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So far for us 2014 is looking up. The DH and I are very excited about what this year holds for us; some financial relieve, 20 year wedding anniversary, campout #2, additional pasture, train room.... All smiles here. <br />
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The DD and I are headed to Nashville next weekend. We got her tickets to the I Love Lucy musical and she and I are making it a girls trip. :) Can't wait. I've been working out on my alcohol tolerance because she's gonna hurt me. LOL <br />
Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-82869393154732081572014-01-15T09:29:00.000-08:002014-01-15T09:32:11.874-08:00It's timeI've been wrestling with this for about a year now and I think it's time I became official. By that I mean, claim my crocheting as a legit business with income, expenses and such. I've been doing a lot of research on line and the income I've received through Etsy should all be listed as income and I should be paying taxes on it. By doing that I also get to claim expenses, so I am hoping it will balance itself out. This year I plan on keeping very detailed records and making it all official for 2014 tax filings. Does anyone have experience with this? And if so, what are the biggest problems you've encountered? Tips?
We have sold the house in California. You can cheer now - loudly. We should close between 2/7 and 2/15. We made a little money, which will go towards the truck we are buying and put a little in savings and pay off one bill. We are so happy that is a done deal. Sadly our renters left us with quite a mess and it cost more to get it ready to sell than we expected. We sent the old renters a balance due (in excess of their deposit) and haven't heard from them. We doubt we will. I don't know how people can just do that - ignore bills and treat it as if it's the RIGHT thing to do. It's no wonder they are in the financial situation they are in... Enough said.
We have Direct TV and as of yesterday they no longer carry The Weather Channel. They have replaced it with Weather Nation. I am divided on this. You see, as a weather geek (self-proclaimed) I watch the weather - a lot. Lately the Weather Channel has disappointed me with their reality shows. The weather should be "raw" - with radar screens and maps. I don't care about prospectors. Weather Nation is definitely more raw. However, the Weather Nation lacks one thing - Jim Cantore. I shall miss seeing him.
I've been a nail biter for most of my life. In fact, I remember specifically starting to bite my nails in order to stop another habit that my mother didn't like. Little did I know how destructive nail biting would end up being. I bite my nails, but I also bite and pick at the cuticles more so. One way I seemed to do less of that was to get acrylics. Due to our finances over the past 3 months I've had to quelch that and oddly enough my own nails are now coming along nicely. I am not sure how or why. I don't remember telling myself to stop biting my nails. I still pick and bite at my cuticles a little, but no where near as badly as I did before. I am thankful for this. It makes me feel good.
Okay, lunch is over and work calls. Hope you all enjoy your day! Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-80336278989688231792014-01-14T05:16:00.000-08:002014-01-14T05:26:53.494-08:00When is enough, enough?Driving in to work this morning I started feeling like I would have rather been anywhere else but driving to work. I get this way sometimes. Maybe it's the hour and fifteen minute commute I have each way? Maybe it's that my job isn't really where I would like to be? Maybe it's that I feel like I'm wasting my time. Maybe, just maybe, it's all of the above. Have you ever felt like you were destined for something more? Something greater? Something better? And by "better" I think I mean better by me. My better might not be someone else's better. I don't have to be famous to be better than I am right now. I just have to feel better inside. Better about what I do, how I do it and living life how I always planned. With that in mind I consider my job as a means to an end. It's not long term. It's not for much longer. After that I can be who I feel I am supposed to be. That person is inside, waiting for the chance to "be". A friend of mine told me they were heading out to ride their Harley one day when we were texting. I told them they were lucky. My friend replied, "No luck involved. It's a choice." How much of life is choice and not luck? <i>Do something you love and you'll never work a day in your life.</i> Hmmm, I think I lost that somewhere along the way. Between paying bills and making ends meet I traded my soul for a job. Which is why I crochet with unbridled passion, I suppose. I create with my hands because 10 hours a day they are tied doing something they'd prefer to not have to do. I suppose it's all about what you want and what you need. How much is enough?
Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-26089898006288213062014-01-13T10:53:00.002-08:002014-01-13T10:53:14.802-08:00TimeHas it really been since May that I last posted? I'm not going to dwell on that. Recently a friend (Rachael) told me she writes and gave me her blog to check out. Of course I did and that started the ball rolling. I wanted to comment on some of her posts and when I tried I remembered I had a blog as well. :) So I'm back. At least for now.
I won't try and catch you up on life since May. You can exhale now. It's alright. I wouldn't want to read that either. So how about we just pick up like old friends do?
Things are going well at the Ranch. The girls have survived winter, in spite of the very wet and at times, frigid temps. Last week we were hit with that Polar Vortex like the rest of the country. We hit a -12* with a windchill of -40*. The girls took it all in stride and if they noticed the cold they didn't show it. I was a little nervous the first night and went out to check on them around 10PM. I think by doing so I startled them. Needless to say I won't do that again. They were just fine. Their barn is awesome; warm and dry. They always have plenty of good hay and water. We have electric buckets to keep their water from freezing. We opted to not blanket this year and I'm glad we didn't. Both of them have a good winter coat and in spite of the frigid air, they were both warm and toasty.
We have 3 cats now. We rescued WT (short for White Trash) in July. She was about 2.5 weeks old. Separated physically from her mom and litter mates, eyes crusted over and on her deathbed. She was covered in fleas and was being used as a toy by a litter of very large and playful puppies. We scooped her up and took her home. With the help of our vet friends she bounced back. She was quarantined for about a week from our other two cats. She is white and literally her skin was black from the fleas. Most disgusting thing I've seen in a very long time. She's not very big, but she is a gorgeous, healthy kitty now. Hooters and WT are best buds. Dumpster doesn't pay her much attention.
My crocheting continues with earnest. My focus has been on my signature throws, although I did a favor for someone and made an Ohio State blanket. She wanted it for a Xmas gift. The RYG (Red's Yarn Gang) is in it's 2nd year this month!!! Three of us never missed a month and we have grown quite close. We continue to share ideas, life and recipes once a month. They are so important to me.
I look forward to reading blogs and I will post some pictures soon. Happy to be back! Oh, and if you get a chance please check out my friends' blog:
<a href="http://javajogger.blogspot.com/">One day at a time</a>
Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-28544127487162084662013-05-16T05:40:00.001-07:002013-05-16T05:40:20.427-07:00:(Well, both kittens are now gone. I can only hope that Mom Cat moved them and they weren't eaten by another animal (Possum or Raccoon). I haven't seen either of them around our barn and it seems odd they would come around in the middle of the day, but I suppose one never knows. I'm sad about losing them because I have always wanted a litter of kittens. I thought these two had been dropped off to me by the grace of God, but I guess I was wrong about that. I'm thinking next time my order will be doubled and I will take them in rather than chance losing them again.Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-87875373584586906262013-05-15T05:02:00.000-07:002013-05-15T05:02:03.604-07:00Kitten updateSo it looks like Momma cat has moved one of the kittens. This makes me very sad, but really not much I can do about it. She is too wild to let us get close to her so there's no telling where she has moved it too. She did this during the night last night. The other kitten is right where it we found it and healthy. Le sigh.Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-78946581672547421162013-05-13T07:18:00.000-07:002013-05-13T07:18:03.375-07:00A few minutes...Every once in a while my job is such that I have a few minutes to spare. Right now is one of those minutes and since it's been so long since my last post I wanted to touch base.<br />
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I hope everyone is doing well. I am. A long time while in the service I learned something that for me holds true - if things are going good at work, then something is amiss at home. And vice versa. Such is the case indeed with me. Home is wonderful; work not so much. I won't dwell on that. Don't be surprised if changes aren't in the mix.<br />
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Over the weekend I got the most wonderful surprise. The DH and I kept seeing a cat run in and out of our barn. Neither of us thought much about it (silly of us), so Saturday when I was messing around with some hay I found the most adorable baby kitten right on top of the hay! Eyes not even open yet but in really good health. I got to thinking about it and started looking around for more. I felt around between the bales and found another warm body! I didn't find any others, so right now we have two new additions to our ranch - Straw and Hay. I would guess they are about 3 weeks old. Their eyes are just opening and they are super cute!!! The mom isn't very trusting and runs off when we are close. But we have started leaving her food out to entice her to nurse the kittens and she's been eating. Here is a pic of our babies:<br />
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At first the DH wasn't thrilled with them, but he picked the names and by Sunday evening he was all about making sure they are doing alright. :) Not sure yet what to do with them. I really want to bring them inside and make them not feral - I'm guessing mom is feral by her actions. I would love to catch her and get her spayed as well so she doesn't have more. <br />
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Okay, that's all I have time for today! Just had to share!! <br />
Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-76758295417131316412013-04-18T05:36:00.000-07:002013-04-18T05:36:16.968-07:00Random ThursdayI do believe I have started such an update 3 times this week only to have to abandon it due to work. This morning, however, I am making time because I just feel like I need to get something out there. <br />
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I'm not sure if anyone else experiences this, but if you do I would appreciate your thoughts... My work allows us to work from home 2 days a month. As you can imagine choosing those two days can be a challenge. I try very hard to look at my calendar and pick a date that does not take me away from important meetings and training. Even when I don't feel like dragging my rear into work and want to take a work from home day on the spur of the moment, I do not. I force myself to get in to the office because I think my coworkers are depending on me to be "present". So when I come to work only to find 1) my schedule has freed up and 2) my coworkers are not here, I get a little miffed. And I know I shouldn't. People are people and they are looking out for themselves. I get that. So why is it I cannot do the same for myself but feel such a strong sense of "duty" by coming to work? Does anyone else feel this? Does anyone else feel like you sacrifice way more than others? Is this just "normal" and everyone feels this way?<br />
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I am still working on the two blankets for the very nice woman in TX. In between I make a dishcloth or two. Here is one I finished up last night. Not sure why I chose black yarn, but it sure makes the other two colors stand up. <br />
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I never tire of this pattern. It seems to be part of me now. <br />
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I spent the night in town Tuesday night, so my kitty seemed to relieved and happy to have me home. Here she is looking quite exhausted. Ah, the life of a cat...<br />
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I don't know what to say about the Boston attack, so I will just say my heart goes out to the city and to those people who were injured and the families of the ones that were killed. The support the rest of the nation is showing is tremendous to me and gives me chills. Why can't we live like that every day?<br />
Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-74657351212840579182013-04-11T06:43:00.000-07:002013-04-11T06:43:01.001-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Driving in to work this morning was refreshing. I didn't leave at my normal "0 dark thirty" so I actually had some daylight. It started to sprinkle on my hour commute about 15 minutes and then a good downpour. The best part was the smell of the earth coming through my car vent. The freshly plowed fields and the rain made for a great combination! I should have been a farmer. Something about the even rows makes this Libra heart faint with delight. Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-40768757000834508672013-04-09T05:56:00.001-07:002013-04-09T05:56:11.292-07:00The power of positive thinking<br />
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Lately my DH has been making me crazy with his negativity. He's normally a negative person, although he will tell you he's a realist. He believes in hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I beg to differ. When I am at my wits end with him I tend to shut down and simply not engage in his negative banter. That, of course, makes him question me which inevitably leads to a "discussion" about his negativity, er...realistic point of view. No kidding; he's the type of person that if a dump truck filled with money pulled into our driveway and dumped the entire load on our driveway he would complain because it wasn't stacked and counted. My outlook is completely different which often times leaves us at a disagreement. Me, being the Libra, will often "give in" and not continue the discussion to the point of nauseum. He's also notorious for beating a dead horse. I mean, really beating it. I didn't want this to turn into a DH bashing. Honestly. Just at times his overbearing and seemingly endless rants do get to me. I just want to scream at him to STFU. Is it any wonder I crave "me" time? <br />
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So tonight I get a little of that - me time. I'm staying in town tonight so I get a quiet hotel room all to myself. I'm having dinner with my sister at Cheesecake Factory, too, so double bonus! </div>
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The temperatures have warmed up considerably. In fact, so much that a jacket is not required. Tomorrow is actually supposed to be in the 80's. Our property is drying up nicely and with the DH's work adding up we will be able to start more pasture, the paddock and hay barn very soon. We rode the horses on Saturday. It was a nice, albeit short ride. The girls seemed happy to be out and about. </div>
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As always, I am keeping with the power of positive thinking. No negative vibes my way, please!</div>
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Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-70767657731867864992013-03-29T10:26:00.002-07:002013-03-29T10:26:21.524-07:00Finally Friday<br />
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<a href="http://sweetclipart.com/multisite/sweetclipart/files/objects_domestic_clock_rainbow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 389px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 321px;"><img border="0" height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://sweetclipart.com/multisite/sweetclipart/files/objects_domestic_clock_rainbow.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></a>There I go, wishing my life away again. Seems the weekends are all I live for. Shouldn't every day? I suppose it's really all about the quality of time. I mean, work is a means to an end. Without it there is no extras - no horses, no Harleys and probably a serious reduction in the amount of yarn I would be able to have. So work consumes time and everyone knows there's never enough of that. So the weekend is when I feel like I get some of my time back. We don't celebrate Easter, per say... The kids are all grown so no egg coloring or baskets around our house. We aren't really religious either - although we do believe. So this weekend is a time to spend it together - doing what we want and enjoying each other's company. </div>
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I am filling in for a coworker today and Monday. Normally she facilitates an important meeting for our boss. That's following on my shoulders. Today has been nothing but prep for this meeting - which occurs Monday. I understand my coworker's frustration now a little better. Others don't have the same sense of urgency around providing the correct documents in a timely fashion, which pushes my deliverables back, which delays the pre-read, etc., etc. I'm all about deadlines and organization. Why can't others be as well?<br />
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Any Jason Aldean fans out there? Or just country music fans? Are you loving his new release - "1994"??? I LOVE this song. I can't get enough of THIS SONG. <br />
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Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!<br />
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Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-53035048220780052802013-03-28T11:30:00.001-07:002013-03-28T11:30:22.188-07:00Thoughtful ThursdayEvery once in a while the pensive, serious side of me can't help but rear it's head. Notice I didn't say "ugly" head. I'm trying NOT to go down that road with myself. Lately looking in the mirror has been painful for me. It seems that in a matter of months I have aged years. I'm not kidding folks. It's like I woke up and suddenly I have wrinkles and my skin looks saggy. Normally I am not so vain, but perhaps that's because in the past I've not looked so old. I have been on a hunt to find a good wrinkle cream and get into a routine to fend off looking even older. The DH has been so sweet telling me I'm gorgeous and don't look any older than when we met. Ha! <br />
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Work has been a challenge but also I think a breakthrough was reached this week. A breakthrough that brought me and coworkers closer, which was a much needed event for me. I was seriously thinking I had made a big mistake with this position but now I feel better about that. I have a tendency to want to solve and fix issues and this week a light came on and I realized I can't fix it. I can only solve for the things I have direct control over. Now I know this might sound obvious, but sometimes you hear it over and over and for whatever reason it doesn't sink in and then suddenly you have a revelation and there it is. I had that revelation. <br />
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Crochet has been going well. The Spring blanket is almost complete and that wonderful lady in Texas has already put dibs on it. So there you have it. I plan on getting it boxed up this weekend and starting the next two. I can't wait to dive into those two new ones. One lilac/deep purple and one rust/gray. Can't you picture them?? As <a href="http://mereknits-mereknits.blogspot.com/2013/03/morning-and-some-yarn-fun.html" target="_blank">Mereknits</a> says ... Heaven! Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-76809465036131875072013-03-26T05:02:00.001-07:002013-03-26T05:03:13.870-07:00Where's Spring and Farmhouse Porch Chat #86<br />
<a href="http://www.everydayruralty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Everyday Ruralty" border="0" src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/Cathy_Kennedy61/chatsonthefarmhouseporch.jpg" /></a><br />
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Patrice, I'm with you - Spring? We've about 6 inches of snow since Sunday and we have flurries this morning. You know me - I love the white stuff - but it's time for a change of seasons! My horse, Dolly, is a lot like Wendell. She loves to eat the tiny bits of grass coming up and will do so in any weather. She, too, smells like a wet horse! <br />
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<b><u>Questions</u></b></center>
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<li><a href="http://melanieski.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Melanie</span></a> asks "What kinds of seafood have you tried and liked? What is the most unique seafood you've eaten?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.homeschoolonthecroft.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Anne</span></a> says, "An unforgettable holiday moment is_____________________. (She's on the other side of that BIG pond. I believe a holiday is a vacation on this side. )</li>
<li><a href="http://ar-acceptchange.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Arlene</span></a> wants to know, "When was the last time you tried something new?"</li>
<li><a href="http://sketchesandmore.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Becky</span></a> asks, "Who or what inspires you?"</li>
<li><a href="http://lady-nightwater.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Madonna</span></a> wants to know," How did you chose the names of your children. Wendell adds,"If you don't have kids, how do you choose pet names?"</li>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">1. I am not a seafood fan, but I have tried most of the basics - lobster, crab, salmon, sushi... The strangest was definitely squid and I just don't care for it. Texture seems to be my biggest issue with seafood. Shrimp has a unique texture, along with lobster. I just don't care for it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">2. Unforgettable holiday moment... Hmmmm... This is not an easy for me. I would have to say it was one Thanksgiving that I had the place to myself. Some of you may know that before moving to OH my DH would go to AZ on a 4x4 trip and I would have the house to myself! This was glorious. Not because I wanted to be away from the DH, but because I NEVER get the house to myself and this was my time. Loved it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">3. Actually it was Saturday. I picked up a good wrinkle cream. Normally I don't spend a lot of money on beauty items but this time I did because, well, I need it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">4. The girls in my Craft Club are my inspiration right now. They are all so talented and every time we get together I am amazed at what they create and how quickly they do it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">5. I wanted something different for my son, but not something weird. I remember seeing his name in a book, but I also heard it somewhere and thought it sounded strong and different and cool. </span>Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-14846330356710780472013-03-19T10:38:00.000-07:002013-03-19T10:38:38.265-07:00Farmhouse Porch Chat #85<a href="http://www.everydayruralty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Everyday Ruralty" border="0" src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/Cathy_Kennedy61/chatsonthefarmhouseporch.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><u>QUESTIONS</u></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://furrybottoms.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Furry Bottoms</span></a> asks: Did you grow up in a small town, or a big town? Did you like it?</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thirdtimesacharm3.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Lisa</span></a> wants to know: If you could pick one song to hear for the rest of your life, what would it be?</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://homespunsimplicity.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Karen</span></a> asks: What are your pet peeves?</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Colletta</span></a> says: Do you remember your dreams? Are they in color or black and white? What is the craziest dream you've ever had?</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://ladybugsabode.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Rachel</span></a> asks: What is the perfect pair of shoes for you?</li>
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1. Compared to other places, it's small, but I've seen smaller. I liked it a lot. I live in a smaller town now and would have liked growing up here more than where I actually did grow up.</div>
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2. I have so many favorites, but there is one song - "Brandy (You're a fine girl)" by Looking Glass. For me, that song speaks volumes. </div>
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3. Mistreatment of animals and lying. The first one is obvious, the second one I feel needs clarification. I don't like two sides of a story. To me there is one - the truth. Many people see the truth and yet they ignore it so that they can twist and turn it to fit their needs. Some people can't or won't face the truth and they make that my problem with their lying.</div>
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4. I do, but only right after I wake up and recount them. If I wait too long I barely can recall a detail. The strangest dream.... Is a recurring one in which I am about the size of an ant. I do not understand why this dream keeps recurring or the significance. I have tried looking it up but to no avail.</div>
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5. Slip ons. I have 3 pairs of a moc-type shoe I got from Lands End a while ago and I love them. They are so comfortable. They are not good around horses though so I try not to wear them in the barn area.</div>
Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-82561499099054827512013-03-15T05:18:00.003-07:002013-03-15T05:18:23.220-07:00Hooray for FridayNo one is happier than this girl that today is Friday. Today marks the end of a very long and difficult week at work. Personality struggles, too much work, unproductive meetings. Blah. I'm ready to put this one behind me. Far behind me.<br />
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On a happier note; last night was hotel night. I actually went to the fitness center and got on the treadmill. It was a nice one! I had my own TV screen and could select whatever I wanted to watch. I chose the Weather Channel, of course! I didn't have my headphones, so no volume, but really who needs volume with the Weather Channel? Their maps and stats are plenty to clue me in on what's going on. I concentrated on getting to 2 miles. Not so much on how fast I got there or how many calories burned, just making it to 2 miles. For me it was a good goal. Not a great goal as I could have pushed myself a little bit more, but I don't want to get injured being dumb so I gave myself that goal and was happy with myself when I reached it. The DH and I are tossing around the idea of buying a treadmill. Mostly for me. Because of my commute if I stayed to access the fitness center at work that would mean I would get home around 7 each night. If I went to the gym in the morning before work that would mean hauling in my clothes/shower gear and leaving the house at 4:45. Neither of those options sound appealing. 7PM is just too late to get home. It would leave me no time at all to spend with the DH, horses, crochet. And after a workout driving home an hour sounds like a recipe for me being overly tired. A lot of negatives in all that, I know. If my work had lockers it might be a different story. I could bring in clothes for say three days instead of dragging in everything everyday. I don't know about you, but I find that really super annoying. A small locker would suffice for my personal items and then hang a few outfits, but no such option exists in the company. <br />
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I've had two treadmills in the past. One I used quite a bit until it became a dust magnet. Not sure what happened but I suddenly just stopped using it. Then we got another one with the plan I would use it and I didn't. I remember my DH getting mad at me over it, which made me NOT want to use it even more. There's something about the way he hovers over me while I am working out; coming up to me every 15 minutes or so and asking if I need anything? Am I okay? How far have you gotten? Yeah, all those things bug the crap out of me. I like to think of this as "my time". I don't need anything. Unless you hear me yelling for help I am fine. I'll tell you my stats when I finish my workout. Needless to say, IF we do plan on getting another one I want to set those ground rules at the very beginning. In a nice way, of course. :)<br />
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The very nice lady that bought the blanket I didn't think would sell wants a couple more. Her daughter grabbed this last one and decided to take it to her house, so the lady had it for about 5 minutes! Did I tell you I got the entry form for the County Fair? I can submit anything I want really, under just the general category of Crocheted Item. They have specific categories for granny, ripple and Navajo afghans. They have "fancy" hotpad (not sure what that means). They have baby sweater, shawl.... I can submit the same item every 3rd year, so no repeat items the same year, which I think is a good rule. I want to submit a dishcloth and an afghan - both in the general category. I think I will enter one of my signature throws, it's just the colors are tripping me up. My gut tells me to go Americana (country blue, red and off white). The other side of me goes crazy - bright yellow and black, etc. Decisions, decisions....<br />
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Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-20893860888656442202013-03-13T09:39:00.001-07:002013-03-13T09:39:49.355-07:00Step Up to the PlateI'm not sure why some people are afraid to take ownership in life. Whether it's their own personal life, work, etc. I find it especially annoying in the work area. If you are being paid to do a job then by golly - do it! I find that most of the time people are looking for a leader. In meetings I attend it's easy from the very beginning if the meeting has a leader or if it's just a free for all. Free for all = nonproductive. There's a part of me that wants to step up when others do not. However, I have to remember a couple of things. <br />
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1. I'm not getting paid to do that. It's not always about the money. It's about the position I've been hired to do. Taking the leader role isn't in my pervue and especially not when someone who is supposed to be the leader is present.<br />
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2. If I do step up I have to be ready to follow it through - to the very end. This could mean I get a lot more responsibility and headaches.<br />
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3. Some things are just not under my control. I have to allow that to happen because otherwise the gaps won't be discovered and fixed.<br />
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Now that I have that out of the way.... I found a cool thing on another <a href="http://www.horseshoesandhearts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>. I wish I had seen this on March 1, but I'm not going to let that stop me. I am going to start with Day 1 today...or tomorrow. <br />
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<img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" closure_uid_529932565="92" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKQ8U2f_qOaJp0V7NV1bDa6rdnVV6zfDyFn73fKoTWjVBx_fvwQ2LXJypB9-O8Cxq8FMlHVuwTPpOeC_47CEuA9lADvOZ5ESGZGMAlGDZvO0isM-JDJCAkMTDHq5G5oA3G0-rnwMb9Ns/s1600/31-day-blog-challenge-march-2013-1.png" style="height: 488px; width: 488px;" width="1000" />Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7388025184966213632.post-17603019087070961412013-03-12T07:48:00.002-07:002013-03-12T07:48:31.623-07:00Farmhouse Porch Chat #84<a href="http://www.everydayruralty.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Everyday Ruralty" border="0" src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/Cathy_Kennedy61/chatsonthefarmhouseporch.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><u>QUESTIONS</u></b></center>
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<li><a href="http://elizardbreathspeaks.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Beth</span></a> asks:What's your favorite movie of all times? The one you've seen multiple times.</li>
<li><a href="http://hip2bmom.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Clairity</span></a> says: Name three things that are permanent residents in your handbag or purse.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.redcrochets2.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Red</span></a> asks: What's the best way to your heart?</li>
<li><a href="http://mamawsplace4.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Mamaw</span></a> wants to know: Do you like going to yard sales?</li>
<li><a href="http://cathykennedystories.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #5588aa;">Cathy</span></a> says: If you could slide down a rainbow, what do you think you'd find on the other side?</li>
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1. I have two; "My Friend Flicka" - with Roddy McDowell. Love it. Love the horses, the scenery, Roddy. My other favorite is "The Party" with Peter Sellers. Funniest, silliest movie ever - I love it.<br />
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2. I don't carry a purse every day; but when I do I have my wallet, cell phone and lip gloss. <br />
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3. My question! Love of animals. Not just liking them; but really putting their care and well being ahead of everything else. To me animals rely on us because we have domesticated them. <br />
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4. I do, but I'm not good at it... I don't get to do it often either, so maybe if I were a regular I would get better at it.<br />
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5. I'd love to find a pot of gold. My luck I'd find a bucket full of more of life's mysteries.<br />
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Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138525993454232646noreply@blogger.com6