The Simple Woman's Daybook for August 31, 2009

FOR TODAY, MONDAY AUGUST 31, 2009...

Outside my window...the sun is shining. The high temp today is only supposed to be 81° and yesterday was only 79°. Spring in August. Go figure.

Waiting…for fall. It's been a horrible summer. I'm ready to move on.

Catching up on…blogging. I haven't blogged since last week, so I'm posting three blogs today.

I am thinking...about one of my favorite bloggers, AltadenaHiker. She is posting updates on the southern California fires that rage near her home. I am thinking about her and her neighbors today and hope they remain safe.

I am thankful for...everything.

From the kitchen...tonight pan-roasted kielbasa, sauteed cabbage and onions, parsley potatoes. I envy people who can make up a menu for an entire week and make the dishes for the night's they've designated. I just can't seem to stick to it.

I am wearing... navy blue tights, a long tie-dyed t-shirt and flip-flops.

I am creating... not much.

I am going... I've already been. I went to the church first thing this morning to print the newsletter.

I am reading...nothing except my new cookbook by Rick Bayless.

I am hoping...our Thanksgiving trip is relaxing and welcoming. I'm looking forward to visiting with my son and his family. I haven't seen my grandkids in nearly two years. And, I'm looking forward to my reunion with my beloved Aunt Sally and my cousins Debbie, Randy and Rickey. I haven't seen my Aunt Sally in nearly 20 years. She was such an important source of love, comfort and support during my childhood and teenage years. I am so glad we are making the time to spend with her and my cousins.

I am remembering…when I used to enjoy, or at least didn't mind, driving long distances by myself. That is a thing of the past I'm afraid. I don't even like driving long distances when Tom drives.

I am hearing...our neighbor put his recycle bin away.

Around the house...it's quiet.

One of my favorite things... the cool sand of the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.

A few plans for the rest of the week …I started painting the kitchen cabinets yesterday afternoon, so I'd like to finish up this week and next.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... well, okay it's actually two photos. When we were in Savannah, my 16-year old grandson, Jacob, made this Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream Cake for his girlfriend, Hannah. Now, I know it looks a little bit melty, but it was delicious. His mom was using their oven, so he baked the cake in one deeper pan (to fit in the oven in the trailer we rented) and then cut the cake in half horizontally. Then he softened some vanilla ice cream, crushed some Oreo cookies and mixed them together and frosted the cake. Then he sprinkled the cake with more crushed Oreos. It didn't have enough time to really harden the ice cream like he wanted, but it was still delicious. I think I might even give it a try.



To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook for Monday, August 23, 2009

FOR TODAY AUGUST 24TH, 2009..

Outside my window...the sun is shining and it is a cool 62 degrees. Simply a gorgeous, gorgeous morning, and it was like this all weekend long.

Waiting…for the spa repair guy to call to find out when he is going to come by to fix the spa.

Catching up on…laundry (because I goofed off all weekend long because it such a gorgeous weekend) and filing stuff in the office.

I am thinking...about my sister, Robin, who will have surgery next month...about our trip to California for Thanksgiving in November...about what to do for Christmas.

I am thankful for...everything. My husband, my health, my house and for the people in my life who continually show how much they love me.

From the kitchen...I'm not sure, but I really want to make something tasty.

I am wearing... gray crop pants, a turquoise and white tie-dyed shirt and flip-flops.

I am creating... more food blogs. Keeping up with two food blogs is proving to take more time than I thought. Sometimes, when I'm pressed for time, I just have cross-post them.

I am going... to run errands sometime today.

I am reading...still...Julie & Julia (saw the movie while we were in Savannah and loved it!!), but I'll get back to reading The Divine Commodity when I'm done.

I am hoping...for the impossible, I'm afraid.

I am remembering…the Christmas Tom and I had in Clearwater Beach, Florida a couple of years ago. Over the weekend, we talked about how much fun we had (even though it was kind of lonely by ourselves) and we may do it again, only this time take the boat and cruise down the intercoastal waterway.

I am hearing...the ceiling fan rattle slightly. Everything else is pretty quiet.

Around the house...I need to vacuum and dust.

One of my favorite things... is sitting in our den, watching a really good movie with Tom. Yesterday we watched Lars and the Real Girl. It was so beautifully touching, sad and uplifting that it made both of us cry.

A few plans for the rest of the week …getting caught up on producing the church newsletter, yoga class on Thursday (love it!!), signing up for a 12-week strength training class for seniors, church dinner on Wednesday night.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... after the Savannah Gay Pride Parade, the kids got bored. Jacob's girlfriend, Hannah, and Tommy decided to do something wacky. The result? Grandpa and his 13 year old drag queen.


Tommy makes a pretty darn good lookin' girl, doncha think?

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook for July 27, 2009

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...the sun is shining, but it's humid. It rained yesterday morning and there is a threat of rain everyday this week and through the weekend.

Waiting…to hear back from my cousin. We want to take part of our Thanksgiving trip to visit my Aunt Sally, my cousins, Rickey, Debbie and Randy. Rickey visited last year, but I haven't seen my aunt and my other cousins in probably 20 years...far too long.

Catching up on…blogging. Last week was emotionally rough and I didn't write much.

I am thinking...that I need to get back to my Couch-2-5K workout. I haven't done anything since we got back from Yellowstone (June). It's time to get back on track.

I am thankful for...the support and kind words of my family, friends and readers who responded so generously last week.

From the kitchen...stuffed eggplant and salad for dinner. We made another visit to the North Little Rock Farmer's Market on Saturday and got two beautiful eggplant, along with some other goodies, but you'll have to read my food blog, Terri's Table, this week for that info.

I am wearing... black and white crop pants, white t-shirt, barefoot.

I am creating... nothing at the moment.

I am going... to the church this afternoon to work on the church newsletter.

I am reading...well...I'm not reading it yet, but I bought two books last week, Julie and Julia by Julie Powell and Rebecca Wells' new book, The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder.

I am hoping...this week is a whole lot better than last.

I am remembering…growing up in Fresno, the wonderful times I had when we gathered family together for holidays, barbecues or camping trips...aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents.

I am hearing...just the hum of my computer and my fingers clicking on the keys. It's very quiet this morning.

Around the house...I need to dust and mop the kitchen floor.

One of my favorite things... the first cup of coffee in the morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week …finish the church newsletter, get back on track with my Couch-2-5K, write two blogs for the newspaper, start painting my adirondack chairs.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... yesterday Chris sent us an email. No message, just this photo he took of Tom in May when he was here helping Tom get caught up.


It's such a great photo!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook originated with Peggy Hostetler at The Simple Woman’s Daybook. Peggy is on vacation for the summer.

While Peggy is away, Grandmother Wren is hosting.

The Simple Woman's Daybook for Monday, July 20, 2009

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...it's raining.

Waiting…seems to be what I do most lately.

Catching up on…laundry. It's a never ending battle.

I am thinking...that today is not a good day. Tom and I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon and evening arguing. I need to think more and feel less. At the very least, I'd like to just feel a little less.

I am thankful for...not going crazy.

From the kitchen...I have no idea. Oddly enough, I have a general food blog and another food blog I do for my local online newspaper and right now I could care less about food.

I am wearing... an alumni t-shirt, bike shorts and flip-flops.

I am creating... nothing. I'm not feeling at all creative. I don't feel like sharing. I want to just go inside myself and stay there for awhile.

I am going... no where.

I am reading...nothing.

I am hoping...for very little. I am trying to let go of any expectations.

I am remembering…what my life was like before.

I am hearing...thunder.

Around the house...except for the rain and thunder, it's quiet.

One of my favorite things... being alone. Sometimes being alone is far better than the alternative.

A few plans for the rest of the week …I'm not sure. Maybe a few errands. I'd like to make a couple of market bags, too.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

When the going gets tough, I just want to go to the beach and feel the sand caress my bare feet and the ocean breeze on my face.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook originated with Peggy Hostetler at The Simple Woman’s Daybook. Peggy is on vacation for the summer.

While Peggy is away Grandmother Wren is hosting.

The Simple Woman's Daybook for Monday, May 25, 2009

I'm thinking I'm not so simple. In fact, I'm very complicated. So complicated that sometimes I can't even figure myself out.

But, of course, I never thought the title of these posts meant I was simple or simple-minded or a simpleton. However, I do enjoy many of the simple things in life: my garden and the critters that inhabit same, a warm, breezy summer evening on the patio or sitting under the pergola, long walks and hikes on the beach or in the mountains and floating lazily in the water of some lake, among other things.

I don't know why I felt the need to clarify. Maybe it was just for me. Maybe I'm feeling just a little bit insecure and neurotic...maybe...just a little. As the saying goes, This too shall pass.

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...it is raining yet again, but that hasn't stopped the squirrels from eating the corn on the squirrel feeder. We have a pregnant...VERY PREGNANT...squirrel that makes her way to the feeder twice each day and she is going through one ear of corn each day by herself. Can you say feeding frenzy?

Waiting…for the rain to stop so I can begin Week 3 of my Couch-2-5K.

Catching up on…watching movies we've purchased. We just watched "The Reader" last night and it left me wondering how "Slum Dog Millionaire" could have won best picture. Also watched "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" which was good, but not as good as "The Reader."

I am thinking...about all of our service men and women in Iraq, those who have returned and those who will never return. I am thinking about the enormous sacrifice each of them has made and that of their families.

I am thankful for...not ever having to lose either of my children in a war. I can't even imagine what that must be like for the spouses and parents.

From the kitchen...tonight we are having Antipasto, a huge tray of Italian meats, cheeses, veggies and an array of olives, plus some hot rosemary and sea salt focaccia bread.

I am wearing... brown cotton crop pants, a brown and white t-shirt and I'm barefoot.

I am creating... not much of anything.

I am going... to go to WalMart with Tom where he will buy some new work jeans, then we are going to Kohl's to look at more new plates to add to my obsessive collection and somewhere during the day when it stops raining I'm going on my Couch-2-5K walk/run.

I am reading...Divine Commodity by Skye Jethani.

I am hoping...to have some kind of vacation this summer.

I am remembering…my mom today and thinking about what a blessing it was that she passed away before my sister, Kim. Mom would not have been able to cope with Kim's death.

I am hearing...Tom cursing, struggling to repair the big drawer in the kitchen island that makes a loud rubbing sound when you close it.

Around the house...it's cool, but sticky, so it makes the air feel kind of warm and on the verge of yukky.

One of my favorite things... seeing progress as we remodel, even though it is taking longer than we anticipated.

A few plans for the rest of the week …I'd like to take some time and re-organize our office; move furniture around; get rid of some of the things that are just stored in here; maybe even paint the walls.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... I've been going crazy with my new camera. This is a clematis that is growing up our fence behind the garden...



To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook for Monday, May 18, 2009

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...the sun is shining...finally!!...but it's a little cool, only 58 degrees this morning. The stormy, rainy, yukky weather brought in a cold front :(

Waiting…for 1:00pm today. We are supposed to close escrow on our flip house. We've owned the house for nearly two years (spent about 4 months renovating it, then put it on the market where it sat for nearly a year and a half). The buyers handled their part of the escrow by mail, have signed their papers and sent them back to the title company. All we have to do is sign our papers this afternoon and pick up a check.

Catching up on…blogging. I have felt a little out of sorts lately. I don't know whether it was the weather or just a creative slump, but I have accomplished very little in the last week.

I am thinking...about my afternoon. Deposit a nice big check, come home, log on the internet and click the "Buy Now" button on the Best Buy website for a new washing machine and dryer that are saved in my wishlist. Tomorrow, I will go buy a new camera that will replace my sorry little digital point and shoot. HooRay!!!

I am thankful for...the great job the clinic did on G-Doggie. We had her spayed last Saturday at the Humane Society clinic rather than at our vet's...only because it was less than half price. Anyway, when Tom picked up G-Doggie, the vet who did the surgery came out and told him that she did fine, but he could tell that she was, at one time, a one dog puppy mill because she had excessive bleeding in her uterine area, a sure sign that she has been bred since her first heat and never given a rest in between. No more puppies for that girl!!

From the kitchen...NOTHING!! I am not cooking tonight. We are going out to dinner to celebrate!

I am wearing... brown cropped work out pants, an over-sized brown and white t-shirt and flip-flops.

I am creating... a new light fixture for over the kitchen island. Actually, I'm not creating it, but I'm going to tweak it a little to match the color of the light over the dining table.

I am going... to finish this, change my flip-flops and put on running shoes, and go to Tucker Creek Trail for Week 2 of my run/walk. I haven't been there for two weeks because of the rain, but I'm still going to try Week 2.

I am reading...nothing at the moment. I'm sort of between books.

I am hoping...the real estate Karma Gods have been appeased and everything goes smoothly for our closing this afternoon.

I am remembering…the great festivals and craft/art fairs in California. Two weeks ago, here in Conway, we had Toad Suck Daze, which takes Tom and me about 36-1/2 minutes to completely walk through, although we haven't been in probably 5 years or so (when it's not raining) and Memorial Day Weekend is Riverfest in Little Rock, which often has some really good concert performers (this year Willie Nelson, 3 Doors Down, Heart and the B-52's, among others, will be performing ~ a really good, diverse line up), but the craft fair part just sucks and isn't worth the time. The craft fairs and festivals here cannot compare with the events we used to go to when we lived in San Diego County ~ the Fall Fair and Spring Fair in Carlsbad, the Harbor Days Street Fair in Oceanside, the San Diego County Fair, the Valhalla Renaissance Faire at Lake Tahoe, the San Diego Home and Garden Show. I suppose I'm feeling rather melancholy this morning, ya think?

I am hearing...Rod next door, as he is pulling stuff out of his garage and gets ready to work on his house again today (he's a professor at a local college and has the summer off, so he has lots of time on his hands).

Around the house...it is quiet.

One of my favorite things... is just sitting on a beach somewhere watching the sunset.

A few plans for the rest of the week …painting the baseboard in the kitchen and dining area, sewing the tiller cover for Tom's boat, making some market bags out of old t-shirts and starting another church newsletter.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...



This is me and my sons when we took one of our many trips to San Diego Bay. If you guessed it was in the mid-80's you would be right. Look at those sunglasses!

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook for Monday, May 4, 2009

Today we were given the choice of the regular
Simple Woman's Daybook
or
20 Of My Favorite Things

Due to my inability to make a decision, I'm doing both.

I'll start with my Daybook...

FOR TODAY, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2009...

Outside my window...it's cloudy and it's not supposed to rain. I hope not. It rained non-stop all weekend long.

Waiting…for the telephone repair person. Our home line is out...again.

Catching up on…everything.

I am thinking...I'm putting too much pressure on myself to get so much stuff done. I need to just make a list and do one thing at a time and stop trying to do everything at once. I'll drive myself nuts like that!

I am thankful for...Tom's patience.

From the kitchen...after last night's disaster...this Seafood Chowder from Bon Appetit magazine, the 6 tablespoons of green curry paste made it so hot that we threw it away and Tom went out to Shorty Small's for burgers...tonight will be something we know is delicious. Pasta with a white wine clam sauce.

I am wearing... black cotton crop pants, a long sleeve orange and white t-shirt shirt (the big weekend storm brought in cooler temperatures) and yellow and orange flip-flops.

I am creating... a mess! But just for a short time. By the weekend, the extra bedroom should be ready for a new bed cover and valance.

I am going... to stay home today except for driving over to Tucker Creek Trail to begin week 2 of my Couch-2-5K run/walk.

I am reading...nothing right now.

I am hoping...our flip house finally sells. It is in escrow. Tom and a friend of his are going over there tomorrow to repair some things that were discovered in the inspection report. Escrow is supposed to close on the 18th of this month. We'll see.

I am remembering…that my grandson, Jacob's birthday is Thursday and my son, Chris' birthday is Saturday and next week (Thursday) is my daughter-in-law, Kathy's birthday. May is certainly birthday month for our family.

I am hearing...nothing but the hum of my laptop and my fingers on the keys. Not even a bird. I suppose they are all worn out from all the rain, too.

Around the house...it's quiet and I need to dust.

One of my favorite things... is what I'm having for breakfast: cold leftover plain white rice, sugar, cinnamon and milk. I used to eat it for breakfast when I was a kid.

A few plans for the rest of the week …finish painting the extra bedroom, start the new issue of the church newsletter, finish organizing our bedroom closet (which means I have to start throwing some stuff away if I'm going to give Tom more room for his stuff), re-arrange some cabinets in the kitchen to make room for the pots and pans hanging over the kitchen island (we're putting in a light fixture instead).

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Tom made a "Squirrel Feeder" under the trees in the back yard. Basically, he just hung a bungee cord from the bird feeder pole, put an eye hook on the end of it and uses the screw part of the eye hook to screw into the top of dried corn on the cob. He hung it just high enough so the squirrels can reach the bottom of the corn cob, but to eat from the top of the corn cob, a squirrel has to hang on and lift himself up off the ground with his hind legs dangling. This one isn't at that stage yet...





Now for My 20 Favorite Things!

1. Color: I love the color green, particularly lime green.

2. Dessert: Tom's Creme Brulee!

3. Smell: Honeysuckle. It's growing over my fence in the back of my yard!

4. Flower: Day lillies.

5. Animal: I love my golden retriever, Goldie, but I love cats.

6. Month: July. It's the middle of summer, not much rain, lots of days on the lake. Can't beat it!

7. Beverage: Non-alcoholic - Sparkling water with ice and lemon. Alcoholic - Lemon martini.

8. Pair of shoes: Flip-flops, all kinds!

9. Snack: I don't snack much, but what gives me a little pick-me-up in the afternoon is a drink I make: fill a tall glass with ice; fill to 1/4 full with pomegranate juice; fill to 1/2 full with orange juice; then fill to the top with diet ginger ale. Very refreshing.

10. Song: Right now it's "Rich Woman" by Robert Plant and Allison Krause.

11. Book: A Time to Kill by John Grisham. His first book and I still think his best.

12. Fruit: Oranges

13. Hairstyle: Short, short, short!

14. Piece of clothing: I have three pair of Nike cold weather sweats that I practically live in during the fall and winter. But, I have a sheer, flowing top from Chico's that makes me feel wonderful when I wear it, like I might actually look really good.

15. Store to clothes shop: Chico's!!

16. Season: Summer.

17. Hobby: Cooking, reading, gardening, crochet, counted cross stitch.

18. Thing to collect: Dishware, books, salt & pepper shakers and pepper grinders, recipes, wind chimes and t-shirts.

19. Movie: The one movie I could watch over and over again ~ Love Actually.

20. Restaurant: In Conway, Mike's Place, hands down. Great food, great service. My most favorite place on the planet is Frenchy's on the beach in Clearwater. The Buffalo Shrimp are to die for.

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY APRIL 27, 2009...

Outside my window...it's cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. Most of the week will be like this.

Waiting…for the report from the home inspection last Friday.

Catching up on…organizing the office. Help! I'm drowning!

I am thinking...about my grandson, Zak's, 18th birthday today. Seems unbelievable.

I am thankful for...the motivation I felt this morning to actually start my Couch-2-5K again this morning. I don't know how I will do it the rest of the week because it's supposed to rain.

From the kitchen...pasta with Italian sausage, tomatoes and cream; ceasar salad and I have some very over-ripe bananas I need to use, so I think I'll make a chocolate banana cake.

I am wearing... my workout clothes from my run/walk, but I took off my running shoes and I'm wearing flip-flops.

I am creating... a way to finish the cement floor in the newly vacated extra bedroom.

I am going... to the church to work for a couple of hours this afternoon.

I am reading...I haven't finished Everyday Sacred, but I also haven't started anything new, either.

I am hoping...it doesn't rain all next weekend. Next weekend is Toad Suck Daze (an annual street festival here in Conway, Arkansas) and Tom and I are manning our church face-painting booth for 6 hours on Sunday.

I am remembering…how much my sons loved growing up near the beach. When they were little, we lived about 1/2 hour drive from Santa Cruz in northern California (and lived in Santa Cruz for a short while). When they were pre-teen and teenagers, we moved to Carlsbad (southern California) and lived about 10 minutes from the beach.

I am hearing...the trash truck pick up the recyclables.

Around the house...mostly just requires a little pick-up this morning.

One of my favorite things... is the trail where I do my run/walk. When I go consistently, I see the same people each time and we always smile, nod hello or say good morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week …Tom's going to scrape the ceiling in the spare bedroom this evening. I'm going to paint the walls and ceiling and figure out what to do about the floor. I also need to do some posts on my food blog.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...


To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook

It is our choices ... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.--J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets)

FOR TODAY APRIL 20, 2009 ...

Outside my window...after a weekend of heavy rain and thunderstorms, the sun is shining and we are headed for a wonderful warming trend. It should be in the low 80's by the end of the week and over the weekend. Hooray! Hooray!

Waiting…for Karen to start getting organized and pack for her move to Arizona. Tom and I have decided to completely re-do the room after she leaves on Wednesday or Thursday: scrape the popcorn texture from the ceiling, paint the walls and remove the leftover carpet from the closet. I first thought I would wash the oak bed frame with a white stain, but I'm also toying with the idea to doing a crackle finish.

Catching up on…bookkeeping today.

I am thinking...about a phone call I just got from Tom. He was listening to NPR and heard about a group people who have organized to rid schools of dodgeball (because kids feel targeted and humiliated), musical chairs (because the kids who don't get a chair feel like losers), jump rope with ropes (they want "pretend" jump rope because the ropes are too dangerous) and tag without touch (because of the chance of inappropriate touch). One of the guests on the program called the movement "The Wussification of America." I would have to agree.

I am thankful for...our pastor, Tammy, and all of the very complicated, interesting discussions we have when I am supposed to be working at the church.

From the kitchen...boy, I haven't given it much thought this morning. I don't know what we will have for dinner. I made WAAYYYY too much orzo pasta salad yesterday, so whatever we have, we will be having orzo pasta salad with it. I also found a recipe for a "lite" chocolate cake. I might make that today.

I am wearing... a white sweat shirt, green cotton pants and flip flops.

I am creating... ideas for the room Karen will leave vacant.

I am reading...Everyday Sacred by Sue Bender. I'm having a hard time getting through it. It's rather disjointed. I may just set it aside and move on to the new book I bought last week, The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs.

I am hoping...to finish the church newsletter this afternoon so I can print it tomorrow. I'm a little ahead of schedule, so I'm not feeling any pressure at all.

I am remembering…how energetic I used to feel when I was younger. I'd like to still feel like that.

I am hearing...the birds singing outside, the hum of my laptop, and my fingers clicking on the keys.

Around the house...it's quiet. That's all, just quiet.

One of my favorite things... is feeling rested when I get up in the morning. That's how I feel this morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week …get the church newsletter ready for mailing, buy four different colors of paint for my Adirondack chairs, buy lobster tails for Karen's farewell dinner, start back painting the trim Tom has already installed.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... but this isn't the one...



This is our dog, Goldie. She is a 7-year-old Golden Retriever, but we've only owned her for a year. Her previous owner used her as a breeder female and Goldie was bred and had puppies every single heat cycle since she was just under a year old. She spent every minute of every day in a kennel, with little or no human contact or interaction, except when she was fed and her puppies removed. The only vaccinations she got was rabies, because that's the minimum state standard in order to sell her puppies. Her nails were probably an inch long (and we're still trying to cut them back every week so that the quick recedes and we can get them to a reasonable length), she has what our veterinarian calls "flat feet" because she hardly ever walked and probably never ran (her paws don't have the arched toes like other dogs), her coat was filthy because I suspect she hadn't been bathed in years (it took three baths here at home plus a final bath at the vet's to finally get her clean) and she tested positive for deadly heart worm (which was $1,500 and three months worth of poisonous treatment). Goldie cowered from everything, including our presence. It has taken a year for her to feel comfortable just walking around the yard and lying anywhere else besides on the patio, curled up in a ball with her back against the house. We noticed when we planted the garden last Saturday (tomatoes, zucchini, basil, lavender, parsley and dill) that she had been lying in the hay that we used as garden ground cover over the winter. Sunday morning after it stopped raining, Tom and I took a walk over to the garden to make sure the new plants had fared alright in the pouring rain. As we approach the edge of the garden, Tom called Goldie over to his side, but rather than obey she decided to be a little playful. She ran passed him, into the garden and laid down in front of him...on top of the newly planted basil. So... the picture thought I am sharing today...VOILA! Fenced garden...



To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook

The only pressure I'm under is the pressure I've put on myself. ~ Mark Messier

I'm tired this morning. I'm so tired that I had to go back and correct the word "tired" three times because I spelled it wrong.

Laying in bed last night after everyone had left, I told Tom I didn't think I wanted to do another holiday dinner. He said, "You just don't want to do another holiday dinner like you always do." He's right. I always over-do. Three appetizers, main course with at least two side dishes and great dessert. We filled and ran the dishwasher THREE times yesterday, plus I washed countless pots and pans. I'm craving simple. Something like an antipasto tray, then spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread. Simple, filling, delicious...and I actually get to sit down and visit.

I had so much to do for our Easter dinner yesterday that I cooked and prepped all day Saturday and Sunday. I had to make a list for myself of everything I had to do each day and when it came down to putting everything on the table, I forgot the dinner rolls that I had slipped into the oven to warm up about 20 minutes before we sat down for dinner. Tom discovered them when he started picking everything up after we had finished dessert. I had turned both ovens off and walked away, not even remembering that a dozen rolls were warming. When it was all said and done, we sent food home with Tom's parents and we still have two refrigerators full of leftovers.

I think the next meal I serve to guests will be a KISS meal...Keep It Simple Stupid!

FOR TODAY APRIL 13, 2009...

Outside my window...It's cloudy and cool. It poured rain yesterday and the temperature didn't get above 55 degrees. Today maybe it will reach 63 degrees.

Waiting…for the weather to warm up and stay that way.

Catching up on…everything I let slide while I prepared for Easter dinner.

I am thinking...I really need to accomplish something in this house besides vacuuming and dusting. I need to get back to painting walls and trim.

I am thankful for...the prayer stone Tammy gave out to everyone as we left church yesterday. I'm going to put mine on the kitchen window sill where I know I will see it many times during the day. Sometimes I just need a tangible reminder to take a moment; take a deep breath and just be silent, still and grateful.

From the kitchen...leftovers. I need to go out this morning and find a manual meat grinder (Target? WalMart?). We have a lot of lamb leftover from dinner yesterday and Chris suggested I grind it up and make gyros for dinner. Great idea!

I am wearing... old fashioned ugly ole sweats and slippers! The kind of thing I put on when I'm feeling incredibly lazy and unmotivated.

I am creating... not much at the moment.

I am reading...still working on Every Day Sacred.

I am hoping...to go to Reno this summer to go to Zak's graduation.

I am remembering…two birthdays this month and three more next month! Whew!

I am hearing...the birds singing outside.

Around the house...is the wonderful early morning quiet!

One of my favorite things... is this time of day. I am definitely a morning person.

A few plans for the rest of the week …I would really like to buy some really good paint to paint my Adirondack chairs.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... I am sooooo ready...



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Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action. ~ Gandhi

We had a wonderful weekend. The musical, The Color Purple, was simply amazing. This clip is from the Tony Awards and once you get through Oprah's introduction (about a minute and 20 seconds), you will see the song, Hell No, performed by the character Sophia and then the whole cast finishes with the song The Color Purple.



I laughed and cried throughout the musical, as did nearly everyone around me. When tears were rolling down my cheeks, I could also hear sniffles from all sides. I would love to see this again.

Our dinner at McEwan's on Monroe was wonderful; food, atmosphere, service. Both of us started with Saffron Lobster Risotto (lobster, green peas, fresh grated parmesan topped with micro-greens). For our salad course, we both chose the Warm Wild Mushroom Salad (roasted mushrooms, spring mix, spiced walnuts, gorgonzola cheese, walnut balsamic vinaigrette, all set on a drizzle of balsamic reduction). My main course was the Grilled Duck Breast with the Pomegranate Syrup and Malbec Buerre Rouge,
Lyonnaise Potatoes and Sauteed Green Beans. It was simply perfect. Tom chose Grilled Rack of Lamb with a Chipotle Cherry Glaze, Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Maple Pecan Butter, and Grilled Asparagus. I tasted Tom's lamb and it was delicious, too. I've only eaten lamb a couple of times since we moved here. I just can't seem to get good lamb. It's usually really gamey tasting. But, yesterday on the way home we stopped at Fresh Market and Tom showed me the racks of lamb they had. We might try them.

I will be posting a little more about our dinner on my food blog, Terri's Table, later today. Stop by and see the photos!

But, for today, since it is Monday...

FOR TODAY APRIL 6, 2009 ...

Outside my window...the sun is shining, but it's a pretty cool 45 degrees. It was supposed to freeze last night, but it didn't. And it's supposed to freeze again tonight, but I hope it doesn't. We've put the philodendrons back in the garage for a couple of days, covered the berries and the newly sprouted herbs. That's the best we can do. We won't be able to save the azaleas and wisteria. I guess we can only hope it doesn't get as cold as they think it will.

Waiting…for a great idea to hit me for Easter. Should we have everyone for brunch, lunch or dinner? I hadn't really thought about it until Tom talked to his mom yesterday. I suppose now I will actually have to think about what to do.

Catching up on…laundry.

I am thinking...about the bump on my forehead. Every time I touch my forehead, which, I've come to realize, is quite a bit, I touch the sore little bump on my forehead right between my eyes. How did I get the little bump? Saturday I got up in the middle of night in the hotel room to go to the bathroom. I didn't turn on any lights. The bathroom was dark, so I fumbled around trying to orient myself and when I felt the toilet I situated myself in front of it, bent over forward a little to sit down and Bonk! I hit my head on the corner of the handle of the bathroom door I failed to close.

I am thankful for...a soft, warm bed at night. I slept better last night than I had in days. It felt so good.

From the kitchen...since we had something special for dinner Saturday night and we tried to re-create Saturday's risotto dish using shrimp instead of lobster (it was almost as good, but not quite), I think we will go with something simple, but delicious tonight: Beef Stroganoff, Noodles and a vegetable (to be determined when I get to the store this afternoon).

I am wearing... my pajamas still: black top and purple, green, pink and black plaid bottoms. And slippers.

I am creating... a list of quotes that I like. I am a quote collector. I love a quote that makes me stop and think, if only for a moment.

I am going... the church (to do some paperwork for Tammy), the store, then pick up Goldie from boarding over the weekend.

I am reading...Everyday Sacred by Sue Bender, her inward journey to discover the sacred in her everyday life in the Bay Area. It's the follow-up to her first book, Plain and Simple.

I am hoping...to figure out what we will do for vacation this year, if anything.

I am remembering…all the musicals and plays we took our kids to when they were younger. I'd love to take my grandkids to performances like that, but we live too far away.

I am hearing...my neighbor, Rob, working on the fence.

Around the house...there is unpacking to do, since I didn't do it yesterday after we got home.

One of my favorite things... by far is Fresh Market in Little Rock. I live in a gastronomically challenged part of the country. Our local grocery stores (all four of them ~ two Krogers and two WalMarts ~ carry mostly bare bone staples. I buy a lot of my spices and ingredients for cooking online. Since Fresh Market has opened, we've been able to purchase things like sushi grade tuna, fresh clams and mussels, head-on shrimp and soft shell crabs, and most of their produce is organic, but their prices are competitive with our local markets. How lucky is that?

A few plans for the rest of the week …iron the beautiful white fabric Tammy found to cover and decorate the church alter for Easter, a trip to Sam's club for staples in bulk, plan and shop for whatever we decide to do for Easter, draw out a plan to redesign the stuff in our home office (an extra bedroom), vacuum and dust (the pollen is thick and on everything this time of year) and do laundry, laundry, laundry.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...



...this is my first grandson, Zak. The picture was taken in November 1994. He was the little boy that made me a grandmother for the first time. This month he will be 18 years old! Holy Cow!

Based on The Simple Woman’s Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY MARCH 30, 2009...

Outside my window...the sun is shining and we are on our way to 67°. Another beautiful day, just like yesterday. Tom went sailing. He said it was perfect. He happened to see his brother-in-law, Bill, up at the marina and they went together on Tom's boat. I stayed home and made Glenda's Stuffed Buns for an activity at church tonight, then sat out on the back patio and read for the rest of the afternoon.

Waiting…and maybe it's time to just stop waiting and put my energy elsewhere.

Catching up on…blogging. I finally posted an entry on my food blog and have a couple more to post this week. It feels good to have the time.

I am thinking...about a passage in a book I am reading and how I think I know how someone in an Amish community feels when they are shunned. Do you continue to try or do you ultimately just give up and walk away because there is no hope?

I am thankful for...all the people who so generously share their lives with me. Maybe, after all, that's where I should focus my time and energy.

From the kitchen...dinner is made and ready to take to the church.

I am wearing... Nike cold weather sweats, a purple cotton turtleneck and black beaded flip-flops.

I am creating... a new look for the alter at church for Easter Sunday.

I am going... to church later to work on the newsletter.

I am reading...Plain and Simple, A Woman's Journey to the Amish by Sue Bender. A small quote: I didn't know when I first looked at an Amish quilt and felt my heart pounding that my soul was starving, than an inner voice was trying to make sense of my life. I didn't know that I was beginning a journey of the spirit, what Carlos Castaneda calls following 'a path that has heart.' It is a very interesting and insightful book.

I am hoping...to begin painting the house again soon, now that I'm no longer at my job.

I am remembering…our first apartment. We cleaned and painted before we moved in. The landlord gave us permission to cover the kitchen cabinet doors in contact paper. I think he might have been sorry he did. It was 1969. The contact paper was white with yellow, orange, and green flowers, similar to this...



We painted the kitchen a lime green! We thought it was the coolest thing ever! But, we were beginning our hippy-dippy phase which translated into having absolutely no taste whatsoever. No matter. We loved it!

I am hearing...the hum of my laptop and the click of the keys. It is quiet in the house.

Around the house...I need to dust and vacuum. I keep mentioning that, don't I? Hmmmm.

One of my favorite things... is to try new recipes. I get so excited when the dish turns out even better than I could have imagined and is simply amazing.

A few plans for the rest of the week …I will finish the church newsletter, then bake something new and share it with our neighbors, Rob and Amanda. When I asked Rob yesterday if we could help him somehow with replacing the fencing between our yards, his daughter, Verity, (her mother's Irish, hence the name) spoke up and said, "Yes! Bake a cake!" So...a cake it will be. I'm thinking Chocolate Flan Cake.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...



Our azaleas and other plants survived the near freeze Friday night. Whew!

Based on The Simple Woman’s Daybook