Busy as I can be!

I love the end of summer and beginning of fall. Especially around these parts as there are so many wonderful farm stands in our little area. I have my choice of 4 produce stands that are direct from the farm within 5 miles of home. And there are 2 wonderful orchards within 6 miles.

I have been busy with my canner. I've done my wax beans - at total of 18 pint and a half jars. And I have done strawberry freezer jam. I have done roasted tomato marinara sauce and I have frozen it in zip locks bags, done quart jars in my pressure canner and frozen even more in freezer jars by the quart. I am also dehydrating tomatoes and have one last batch in the oven roasting as I sit and type. 

I have 2 more projects to do... making raspberry peach jam and also canning homemade pork and beans. I hear that they are much better home canned than what we can buy in the store. I am willing to give it a try as my DH loves beans. I hope that when the time comes, he will enjoy the efforts I am making! He's not home much these days as the plant he works at is very busy finishing up their Christmas candies to be shipped across the country. Long 12 hour days and with a few shifts that only have 8 hours in between are the norm for this time of year.

DH also tells me that they are short handed and a few people were suspended indefinitely last week due to an issue with getting date codes changed properly. Someone was suppose to change it... thought someone else was doing it, a supervisor didn't check soon enough, product had to be pulled from shipping to be reworked. It sounds like a big mess, and they are trying to get it all figured out and place the blame on the proper person. It's all stuff that makes me feel glad I don't work there. I know those things are important, but it also affects so many people when someone doesn't do their job correctly... from other employees and their families, all the way to the consumer if things aren't caught soon enough.

I am feeling very blessed to be able to be home and do my canning projects. I am also working on doing laundry today and trying to get some weekend housework done. It seems that I am always working on cleaning the house in the midst of what ever I am trying to do. I do know that I need to get my closet sorted out and get rid of some clothing. I have way too much, and I need to let go of some of my older pieces that I no longer wear. (I always think I will wear again soon, and then I don't.) I have a huge pile of things that either need to be thrown away or have a yard sale and then donate the rest to Goodwill or Sals. What a quandary to find myself in. It takes it's toll on me both mentally and physically... more physically than anything, my hands hurt and so does my back and my knees. Time to soldier on!

Thanks for reading... have a blessed day!
~Suzanne

We've been Busy!

Yesterday was a much needed day of fun! DH and I had a date day where we went off together to do a few things that I cannot manage to do without help. We made it a fun day together. (I think we have turned the corner on being sick and are starting to feel better!)

Anyway... we headed north to do some shopping. I needed to go to Hobby Lobby... and I can't maneuver through the store on my own. They don't offer electric shopping carts, only wheelchairs. So... DH has to push me through the store. Someday, I will have the ability to walk through that place. (I can't wait for that!)

We shopped at Harbor Freight as well. DH got some longed for bench tools... and he's promised me to get the garage cleaned out and a new work bench installed for said tools. (I can't wait for that! I love doing projects on bench tools!) We also went to Petsmart for some goodies for Punky and lastly stopped at the fabric store for me. I bought some beautiful dress goods and can't wait to get sewing on a cute dress pattern that should give me some great dresses for this summer. (I love wearing dresses in the summer.)

We stopped for a yummy steak dinner at a place we can only go to up north. It was really good food and a great atmosphere. We had a lovely time together. We love to people watch and visit... it has been a bliss-filled 4 days off together. Even being sick and trying to get some things done at home were nice because we were together. It sweet and DH did do several things that I need help with, carrying laundry and changing bedding. (He's a real sweetie and does all he can to help me so I don't over stress my heart or back.)

I have done some cooking in the last 4 days as well... we have lots of good eats stocked in the fridge right now. There is a great meatloaf, easter ham, a pot roast with potatoes and carrots, a yummy mashed potato casserole with bacon and cheese, red bliss potato salad, and left over steak and salty baked potato from last night. It's nice to have so much to chose from for dinner while DH is at work... and then for him to heat up when he comes home tonite.

The weather has been fairly mild... yesterday was fabulous! It was in the 50's and sunny... only needed a light jacket. I wore a t-shirt with an insulated vest and jeans... it felt great in the sunshine and no cumbersome coat!

It's hard to believe I have been home from work for 4 months now. After driving north yesterday, it felt great to go past my old exit and not have to worry or think about all that stress of my old job. I do not miss that drive at all... and really wondered how I managed it for over 2 years. I am so grateful for DH to work so hard that I can be home. He's a wonder!

Thanks for reading... please have a blessed day.
~Suzanne

Taking a Breather...

I don't know where the time gets to... one day it's September 16th (the last time I posted) and now is the 26th of November! No one really lets you know that the older you get, the faster the time flies! So much has happened in the last 2 months, I don't know where to begin!

DH has been blessed to land a job that took him 4 months to get. He's working as a maintenance mechanic for a major chocolate company. It's a super fabulous job and has so many benefits. We are very blessed and excited about this turn of events. He also starts school this next week at a top ten university and the company is picking up the tab for his classes.

I am still working and driving a crazy commute each day. I love what I do... but can't wait for the day that we have enough money saved that I am able to look for something part time or stop working all together. My right knee is still giving me fits... and I don't think I can go for another set of injections. Last time, she (the p/a) thought it would be the last set of shots as there isn't any room for anything in between that joint. It's too close together to even get a small needle in between! (Yeah... that even hurts as I type this.)

We are trying to get things ready for Christmas. DH has the house lights up and on a remote switch... he is loving that! We were going to put our tree up yesterday, but DH was working on the windows and discovered that one window that has been wrapped in aluminum has totally rotted out at the top... so we spent the day doing repairs and finding a glass shop to replace a pane of glass. That all started because he decided to put lights in the windows before the tree goes up. I am hoping to get it up be the end of the weekend.

DH is working overtime this weekend. (It's not really over time as much as making up for holiday hours that he won't get paid for this year as he hasn't been there long enough.) It feels kind of strange to be home on a Saturday all by myself. It's kind of nice since I rarely get time to myself these days. I hope to have a little bit more time to write as I am missing being creative these days. I am doing what I can on crocheting for the local prayer shawl ministry. It goes slow because of all the work I do, and having to deal with the pain in my hands and wrists... no one said getting old was for sissies!

And my newest addiction is Pintrest! Oh... that is total fun for me. I can't tell you often I wished I could pin something that was wonderful or a good idea... and now I have pintrest! If you need an invite, please let me know.

Thanks for reading... be blessed~!
Suzanne

Friday List

1. It's officially the last day of the month at work... I didn't quite make my goal... but I did beat last month by 2 points!

2. The dreaded Nor'easter we suppose to get last night... ended up going farther east! Yay! No snow to plow!

3. I started working this morning and started to get a panic attack. Luckily, my friend Janie had a xanax as I had left mine at home. (Holy Cow!)

4. I was able to go to lunch with my "condo-buddy" and my friend Tammy today. We went to the sweetest little diner... and the food was to "die for!" And they had a "pickle bar"... with lots of different kinds of pickled things and it comes as a side for your meal!

5. DH is not feeling all that well... but it also means that I don't have to cook anything for dinner.

6. I got good news from my auto insurance this week... they are covering me on my uninsured motorist coverage for all my lost work while being off from my car accident.

7. The house is fairly picked up... so cleaning will be a breeze this weekend.

8. I discovered a mexican eatery north of where I work... and it's a grill type restaurant, much like my so-beloved Chipotle... can't wait to eat there! (I crave good guacamole all the time!)

9. My Darling Husband gave me a wonderful gift this last week... he bought me a Kindle... with a great cover! My first book was "Water for Elephants"... and I loved it! Finished it in 2 days.

10. I am still deciding if I am going to keep XM radio on my car... I only really listen to just a few stations. I have to make that decision soon!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

5.

Work Week Wrapped Up

Well... I went back to work this week. After being home for 3 weeks healing my brain and my body, I hit the ground running at full speed on Monday. It felt good to get back into the groove and do my thing. It felt good to have support from other team members... even as I struggled to grasp what they had accomplished in my absence and how the work was divided up. Now... at the end of the week, we have done some good work and I think we shall see our goals met for the end of the month.

I have to admit, my energy and stamina were taxed that first day. But as I look back on the week, I paced myself, dug in my heels when I needed to, and got it done. It's been a bit taxing on me as I drive past the accident scene every day, and see where my car went over... but I calm myself with deep breathing and focusing on where the cars are and listen to music... and get myself through it.

I've had some help medically... or chemically as it were. My doctor and I agreed to put myself back on a very low dose of anti-depressant medication to help me cope with post traumatic stress syndrome. It has been a very trying time to get my mental health back on track after surviving what could have been a very traumatic accident. (It still is traumatic, but not in a horrible traumatic injury way... make sense?) I try not to fixate on the what if... or the why... cause it can only me feel crazy after awhile. So... instead both DH and I focus on feel grateful, feeling blessed and knowing that God truly does have it all under control while my scrambled brain still heals. It's good to see my progress and it's good to see laughter and joy return to our home after such a stressful event.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Grateful Times

We've just passed Thanksgiving... and we had a wonderful holiday. The weeks before that holiday, DH had medical testing, and had to go for a second test. We've held our breath and decided not to really talk about it until we knew. Yesterday the call was made... and DH got the final results... he does not have cancer as previously thought. We are quietly thankful and grateful that God has heard our prayers.(I only freaked out twice in the last month...)

We are both working very hard these days... and today I was awarded a free vacation day for all my hard work in the past month, bringing my collection percentage down over 8%... it's a good thing if you can move your aging report down 5%... and I am on my way to moving it another 5% this next month as well... and it's only the 3rd of the month. Work is getting easier for me... I am getting used to the routine and I am not stressed as I was in the beginning. Other people are seeing my value and how hard I work at what I do... I am lucky and blessed that I seem to get a response when I call and I'm not afraid to dig around for information or ask for someone else if need be to get what I want or need.

Tonite we are home after having a nice dinner out to celebrate. We stopped at the local Big Box store and finished purchasing the rest of our decorations for our tree. We've decided that we wanted a new look for our tree, something that we both liked that reflected who we are now. I hope to finish getting it decorated and post a picture here soon... that is if I am still posting. I'm still undecided on that issue. We have much to accomplish this weekend...  I hope I get all I want to do... done!

Thanks for reading...  be blessed!
~Suzanne

Waiting... Waiting... Waiting...

That seems to be the theme for our lives this month. There are many things that make us wait... and many things that we wait for... and I am trying with great determination to keep from being impatient while we wait for answers on some things and decide when to move on some other things.

On the lighter side of life... we attended my company holiday party... and had a hilariously good time. We also attended a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with friends... literally going over the river and through the woods... along with snow (2 1/2 inches of snow in 2 hours) and then ice. We stayed until the storm had passed over our area and traveling home was quite easy.

We've put up our tree and have strung lights up... I still need to finish getting things decorated. It mostly depends on my touchy gall bladder and how good I feel at any given moment. Both dogs have had baths and Punky has been groomed, looking very much like the show dog she is... she takes my breath away with how cute and fluffy she is... such a little charmer. And Nolli-dog, he knew what I was up to... and he was quite agreeable to let me give him a shower and later as DH helped me, use the blow dryer on him to get him dry.

We've had a few laughs and giggles along the way... the best one being from my niece who was making her first turkey. She had gotten up at 5am (pacific time) to get the bird in the oven and didn't know who to call when she couldn't find the giblets. I finally heard my phone beep as I walked into the bedroom and saw that I missed a call. I called back and explained that a turkey has 2 cavities on it... and sure enough, I received a text message that they had been found. The bird had only been in the oven 2 hours by then.

So... here I am... back on the Internet... and I will play it by ear for now. DH has plans and he bought me a new net book for my birthday. I'm not totally sold on it yet... I may give it to him and continue to use my desk top at home and use my laptop when I travel or need to be somewhere other than my living room. I'm not really sold on using my laptop at work since I'm on a computer all day anyway... and I don't really have desk space to use it at lunch and wouldn't want to take into the lunch room anyway.

It's been wonderful to have 4 days off... a rare occurrence that won't happen again for quite some time. I do love being at home but there are a few things that I need extra money for... things I want to add to the house that could break a budget if I didn't work.

That's all I've got for now... Thanks for reading... be blessed.
~Suzanne

Fall... and Life in Town

Wow... it seems as if the weather here has turned to Fall already. We went up to the Pocono Amish Market yesterday... on the way, there were so many trees that have started to turn red, orange and brown. It's much colder and windy... I needed a jacket this morning.

We did enjoy the market yesterday... it was busy as all get out with lots of people from New York. You can always tell... because they cut in line, don't read signs and are pushy. It's a holiday weekend, so there were lots of them. Anyway, we did buy eggs and butter, green beans, zucchini and squash, cookies and whoppie pies and of course we bought sausage from our favorite Amish guy Mr. B. It's fun to go up and then be able to chat with him for a brief moment... I know that he appreciates that we take the time.

I came down with a cold yesterday. It's my own fault as I went to lunch with some of the girls in the office and they smoke. It's no wonder I am sick... stupid, stupid, stupid! So I am taking sudafed to dry up the fluid in my ears. I am certain that I will be asleep soon.

We had a huge 3 alarm fire down on Main Street this morning. The building is almost behind us but half a block straight down and 2 lots over. It gutted the entire building and when I walked down at 8:30, they were still doing clean up and check work. There were 4 businesses downstairs and 4 apartments upstairs. There are 2 elderly ladies that live up there, and 1 had to be rescued. Poor dear. Everyone got ok but 1 of the firemen fell and broke an ankle. Ouch! That was probably the 4th or 5th ambulance (siren) round that came through. Poor DH was trying to sleep in the recliner and heard the entire thing... he said he couldn't see flames because the smoke was so thick and black. I talked to Miss Millie that lives on Main Street  across the way and 2 doors down... she woke up to see the orange flames on her walls and first thought her house was on fire... scared her to death!

I'm going to be working on laundry today... as much as my stuffy head and my achy back will allow me. Yeah... my back... I turned wrong trying to get comfortable to go to sleep and it's been achy ever since! I probably need to see the chiropractor... but it's going to have to wait now! So... I'm off to sort clothes, and try to keep my head clear from all this stuffiness!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Working! And Other Stuff...

My first day of work went well... the day was actually short as I reported a 1/2 hour later than normal and I was in training for the day.I was sweating bullets as I drove to work this morning as I left about 8 minutes later than I planned... and as I got near the freeway construction 5 miles from my exit... I got stuck in a rolling slow-down! I thought for certain I was going to be late on my first day... but I made it with 2 minutes to spare. Yikes! Anyway... when my last training session was done, I was introduced to the person that I will be sitting with tomorrow... and then I was free to go. It was nice to come home early... an easy way to break myself in to going back to work!

In coming home early... I was greeted by a big surprise. My healing and handicapped husband was finished defrosting our "old" freezer. (This freezer was a Craigslist find, it's a very old model and is not frost-free.) I accidentally didn't get the door closed after removing veggies for dinner last night... and I melted all the ice cream... because there was ice build-up. We were going to defrost it over the weekend. but DH did it for me. I can't believe he was able to do it with one hand and arm. He is amazing. I was able to help him got through old stuff and replace the keepable stuff into the clean freezer. Awesome.

Oh... last night the deer were present in the area. Before I made it outside, the fawns were playing in the stream and splashing each other. I missed it, but Miss J was out on her deck and got to see the whole thing. I love stuff like that.

We decided to head to our favorite pizza place... and just our luck, our favorite waitress was working! We haven't seen her for a long time. She only works 2 days a week now and then works at an Alzheimer's unit over in Weatherly. She is going back to school to finish getting her LPN. She's a smart girl and we love spending time with her. It's always great fun to see her!

Speaking of fun and seeing someone... I think I am finally getting Punky to spend time with us in the living room in the evening. For several months, she has been spending time in her crate in our bedroom. She will come out when we call her to the living room, but will go back to her crate right away. Tonite... I got her to sit on the sofa with me and we played and snuggled for over 45 minutes. That is huge in bonding for her. We are starting to really change her memories... and she even took a snack from me earlier... something that is very difficult for her to do. She is making great strides lately. She has been so happy since I gave her a bath on Sunday... and she does smell so deliciously good!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Deep Sigh of Relief!

This has been a tough week for me... last week I received a job offer from a national company and went for a drug screen last Friday. They also had to do a criminal background check and credit check... the last one being the one that worried me the most as I have mountains of medical bills. Being a 2 time cancer survivor isn't a "cheap thing" in life... and I keep working on paying stuff... but y'all know how it goes! Anyway... I just got the call that I cleared and I now have a start date of 9/1! It also makes things much easier on us as we don't have income coming in with DH recovering from surgery.

One thing (or two!) that happened today... I found quite humorous! We decided to go up to the Amish Market to get eggs and produce... as I was headed east, we came upon a company truck, driven by DH's supervisor! What were the odds of that happening!?! DH hit him up on the company phone... he was up in the area servicing an CVS. We were very surprised that we came across each other! Also while we were at the market, one of the Amish vendors that we like shared a little about his life with us... I asked where he was coming from and he told us the area that he lives in. We are familiar with it and know about where he lives. He told us his wife had passed this spring... and how hard it was for him. She had had Alzheimer's for 12 years. His kids had come to see him on Sunday... and it made him appreciate the time he had with his wife and all his children under his roof. I told him that my Mom had passed in February with Alzheimer's and it's hard to have her gone. He appreciated that we had reached out to him to care. (Who knew? Amish??? But he does see us quite regularly at his stand.)

So... I am very relieved and so happy to know that God is so faithful to us in our time of need. I get so worried about things and have very little patience for the things I have no control over. (Don't we all?)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Tryin' not to lose my mind!

It's been a crazy few days around here. DH is still home... we are at 3 1/2 weeks. We went to the doctor today. I went to get my 3rd and last knee injection of this series. (I can have another set in 6 months! Thereby prolonging having my right knee replaced until... say.. next summer?) I also discovered that I can have injections in my other knee... that may help with my healing process. (It still hurts alot when I am sitting or using stairs.)

Anyway... we also discovered that DH is going to need to have surgery on his shoulder. We were fortunate enough to get on the schedule for next Wednesday, the 25th. If not, we would have had to wait another month. I have all kinds of emotions about this... panic, fear, oh crap!... all being some of those. It's a process... and we both would appreciate your prayers in the days ahead. We (I) need lots and lots of grace right now. All I can say is that at least I have a date for something to happen and then a date for when DH won't be so far up my backside that he practically blinks before I do! (It's bad... the man is always at my side these days... and I swear, he makes my mind up before me! I love him... but I need some space too!

That's what is new around here! Thanks for reading... be blessed!

2 Blissful Years!

Today is our 2 year Anniversary... I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. I admire his patience, his caring and hardworking spirit and how much he loves me and our pups.

We've been through alot in the past year... but I can't imagine going through it with anyone else. Between hospitalizations and knee replacement, physical therapy, tons of snow and ice, acquiring another dog, the loss of my Mom and issues with my back, it's been an adventure with my best friend. We love our simple life, we love the peace and quiet of small town life, taking simple day trips to fun adventures to Amish farms and farm markets in our area... to spending time on our front patio in the evenings and watering all those flower pots I keep filling and putting out.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY (May 25, 2010)...
Outside my window... it's sunny and pleasant this morning. It will be quite hot today, at least 85 degrees!
I am thinking... of shopping that needs to be done.
I am thankful for... my wonderful DH, he worked so hard to get my flowers all planted last night!
From the kitchen... there are brownies to be baked, and more potato salad to be made.
I am wearing... shorts and a t-shirt and cork sandals.
I am creating... a fun barbeque for DH's coworkers who are in the area for the week.
I am going... to the chiropractor 3 times a week still. Planning on going to a new nursery I heard about from my neighbor, even tho I don't need any more plants!
I am reading... my daily news paper... that's about all I have time for!
I am hoping... to get all the items on my to-do list done!
I am hearing... fans going through out the house, keeping things cool for now.
Around the house... I need to list my coffee table on Craig's list and finish getting everything put away from rearranging the living room last week.
One of my favorite things... my whiskey barrel at the corner of the driveway, filled with Cosmos, lobelia and johnny jump-ups.
A few plans for the rest of the week: barbequing with DH's coworkers, and getting ready for the weekend and 3 days of yard work!
Here is picture thought I am sharing...


My favorite old chair with spring flowers and the view of the back yard of my neighbor... it's so wonderful to sit out in the evening... last night we were able to watch the deer feed in the thicket... which is one of the reasons we love it here!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A New Morning.

Well... our new bed was delivered yesterday... not entirely without incident. Seems that one of the springs was poking through the bottom. We both were a little unsettled by that... and they will be bringing us a new mattress tomorrow.

We got our bed made up with nice fresh linens and got ready to sleep... it's higher than our last bed. I have to almost jump to get into it. But once I'm there... it's heaven! I talked to DH this morning... he too, had an amazing night's sleep. I woke up with aches in different places, but nothing that was screaming at me, and my back? Well... it loves the new bed! I actually slept on my back for awhile during the night... and I didn't have any nerve ending pain that I usually get! Could it be that I don't really need physical therapy after all? That all I really needed was a decent mattress? I feel good this morning, and ready to get to errands and the rest of the laundry.

It's going to be another glorious day here in the Poconos. Yesterday we were at 56 degrees and today will be the same, if not warmer. I do have some projects for this week... like tackling my closet and getting my shoes organized. (Not that I really wear too many of them anymore, Birkenstocks are now my favorites.) I also plan on really weeding through my clothes and giving heavily to Goodwill. I don't have the energy or desire to do a yard sale... it's so tedious to get ready for it, and the pricing and then all the people and the bargain hunting. I'd rather do the hunting than be hunted! (I'm actually a private person and it makes me nervous that people are checking things out to see what they can steal when we're not home. A trait I inherited from my grandparents.)

That's all for today... Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

I am Finished and Ready!

We are all ready for the holiday... I've baked a little, made some candy, have all the items ready for our holiday dinner and all the gifts are wrapped. We've gone to the church Christmas program and we've even done a little visiting already. Nolli and Punky went with me to see Miss Alice at the flower shop and bring her some homemade goodies.

We have plans to meet up with 2 other couples tomorrow for dinner... we're going to the diner down in town! I went to the bank already to get cash so we can leave a nice holiday tip for our server. We're suppose to have some snow and freezing rain tomorrow and I am hoping that it passes before we have to leave for the diner!

I went to physical therapy today... and took Punky with me... she got to go in! She was really very good and sat on my chest while I worked on my knee. I hear that I will more than likely graduate next week... which really means that I will have to continue to work out at home. I am seriously thinking that I will have to "push back" my other surgery date. I don't think I am going to be ready... it's just barely 8 weeks away.

What I really wanted to post is... I wish you all a Wonderful and Warm Holiday! Merry Christmas... Thank you for reading my little blog! I hope you have rich blessings in the coming New Year as well!

~Suzanne

Next On Deck!

I am "on deck" at the hospital at 8:30 tomorrow morning... I had a pre-op appointment this afternoon with the "gas-passer." Plan A is to have a spinal block with "twilight sleep" and plan B is a general anesthesia. I'm pretty much "packed" for the hospital... and DH will have to bring me clothes for rehab. The fridge and the freezer are stocked, the house is relatively clean, all the errands that I can think of or remember have been done, I am officially ready to get my new knee!

Thank you to both Sandy's for your thoughts, prayers, and comments. DH has promised that he will update using facebook and that does appear on the left side of the page on here. I am looking forward to coming through this with being able to become more active and participate in life instead of having to watch from the sidelines this past summer. I can't wait to be able to walk at the mall with my i-pod and my bottle of water... without any pain!!!!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Heart... Soul.... Love

I love the skit guys... and often view thier videos on You-tube. Today I came across this... not the skit guys... but it reminds me of what is most important. This touched my heart today and I am sharing it with you....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbIOdj529Uo

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Simple Woman's Daybook...

FOR TODAY (August 31. 2009)...

Outside my window... It's cloudy and cool, with a slight breeze.

I am thinking... of what a great weekend we had here... Friday, DH brought home Chipotle for dinner, Saturday, we stayed home all day and worked on small home projects. And Sunday, we went to church, bought a new tool for DH and had lunch at Cracker Barrel. It was a nice day.

I am thankful for... my hardworking husband and our little family. I am thankful for a cozy home and good friends.

From the kitchen... we are going to have pork chops and scalloped corn for dinner. Yum!

I am wearing... a black long sleeve cable v-neck sweater and denim shorts... bare foot as usual.

I am creating... yummy things to eat for dinner... and maybe dessert too!

I am going... to physical therapy tomorrow... glad to see progress on my disc issue.

I am reading... "The Shack"... and I love it!

I am hoping... that I will gain more mobility and be able to go back into the pool for my knee.

I am hearing... the breeze in the trees and few birds too. We've kept the tv off now for a few days... and either talked or listened to music.

Around the house... DH is working on a couple projects, I am working on training Pumpkin... and Nolli is enjoying extra Mommy-time with me!

One of my favorite things... is how most of my outdoor flowers are still blooming... we are well aware that soon we will be putting all the Summer things away and our outdoor living room will be gone for another 7 months.

A few plans for the rest of the week: working on my flexibility... and recording my pain on my knee to build a clear picture of what is happening for the doctor. (Replacement may be coming sooner than I thought.)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

We have a New Arrival!

The last few days around here have been a little crazy, to say the least. Work for DH has been trying at best... we appreciate your prayers... and we ask that you continue to lift him up as he has a HUGE meeting at corporate tomorrow about all that has transpired since last Monday. (Supposedly, he will still have a job... but we will see. I sure hope so!)

As I have written in the past month... I have been wanting to add another furry friend to our midst. I decided that I had done all the looking I was going to do on a certain website... (Craigslist) and the I was putting in God's hands... if he wanted me to expand... then it would happen. Well... a few days ago the phone rang. It was someone that I had inquired about that had a small dog up for adoption. We talked for a few days back and forth... and went to get her yesterday.... Internet Friends... meet "Pumpkin!"

She's very shy and timid... but she bonded to DH immediately. She's 6 years old and is a puppy mill rescue. She's had 5 litters of pups in her short life. She is now spade... and her owner had to move and couldn't take her with them. She came with a different name... but we decided on Pumpkin on the drive home. It seems to fit her and she responds to it! Nolli is adjusting pretty well... he's only a little nervous, but I've been giving him lots of extra attention.

We were also busy with a neighbors yard sale... and we were blessed with many wonderful things... I got myself a bicycle. I have great hopes to be able to ride it after my physical therapy. Speaking of physical therapy... I went to see the doctor on Friday about my back... and he's sending me for therapy on my shoulder. I hope and pray that it helps.

Again... we do covet your prayers for DH and his job... Thank you for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

In The Tank...

I had a physical therapy session today! And I went into the pool for 45 minutes today. First, the therapist did a wrap and band on both of my knees... and then, I did my first trip in the therapy pool. It was wonderful! It's a single person tub, 7 feet deep, and it uses a Hoyer lift to get you in the water. The first part I needed to use a life vest, which they attached to two pulleys to keep me from floating away... and I got to "bicycle" for like... 5 whole minutes! It was just heavenly to be able to move with out any pain!

I later moved to the other side of the pool to a platform and did many different types of movement and repetition... and it only hurt a little bit. When it came time to get out... I didn't want to because it felt so good. Once I was no longer buoyant and gravity took over, man did that feel weird and freaky! But my therapist told me that I was right... I should have been in the water from my very first visit! He liked that he didn't need to spend a lot of time with me, he could just tell me what to do, set the timer, and come back when it went off. I go back on Monday... and I am going to try and be good for the next few days and not do too much. I did get all my shopping done... and I even went to a yard sale this afternoon!

I bought myself a great wire shopping basket with wheels for the flea market. This one was only used a couple of times, has a great liner... and was priced less than the one I saw at the flea market anyway! I also bought an aluminum folding director's chair with a black nylon cover. I really like how comfortable it is... and since it folds up... I can take it anywhere I want and be able to sit with comfort and be able to get out of it with some grace!

It's been humid and hot... we camped out in the bedroom last evening... and I will be there again soon. We had tons of rain last night... but at least we didn't have the tornado touch down here... it ended up touching down about 30 miles north of us in the Poconos and was an F-2 storm. Crazy, huh?

Thanks for reading... I'm headed to the ac now! Be blessed!
~Suzanne