My Chore List...

I accomplished much yesterday... and I was howling by the end of the day! It felt like my Hyalgan finally gave up the ghost and quit working inside my knee. I did several loads of laundry, getting all the bedding including blankets and quilts washed and dried and put away. It was quite a task for me, and DH had to help at the end to save me the extra steps on the stairs. He finally had to rub my knees down with his Biofreeze. That stuff works great... along with some rapid-release Tylenol! =)

Today... I went to the post office. I had to pay our box rent! We've been here a year now... that is hard to believe! When the clerk asked me if I wanted to pay for 1/2 a year or a full year, it felt so good to say "a whole year, please." That's a leap of faith... but I think it's safe to say that we will be here... we haven't heard anything to the contrary.

I am slowly getting ready to go to CT for the family reunion... I am so looking forward to getting away with DH without having to worry about the phone ringing and changing our plans. We went away last September and other than our 1 day trip to Maryland, we've not really been anywhere since then. I often tease DH that he's got me living up in the "hollers of PA" and I don't want to leave! It's an easy, stress-free life (for me)... no one to impress, no one to have to keep up with... we just live a sweet simple life... and we are happy like that! I love being able to be barefoot for most of the day... wearing my faded baggy jeans and a t-shirt... or a comfy sweater on cooler or cold days. I love that DH loves that I am home... I feel very blessed to have that opportunity... and that I don't feel the need to have an identity other than his wife. It suits me just fine after all those years of corporate life. Funny, that the highlight of my week is to go to the post office to renew our box rent! Like I said... simple things!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Simple Woman's Daybook...

FOR TODAY (June 29th, 2009)...

Outside my window... the fog has lifted and the sun is out... the birds are singing in the cherry tree.

I am thinking... of all the things I want to accomplish this coming week.

I am thankful for... my hardworking husband, my sweet puppy Nolli-dog and our cozy little home.
From the kitchen... there are fresh baked cookies in the cookie jar, dinner is planned and there are some good leftovers in the fridge.

I am wearing... khaki green shorts, a white lace tank and I am barefoot.

I am creating... organized closets... mine is finally done! All my shoes are unpacked!

I am going... the Armstrong family reunion this week! I am excited about that!

I am reading... the usual blogs, news articles, and my bible.

I am hoping... to get all the right things packed for our trip... I will be making lists!

I am hearing... the birds outside, fans in the windows, Nolli sleeping right behind me.

Around the house... there are a few chores to be done... cleaning the bathroom, sweeping the kitchen floor... some bedding to be washed.

One of my favorite things... is how Nolli has become even closer to us... wanting to be near by in the evening, needing to be on the bed while we watch tv before we go to sleep.

A few plans for the rest of the week: to get the house all cleaned before we go... to gather up our pictures to share and to be able to depart quickly and easily for CT. when it's time to go.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Sweet Sunday Love

I remembered to take my Ambien last night... I slept so good... 8 1/2 hours! We went to bed early, so I woke up early. I puttered and read and let DH sleep. I got cold and went back to bed... and DH said he was hungry and was going to go have a bowl of cereal. I feel back to sleep... and 30 minutes later, he woke me up to pankcakes! Yummmm! That is Sweet Sunday Love!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Semi-Lazy Day...

I have tried to get a few things done today... laundry being one of those many chores on the list in my head! But... I had a hard time sleeping last night, I fell asleep just fine, but tossed and turned and was wide awake at 2:00am... too late to take an Ambien! I puttered around until 4:45 and crawled back into bed, turning on my bed warmer and got all cozy and fell right out! I slept until about 8 and then dozed off for an hour at 10.

We did do a couple loads of laundry today... (just what you wanted to hear about, so exciting!) We also did a little shopping and had carmel sundaes after... and got to see part of the air show that is going on at our small airport. The parachute jumpers were fun to watch, it's one of DH's favorite things since he was in the Air Force. That was one of our highlights today...

The other was as I was coming back up from the basement and came outside to sit for a few minutes to enjoy the cool air and the flowers... my usual little resting spot in the midst of doing chores... when our little resident doe came walking down through my neighbors houses... and stood at the creekside, eating and munching on all the new greenery over there. I quietly called DH on his cell phone and told him to come outside. We sat and watched her for quite awhile... when all of a sudden... from behind our house, come her two little twin fawns... still with spots! It was so cute to see them frolic across the grass. That really was the highlight of our day! I just came back from the basement a few minutes ago... and Mama was still out there feeding.

We are suppose to go to church tomorrow... but DH is not feeling well. It's been a stressful week for him and he worked an 18 hour day yesterday. We had a picnic to go to after church... but I don't think he should go. He needs to rest and recuperate from such a hectic week. It means that we will miss church 2 weeks in a row as we won't be there on the 5th either. If DH gets the pictures he took with his phone uploaded, I will share the pics of the new babies in our yard!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A rather mundane list...

Things around have evened out a little bit. I tried not to be too big of a monster when DH got home... ok, I confess, I was a bit of a monster! But I got my point across... and he really understood how much it bothers me when he blows me off. He doesn't do it intentionally, he does have a lot of work stuff going on... he just doesn't get it that certain things need to be a priority at home. And some of it is the fact that I take care of a huge amount of things that should be his to take care of... and when I don't do those things, everything comes crashing down... plate spinner style. I can only spin so many plates before I get tired and lose the rhythm of the spin.

DH left very early this morning... on the road at 4am... and has no idea just how long this day will be. When he called me yesterday and told me what his day would look like, I immediately went into the kitchen and started preparing his meals for today, packing extra sandwiches, a casserole portion, salad, extra beverages and added extra blue ice to the freezer to keep the extras cold. He already has 1 hour of overtime scheduled for today's ticket, plus emergency inspections and repairs for a major client, 2 other jobs to do and then the usual "stupid drive" to turn in his tickets and time card and uniforms to his supervisors home office. (Yeah... the supervisor gets to work from home and count all his "admin time" while DH has to do all the extra stuff on his own time... tell me that's fair???)

We are looking forward to this weekend, we have a church picnic on Sunday after church. We are going to try and get all the laundry done... and do my required house cleaning to go on a trip... (I have to have the house fairly clean and in order, otherwise, I will fret about what is waiting to be done upon our arrival back home, so then it's "why go away?" for me.) We are looking forward to going to Connecticut next weekend for the family reunion... and it will be my first. We cannot leave until Saturday morning, which means we will arrive car weary and rumpled, (with white dog hair) not the best way to meet new relatives. I will try not to be nervous. In fact, I will start to make a list of things that need to be located and placed up on the porch for the packing to commence starting on Wednesday. I will start packing our main bag and keep things on the guest room bed so that we can literally grab it and go, come next Saturday.

We are also working on a little landscaping project... We discovered some 12 x 24 inch pavers along the side of the house on the north... where it's very steep and uneven and quite hard for me to navigate. It's the area where we keep the grill and have a table and some chairs set up. It has a nice view of the stream and the bridge... but very hard for me to get up and down with my knees the way they are. DH has started digging it up and placing the pavers as a stairway. We need 4 more... and cannot find anyone who sells them. So... I went to the local brick and rock seller... (who happens to be the son of our landlord) and they said they could have them made for us. (Custom order)... when I told DH that, he asked me about how much it would be... and I didn't know... she never told me. Well, I called her and asked, she didn't know but would find out and phone me back.... sheeesh! I should have seen it coming! $8.36 per paver!!!! Holy cow! I had no idea, but then, nothing is exactly cheap up in these parts... it's not like we live in a metropolitan area and can get most anything we wanted like in Maryland! I'm going to take my time in picking those babies up... and at that price, it should come with a few free bags of pea gravel too! I will post pictures when we get it finished!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

I'm a little better, now...

I woke up today, feeling a little more like my sane self instead of my "boxed-in, angry, upset nagging housewife" side. I worked on getting the car cleaned out yesterday and de-furred for our trip to Connecticut next week. DH came home and finished the vacuuming of the car for me... and we discussed all the urgent issues I've been having. He got busy and got a few things done for me, including one that wasn't on my list... the sidewalk on the north side of the house. I have to go out and buy a few more paver stones to finish it, and then I will be able to go down that side without fear of falling or tripping as it's steep and has lots of tree roots.

It's going to be hot, humid and hazy today... I closed up the house and pulled the drapes to keep it cool in here as long as possible. I think I'll be hiding in the bedroom tonight with the air conditioner if there is no breeze blowing through. I have a few projects that I want to work on, but if it's gonna be hot, I'll wait!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

To Kiss or To Kill...

I am at my wits end with most things these days... it's not good to be gone from home for 3 days when it's not planned or prepared for! I have spent my time since coming home from the hospital not resting, but cleaning and grumbling. It has gotten to critical mass stage here. I understand that DH was stretched very thin while I was gone, but coming home to a dirty kitchen and a man that has no inkling or idea that I would have liked the assistance without having to ask, would have been nice.

The other thing is that is weighing very heavy on me... is the fact that when I tell DH that I need something done... if it's not for my immediate needs, it doesn't get done. I have never in my life witnessed someone who is so stupidly unaware of the things around him and how I ask and ask ask to have things done, and it goes on ignored. Anyone got a match?????

I would do these things myself, but I am not capable of doing some of it... my knees don't work well and my back has become a bit of an issue. If I did what I wanted to have done... I'd be in bed only to face an even bigger mess later. I guess I need to find a young teenage boy that wants to earn some extra money... that's what I did in Maryland. My good friend Mary has two young grandsons who love to work and earn money. I would set up a time with her and then DJ and Shane would come over and do the work I needed... moving my closets from one floor to another area 2 floors down... hauling boxes for me, cleaning my car out... all good chores. I am still waiting for boxes to be hauled down to the basement... and I would eventually like to unpack all of my shoes and handbags that have been boxed for a year. Then there is the mess on the garage floor... and the dirt that he can't be bothered to sweep up or the stack of cardboard that he can't seem to let go of! Or the huge messes in basement, I cannot take it anymore!

That thought of going on strike has occurred to me... but I think I would still be left with a huge mess. To kiss him or kill him.... hmmmm.... When Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

FOR TODAY (June 22nd, 2009)...

Outside my window... The sun is shining, it's cool outside.

I am thinking... of all the plans I have for today... Doctor's appointment, DH's birthday, making a cake to celebrate!

I am thankful for... my loving husband, a good, caring doctor, my neighbors, our new church.
From the kitchen... I have plans... but it depends on my doctor's appointment today.

I am wearing... my blue flowered nightgown, and blue cardigan and flip-flops.

I am creating... a birthday surprise for DH... hope I can pull it off!

I am going... to the doctor this afternoon... but first to pick up a birthday present for DH.

I am reading... lots of medical stuff... and all the labels on all the food I have in the house, and some new recipes to help me stay healthy

I am hoping... for good findings on my tests today... that I won't need heart surgery yet.

I am hearing... my neighbors across the street leaving for the day, the birds in the trees, and traffic passing by going into town.

Around the house... things are fairly neat, a few things need to be put away

One of my favorite things... is that I appreciate my home and how much I missed being here while in the hospital.

A few plans for the rest of the week: to get a few things under control in the closet, begin to sort and pack for our trip to Connecticut and to make a few things up ahead in the kitchen.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I have a wonderful Black Eyed Susan vine that is loaded with buds getting ready to blossom out... I can't wait for those 50 or 60 blooms to open up! The color is wonderful!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Sweet Sunday Love...

It's so good to be home! (Can't say that enough!) What a see-saw I've been on... one minute I feel fine and then all of a sudden... outta nowhere, I feel yucky and tired, my back will hurt and I get dizzy. I see the doctor tomorrow to go over my results and see how I am going to manage this new phase of my life.

We got up after the phone rang early this morning and I made breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, took a shower and got ready for church. I was worn out before we left, but I went anyway. It was good to go and hear a good sermon and have great music and see new friends. When we got home, I ate a simple lunch and then went to sleep.... sleeping 3 hours this afternoon. DH is doing his laundry and now we are watching the Andy Griffith Show. I am contemplating what we are having for dinner... there is so much that I want and can't have, being on a fairly restrictive diet. It takes a lot of the fun out of cooking when you can't have all the good and salty things that you like to use, like bbq sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cheese, anything that is canned... you get the idea. How do you make a marinade without using soy sauce?

So... it's been a fairly quiet day here... I did go outside and visit my neighbors... and yes, I was in my nightgown and a cardigan! (If you drove by... so sorry!) Nolli has been stuck by my side like glue, and had to be coaxed to go outside for a potty break. I wished DH a Happy Fathers Day... and he got 2 nice, dreamy knit shirts to wear to church. There have been phone calls to his Dad and from his brother. Tomorrow is also DH's birthday, we shall see what kind of celebration it will be... last year we were in the middle of moving and I had to leave the morning of his birthday, so there was no special dinner and no cake. Not this year... this year, there will be a dinner and a cake... even if I have to order take-out and go to the bakery!

Thanks for reading... Thanks for your prayers and concern for my absence!
Be Blessed!
~Suzanne

I'm back home and online!

I have been away for a few days... it was totally unplanned. I hadn't felt good for a few days and had a doctors appointment for Wednesday morning. I was going to post before I left, but got side tracked with just trying to get ready. I saw the doctor, went over how I was feeling... and he did an ekg and chest x-rays... and immediately sent me to the hospital. I have been being treated for congestive heart failure and chest pain. I had an echo done yesterday and a nuclear stress test today. I'm home now... losing 12 pounds in just a few days. I feel like a pin cushion and also like I got mugged on the subway... my ribs and sternum hurt from the stress test... (it's not suppose to happen, but I did the same thing 4 years ago... bother!)

That's all I've got for now... I see the doctor again on Monday... I have to do only what I can tolerate at this point. DH said that Nolli-dog slept on my pillow last night because he missed me so much. It's good to be home... and even better to have a shower and my own bed! (Along with the loving care of my husband!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Trip with a Surprise Ending!

We were up late last night because DH arrived home from work after 10pm. By the time he cleaned up, did paperwork and email, it was around 11:30 when actually got into bed. Then I decided I couldn't sleep... so I took an ambien... and finally fell asleep around 1:45. I woke up at 8:30... wide awake.

After breakfast... we decided that we wanted to do a fast and easy trip to Pocono Farm Market... operated by the Amish. We always get good things there... farmer's cheese, the best rolled sweet cream butter and good produce. (I didn't remember my camera.)

We took a back way home and went through Nescopek State Park. We stopped at the Park Center as they were having "Get Outside and Celebrate" Day... and it was very interesting... we met one of our neighbors who heads "Friends of the Nescopek"... and learned more about acid run-off in the Little Nescopek and Big Nescopek rivers. We had a great discussion of what and how the water run off has become an issue with some of the abandoned mines and tunnels. We learned where we can fish... and how far up the Little Nescopek we can go.

As we came back home through the valley... we drove into a storm... with hard driving rain... and we came into town and up to our street... we were met with flash flooding.

It was amazingly fast and rising... with the cistern covers in the grass bubbling up and the one directly behind us was actually dancing in the water. Being that I am from Washington State... rain like that doesn't bother me... and so both DH and I went out to investigate the water situation. it was very impressive... and we both laughed at our silliness as we stood there getting wet. We grabbed the umbrella and I took some pictures.

Within 30 minutes after we came in... the sun was out and shining and the stream was back inside it's banks once again!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Update!

Yesterday, DH had a doctors appointment to go over his lab results... everything is fine... except that he has high triglycerides and low good cholesterol. That means he has to eat more complex carbs and watch his intake of refined foods. (He wasn't too happy about that!) The doctor wrote him a new prescription... but it's not on our insurance formulary... so we are back to square one. So... the physicians assistant called him this morning and told him to do over-the-counter omega-3s for now. Maybe... if he watches his diet and does the otc thing... it will go down to normal levels.

While we were there... the doctor was very late... it seems he does well-baby care and had a c-section that morning. He's not a baby-catcher, he can't afford the malpractice insurance... said he'd have to deliver a minimum of 20 babies a month to pay the premium... DH told on me! So... now I have an appointment to see the doctor on Wednesday. (We're going to start on my cardiac work up and see what is going on with my aortic stenosis... oh joy!) I guess I've been freaking out a little bit... ever since I started with getting ready for my body scan, and going on a new medication (which I stopped) I have been having more issues with chest pain on one side (my aortic side) fatigue, shortness of breath and a general sense of heaviness. DH has hugged me from the side as I stood beside at the desk... and he can hear my heart murmur if the room is quiet.

Anyway... we are trying to eat a little more healthy around here... and DH has been instructed to walk every night for at least 20 minutes. He also needs to do weight training... something he hates because he hates the whole gym atmosphere. Last night, we did walk to the post office in the rain... took Nolli dog with us. He's so not used to walking on a leash like he use to! He needs practice. I did okay for part of the downhill portion... but my knee... OH MY, did it hurt! The doc is aware of that... he's going to be doing Hyalgan for my right knee... I should have him do my left one too... it's been almost 3 years for that knee since I had the injection series. So... changes are coming... and we both have to get up and start moving inspite of my heart and my knees.

Today... we got to sleep in! DH didn't have to leave for work until 9 this morning! It was wonderful! He's working at a few sites today and will have a long work day. He will be doing "evening sort" for a facility near Allentown... they requested to have a tech on site for any issues... it's a main hub and they need to keep things moving... so he will have 8 hours of overtime today. What a way to end the week! So... Nolli and I are going to find a movie to watch tonight until DH gets home from work! The good thing about when he gets home tonight... he won't have any paperwork to do or any long emails to send! Yay!!!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Just not sure...

I have been having issues lately with blogger... I am having trouble opening my own page. I also have trouble viewing other sites and often get booted off. Now I can't upload pictures or manipulate them like I have in the past. I recently upgraded my internet explorer so that I could add a banner and possibly a new background... that's not working out well. I even dumped several of my widgets to help with some of the problems, and it didn't really help! So... I am wondering, do I find another site to blog on? And if I did... would y'all follow me over there? It's getting to the point where I have to decide what I want to do... and I don't really want to have to start over again! Help!!!! Comments... Please!!!

Thanks! Suzanne

Oh My!

It's only the beginning of June... and it's soooo HUMID! I feel like I am back in Maryland. We are relatively cool as temperatures go... only 73 degrees at 3:00. But the humidity... aaaaaccckkkk!

I was going to go all out and cook something good for dinner... but since it's so humid, I think we are having leftover chili, a big salad and sour dough bread. I just don't have the stamina and I don't want to heat up the center of the house if I can help it.

DH just got home from work... he told me that earlier today, he went into the mens room and took his t-shirt off and wrung it out. That's alot of perspiration! He drove home with the air conditioner on... and still has sweat marks from the seat of his truck on the back of his legs.

Nolli-dog... has slept most of the day... it's not even August, and he's acting all worn out! He did go out for his 3:oo o'clock walk... and ignored the squirrel that was on the tree less than 4 feet from his face. It's too humid for him to chase a squirrel!

I'm done with my "whine and snivel" report... please pass the cheese for my crackers!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Daybook Entry

FOR TODAY (June 8th, 2009)...

Outside my window... it's warm and sunny and rather humid!

I am thinking... that I need to call my sisters... all 4 of them! (I talk to my brother all the time!)

I am thankful for... being able to go to the doctor... and for being able to try new things... and for my hardworking husband.

From the kitchen... last night we had grilled turkey burgers and sweet potato fries. Nolli dog loves sweet potato fries!

I am wearing... a black pique knit dress with cute cherries and rhinestones on the front and at the hem... with cute lime green trim at the neck and sleeves... and my favorite black birkenstock sandals.

I am creating... clean spaces on the porch, and clean spaces in my closet!

I am going... with DH to see our primary doctor later this week.

I am reading... medical reports from the doctor, and new info on new medicines.

I am hoping... that the new medicines that were prescribed will work!

I am hearing... the yard guys outside... trimming and mowing! Yippee!!!

Around the house... there are a few things that need to be put away from yesterday!

One of my favorite things... that Nolli loves sweet potato fries! He wasn't sure a first, but couldn't get enough once he tried them... DH... not so much!

A few plans for the rest of the week: to keep ahead of the dust as the windows are open and the fans are going as it gets warmer!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

A Lovely Sunday!

We are having a wonderful Sunday, here at Sugarloaf Cottage. We slept in until 9 this morning! We were able to have a quick breakfast and get to church by 10:30. (Church is just less than a mile away.) Our service this morning was nice.. we had good music, there was communion and the sermon was very good.

We came home and had a simple lunch of grilled cheese and bread and butter pickles and chips. We both changed into shorts and t-shirts... and we have been in and out all afternoon. The sun has been out for the last hour or so... and we have been sitting outside under the trees with Nolli, enjoying the breezes that are blowing. There is also an Andy Griffith marathon on, and being that we are huge fans... we did stop to watch one or two episodes that we had never seen before.

DH is chatting on the house phone with his younger brother... always an interesting conversation. They are discussing boats and fishing, their jobs and general guy stuff.

We did rent a couple of movies last night... we watched Momma Mia and we loved it! And we also rented "He's Just Not That Into You"... which is Baltimore based... and we loved that as well. It was fun to see different areas of the city that they filmed in, but even better realizing that we don't miss seeing things like the Domino Sugar sign or the Inner Harbor! We are enjoying this weekend... and that for the most part, it's been easy and relaxing... and never long enough!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Rainy and Dreary

I thought it was "April Showers bring May Flowers".... living in this region of the US is quite similar to living in the Pacific Northwest... except that it gets more snow and it freezes. This morning... I stayed in bed after getting DH out the door to work. It was cold and dreary which made me achy and sleepy. (Plus... I was still tired from not getting a real rest on Wednesday night because of somebody's car alarm going off all night long. It was over on the next block... and I don't think we have police patrols after midnight... small town life!)

Anyway... I finally woke up and had some energy... and proceeded to get Nolli brushed out and get his Frontline Plus on him... (Just a few days late!) Then Lizzy called... and I needed to be active while I talked to her... so I dusted! I still have to dust the hutch in the dining room, but for the most part... the dusting is done in the living room and dining room and office area! Hooray for me!!!

DH just called... his supervisor added 2 more work sites on to his day and then still requires that he drive down to his house to give him paperwork. That means another Friday where DH will get home well past 3:30. We are wondering just what it's going to take to get fair treatment or if we will start praying for another job. I am still praying for work for me... God just doesn't seem to want to open that door for me yet.

We don't really have any plans for the weekend, other than to continue to work on general things around here... clean the porch, do some laundry and hopefully have something good on the grill tomorrow and go to church on Sunday. We do love being home... and we love just being in the yard when the weather is nice and watching everyone else go scurrying by... after living a fast paced life in Maryland where all we did was work or go look for a place to relax... it's nice to sit outside and watch the rest of the world go off to do whatever and enjoy good company with a nice cold drink and some good music on low from the garage.

Tonight's dinner is going to be left overs from the roast and potatoes I made on Tuesday. I'm not sure just what I am doing to make... I may do something mexican style with them or if the rain keeps up... I may make shepards pie. Nolli is nearby as I write this, keeping watch over me and his little treat I gave him from getting brushed. (He's so food motivated!) So... I'm off to get a load of laundry sorted and get my shower... yes, I know it's after noon!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Home Improvement!

We finally finished getting the trim done around the stove and the kitchen looks wonderful! I love what DH did... and he's definitely as talented as his father in construction and trim work! (He's also a fabulous mechanic... he's a very talented man, and no, I'm not biased!) He gave up most of his evening to get this finished. I did have "before pics, but can't seem to locate them in the folders... trust me when I say this is a "huge" improvement! We also had Nolli there to help supervise what was being done! He's an excellent helper!

He keeps a good look out for anything that might come his way... like a treat or kisses... or praise! (Come on-- You knew I was gonna throw in some cute dog photos!)

I think that for now... we are finished with "improvement projects." Although we may have to actually put in a pantry on the porch. But I think it will wait until we have gone to Connecticut in July.... I don't want to put out any extra money until after that trip. (Unless I get a job before then... I keep praying... but God doesn't seem to open that door yet.)

I am going to work on doing some deep cleaning on the porch... and over on the bookcase... and I need to clear off the dining room table... it's become the "catch-all area" for my scrapbooking things and odds and ends that I never seem to find a home for! Does anyone else ever have that problem... needing a home for things you don't seem to know what to do with? Hmmm... I do have that back closet, I just need to get to it! (DH has a few boxes of his own in the way!) Okay... on with my day... grocery shopping also needs to get done!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Small Town Life

We love living in this little town... everyone seems to know everyone else... (except for us... but they know we are new...) We went to a new church on Sunday... it's in a very old brick building with beautiful stained glass windows. It sits at the very edge of town and is connected to the cemetery. It looks very traditional... but it's not... they have a pretty good praise band that really rocked out at the end of service. We liked it... we will be going back. It reminds us of our old church in Maryland... without all the tattoos and leather and Harley's out front.

DH also attempted to buy me flowers on our Anniversary... but Ms. A at the flower shop told him that she didn't have any flowers to sell to him... she would rather that he wait to get flowers when she had fresh ones. So... I went yesterday... and Miss J and I put together a nice bouquet for me in honor of my first anniversary. It's beautiful and smells lovely! And because we picked out what I wanted... it wasn't too expensive. Nolli went with me... he loves the flower shop!

Pink roses and white and orange alstrumeria, a few daisies and hot pink gerbers with tree fern, baker fern and lots of purple caspia... just gorgeous~ and it smells like heaven!

Last night... I made a nice sirloin roast with carrots and potatoes, a good and easy dinner that was yummy and filling. It had been a little rainy during the day, but it cleared off for a bit and we were able to sit outside for about an hour after dinner and enjoy the evening. It was very still... we really didn't have any animal life out in the yard like we had over the weekend. Sunday, we had deer eating berries and greens behind the red barn and we counted 14 baby squirrels racing and playing on the grass. The wood duck came and bathed in the stream, and the bats were out in the cherry tree feasting on caterpillars. We only saw our little chipmunk last night out on the stump at the end of the parking pad. Even the birds were quiet.

When Nolli and I went out this morning at 6:30, it was lovely... there was a misty fog moving over the grass and some of the birds were singing. The sun was peaking out... I'm glad I got to see it... I think that is all the sun we will have today as the rain showers have moved back in... it's rather dark in the house and I will need to have some lights on today as well as having the candles lit. I love that anyway... it makes it nice as I clean and dust... I will light the candles when I'm done as I move from area to area.

I am trying to plan out my shopping for this week... so many things to get as we are running out of essentials that I left off the list in the past few weeks! If I don't write it down as I use things up... I forget about it! (That crazy medical fog brain of mine!) Oh... I've been having such great fun on face book lately! I have been able to keep up with some old friends lately and it's so much fun... and DH has also gotten on face book and discovered a few old friends too!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

FOR TODAY (June 2, 2009)...

Outside my window... it's cloudy and a light rain is falling.

I am thinking... of the wonderful 3-day weekend we had (2 in a row!)

I am thankful for... family and friends that called or wrote to celebrate our anniversary with us!

From the kitchen... there is yummy pasta salad in fridge, a lemon cake and leftover meatloaf for sandwiches... Good Eats!

I am wearing... White cropped pants and a black sweater with my black flip-flops.

I am creating... more pages for our scrapbook.

I am going... to visit the flower shop later today.

I am reading... nothing at the moment.

I am hoping... to get my desk area cleaned up... it needs it!

I am hearing... the birds singing outside and traffic on the wet pavement as the rain stops.

Around the house... Nolli is still sleeping in his bed, laundry is done and put away and I need to work on the porch area today as well as my desk area.

One of my favorite things... getting to go out for breakfast with my husband yesterday. We had the best 3 days together!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Cleaning house, working on my scrapbook, planning out shopping, paying bills...

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The front of our little house... I love all the flowers out front... it looks even better this week!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne