It's the Monday before Thanksgiving

and all through the house all the creatures are stirring, especially the hosts!  :)  As the Turkey day draws near, everyone is running around trying to make sure every last morsel of food is purchased and the house is ready for company.  Since we won't be having any company or going anywhere for the first time in like...EVER, I'm wondering how everyone is going to be managing it.  We've always gone to family for Thanksigiving.  Either my side (most of the time) or my in-laws.  This year my sister is remodeling, and had to beg off.  My in-laws are invited elsewhere, and so that just leaves my kids.  2 of them are living out of state and won't be joining us.  So, not only are we not having company, we're just the household.  It's gonna be strange and a bit quieter than we're used to... 
How about you?  Are you traveling in this lovely winter weather??  Of course the snow waited til the week when everyone wanted to travel, lol.  But I love snow, and we aren't going to be traveling much in it, so I'm happy.  Sorry to all those of you who are...be safe!
Also - it's the count down to Christmas now.  For some reason, having Thanksgiving be on the last week of November makes the season seem short.  I know my logic isn't all that logical, I can't figure out why, lol.  We don't do black Friday stuff though...so not really worried about this weekend.
So - to get geared up for the week of stuffing turkeys and bodies, there isn't much to shout about.

National Parfait Day - this is a light lovely way of getting ready for the season of sugar.  Perhaps you could do a sugar free pudding with a light whipped topping and nuts... sounds yummy to me!!  We love parfaits at my house.  To quote Donkey "Everybody like parfaits!"


sorry - the sound is really soft on this!

National Play With Dad Day - this sounds like fun.  The point of this day was to get dads to slow down and enjoy being a dad.  I had the pleasure of watching my hubby play with our grandson and another little boy same age in church yesterday.  They were having fun rolling a car to each other and then it started getting a little giggly, so he pulled them up and had them start doing some stuff and then read to them a couple of books.  It was the cutest thing...and they were totally happy,  Now I know it gets harder as kids get older (believe me, there are times I wish our adult children were younger than 8 again!!! it was so much simpler...lol)  but sometimes its just spending the time with them doing what they want that makes them appreciate you.  So - if you're needing a little prod of encouragement dads (like there's any of you reading this, lol) then here ya go.  Have fun with those kidos!

So - just because it's me, and you know how I roll, I have to leave you with some of my favorite Thanksgiving clips.  Have a great thanksgiving and enjoy family!!

love this one -

My hubby will even quote this sometimes when I have picked up dinner from Papa Murphys or something, lol.

Got to love the Adams Family...


of course we have to have Snoopy...  where in the world did he find that many toasters???  lol


This one I hadn't seen before, but made me wonder.  What would you do??  And why didn't they use whipped topping?  lol



Well- have a wonderful Holiday and start of the season. 

Day 5 and still.... ugh

I could possibly have gone to work today, but I'm not really feeling better.  I finally did a mud soak bath, and that didn't help much either.  Fortunately I have enough sick leave, but I still feel guilty.  I mean, seriously!!  I guess that's how it hits you when you're closer to 60 than 50... lol  guzzling airborne and drinking Mullien tea...sucking on cough drops and walking around all day in my bathrobe...  sigh.

Anyway - I wanted to mention how different books are - and one of the reasons I write.  When I was younger, I believe it was before my mission and marriage - I ran across an author that I gave up reading after a while because there was usually bed hopping.  Her books were almost porn...and I realized one day that I needed to give them up.  It just wasn't worth it.  I didn't want that in my head.

One of her books, though, I have kept.  It's called The Summerhouse, and it's ...just wonderful.  Every time I read it I have a hard time putting it down.  There are a couple of writers that make me feel that way.  Another book that is like that is called Coast Road.   I realized recently that one of things both books have in common are painting.  And writing.  Two of my passions - so perhaps that's why they call to me.

Anyway - after reading that book on Monday and realizing it was just - UGH...I read one yesterday by Robin Cook.  His are usually interesting and full of medical terms that loose me, but this one was another UGH.  both are now consigned to be donated to some charity. 

So today, when I realized I was staying home (yet again!) I picked something that was comfortable and I knew was worth reading.  Kind of like slipping into a comfortable pare of slippers and wrapping in a warm blanket.  The story covers the lives of three women who have the same birthday and happen to meet at the DMV on the day of their 21st birthdays.  Each of them have a goal in life...a dream that they are pursuing.  One of them is an artist, one is a dancer, and one is simply...beautiful.  The story tells how their lives went NOTHING like how they had imagined them at 21...and they get together when they are all turning 40 at the bequest of the artist.  She is now a world renown writer.  Their stories are enough to break your heart.  And then, they are given the chance to relive 2 weeks in the past.  They can pick the two weeks, they can do whatever they wish.  Then, at the end, they can choose to continue the life they had perhaps changed in the course of those two weeks, or they can go back to what they were.

At the end of their two weeks, 2 of them never looked back.  Only one kept her life as she had lived it...but she was determined to make changes.  I think Jude Deveraux is a darn good storyteller.

Reading this book always makes me examine my life and what I'm doing.  This is the first time I've read it that I realize I am pursuing my dreams with a drive I've never had before.  I am painting almost every day - I'm working on getting my 4th book in the Hibiscus Ladies out, and I have a book being accepted by a publisher.  It still gives me chills... 

And my husband is a big part of that.  I tell him all the time, but I'm not sure he believes me.  He is my support, my inspiration...most of my male characters are based on him in some way - they usually have one or more of his habits, his characteristics...  He accepts that as being married to a writer. (remember, I know you, am friends with you, I will most likely use you as a character in a book.  Not that I'd use your name!!!  lol)

I have been so extremely blessed in my life.  I never thought I'd be where I am today...though I did hope to be a writer...always.

I know that it's a combination of the Savior, His gospel, and my husband.  When everything else is crazy, (kids, job, grandkids, house...)  I know that I can have at least a hope with them.

Just wanted to share.  And say you really need to read The Summerhouse...  Just saying.  :)

Musings while home sick...

So - there are some upsides to being sick - if you can say it like that.  One, I get to laze around in bed and not feel too incredibly guilty; two, I get to read!  Which is something I rarely have time to do without feeling guilty (my own fault - no one ever says anything, lol) The house is quiet, I have it all to myself as everyone else is working.  To be honest, I like it when it's like this...though there are times I wish my hubby were here with me.  I'm not sure what we'd be doing...he'd be puttering and I'd be wishing I were well.  lol  what a combination, right?
Well, part of the reason for this post is a book I just finished.  I'm not going to tell you the title because I really wouldn't recommend it - for a couple of reasons.  1 - it has casual sex ALOT mentioned and fortunately, not described!!  Has some language...which I felt it my duty to black out with a sharpie.  Yes, I guess I really am that older woman who doesn't want to read swear words.  Sigh.  And 2 - the author obviously had a unhappy youth with parents who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It's a um, secondary plot to the story, so to speak - how the parents are religious fanatics who are insensitive to the daughter that has married outside of the church and is no longer in their 'eternal ' family and when she has a miscarriage while they express sadness at her loss, they are pretty unfeeling about it.  The parents are apparently on a mission to Africa, and the main character can only shudder when thinking about all the hapless people who are having to deal with them.
It made me so sad.
I get that there are people who've had to deal with extreme religion.  A couple of my children would probably agree with the main character...ass they are not active in the church.  I get that not everyone is going to feel the spirit in the same way.  I also get that it's hard for people to forgive and move on.  Perhaps this book was her way of purging the past... or perhaps she was writing from another person's story - us authors do that a lot, we hear someone's story and feel inspired to develop it. 
But be whatever the reason - I feel strongly that I need to share my testimony - that the Lord is there and loves everyone.  Jesus Christ died that we would not, and that we could have the chance to be together forever.  Everyone's interpretation of that is a little different - but the great plan of happiness is for everyone. 
None of us are perfect.  That's why we're here.  One of my favorite quotes from our leaders is 'The church is a hospital for the sick, not a resort for the healthy' or something like that.  The savior said many times that He had come to heal and bind up the wounded and sick...not for them that were whole.
All of us need Him in our lives.  All of us are struggling.  While yes, I believe there is only one true church - or organized religion - on the earth, that doesn't mean others can't feel the influence of the spirit and be good people.  Everyone has good in them.  Everyone can BE the good around them.  I hope as we head into this holiday season that everyone will think of others, and how they can be served, helped, ministered to, any of the above.
My daughter commented the other day as we were driving that there seemed to be a lot of random signs around that said stuff like "hug someone today"  or "be kind".  I think they're great.  It plants a thought, brings to mind kindness... helps in this dark world.
I hope if nothing else, you feel the love of God and of Jesus Christ in your life.  I don't know who you are, where you live, or if I'll ever see your face - but if you are reading this; know that you are loved greater than anything thing on this earth.  You are a child of God and He has your happiness as a priority, even when things look dark/bleak or at their worst.
He knows.  He has been there.  He loves you.
Have a great day... 

We made it - It's Friday!!

I am really glad it's Friday.  I've been feeling a cold coming on all week...my grandchildren have coughs and are loosing their voices and since they are living with us right now...that spelled disaster.  I've been taking Airborne and trying to stay healthy, but I think it got me.  :(  However, I have many things to do at work and can't take the day off sick.  I'm hoping to take some time this afternoon after I get everything done...we'll see how it goes.  sigh.

So...it's Friday!  there were some random items to mention, but I didn't want to delve into politially charged items.  It's Friday and I want something that's cheerful and uplifting...  lol

I Love to Write Day - This is one of my favorite days all year.  And I really have been missing writing, I've been so involved with editing my latest in the Hibiscus series that it hasn't really been writing.  I think I'm going to just have to do some writing today, no matter what else gets done.  Write people!!  It's your brains throwing up on the page... sort of...  that doesn't sound very good...  Um...your inner most thoughts flowing through your fingers and filling the page with good things.  That's a little better...  (Unless it's one of the many voices inside your head that says chocolate is better than veggies...lol) 

National Bundt (Pan) Day -  Personally, I didn't think the bundt pan was a big deal.  It's a round cake pan.  Some of them have fancy designs in them and some are a heavier duty than others.  I have one that I love to use for bday cakes now.  It's nicer than the typical 9x13 and seems more adult.  However...I don't do a typical bundt cake.  I do a cake mix with pudding and stuff.  Sometimes we get carried away with the frosting, but usually my daughter makes a gnosh and drizzles it.  YUM.  anyway...whatever floats your boat, so to speak.  However... it always makes me think of this scene in Big Fat Greek Wedding...


National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day -  time to de clutter, people. Well...or make sure there aren't any spoiled items in there...those always sneak up on me.  My children never check drawers or use all the veggies I buy...
So today is the day to clean out that fridge and make sure you have fresh food in there. Apparently it was created by the people at Amana who wanted you to have room for the holiday food.  lol
I'm not sure many people would go for this...  I mean, most of us clean out our fridges at least once a month, if not every week.  How about you??  I was very lucky when we first got married - I hated to clean it and my hubby didn't mind, so he would be the one to clean it out.  He hasn't done that in years now though....
of course you could always have your dog help...  like Hooch in Turner and Hooch, lol


National Raisin Bran Day - my daugher is the only one (besides myself) that will eat this cereal.  She loves it.  The rest of my kids want more sugar...sigh.  Where did I go wrong???  anyway - we don't really buy it when she's not here.  I used to eat this all the time when I was younger and didn't have little kids running around.  (of course I also used to eat
there is actually a petition to get rid of raisin bran, lol.  Check it out...  it's got a whole 13 signatures...

so - everyone have a wonderful day.  I hope you find something to enlighten and make things wonderful.  To remind everyone that there are only 40 days left til Christmas, here is a little vignette from Secret Life of Pets...  :)

Remember a Veteran today...

Welcome to Veterans Day Monday and all things military-ish.  If you know a vet or had family that was, be sure to thank them and let them know how appreciated they are if you don't do this on a regular basis.  We owe much of where we are today as a country to these people who are willing to serve in such a capacity. 

I believe I've mentioned that my family has always been great supporters of the military, my Grandfather being in the Navy and my father being a Ranger, my brother being in the Air Force and my son was in the Army reserves.  My other dad was a Marine and his brothers were all in a different arm of the military as well during the Korean war.  I currently have a couple of nephews as well who are in the service, though a couple of them have now been honorably discharged with disabilities.  Military service takes it toll in many ways.  I know I usually try to keep this a little on the lighter side, but War isn't really a light thing...  I think it's appropriate that these days are part of November when we celebrate Thanksgiving.  We have much to be thankful for in this country.

Armistice Day -  this day is different from Veterans day in that it marks the day the first world war was ended.  100 years ago this year President Wilson marked the loss and change that had happened as a result of the war.  The Armistace was signed 101 years ago.  I remember that they used to say it was the war to end all wars.  Well...that didn't happen.  :(  

Forget-Me-Not Day - I don't think I knew about this before.  I've looked at days of the year before - (I mean many of you can attest to that) and I don't think I've mentioned Forget Me Not day.  So...here is a first.  This is apparently a day that veterans can try to raise funds for those who are in need.  I think it's sad that funds need to be raised, never mind that our Vets have so many needs that aren't met - but that's another day.

 
Origami Day - my daughter is the professional origiami folder in our house.  My granddaughter loves to watch her and try to fold things too.  I think it's a great way to challenge the hand eye coordination...lol.  When our first grandchild was born, she made a mobile of origami butterflies.  It took her a while... but it was cool.This is similar to what it looks like.

National Sundae Day - don't want to miss celebrating this today!  My
favorite part of Sundaes??  the hot fudge!  What's your favorite part?  Of course ice cream is the base!!  There is actually a debate as to who and where the first Sundae was created.  You'll have to decide who you agree with... lol

So - one of my favorite scenes from Hacksaw Ridge - this father is so tormented by fighting in WWI that he became a rotten drunk.  However - he knew his son desired nothing else than to serve in whatever capacity he could without bearing arms.  He put on his uniform and went to his aid...


Unfortunately there isn't much to find humorous in war. There have been some well done movies, like the one above.  I hope you have a wonderful day...  44 days left till Christmas... and 16 days till Thanksgiving.  Just some fun stuff to look forward to. 

It's really Thursday!

We made it past the halfway mark and are close to the weekend...  I can hear celebrations going off everywhere, lol.  I guess it doesn't matter if you like going the one hour back or the one hour forward, it always messes with the mind!!  And...I still need to change the clock in my car, lol.  How about you??

There's only a couple of things worth mentioning today...
National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day -  If you like dark chocolate, well then, bittersweet is your thing.  I think it might be a little too bitter for me, but I do like dark chocolate and almonds...  :)   trying to decide how to combine these two today.  What would be your choice?  I'm thinking hot chocolate with almond flavoring...  :)    How about almond joy hot chocolate??  anyway...enjoy!

National Men Make Dinner Day -  I wanted to share clips of men cooking, like Mr. Mom where he's cooking Chinese food, or Kramer vs. Kramer where he finally masters french toast...but I can't seem to find anything that shows what I want.  They seem to make such a big thing out of men making dinner...but I have to point out - most of the famous chefs are male!!  So, it's not like men don't cook, or don't want to... It appears that most husbands aren't the ones that cook.  They leave that up to the wife.  Now I know there are exceptions to this...and it's a throwback to the fifties and sixties where it was expected that the wife be the one cooking...  but ya know, things are always changing, and nothing is the 'norm' anymore.  My hubby liked to cook when we got married, but decided he didn't want to compete with me, so he basically stopped.  He claims he'd starve to death if left on his own now... lol.  I doubt it.  He makes a mean sloppy joe!!!

Have a great day.

Can't pass up...

letting you know it's National Doughnut day!!  Well...the unofficial National Doughnut day.  If you like any excuse to celebrate, then here's your day.  I suggest Tasties doughnuts or Bowmans after 7pm, lol.  Or there's always the homemade variety...  I guess the official one is in June, but I'm not complaining.  It's not like any of these days are engraved in stone, right??

We might have to bake some at home...  we have leftover frosting from my grandkids bday cake that we could use...  yum.

Remember this scene?  Sometimes I feel that way with chocolate, lol


It's also National Love Your Red Hair Day -  I teased my daughter and said to rock her hair.  She just died it a dark red.  Those of you lucky enough to have rich color in your dead protein parts, rock it!!! 

and last... it's Play Monopoly Day - If it wasn't a school night, this would be a good thing!  Or does your version not take hours like ours do??

  I guess if we started right after work we might be done before bed...  we wouldn't be playing with my youngest daughter.  We used to drive everyone nuts because she wouldn't play to win, just liked to play and see how long she could keep everyone going.  She would usually win...  Wonder if one of her Japanese friends has a game...  (yes, we do have this version.  My hubby is a BIG Peanuts fan.)

Well, hope you have a great day.  Make it yours!

It's Monday. Are you glad?

It's the day after Daylight savings ends...and one of my favorite times of the year.  I love having an extra hour to sleep - because that's usually what I do with it, lol.  Not the best, but ya know.
Hopefully you all got a great nights sleep!  I found this crazy article about how DLS came into being, and while I knew some of it, I didn't know the whole of it, and thought you might enjoy the knowledge as well...

Did you over do on the Halloween candy?  Did you have a great party?  Today is National Candy day...which I'm sure is because everyone just ate all the candy they could stand and are probably still feeling the effects.  Thankfully, I don't really like candy any more, tooo sugary and I don't like milk chocolate, so it's not a problem for me.  My kids, on the other hand...would eat it till they got sick.  Fortunately no one threw up during the weekend, though my grandson had issues out the other end...  Glad I didn't have to deal with it.  :)

So - just wanting to give you a reason to start off the week with a smile.  today is also Easy Bake Oven Day...and for those of you who remember, that was a fun little toy that us girls (generally...I don't think my brother ever wanted to play with it) could mix up a little cake or cookie and bake it in our own little oven and pretend to cook way before we were big enough to do it in the real kitchen.  Then we grow up and get to do it all the time...and it's not always as fun, right?  But there are days. 

I guess it's time to start showing my oldest granddaughter some stuff in the kitchen...  if I can let go of control.  It's all about control, and I'm not real good at letting other people in my kitchen.  sigh.

Today is also Traffic Directors day.  Well, when I looked it up, I was thinking they meant like traffic cops.  Nope - they're talking about business traffic.  Well...  I'm celebrating the traffic cop.  This is a cute clip of a woman traffic cop in NY.

here's one of a male one that has become an icon as well.  These people are amazing.  :)  How come they don't have them out here???


Well, hopefully that gave you something to smile about today.  Have a good one!!