Happy Last Day of November....

AKA - Monday...

Hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving!  We actually got most of our decorations up...redid the outside lights (and my hubby wants them done again, our adult boys are still apprentices, lol) and had a virtual game of Mormon Bridge that didn't last very long, lol.  It's kind of hard to teach old dogs new technology...  sigh.  But it has promise.  I was trying to talk them into playing Tenzi, since we'd all been given a set of dice a couple years ago-- but no one seemed to go for that.  We didn't even think about Black Friday- which is a real relaxing thing! That's one aspect of having adult children...we probably should have because they want bigger and more expensive things...but we've also informed them that we aren't going to buy super expensive stuff.  😋  I remember when my kids were happy with the small stuff...

Anyway - there are a couple of things that I thought it would be fun to remember and celebrate today, so here we go.

Cider Monday - no, you haven't misread this.  Cider Monday is about supporting local businesses.  As a small business owner myself, I see the wisdom in this idea, despite the fact that I'm just as guilty of supporting Amazon, lol.  Our local businesses need us to shop local and support them so that they stay in business.  I think this year of Covid has shown us some of the results of having to close...  There's also a group of venders that usually do booths at boutiques that haven't been able to do many this year--they are doing an online boutique on Facebook.  You might want to look into them as well...    personally, I think it should be a day to drink cider...  I mean, nothing like a nice cup of warm spiced cider and a crackling fire, right? 

National Mousse Day -  If you like mousse, celebrate!! 

This is your excuse.  Personally, I had never really tasted mouse till my hubby came home from Canada and told me I'd love it.  It is like a richer pudding...  though a true chef would probably shoot me for saying that, lol.  Chocolate or another flavor??  personally....what other flavor would there be??  🙂

National Mason Jar Day - I think it's funny these guys wanted their own national holiday, but you know--whatever makes you happy!  I think that mason jars are pretty awesome, and the invention was amazing.  Anyone who has done any kind of home canning knows about these puppies.  Unfortunately, there are the ones that break and crack and all that--everything that can happen with glass.  But, all in all, great stuff.  How many jars do you own??  🙂

National Personal Space Day - I can't seem to find when this started, it's not a Covid inspiration, though it certainly works along with it.  I thought it was all about mental space when I first saw it, but then I got to reading about it and realized it's about healthcare and giving people that social distance.  Personally, I miss the hugs and physical closeness, so I'm hoping this eases up soon.  For those who have health challenges that make social distance a fact of life, I feel for you and hope you feel the love...

Stay Home Because You're Well Day - Does this go along with taking a mental health day??  I think most of us need one of these.  While we just had a wonderful long weekend that was hopefully restful and relaxing, there was still the thought of having to come back to work today, lol.  Were you ready and excited or were you consoling yourself with counting the days till Christmas break?  I think there were many who fell into that latter category.  Sometimes we need one more day...  well, teachers have a harder time of doing that, subs aren't always available, and working out a sub plan is almost more work than it's worth (from what I understand) but perhaps we can all take a 15 min break and put on some ocean sounds and take a small vacation of the mind...

https://youtu.be/Xn8tufsbSz0

Onda Beach Relaxing Waves - Dominican Ocean Sounds Will Help You Unwind Relax with ocean sounds on Onda beach located on Samana peninsula in Republica Dominicana. Tropical waves will help you unwind after of during a busy day. youtu.be

or, if you like to watch fish, there's the webcam from the live reef lagoon in California...

https://youtu.be/1nWGig6pQ7Q

Live Reef Lagoon Cam (Lagoon View) | California Academy of Sciences Watch as cownose and honeycomb rays circle our mangrove lagoon exhibit in search of their next meal—and it’s not far away. Stop by Tuesday and Thursday at 1:... youtu.be

though... sometimes it's nice and relaxing to just sit in front of a fire...

https://youtu.be/gcSE2jvc1Yo

HD Winter Christmas Screensaver - Snow falling, Fire crackling sound, Cosy - 2 hours 30 mins 1080p HD Winter Screensaver - 2 hours 30 minsSnow fallingFire crackling sound onlyRelax & Enjoy - hit that like button as wellThank you so much to my subscri... youtu.be

Hope you have a wonderful day!!  🙂

 

Happy Friday!

Well...  it's Friday, and it's a good day.  Hope you've all had a great week.  Thought you might want some silliness today, so looked up some to see what was going on today.  There isn't a lot, but there are a couple things.

First - it's Name Your PC Day.  Now...I know people name lots of things.  My kids all name their cars (seriously??) and people name their sourdough starters, lol.  But your PC?  Well...  if I were to name the one I have at home I'd call it my old dragon.  It is dying, I guess, because the fan is going on all the time.  Scares the grandkids sometimes, lol.  Have you named yours?

Next it's National Peanutbutter Fudge Day - well, so have fun with that.  I'm not a big fudge fan, unless it's my hubbies stuff.  YUM.  But I'm really not one that will go try a bunch of different fudge flavors.  We did a booth once where we were right next to a booth selling flavored fudge.  They were very popular! lol  but, I didn't really taste a lot of difference in the stuff.  I did like the maple flavor...  but the sample was better than the little container we bought.  I have to be honest... we ended up throwing the fudge out - no one ate it.  Now granted, it could be because the kids all forgot it was there, or thought they weren't allowed to touch it... lol  anyway - if you can find some fudge, have at it!  🙂

Now...for some silliness, Mr Brooks is at it again, with a covid restrictions bit.  I had to laugh, because it's totally contradictory, and it sounds like some of what we've heard over the past week. 

https://youtu.be/rdaXzwvli5A

On another silly/semi serious note - there's a family we like to watch their parodies.  They did one for Thanksgiving that looks like they might have been recruited from the health department, lol.  If you don't like rock music, you might lower the volume a little... 

https://youtu.be/_7Uw5BBJUTE

Missing Thanksgiving - Aerosmith Parody This song is for all the Grandmas who usually host Thanksgiving. We're really going to miss your cornbread dressing, Grammy. Dang it Rona! Stay safe everyone... youtu.be

But last bit - something really silly....  we've watched it a few times now, and still can't stop laughing.  🙂

https://youtu.be/qCXor_J9vJQ

Have a great weekend!

It's Tuesday!

 And you know what that means??  You survived Monday...and the rest of the week is ahead of you!  lol.

Actually, it means that Christmas is only 33 days away...  😳  crazy...

So, I thought that perhaps you might need something to get you in the mood for Christmas.  You've probably already seen this little video, but it's hilarious and I think it bears viewing again.  🙂

https://youtu.be/pRhjWdr-LAA

and just to add to the humor of the day...

Have you already seen this one?  Always makes me laugh.

 https://youtu.be/XXtCSUqKNTk

(and I apologize that the links don't work like they used to...)

And just because, today is also Homemade Bread Day.  Yum!!  I have an awesome 30 min roll recipe, I wonder if it would make a loaf? lol

Have a great Tuesday!

🙂

Happy Friday!!

 At Last!!  Been waiting for this day all week...  sigh.  

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We needed that, lol.

This wonderful month of November, we are all struggling with the continuing/ongoing issues related to the pandemic.  Did you ever think you would live during something like this?  I didn't, not really.  It's been crazy, and unfortunately, we know it's not over.  I want to recommend that we all take a moment to close our eyes, ponder on the many blessings that we have been given, and appreciate the lives we live.  We really are blessed with where we live, what we have and the opportunities in front of us.  Yes, things are difficult, and some have it really hard--family who are sick, or have passed, etc.  But there is always something at the center of the cloud...the end of the rainbow, and the horizon ahead.  Some may have to dig a little deeper, but it's there.

I hope today you find some of that joy in life.  Discover the gratitude and thankfulness for who you are and what you've been given.  Each of you are amazing, precious and contribute much to society.  I know I'm thankful to know each of you.  💕

So - now to lighten things just a little...not much to celebrate today (did everyone celebrate national doughnut day yesterday??  My son went to get some at Bowman's and they were all gone, lol.  No big surprise there...he grabbed doughnut holes, I guess he figured that counted.  lol) but there are some fun things.

 

 

first is Fountain Pen Day - did you know there was such a day?  Do you know what a fountain pen is??  Personally, if I didn't find them to be messy, I'd be using one all the time.  I figure I sort of do, my calligraphy pens are very similar to fountain pens.  It's ink, and not a ball point...  :)  I had no idea, however that there was such a following, or enthusiasts.  If you check out the sponsors page on the link you'll see that there are tons of different places to buy them.  I think it's pretty awesome, in this day of electronics, that some people are still embracing the pen...  which is the mightiest weapon of all, right?  of course if you can afford one of these puppies, then I guess you could afford the right attire to put it in, lol.  😲😎

Love Your Lawyer Day - since my sister is my lawyer, this is pretty easy.  She's awesome. 💓 I know lawyers get a bad rap - unfortunately, many of them deserve it.  There are those out there who are honest, and are just trying to help those in need.  I remember that a judge was telling my brother that whenever he had our dad in the courtroom, he knew he could trust what he said.  He didn't have to have proof on the items, he could trust my dad to be honest.  Apparently he always made every other lawyer prove things, but not dad.  He was known for his integrity and honesty.  Another story I heard was a woman was getting divorced, and dad was her lawyer.  When court was over, they went outside and sat for a while, and dad talked to her about the future.  How that this wasn't the end of everything, that she could still have a life and learn and grow.  This woman was now a judge and my granddaughter had gone before her with a ticket.  When she found out that the granddaughter was related to my dad, she forgave the ticket and said she'd never forgotten his kindness in taking that time with her.  It always brings tears to my eyes....

 National Nachos Day - last but not least of course...is this food day.  Love those nachos!!  Do you like the fake drippy cheese or do you like the real stuff melted on top?  My hubby hates fake cheese, so we always do the melted on top with salsa and sour cream... guac if I have avocados.  Yumm...  We've even done cookie sheets of it sometimes, but it works better if we just do our own plates in the microwave.  I don't mind the fake cheese for nachos though...  Once in a while I get them at the movie or something.  Homemade is always best.

Couldn't decide which video to end with...  there's this one - 

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I think it's fun - we love Tim Allen.  or this one...  one of my favorite songs ever:

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Hope you have an awesome weekend!  enjoy the snow...I'm so excited!!!  lol

It's Wednesday... finally! lol

 It's been an insanely long week already.  I just don't get it.  Yesterday everyone was feeling like it had been a long week already, and it was only Tuesday!  That's not a good sign, lol.  So, I'm thinking we all need a little pick me up today.  Are you feeling it?  Perhaps yesterday felt so long or made the week seem long because it was such a much anticipated date - the whole election thing.  Now that it's over, and we're all in wait-and-see mode, hopefully things will be less stressful.  Ya think?  Well, guess we'll see.

The weather has been awesome, as far as I'm concerned.  A little warm in the afternoon, chilly in the mornings...nice and cold at night (great sleeping weather).  I've heard rumors that snow is expected this weekend and into next week.  I'm not holding my breath, but it would sure be nice.  We need all the snow we can get!

So - onto the celebrations!!  Something to take our mind off of stress... which ironically, fits with one of the items mentioned for today on Brownielocks.com 

International Stress Awareness Day - now, I'm not sure we need to be made aware of stress...unless it's such a part of our lives that we think it's normal.  If that's your life, you need help!!  For me, stress is more a work variety, and not a constant, for which I am

thankful.  All of us handle stress a little differently...and it affects us all different when it comes to our mental and physical aspects.  Expressing gratitude helps, believe it or not.  Sor be sure and express gratitude to all your neighbors and loved ones!  They'll be grateful back...

National Candy Day - I'm sure you don't need an excuse to enjoy sugar whenever you have the chance...  I'm not a big candy eater myself.  If it's chocolate, that's another thing... lol.  I think it's ironic that this soon after halloween it's candy day, and I'm sure it's related to all the leftover candy from the stuff trick or treaters didn't eat.  :) 

What do you think?  What's your favorite candy?  If I'm eating something not smothered in dark chocolate, the only stuff I like is the sour Scandinavian swimmers my hubby gets from Trader Joes.  They are awesome!!

Use Your Common Sense Day- I think it's interesting they have a day for this.  What is even more interesting is that there is such a lack!!  Tell me you don't agree?  So much of the warning on the items we buy is from people not using their common sense.  I mean, really?  Who is going to iron a shirt in the tub?  So...  those of us who have common sense, get out there and point out all the ways to use it.  It's our national duty, lol.

just for grins... here's a video clip on common sense...

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Have a great day!!