Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year's Eve


The snow is all gone now..the temperature today was almost 70.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Outdoor Wednesday


This is what my first white Christmas looked like.

He's discovered the Squirrel's corn.

Dark Eyed Junco

Snowing in the Pines.

The snow on Christmas Day was a wet snow which quickly accumulated
on the Pine branches...we lost two limbs before Honey Bear went out and shook the branches to remove the snow.
The snow on the day after Christmas was a dry snow and didn't do this.
Stop by and visit Susan and all the other bloggers who show their stuff on Outdoor Wednesdays. 

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Credit goes to Peggy for beginning the Day Book. She says:
Would you like to linger on the simple things....then join me and many others in taking
a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on
simplicity....beauty of the everyday moments.

Outside my window..
the ground is still mostly covered with snow..I can't remember it ever hanging around more than a day or two...the sun is shinning and it looks like diamonds hiding in that snow...right now its 20 °F, -7 C with no wind
Hearing...
silence except for the furnace, clocks ticking and Smokey talking to the Squirrel he's watching outside
I am thinking...
there is so much I need to be doing but I have no motivation
Feeling thankful for...
being my own boss so I don't have to do the things that need doing until I'm ready
I am remembering...
springtime walks
Creating this...
I have no new projects started...should be working on something
I am currently reading...
South Broad by Pat Conroy
One year ago today...
See my day post here.
I am hoping...
it reaches the mid 40s today and all the snow melts away
On my mind...
not too much since I'm drinking my first cup of coffee
Noticing that...
cabin fever sets in pretty quickly...I've not been out of the house since Christmas Eve
Pondering these words...
"One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter." James Earl Jones
From the kitchen...
lots of leftovers that need to be frozen....Christmas dishes and platters need to be put away......way too many sweets and treats tempting me
Around the house...
I need to vacuum, change bed linens, begin some laundry, tidy the studio, put away gifts or I could just watch a movie instead
I am praying for...
Jenni's family & friends, Shortybear's sister, Linda, CeeKay, Brian & his family
A few plans for the week...
I don't have any plans outside of home this week
One of my favorite things...
a quiet house in the morning
From my picture file

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Meet Me On Monday

We're joining Java again for Meet me on Monday.
Questions: 

1.  What are your New Year's Eve plans?
We don't really have any and usually spend the evening at home...I'll plan a special dinner and we'll probably toast the New Year before midnight with a couple of Mimosas.
2.  How tall are you?
5'6
3.  What is your favorite pudding flavor?
Chocolate or Butterscotch
4.  What room of the house do you blog the most in?
The family room...I usually keep my laptop on the table beside the sofa...I've tried to do my blogging in other rooms to see if that would cut down on my computer time but it always ends up back in the family room.
5.  What is your best physical feature?
My eyes

Sunday Morning Coming Down




....Oh the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful and since we've no place to go..let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

They say this is only the second white Christmas in history for north Alabama...

For the first time in our 43 years of marriage, Honey Bear and I stayed home on Christmas Day....and it wasn't bad at all......

This is Day 2 of the 2010 snowstorm....its still snowing...whatever melted during the day yesterday has refrozen and more fallen on top of it......only one vehicle has been down our street since it started..that was our neighbor's son and his tracks have been covered now.

This is pretty and its alright to be stuck at home on a holiday weekend but tomorrow is a work day for most folks...I'm concerned about Honey Bear having to drive to Memphis if things don't improve.

On another note: we have tons of food because I cooked all day on Christmas Eve for that night and Christmas Day....I'm thinking I'll freeze some of it.....I'm beginning to think a nice pot of potato soup would be good.

Santa was good to us...Honey Bear got a new pair of earphones, the kind that cover his ear and do not let outside noise in....plus some other items.

My best gift came in a small package and was a letter from Amazon saying a Kindle had been ordered and was delayed.

I've made many photos of the snow so I'll be sharing those this week..the one above is from my archives.

I would like to start a photo meme where we share a photo each week of something that begins with the letters of the alphabet....I don't know how to do a Mr Linky or a button...can anyone help me.

This is the Lord's Day...rejoice and be glad in it.
//:0)

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!



Thursday, December 23, 2010

Happy Eve before Christmas Eve

Honey Bear has a 4 day weekend because of Christmas being on Saturday..the same next week, too. This morning we enjoyed breakfast of bacon, eggs, gravy, bread, juice, fresh fruit and coffee...Since then I've been finishing up laundry, getting stocking stuffers sorted and cleaning the kitchen...remember those peach turnovers (fried pies) I wanted to make for Thanksgiving but couldn't find the dried peaches? well, I found some last week at the new Kroger that opened near me....As I type this the peaches are simmering on the stove to soften them...later I will mash them and add sugar to make the pies.

This is the way my tree looked last year..I've not made a photo of this year's tree...they never look the same do they? This years tree is sitting in the foyer in front of the mirror you see in this photo and the chair is sitting where the tree was. I like that better. We can enjoy it just as much.
I love the stories behind each ornament, don't you? I use little tags on a string attached to remind me when I received the ornament or made and who it was from.
The sun is shinning here today...Smokey is sitting in the window basking in the sunshine, he loves it...Honey Bear is almost over his cold but has tendinitis in his right wrist..luckily he is left handed.
My daughter, granddaughter and I went out yesterday to buy the stocking stuffers...it was fun to choose small gifts for everyone..I even bought one for Yoshi (their dog) and Smokey.
So, I'm going to be doing some prep work for our get-togethers and just enjoying the days leading up to the Birthday of our Savior.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Outdoor Wednesday

Visit Susan to see other Outdoor posts.
This Hairy Woodpecker is a regular at our suet feeder this winter.
Susan says:
Starting around Thanksgiving…. and going through the end of December…. I am going to include/encourage everyone to share their outdoor AND indoor Christmas decorations for Outdoor Wednesdays.
Greenery in the form of trees, wreaths and garland are from outside…… and they are inside for the holidays… yes, I am stretching the definition of Outdoor Wednesday…. but I can!!!

These Winter Bears are under my tree this year.


I chose to display my collection of Santas on the mantle this year
and hung the cards on a rope underneath.

Christmas Cookies from our club cookie swap.
 A few bear ornaments on the tree.
 A new picture frame ornament this year is this angel with a photo of Mom and Dad.
 An ornament my Daughter brought back from her mission trip to Guatemala.
 A new Angel ornament from my friend Rene is shown in the middle.
 A stocking ornament...a gift from our club's outgoing president.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A Simple Woman's Daybook


For today...
Outside my window...
47 °F 8 °C cloudy and wet...a very overcast kind of day...we had a lot of bird activity at the feeder yesterday morning but there's not a bird in sight this morning.
Hearing...only the fan on the furnace going

I am thinking...today is the winter solstice...did anyone see the moon eclipse last night...I was awake but didn't go looking for it..I have a photo from the last one.
Feeling thankful for...that first Christmas gift
I am remembering...the film clip I saw reenacting what a conversation on Face book might have looked like 2010 years ago detailing the Christmas story
Creating this...
a pretty table for my Open House..other than that there's not much creative stuff going on at our house...mostly cooking and laundry
I am currently reading...
True Blue by David Baldacci
One year ago today...
I participated in a Nativity set carnival at JanMary's place...the temperature was 31..I was reading Knit in Season, the book I received  from Jackie in Mary's book swap..I had just gotten my new car the day before
I am hoping...
that Honey Bear is over his cold by Christmas...also that his wrist stops hurting..the man hasn't felt well in weeks and I need him healthy
On my mind...
my Christmas Open House is this afternoon and there is so much left to do...also wondering how many will come
Noticing that...
blogging slows down this time of year
Pondering these words...
"Winter is the season when people keep the house as warm as it was in summer when they complained about the heat"
From the kitchen...
Golden Punch, Chicken Ball with Crackers, Fruit, Cookies, Fruitcake and nuts for my Open House today...then Potato Soup on Wednesday night...appetizers on Friday(sweet and sour meatballs)...Christmas Dinner on Saturday
Around the house...
laundry hanging everywhere in the laundry room(I don't completely dry my outer clothes but hang them to finish)...vacuum in the middle of the family room(means I have to finish using it)...leaves on the front porch(I hope I have time to sweep out there)...unmade bed...but the Christmas tree lights are on and things are mostly neat, I just have to do some quick touch ups, set the table and I'm ready to greet my guests...wish you were coming.
I am praying for...
CeeKay, Denise & Eddie, Denise in OK, Faye, Honey Bear, my sisters, my son and his family, Carolyn & Nancy, Mary...so many to pray for and if I forgot to mention you here just know that whenever you come to mind you are lifted up to the Father....good news from Texas: Son isn't being deployed until after New Years and will have a three day leave to spend Christmas in Maryland with his family
A few plans for the week...
finish the laundry...do more baking and cooking...enjoy time with Family...read the Christmas story..take time to be thankful for the first Christmas gift...maybe sneak in a lunch with Daughter and a shop for stocking stuffers
One of my favorite things...
the friendship I have with my daughter
From my picture file...this Christmas tree was seen at a local restaurant last year..see the cotton bolls



Credit: Peggy at The Simple Woman

Monday, December 20, 2010

Meet Me On Monday


Welcome to the 27th edition of 
"Meet Me On Monday!"
Please visit Java at your convenience to check out the answers to other MMOM players.

Questions: 

1.  What will your Christmas dinner consist of?
Since we'll be eating with extended family and everyone brings food, that is a little hard to say....my usual contribution is chicken/dressing, green beans, ham, cranberry sauce and dessert...Daughter: Fruit Salad, dessert and usually some other side dish.
2.  Do you watch commercials or flip through the channels?
When I watch television, I usually pick up my latest book and read during commercials. 
3.  How long will you leave your Christmas decorations up?
Until the week after New Years
4.  What movie makes you cry every time you watch it?
I cry at so many movies but 'Christmas Shoes' comes to mind..I haven't watched it yet this year.
5.  Do you have a Facebook?
I'm confused by this question...I do have a Facebook account...I don't actively participate but I go there for new photos of my Texas grandchildren and news about the family.
I am having Open House tomorrow afternoon. If you're in the area drop by between 2-4pm....Over the weekend, the new crown I had put on in November came off so in the middle of my busy schedule, I have to go to the dentist...I'm so not pleased by this.
I hope you have a great Monday.
Mama Bear :0)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wednesday Hodge Podge

I Credit Joyce with this blog hop but really I saw it at Reflections from Kathy.


1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'?
I believe it is the love and joy that people feel this time of year...everywhere you go, people greet you with cheer...there is a smile in our hearts
2. What's tops your tree (s)? Why?
A special tree topper from Hallmark for the series: Mary's Angels...there are two angels and they are reading the proclamation and a large two piece star is behind them...its always been a star or angel.
3. When was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back?
Whenever a sewing project comes together without any seam ripping and redoes..The Gardener's Journal when I sewed all the blocks together....I hate redoes and have been known to throw a project out if I had to do that.
4. Which of your senses is most sensitive this time of year?
Like Kathy, I think it is probably sight...I have no sense of smell so we can rule that out...I love seeing all the different decorating styles....Listening to Christmas Music is second on my list (if it is something I like)....I love listening to Mannheim Steamroller...
5. What is there too much of in your kitchen?
Counter top clutter...If you asked what there is too little of, I'd have to say counter space...makes baking a challenge...but there are certain things that just have to stay on the counter like the coffeepot...knife block...paper towels...
6. What do you do for meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Big meal? Breakfast tradition? Open the cookie tins and have at it?
Christmas Eve has always been for our immediate family..when the children were at home, we had a special meal and opened gifts from each other so that tradition has continued...we get together with our daughter and her family since they are so close..since I've moved back, we alternate hosting it...and it is her time this year...we used to have a meal, something non Christmas like steak or pizza but now we just do heavy appetizers.......We used to go to my Mom's for breakfast and I'd help her cook, other family members would drop by....Christmas Day has always been spent with Honey Bear's extended family...cousins, aunts, etc...We've seen family members go home and be missed through the years but we're still having it...When I married into the family, it was at Honey Bear's grandparents home...then we started having it at a community center for the next 30 years or so..last year we began having it at his grandparents home again...he has one unmarried aunt who lives there.....It has become harder to have a get together with my extended family at Christmas time so we've started meeting the weekend after New Year's...Traditions change once our parents have gone home.
7. What is the best thing about winter?
Winter isn't a favorite of mine...I don't like the hazardous weather conditions we sometimes have here in the south since we're not used to snow or ice...so I guess the best thing is that Christmas is in the Winter.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Better get back in the kitchen and finish mixing those cookies.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Day book was created by Peggy at The Simple Woman. 
Visit her site for links to other participants.
Outside my window...Its 15 °F but the sun is shinning...there is lots of bird activity around the feeder..I see Doves, Finches, the Hairy Woodpecker, Cardinals, and Blue Jays.
Hearing...the ticking clock and the laptop fan
I am thinking...mostly about the need to lose weight...How did I let myself gain so much before doing something about it.
Feeling thankful for...a warm house...a comfy bed...a good companion...being healthy
I am remembering...how Smokey slept beside me last night and each time I woke up there he was
Creating this...pretty Christmas packages....cookies: I have three different ones I want to bake
I am currently reading...True Blue by David Baldacci
One year ago today...It was 58 degrees when I wrote my day book...Cee Kay, Aunt Pauline,Sarah & Bo, Genece, and Shorty Bear were on my prayer list...Honey Bear had taken another Monday off and we were finishing up preparations for Christmas
I am hoping...for nice weather for the next two weeks, no ice
On my mind...getting this posted
Noticing that...I don't want to do much when it is this cold
Pondering these words..."How did it get so late, so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late, so soon?" Doctor Seuss
From the kitchen...Lots more baking to do
Around the house...I've wrapped a few more gifts and tidied some in the studio..began on some more scrapbook pages
I am praying for...Honey Bear to get over his cold...that he is getting some rest this week...
A few plans for the week...I have to buy some groceries Thursday or Friday...baking cookies...finishing decorating...planning for Open House...Cookie Swap on Friday...Hopefully it will warm up so I can put the lights on the bushes...maybe attend another church Christmas program
One of my favorite things...taking an afternoon nap
From my picture file...The Princess and myself




Monday, December 13, 2010

Meet Me On Monday




Welcome to the 26th edition of 
"Meet Me On Monday!"
Please do stop by Java's place and read her answers.
Visit with others participating in this blog hop if time
permits.



Questions: 

1.  How do you order your steak?          
Medium....And boy does that steak on Java's answers make my mouth water.
2.  Are you superstitious about anything?                                                                             
I don't think so.
3.  Who is your best friend (not including your spouse)?                                                        
My daughter.
4.  When is the last time your wore a dress (for the guys...a suit)?                                          
In October
5.  Do you have any trips scheduled?                                                                                  
No, just road trips of about 70 miles during the holidays to visit family.


Its very cold here today, only 23 and tonight the prediction is for teens so I'm happy to stay home...I plan to go out to the mailbox and fill the bird feeders but that is the extension of my outside plans....I hope you're enjoying these days leading up to the Birthday of our Savior...I am loving seeing your decorations and reading about your preparations as well as the events you're attending.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Sunday Morning Coming Down



1. What do you add to your coffee? Milk 

2. What are you reading now? 
The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman

3. Do you own a gun? not personally

4. Are you registered to vote? yes

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? no

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I don't think about hot dogs.

7. Favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee

9. Can you do push ups? Nope, I couldn't even do those when I was younger.

10. What was the name of your first boyfriend/girlfriend? I can't remember

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelery? My eternity ring

12. Favorite hobby? Reading

13. Do you work with people who idolize you? No

14. Do you have ADD? No

15. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself? I'm overweight

16. What’s your Middle name? Not telling

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. Why am I doing this? I need to get those cards done. Its good to be home.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. I didn't personally buy anything...we had breakfast at the hotel then a late lunch at Chili's in the airport...we were on an expense account...Honey Bear bought cough drops at a news stand.

19. Name 3 beverages you regularly drink. Coffee, Water, Diet Pepsi

20. Current worry right now? Honey Bear's cold....getting those cards in the mail...cleaning the kitchen...not really worried, though.

21. What side do you dress to? I'm not sure I understand this question...do you mean which leg I put in my pants first? Which arm I put in my shirt first? My right I suppose.

22. Favorite place to be? Home

23. How did you bring in the New Year? I think we had a quiet evening at home..most likely we went to bed before midnight...then on New Year's Morning, we had Mimosas for breakfast and wished each other a Happy Year...then I began a new journal and wrote about my goals for the coming year.

24. Where would you like to go? I would like to see my son before he is deployed but that isn't happening....I have always thought I would like to go to Ireland where my roots are and I'd like to take an Alaskan Cruise.

25. Name three people who will see today. Honey Bear....not seeing anyone else.

25. Name three people who will see today.

Friday, December 10, 2010

TGIF

Good Friday morning to you. Its 36 degrees here this morning..a little warmer and we are supposed to reach 50...if I were to be home this afternoon, I could go ahead and put up the outside lights...Our club party last night was fun...I got a box of paper craft supplies and a gift card to Michaels from under the Christmas tree in our dirty Santa game...we had installation of officers for 2011 and the outgoing President gave us all a patchwork stocking she had made and stuffed with candy...my friend, Rene gave me the Willow Tree Friendship figurine....it was a late night and I feel like going back to bed but must get ready for my trip later.
Recently, I saw Santa..he was incognito except for his red hat....a nice gentlemen who has been the main attraction at functions for the past 20 years.
And I saw Rudolph when I was in Blue Ridge.


I think I accomplished much this week...my tree is up and most of the ornaments attached...I baked my fruitcakes....decorated the mantle and the table...placed the Nativity in the foyer...printed out some addresses for the cards...and wrapped some more presents as well as shipped packages and tidied the house...oh and the laundry is all done.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Mama Bear

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

A Simple Woman's Daybook


Day book is brought to you by Peggy.

Outside my window
it is colddd!...there is a thin sheet of ice on the little pond...this morning, I've seen the Hairy Woodpecker and a pair of Cardinals on the feeder..the sun is shinning...I want it to get just a bit warmer so I can decorate outside..all I've done is put Christmas lights on the porch...I want to do the bushes in front of the house and put garland on the fence.
Hearing
just the furnace 
I am thinking
my business on the computer has taken too long this morning...I need to be up working on my to-do list
Feeling thankful for
the funds to take care of gifts and other items this time of year
I am remembering
how much Daddy loved my fruitcake...I'm getting ready to make it this morning....
Creating this
a home filled with Christmas cheer...pretty packages
I am currently reading
still working on Innocent...finished On Strike for Christmas and may start Three Cups of Tea next...
One year ago today
Honey Bear was working from home...I was shopping for our adopted family...we do one each year..yesterday, I bought two outfits for one of the children....
I am hoping
that I can get more done today before I get tired...I seem to run out of energy quicker these days(having a little Asthma flare up)...I want to get the tree up
On my mind
See 'what I'm thinking' above
Noticing that
It gets dark so early these days...when is the shortest day of the year..sometime this month
Pondering these words
"It is Christmas in the Heart that puts Christmas in the Air" T.S. Elliot
From the kitchen
baking fruit cake today but first I need to tidy and clean the kitchen.
Around the house
bits of decorations here and there...wrapping paper and boxes in the floor of the studio as well as scrapbook pages in progress....year end 'stuff' for clubs...sounds like a mess, right?
I am praying for
Jennifer...Carolyn and Nancy...Denise in Oklahoma...Faye
those without jobs at this time...
my son and his family...
A few plans for the week
Monday: I had many errands to run...sent packages on their way, picked up some last minute gifts and baking supplies...Tuesday: Baking fruit cake,put up tree,laundry,maybe wrap a gift or two and work on scrapbooks, finish bag..Wednesday: go to bank, hair appointment, maybe Bed, Bath and Beyond...Thursday: pack for trip, Club Christmas Party that night...Friday: fly to Houston for company party...Saturday: fly home
One of my favorite things
attending church Christmas programs at this time of year
From my picture file


I picked this up at Hallmark yesterday. It is tiny. I like having several Nativities around in my decorating.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Meet Me On Monday







Welcome to the 25th edition of 
"Meet Me On Monday!"
I'm joining in Java's blog hop. Stop by and pay her a visit. 
Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?"  I know them...but yet I don't know them!  I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other!

Every Sunday I will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

"Its a great way to to meet new friends and for others to get to know me better....one Monday at a time!!!"....as quoted by the Chacogirl!! I will make this SIMPLE and FUN!!!



Questions: 

1.  What is your favorite kind of cheese?
Either Munster or Havarti2.  What size is your bed?
King3.  What is your most overused phrase?
Don't know that I have one.4.  Green or purple grapes?
Purple5.  Shower, morning or night?
I prefer night.