Welcome To My World

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:20:00 +0000

Good Lord it's empty in here. I've been walking around inside this page for quite awhile now. Surveying this spot. I can hear the echoes of my footsteps as I am swiping away the cobwebs that have found their place here.

I ended up in a very strange place that I never thought I would be in my life. So this page has been ignored. Not because of disinterest. No.

I've found myself in another world so to speak. Truthfully, I can't even do justice to it with my words. I am speechless. Well I guess that's not really right either as I am trying to explain this situation and have to put it into words!

In a word, School. It sounds silly when I say it because it's so common. We've all been there. I've helped all three of my children through it and at the same time, I can honestly say, I hated it.

Until now. It was a fluke. It was a surprise. It was unintentional. It was my daughter Katie's fault. It was her boyfriends sister's fault. It wasn't in the plan although it was a past dream of mine. A long forgotten desire I gave up long ago. And than an imaginary truck hit me. I felt a bug in my butt so to speak and I said "Why not?".

So here I am walking around in this much ignored space that is still decorated for fall. I think I see a rotted Pumpkin on the floor and some much neglected housework as well. All because of an instantaneous moment.

My Katie enrolled in a C.N.A. class in February. I was hopeful and happy for her but knowing my daughter as I do, I didn't feel that this was for her. But her boyfriends sister talked her into it. My husband and I agreed to pay for it. If she didn't go through with it, she would have to go to work to support herself.

The wheels started to turn. I always wanted to be a nurse. I actually took my college entrance exam almost nineteen years ago, before I found out I was pregnant with Katie. That ended that.

I continued to stay at home to raise my three beautiful children. Good children, well, good adults now.

Present day, cobwebs and all. Katie dropped the class at the second day of the eight week coarse. I stayed. She moved to Texas. She seems happy. That's all that I care about. I miss her terribly but she has to find her own way. I have to trust in what I've taught her.

God works in mysterious ways. You've heard that before right?

This class has kept me so busy that I can barely remember my own name. I love it. I discovered that I am smarter than I thought. I've learned a lot about myself. I am very happy.

As of now I am carrying an "A" average which doesn't count when applying for a job but it matters to me. At this point I am just going along with what God has put before me. The task at hand so to speak. My house needs cleaning, my yard has been ignored . I have been feeling stress that I've never felt before. My brain is on fire!

We have six more classes to go. Five more Clinical days to go. I love being in the nursing home. I love the work. I really took an interest in the Alzheimer/Dementia unit. I want to go there some more. I'm starting to feel that there is something for "ME".

That probably sounds selfish but it's not meant to be. If I can speak frankly here, I feel as though God is directing me to this destination. I have a few plans in the back of my mind but I don't pay too much attention to planning. I sort of like following direction.

I also love making people feel good, important, worthy, productive and loved.

Isn't that how you'd like to feel?

Yeah, there are a lot of cobwebs around here. But there's also a lot of other more important work to be done.....

" Why I've Been Gone."

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 02:57:00 +0000

Gosh I know I've been gone for a while and I haven't visited anyone's blogs. There's no need for concern, everything is going fine here just very busy.

It took some time for me to get Kate back to good health since she moved back home. She is doing well now. I think she is even getting over her first heartbreak which we all know is really tough. But I think we've got her back on track, at least I hope and pray.

It was a rough and rocky road for a while.

So much has been going on here and I just haven't had time to do much online and when I do, I've been doing word search puzzles. I love them. Always have. When I do them, I think of nothing else which we all need sometimes. Mindless work.

I've had the grandkids every other weekend which has been fun yet I realize how much energy they take from me. It makes me realize why we have children when we're young!! They seem to be doing fine. My son's divorce will be final the end of March. He and my DIL are now on good terms with each other, Thank God. We are all getting along and my DIl will always be in my life. I love her so much despite the problems that they've had. They have been together for 17 years so she has always been a daughter to us and will always be.

My oldest daughter landed a new job recently as a web manager at a major video game company but doesn't seem to be happy there. The company has great benefits and perks but she isn't comfortable with it. She has some thinking to do for sure. I miss her so, so much. I don't even know when we'll see each other again as we've all been so busy. She lives in North Carolina and we in Illinois.

My husband is totally burnt out on his job but still he carries on. There is nothing that I can do for him which is a nightmare for me because all I ever want to do is help people. My Pastor tells me that I cannot help everyone. That people have to make their own choices and all that we can do is be supportive. Yet it's so hard for me to disassociate from his feelings. I have to for my own good however as his stress also effects me.

I had my six month check up recently and everything was pretty good. I have lost about eight pounds in the past two months and my cholesterol has dropped to a manageable number, FINALLY!!!!! However my I.B.S. has been acting up more than ever before. Doc gave me some medication for it. I had a horrible bout last week. Lots of pain. Doc thinks it's all stress related which I agree with. On a good note, I am weaning off of the antidepressants that I've been on since Kate moved back home.

As I said before, it was a really rough time. But now Kate is making me laugh constantly! And she cooks like a seasoned chef.

I am happy to have her back home. I am happy to see my Kate back.

Here's where my most recent stress point is coming from.

Kate and I are redoing her entire room. It was in such BAD shape. Lots of holes to patch. Trim to remove. Lots and Lots and Lots of sanding. Fitting that all in between working two jobs and taking care of this old house that is falling apart, getting my daughter back on track, well lets just say, it's been a bit of a challenge.

We are almost done sanding, almost. Then we have to wash the walls and ceiling. Prime and paint. Not to mention she has lots of furniture she wants to paint to match the room. The fact that she's 18, doesn't stop her from wanting a princess room. What a challenge. Anyway we have exactly 20 days until school starts.

We are both taking C.N.A. (Certified Nurses Assistant) classes. Here I am at almost 55, starting a career that I wanted 20 years ago. I've always dreamed of becoming a nurse. I actually took my college entrance exams 19 years ago to become an L.P.N. (Licensed Practical Nurse) . Then I found out I was pregnant with Kate. Which was a miracle as Jake and I gave up after five years of trying to have a baby together.

So I had my miracle baby after a long hard pregnancy at 36. I had to stay in bed for the last six months of the pregnancy because of blood pressure problems and gestational diabetes. I was so sick that they didn't know if I would make it, or Kate.

So as many head and heart aches that she has given me over the years, well, I still feel blessed. But now it's my turn to do something. Menial as it may be. If I can become a C.N.A. it will help our family. I may not make it to nursing classes, but if I can pass this, I will be proud of myself and Kate. Kate wants to go on to become a P.A. (Physician's Assistant) Well at least for now .

We will see.

So I hope you can understand why I haven't been around much. Life has just taken over for now. I can tell you this much though, I will be back and I will visit soon!!

Love Di ♥

"Retention"

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 03:40:00 +0000

It's my blog and I'll blog what I want to!

I looked up the definitions of "Retain" and "Retention". Neither one struck my fancy. In my my mind, at this very moment, "Retention" is a scary word to me.

I've recently signed up for C.N.A. (Certified Nurses Assistant) classes with my Katie girl. There is a two fold reason for this.

#1 - Katie needs some back-up.

#2- I've wanted to be a nurse for over twenty years. I've been to afraid to take the classes.

#3- In the state of Illinois, you must pass this class before you can go on to the L.P.N. (Licensed Practical Nurse) class. Which is much more difficult and expensive.

#4- "Retention". I will be 55 in April. I don't even know how much my brain can retain. It's been almost 40 years since I've been in school.

#5- The L.P.N. class is nine months long. And the tuition is much higher the the C.N.A. class.

#6- I am scared.

#7- I am excited.

#8- I am tired already.

#9- I think I can do this.

#10- I'm sorry that I haven't visited you.

#11- My daughter has consumed my life.

#12- I am taking these classes for myself as I am so, so tired of thinking of everyone else.

#13- Please pray for "Retention". As I truly don't know at this point in my life, how much I can retain at one time.

#14- My life has been so busy that I don't know when I'll blog again.

#15- I love and miss you all...

Love Di ♥

" Moonlight Serenade "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:48:00 +0000

Well here we are with yet another full moon. It is beautiful. Yet sleep escapes me for several days when it arrives.

Precious sleep. It's hard to come by with age. And the beautiful full moon,
she doesn't help at all.

So I just go with it knowing that it will pass. My mind races. My body protests.
My children complain of their lack of sleep, all the while telling me that I am crazy for suggesting the fact of the sleepless full moon.

Ah yes, the beautiful yet sleepless full moon.

" Where Was I ? "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 02:44:00 +0000

Oh yeah, I was at the grocery store. I'll bet you thought I was there for quite awhile right? Truth be told, I did give grocery shopping quite a bit of thought after my last post.

I truly was a bit confused as to what I wanted to eat. So many years of pleasing other people, I guess I just forgot what I liked. Well except when someone else cooks for me. I'm not very picky at all when I don't have to think or work for food!!

I did however learn a few interesting things about myself after 54 years. The strangest thing that I discovered was that I don't eat much.

It's true! When no one is around, I don't have much of an appetite. As a matter of fact I think I've lost about five pounds in the last month without even trying. Food, when I am alone becomes a necessity to survive. I really don't have many cravings and do quite well one two meals a day with a yogurt, glass of V8, whole wheat toast with jelly or a few pretzels in between.

Another very interesting discovery that I have made while being alone is that I can live on mostly vegetables and a little fruit. I've had about 12 ounces of fish and 16 ounces of meat, mostly chicken, in an entire week with the rest of my food intake being vegetables, whole grain bread, yogurt and or cottage cheese.

I'm not a huge dessert person. Don't get me wrong here, I love dessert as much as the next person, I just don't crave sweets very much. Example, I buy a large Hershey Dark Chocolate Bar, every two weeks. I have a square or two a day, sometimes skipping a day.
That satisfies that!

When my husband comes home on the weekends I splurge and prepare something special. It's sometimes fattening but not always. Last week I made Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas in which the ingredients included, sour cream and Velveeta. Yeah, that was fattening! But we also had a delicious salad with the help of Lean Cuisine.

Perhaps you've heard of the Lean Cuisine Salad helpers? They are fairly new and you can find them in the freezer section. See, I found my way around the grocery store after all!!!

All you need is lettuce. There is a package of microwavable black beans, chicken, corn, and red peppers. Just microwave and pour on top of lettuce. Meanwhile there was a nice spicy dressing included along with tortilla strips. I also added sliced onion and avocado.
Very tasty. My husband even liked it! They have a few different flavors which I am anxious to try.

It's been nice having a candle light dinner with my husband on the weekend. Something we aren't used to doing together and it looks like will be coming to an end now as our Katie has returned home like a boomerang. It's o.k. I wasn't ready for her to leave yet anyway.

But just so you know, I'm not going to let other people dictate how I eat anymore. From now on, I am eating for myself and I rather like it that way. I've taken care of everyone else long enough. It's time to think about myself. At least once in awhile right?

" Grocery Shopping "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:35:00 +0000

Grocery shopping. This is not a task that I generally give a great deal of thought to nor do I enjoy it in any way.

For instance, I can never remember a time when I've had enough money to get all of the things I'd like let alone need. Never. We've always paid the bills first and whatever was left over, well, that would have to make due.

When my children were all at home, grocery shopping proved to be quite a challenge. Buying enough food to keep everyone fed and for the most part happy, wasn't always easy.

I do believe this is one of the reasons that I've never liked cooking. That's not to say that I am not a good cook. I am, tooting my own horn here, a good cook. My specialties being soups, a talent that I picked up from my grandmother Laverne and my ex in-laws. I also have a great talent, or so I've been told, for making something out of nothing. This I think came from my father who was a cook in the Sea Bee's. We didn't have much money in those days either. What extra we did have, my father drank so he was good at making something out of nothing.

Back to grocery shopping. I had to do a bit of it yesterday and it was an eye opening experience for me. You see this was the first time that I can remember, being able to shop for myself. I found this to be quite confusing as I quickly realized that I didn't know what to buy for myself. Oh there were those items, staples, we used to call them that we needed, but I truly didn't have a clue what I wanted to eat for the next few days!

I've always shopped for food with my children and husband in mind and I actually did buy a couple of things I could cook that my husband would like. Even though I rarely cook anymore much to my husbands dismay. I've put my own tastes on the back burner for so long trying to satisfy everyone else that I really didn't know what I liked or wanted anymore.

I love vegetables, all of them except for Eggplant which I'm allergic to. I always try to keep a big container of salad in the fridge for lunch and or dinner. Unfortunately finding good fresh vegetables right know is costly so I resorted to a lot of frozen ones. I only eat red meat a couple of times a month. Chicken and fish is my norm.

I like to eat healthy. Something the rest of my family could care less about. And now I can. My biggest problem now is cooking. I still hate it and I certainly don't like doing it for myself. I consider it a huge waste of time. I don't like food THAT much !!

So after my little adventure in the grocery store yesterday I came to the conclusion that I need to take some time to find some fast, easy and healthy recipes. It's much easier to buy the frozen lean meals but they really aren't that healthy for you. The sodium content is usually pretty high and I don't find them very satisfying.

So I will be giving this some more thought in the coming weeks. I will gladly accept any QUICK, EASY, HEALTHY recipes you may send my way!!

" Period of Adjustment "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 12:45:00 +0000

I know I've been gone for sometime now from Blogland. Haven't really felt like sharing. So many of you have emailed, facebooked messages and even called to make sure I am alright.

I want to thank all of you for your concern. I am alright now but it was a rough road there for a while. Right now I am going through a period of adjustment.

The custody problems with my son and DIL have settled down for now. After mediation with attorney's, they both seem to behaving in a more adult manner concerning the sharing of my grandchildren.

Which is good for all concerned.

My husband had to have yet another sinus surgery in November. Not a pleasant surgery. It was his fifth or sixth one and I just pray it will be his last. After that he was very sick and home from work for sometime.

In the meantime our little girl told us just days before Christmas that she was moving out. Our last bird flew the coop.

I don't think she was ready for this. My husband doesn't think she was ready for this. Neither one of us was ready for this so soon.

However, I don't know that we would have ever been ready for this. She left before Christmas and it was a difficult time for Jake and I. It still is. But she is 18 and and we couldn't stop her.

Needless to say this broke our hearts. We both became very depressed. Jake and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary on December 29th and it was the first time in 23 years we've been without children.

With my husband being gone five to six days of the week, this is the first time that I have ever been alone in 54 years.

This has been a very big period of adjustment for me.

Although I do enjoy my own company, it seems so strange being alone all the time. Lord knows I have plenty to keep me busy, so much so that I have trouble keeping up. That's not the problem.

I miss Kate so much. I have seen her a few times and we talk on the phone. It's just so hard for me to accept that she isn't a little girl. She still seems like one to me.

Some good has come out of it though. Jake and I have time alone now and have discovered that we do just fine when we are alone together. It's pretty peaceful. We worried about that for years.

But not anymore. It's actually very nice.

I couldn't do anything with Kate's room for awhile. I just kept hoping that she would change her mind and come back home.

But the other night I couldn't take it anymore and started taking all of the things off the walls that she didn't want to take. She took pretty much everything with her. What she didn't, we agreed that I would pack it up and she would get it at another time.

The walls in that room are just terrible. Full of tape and nail holes.

I plan on fixing all of the walls, repainting and turning it into my craft/sewing room. The sunlight in there is wonderful and it has a south and west view of my entire little yard. It will be nice to sit and look out the windows while working on a project.

Of course Kate could change her mind and want to come back home. In which case I'd let her have the room back.

I just don't know what the future holds but for now I am taking things one day at a time trying to move forward.

It's been tough but I'm working through things.

I'm slowly making my way through life without children. It's been filled with them for 35 years. The grandchildren help with that end.

I don't know when I'll blog again. I've been doing a lot of rearranging in my house and my life.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am, for the most part,

alright.

" Diana's Household Diaries. Finding Humor Through Troubling Times."

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 02:07:00 +0000

Thanksgiving Day conversation.

Youngest daughter says sarcastically to oldest daughter,

" We're going to have so much fun going through all of mom's crap when she dies."

To which oldest daughter replies in a bubbly voice while smiling,

"Yeah I know, I can't wait!!!".

Enough said.

" Hello Everyone "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Hello my friends. This is just a quick post to let everyone know that I haven't been online much at all or visiting blogs.

My family is going through two crisises at the same time.

We're all physically alright but the emotional toll has

been exhausting to say the very least.

I'm still praying daily and hope to see some light soon.

For now though my mind is consumed with worry, pain, anger, and lots of sorrow.

Please pray for my family and I hope to be back visiting soon.

I just can't focus on anything else right now.

Love Di ♥

" For Rebecca "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:20:00 +0000

I have a wonderful Blog friend who's name is Rebecca.

She has a few different blogs, all very interesting on there own but I came to know her through her Blog,

"Life and Godliness"

Now I can't honestly say how long we've been following each other because well, it seems to me that the older I get the faster time

goes by. But that's not really important.

Rebecca's post's always seem to inspire me in one way or another.

Whether it be through God's word, crafting, thrifting or just striving to do the best that she can everyday.

This brings me to why I am posting this today. Over time Rebecca has requested to see certain things of mine and I always intend on posting about them but always put it off for one reason or another.

So today I decided to just go ahead and do it.

On her blog today she had a great idea for her fireplace which I thought was ingenious!! Then I explained what I do to my Mantle.

She said she wanted to see it so without further ado...

here you go Rebecca, the Mantle.

I apologize for the poor picture quality. I don't know if it's me or my camera. So here is another photo.

I have made different "Skirts" I guess you'd call them, for different seasons. This one is the Autumn one. I used to have a Halloween one but have since stopped decorating for Halloween.

I also have one for Christmas but I think I may make a new one this year. It's very simple. I just measure the length around the Mantle (sides included), double that measurement and just sew it as you would a simple curtain. I leave a small pocket across the top to thread some elastic through and tack it up.

Very simple. The one above also has a leaf garland that I hung over the skirt. You can make it longer if you want, mine is about 8 inches counting the quarter inch hem and half inch pocket.

I don't think Rebecca knows this but I did a post about my Tin Collection because of her. She had posted about her Tins quite awhile ago. It had to have been over a year ago at least.

Do you remember that Rebecca? Well after I read your Tin post, I started thinking and took a look around my own house and realized that I also had a Tin Collection. I never gave it a thought and wasn't consciously collecting them until AFTER I read her Tin post.

So you see how simple it is for other's to inspire us?

I couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've felt down in the dumps and read one of Rebecca's posts only to be picked up by God's words and wisdom.

Now before I end this post I will tell you that Rebecca's really been wanting to see my little upstairs apartment. I call it my apartment because no one likes to go up there!! They don't like the stairs!!

It is my refuse. My sanctuary. I love it up there.

It's not very fancy or beautiful but it's so, so quite up there and peaceful. So I am going to end this post with a few photo's for Rebecca, of my little apartment!

Here sits Pixie, guiding the way.

My cats live up there too as they don't like the dogs!!

Notice the Tin sitting on the old stove.

You've reached the top of the stairs.

What's behind the curtain?

Here's what you'll see first.

Spare bed used mainly for grandchildren!!

The view facing the spare bed.

This is what you'll find behind the spare bed.

All of those books and magazine's,

All crochet patterns!!

Also behind the spare bed,

all of my girly stuff !

The long hallway, closet on the left.

At the end of the hallway there are lots of children's books and some toys for the grandchildren.

Self Explanatory!!

My craft room

next to the bathroom.

My room,

small yet cozy!!

View from foot of bed.

Almost done.

My favorite chair.

So that's it Rebecca.

It's not the most beautiful little apartment

but it's mine and I love it.

As a matter of fact now that I think about it,

Jake liked the house for the fireplace and I liked it for the upstairs.

There are also two bedrooms downstairs.

I just want Rebecca to know that I haven't forgotten her requests.

If I've forgotten anything else, blame it on my brain!!

Please visit my friend Rebecca if you haven't already.

She is very inspirational too me,

And we are both

THRIFTAHOLICS!!!

" One of THOSE Days "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:39:00 +0000

And it's not even half way through!!

It all started this morning, well last night actually. I haven't been feeling myself since the surgery. I've been feeling very tired but I chalked that up to having surgery twice within a bit over a month.

My hands are doing great by the way or else I wouldn't be typing right now. No my hands aren't the problem. I started feeling sick last night while trying to sleep. It wasn't until this morning that I realized that I have a cold or something, I think everyone I know has or has had whatever it is that I have!!

Anyway I wasn't going to let not feeling good stop me from my day of thrifting! No sir not me. I started my morning by taking a shower which in turn ticked off my teen who wasn't done getting ready for school. "To bad I say, you're out!" as I kicked her out of the bathroom. Which as it turned out, was good that I did. We had a water main break shortly after that. I did manage to get the shower done before it broke.

No water. None.

Here they are working on it.

They said we would have water in a couple of hours, that was four and a half hours ago. I'm still waiting. Good thing I had four gallons of water in the pantry but that doesn't help when flushing!

I left the water problems and the house behind as I got in my car and left. Heading the thirty or so miles to the thrift shop which is just past my son and DIL's old house that they used to occupy together. That's when the tears started to flow. I don't know what came over me other than sadness for the loss of what used to be I suppose. But I felt the fool driving down the road crying when the whole purpose of the trip was to get away and enjoy myself!!

Road to thrift store.

There's a lot of farmland around here and trees that are looking more and more naked.

How ridiculous I felt driving and crying so I found a good song on the radio, turned it up and dried my tears.

I arrived at the thrift store and as usual had a great time looking around. I had my mind set on some more Autumnal decorations but they were pretty much all gone. I did grab these two little statues however. Last time they weren't priced but today they had a $3.00 price tag on them so I bought them.

I thought they were very cute! I also bought a small vase similar to the one I posted a few weeks ago only this one was orange. I used both of them for my reed diffusers.

I found a beautiful, brand new, satin, quilted, full size bedspread and shams, again BRAND NEW, the color of my bedroom, for $8.00.

I was going to throw them in the wash to soften them up today but well, no water.

Pleased with my finds today I headed home. On the way I took a detour to my DIL's house. What the heck, right?

I was so glad that I did. I was welcomed with open arms and a cup of tea which I was desperately in need of as my throat was feeling funky not to mention the rest of me.

That was a decision I was glad that I made. We talked and talked just like days gone by. The love is still there and I don't think that will ever change.

My grandson was home as well so I was able to visit with him a bit before he would be off to pre-school.

I didn't stay too long as my DIL had to go to work but it was a good visit. I was glad that I stopped. I'm pretty sure she was too.

I really miss her.

I'm on my way home now and it's raining, dreary. Again I turn up the music and sing on my drive home. I make it in the door to find there is still no water as I stated previously.

Then my daughter Katie calls me from work/school. She works in the cafeteria at school now which is much more convenient than McDonalds as there is no driving involved. Also no late nights.

It seems that she is having a bad day at work. She wants me to call the school and have her sent home. I can just picture my husband right now. I know he would be thinking, if only I could have Di call my work to have them send me home because I'm having a bad day, LOL!!! He'd be home everyday. We'd be homeless!!

I told Katie that she's tougher then that and that she could stick it out for another hour and a half. She's due home any minute and I know she is going to be irritated with me. Teenagers are so much fun (Sarcasm).

I sure hope the rest of the day goes a bit smoother. Water would be nice. I think I'll go make myself a cup of tea and pray they get the water main fixed soon.

So how was your day?

Update: We have water!!!!!!!
Praise Jesus and the City of Mt. Vernon.

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000

" Hello Friends ! "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 23:52:00 +0000

Good evening from Southern Illinois!

It's a beautiful Autumn evening here, windy yet mildly warm with a storm on the way. I went outside and sat on my front porch earlier to take some pictures of the pretty fall trees around the house.

This one was taken of the trees across the street.

The corner.

The next one I took from my upstairs window.

The building is the top of our garage.

It's getting darker outside now and I can hear the rumbles of thunder off in the distance. I have already brought my weather radio downstairs in expectaion of it going off later.

I can hear it from upstairs but don't like having to run upstairs to fetch it so it's already handy!

As I was walking the dogs around the yard yesterday I thought I had better take a few photos of the last of the bloomed flowers in the yard. They are still going strong but I don't expect that to last much longer as I'm sure a frost will be visiting here soon.

The Lantana's still have gorgeous color!

Although the leaves are stating to yellow.

The Ice Plant.

This was a close up.

They are quite big actually about four to five feet in diameter.

I have two of these pretty yellow perennials.

I don't remember what they are called but I do have it written down somewhere.

They look very delicate to me.

The next one is a combination of Petunia's and another plant that I forgot the name of ! My husband loves this plant and calls it a Snowball flower!!

Oh my!! My dogs Ruby and Roxy are having a fit !!

It's thundering and lightening out now and they don't like it at all.

Ruby runs around and barks at the thunder...

And poor little Roxy sits as close to me as she can and just shakes

and shakes !!

Not a very good photo of little Foxy Roxy but it does show her scared face. Poor little thing.

I will finish up here so that I can cuddle her.

That's what's going on in and out of the house.

I have to be at the hospital at 6:30 tomorrow morning for my left hand Carpel Tunnel release surgery. It's a quick and easy surgery, about 15 minutes.

My right hand is almost completely healed now and the numbness is completely gone from that hand. So if all goes well, I should be all healed up for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving Day.

Ready to cook and entertain. I can be very entertaining you know!!

Another thing I'm looking forward to is crocheting again. I really miss it.

Oh there goes that thunder again. I better close the windows and calm the dogs. I hope you all have a wonderful evening.

I'll be back soon, God willing.

Goodnight...

Taking My Husband's Advice!"

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:41:00 +0000

After church yesterday, I didn't really have much to do. My husband who had left for work before church, suggested that I do a blog post but I just haven't been feeling it.

Picture of husband. I believe our granddaughter Sarah, took this as I was surprised to see it when I looked at my photos!!

I suppose there were plenty of things that I could have done but I just decided to be lazy.

It was a peaceful weekend. I bought some groceries on Friday, picked up husband from the truck that afternoon and then we both came home and cooked.

I made a pot of potato soup while Jake made a pot of chili. The chili went over better than the soup did. It was really delicious. Jake fixed me a bowl with cheddar cheese, sour cream and oyster crackers on top. It was DELICIOUS!

Saturday we went outside. Jake picked up all of the yard ornaments as I packed them. Then we cleaned the garage, made room for the big table, chairs and hose that will be brought inside in a few weeks. We're leaving them out for now in anticipation of having another fire before winter. We worked well and quickly together. And that's all out of the way before I get my left hand done this coming Thursday. The only things left outside are a few potted plants that are still hanging in there as well as the Cannas that aren't ready to be dug up yet. Unfortunately we don't live far enough south to leave them in the ground, they freeze.

When we were done and came inside, husband wanted to play video games and I wanted to clean the shadow box in the dining room. It's been awhile since it's been cleaned really well so it took some time. I think it came out rather nicely!!

Also as I was looking through my China Cabinet I found a little teapot that my mom had given me years ago. When I took it out, I noticed that it went rather well with the salt and pepper shakers that I picked up a few weeks ago!

Isn't he cute!

That evening we went out on the front porch to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Talked to a few of the neighbors and then my husband pointed out that the Lilac bush that my girls gave me on Mother's Day, was still blooming!!!

It's supposed to bloom all spring and summer. It's not very big yet but it is very pretty and here are the blooms...

I love this little bush and hope it makes it through the winter. I think I will put some extra mulch around it.

As I said before, I took Jake to his truck Sunday Morning and went to church. The rest of the day I played "Lazy" !

This morning I am going to the doctor for my pre-surgical visit for the left hand carpel tunnel release surgery on Thursday. My right hand is doing very well, no problems at all. So I will be glad to get this hand done and get this SURGICAL year behind me!!!!

Until next time, thanks for stopping by!!

" What Have I Been Up to ?"

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 23:42:00 +0000

Well I will tell you! First off I had my stitches taken out on Wednesday, YaY !! The hand is doing very well in fact I am looking forward to getting the left one done on the 18th of this month, October.

Now I'd like to say that I've been feeling much better but in fact I seem to have caught a little bug. It goes something like this:

My son and/or granddaughter caught a bug.

My son and /or granddaughter passed it to my grandson who in turn passed it to Katie my teen who then shared it with her dad whom I suspect shared it with me or perhaps Katie shared it with me.

Or my grandson and/or granddaughter shared it with me and I kept it a secret unbeknownst to me and shared it with my husband and/ or...

Oh never mind, I think you get it!!

So anyway I was feeling better today so I decided to get out the ladder from the basement, clean and rearrange the shelves above my kitchen sink. Something I've been needing and wanting to do for some time now. I took down several old nick knacks and put up part of my tin collection. So now it's all clean and looks like this...

I like the change. Hey look out my kitchen window and you can see all of the Morning glories growing on the fence!!

Here's a better picture that I took this morning. I can't believe it's October and they still look so beautiful!!

I took so many photos of Morning Glories this year. I'm ashamed to say that I took more photos of them then I did the grandchildren!!

Oh well, I will probably have them overnight this weekend so maybe I can get some photos then.

Last weekend, when my husband was just starting to catch

"The Bug", we spent three days helping my son to move. He rented a small yet very cute house. This is actually the first house that he has lived in alone. Sort of strange that he owns two houses, both of which are being occupied by my DIL and her family. But I think this is good for him. Good to get away from all of the constant memories. I pray for him everyday.

He may be 34 but he is still my first and will always in my heart, be my baby.

On the second day of the move, I was sort of useless being one handed and all. Oh I helped pack some kitchen things but paid dearly for it later on!! So anyway I had earlier (Thanks to my son) in the month, discovered a NEW THRIFT STORE !!!

Yes you heard me right, and let me tell all of you thriftaholics out there, this is the best one yet!! I've been twice so far and have spent over twenty bucks there. If you are a true thrifter, you know that means I came home with some good buys.

Here's just a few of the bargains I found...

This cute little necklace opens to hold medications or secret

scrolls!!! $ 1.00

Old canning jar and pretty vase, $ 2.50.

Large fruit bowl, I paid $ 6.00 for this which I thought a bit high but I really needed a bigger fruit bowl!

Since we will be having Thanksgiving dinner this year I wanted different set of salt and pepper shakers. I have an older pair but the kids love to play with them so I picked these up for $ 1.50!!

I already have two or three gravy boats but I thought this set was more suitable for Thanksgiving Day.

I believe it was $ 1.50. It's probably hard to tell from my photo but it's nice and big.

I've been doing a lot of thrifting this summer. I'm going to end this post with some of my other finds from the past few months.

Lord help me, I think I'm addicted !!

One of my favorite finds. This really is an old tin.

I added some new/old hankies to my collection. When my daughter Ginny visited this summer, I gave her a few of the one's she really liked.

This is one of my favorites. It's a perfume amulet. I wear it all of the time.

Oooops!! My two cats, Pixie and Dixie.

I didn't get them from the thrift shop! My mom actually gave them to us several years ago, Hi Girls!!!

Pretty blue plant mister.

Oh Dear!! I don't know how these found their way to my house! I promised my sweet husband that I wouldn't buy anymore Christmas stuff but they matched my snowman collection!!!

Sorry Sweetie!!

Look closely in the Autumnal picture frame.

That's me, Hi !!

I found this at the "New" thrift store. It's obvious I hadn't dusted or cleaned it yet! It's a napkin/flatware holder. I thought I could maybe put some other kitchen do dad's in it.

It was cleaned today!!

I did buy more things while thrifting this summer.

These were just the latest.

Thrifting is like therapy to me and apparently,

I needed a lot of that this summer!!

Until next time, enjoy the weekend.

Fall is here!!!

"So, I'm Here, Sort Of."

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 23:01:00 +0000

I've been so lazy since I've had this surgery. Lazy, lazy, lazy.

Haven't felt like reading books or blogs. I did find a Word Search puzzle game on line that I liked. I love word searches and have been doing quite a few of those.

I cheated for Katie whenever she would bring word search's home for homework. She hated to do them so I would do them for her. She say's she was never any good at them, probably because I did them for her, oh well. I'm sorry to all those teachers that sent them home with her. But it is what it is and she always got an "A" for them.

How about that Green Bay- Seattle game last night? I think that Ref strike needs to be settled. That was crazy stupid! The Packers won that game, I don't care what the Refs called. Not a big football fan but I do watch with my husband when the Packers play. He's a big Packers fan. I like Dance Mom's.

So I discovered these past few days that it is possible to do dishes one handed!! Don't freak out, I just got really bored and wanted a challenge. Jake was hovering over me all P.O.ed because I was even attempting it. The hardest part is washing the silverware. But I discovered that if you put a soapy, wet dishrag across the sink, you can wipe the silverware on that. Mind you this all takes a long time with one hand but it can be done damn it!!!!

I was able to go to church Sunday and my husband actually came with me, will miracles never cease? Pastor talked about our Baptism's and how we as Lutherans consider it a sacrament.

Later after service Jake and I talked about our own Baptismal experiences. Well mostly his as I was a baby and don't remember that day.

That same afternoon Jake and I went to my son's house for a B.B.Q. It seems so different now that he is separated but he cooked us a great meal and we had a good time with the grandkids.

It was a GOOD day. I just want my son to be happy.

That's what I pray for.

I've been able to use my right hand pretty darn well. I just can't get it wet because of the stitches. I get the bandaging off tomorrow and then the stitches should come out next week sometime, not sure on that yet. This whole experience brought back a memory from the fourth grade for me. I was living in Chicago and it was a typical cold winter day. I remember looking out the window to see if the sidewalks were clear enough for me to walk to school without wearing my boots. The sidewalk just looked wet so I wore my street shoes. That's what we called them back then.

As I started my walk to school that day I realized that the sidewalks were covered in ice. So being that I only had my slippery leather shoes on, I walked more cautiously. There was a group of older girls walking behind me and I remember over hearing them say something to the effect that there was no such thing as Santa Claus.

I guess that statement erased my caution as I slipped and fell hard on the ice. Those same girls saw what happened and helped me walk the rest of the way to school and took me inside to the office. There was a very cranky secretary inside that kept telling me that I was being a big baby because I was crying while telling her that I broke my arm. I couldn't understand why she would not believe me.

Several hours later and a trip to Chicago Children's Memorial hospital confirmed the fact that I had a compound fracture of my upper right arm. I don't know what that bone is called but it was broken in half and nearly sticking through my skin.

I had to wear a cast that went completely around my arm and chest for several months. Needless to say it was then that I learned to use my left hand so well. I can even write with it. So now you know why it hasn't been so bad for me not being able to use the right hand completely.

I am going to have Thanksgiving dinner this year. My son will be here and I do believe that my oldest daughter from N.C. will be coming up as well. I plan on making this a very special Thanksgiving as our family has been through a great deal this past year and we have a lot to be Thankful for.

I'm going to try and schedule my left hand Carpel Tunnel surgery for the last week of October. If the doctor will let me. He said we could set that up tomorrow. This way I should be all healed and good to go before the Holidays. Although my husband is a great cook and always helps me with the food anyway, I'd still like to be able to give it my all if you know what I mean.

I'm really hoping that we'll be able to have our grandchildren here as well but I don't know if that will happen as of yet. I will talk to my D.I.L. about it and see what she says. We are still talking, she's been like a daughter to me for 17 years. That just doesn't go away.

I've been around a little here and there to visit everyone's blogs. If I haven't gotten to you yet please don't take it personally. I just follow so many and have been tired lately. Next week my husband will go back to work from his vacation and I will have more time and hopefully more energy by then. Thanks for stopping by!

" Surgery's Over, I'm Home !"

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:01:00 +0000

Yay... I'm home from the Carpel Tunnel Release surgery and it went so much easier than I had anticipated.

My husband ended up taking his last two weeks of vacation this year so he was able to take me. We arrived at the hospital at 6:00 A.M. and were home by 9:00 A.M.!!

I was the first surgery and it went very well and quickly. All of that anxiety for nothing! As you can see I am typing and it's only 10:40 A.M.!! I am able to use my hand much more that I had imagined which made me very happy. I have stitches in two spots . A few on my palm and a few on my wrist. He also was kind enough to remove a huge wart I had on my thumb for many years so it also has stitches.

The doctor said that the nerve wasn't too bad so I should expect good results. I have to go back next Wednesday to have the wrapping removed at which time they will put some tape over the stitches. In the meantime I can't get it wet at all but I can drive and do anything that doesn't hurt. I am so relieved and happy!

I will get the stitches removed the week after next. At that time I will schedule the other hand. Now that I know how easy it was, I will be glad to have them both done and then perhaps get a good nights sleep for a change.

So that's it for now, I just wanted to share the good news!

Have a great day.

A Bit of This and a Bit of That and So on and So Forth...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 01:27:00 +0000

I'm at a loss for words as of late it seems. So many things have been going on around here that my mind has been having problems focusing. So I am just going to ramble again as that seems to be all that I am capable of lately. I'm also going to post a few random photos of people, events and flowers of this past summer.

Mansion around the corner from my house. A girl can dream right?

I guess the main thing on my mind is my upcoming Carpel Tunnel Release surgery a week from this Thursday on the 20th. I've had Carpel Tunnel in both hands for close to 10 years now and it's come to a point where my splints aren't working anymore. To many sleepless nights, constantly dropping things and not being able to do certain things such as crocheting, has driven me to this.

My grandson Jack, turned four in June.

Judging from this photo I'd say it must feel pretty darn good to be four!!

I am not looking forward to the surgery at all but desperate times call for desperate measures they say. So hopefully all will go well and I can have the left hand done before Christmas.

Katie will take me to and from the hospital for the outpatient surgery. My husband is taking the following week off of work to help me out. I'm digging deep for my faith. I'm really not looking forward to this.

I had another couple of visits from two toads in my yard again this summer. Before the horrible heat wave. Haven't seen the poor little things since.

On a good note, I won't be doing much cleaning for a bit.

Oh... wait, I forgot, I LOVE TO CLEAN !!!

I wonder if I'll be able to use my little finger to type with. Did you know it's the only finger not connected to the nerve that the other's are connected to?

Katie playing "Dress Up" with our Pug, Ruby.

Poor dog.

I did manage to do some sewing today. Kate had a headband that she really liked wearing so I looked up a pattern for it on YouTube.

I told my husband that I wrote down the pattern measurements and instructions. He asked why I just didn't print them out.

Is there any way to print out a video from YouTube?

No he's not stupid. He just didn't know where I got the pattern from.

I made two. They were quick, easy and cute. I haven't taken a photo of them, sorry. I was just happy to do something fun.

Hit and run accident that happened on my front lawn this past spring.

There is a reason I never park in front of my house. It's the third one I've seen since we've lived here.

The neighbors did get a new car.

So whilst I was having fun sewing, I was also doing something I hate. Cooking. I decided to make homemade Beef Teriyaki with rice. It came out very good, in fact both teens LOVED it !!

Which reminds me, when I went to the doctor yesterday to get my clearance for the surgery, he informed me that I had gained five pounds since June.

Daughters, Ginny and Katie.

Balloonfest 2012

I didn't even try to explain that he would have gained five pounds too had he been on a double dose of Cholesterol medication that made me want to sleep 24/7 during a heatwave/drought.

I was a slug, I'll admit it. And I did tell him that I felt like crap the whole time I was on it. I am doing much better since he cut it back.

Don't get me wrong, he's a very caring doctor but sometimes they need to take certain things into perspective.

Balloons get ready for the race.

I've been eating healthy again but still haven't started exercising again. No excuse really. Just laziness I guess.

Everyday I tell myself that I will ride my bike "Today".

Then I just get busy running around until I'm exhausted.

I think you all know what I'm talking about.

Motivation. Don't seem to have it.

I brought all of my Autumnal decorations out last week and decorated the inside of the house. I would like to have more as Autumn is my favorite time of year.

I've made quite a bit of them myself.

Pumpkins are expensive again this year. I used to buy a lot of them for the front porch. I'm thinking we'll be cutting back this year.

Photo that my granddaughter, Sarah, took a couple of weeks ago while spending the night.

Sarah...

Since my son and and my DIL have gone their separate ways, I guess having Thanksgiving Dinner will most likely be at my house this year. Katie is planning a fancy cake for dessert.

I don't know who's going to cook the dinner. Hopefully both hands will be working by then. If not, my husband is an excellent cook!

I can't get enough of these beautiful Morning Glories blooming all down my fence. I have so many photos of them.

Some would probably say too many!

Tomorrow I will go clean my weekly house. It will be my last week for awhile until the doctor says I can go back to it. I will miss this job. My morning talks with Linda. But hopefully things will go well and I will get back to it soon enough.

Grandson Jack.

As for my secretary job at church, I'm just going to see how things go. When I can drive, I can do most of that job with one hand.

I'm pretty sure I can get help from others while I'm out.

Altar.

I told you this was going to be random didn't I ?

Well I'm sorry for that, I've been scatterbrained lately!!

So I will end your misery and sign off for now.

I'm going to try and post at least one more time before next Thursday.

One of my yard Gnomes.

Oh I forgot, I've been doing some Thrifting lately.

I'll try and remember to post some of my "Finds"

soon.

Goodnight.

Just Rambling

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:58:00 +0000

It's Saturday afternoon. I rarely blog on Saturday afternoons or any weekend for that matter.

Two family members are sick. I think I may be too but I prefer to ignore these inconveniences.

You don't have to read this if you don't feel like it. As my title reads, I'm just rambling. Had to use spell check for "rambling". I'm a pretty good speller but never won any awards for it so I do like spell check sometimes. But there are those times that spell check doesn't understand me. That's frustrating. Has that happened to you? I end up thinking, "To hell with it." and use a different word.

My husband came home this morning for the weekend. He is sick and cranky. He likes to drink beer on the weekend. I am going to make him a cocktail. I have some giant lemons and some vodka. I can make a very good Vodka Lemon cocktail. They are small and tasty. They will help him sleep.

I didn't sleep well last night. Been up since 4:00 A.M. I couldn't breathe very well and my carpal tunnel was acting up badly. I am going for a visit with the ortho doctor next week. We will schedule the right hand surgery then. Hopefully I can get the left hand done shortly after. I miss crocheting. I haven't been able to do it for awhile now. It's always been my number one creative outlet. I wish my girls would let me teach them more. They know a few basics, chain stitch, single crochet. But I would love to teach them to read patterns before I die.

My mother was 72 when she passed away from a heart attack. Her second one. She was healthier than I am. This runs through my head a lot. I'm 53.

It's funny how your mind works with things like that. Mom liked to crochet too. I taught her the basics. She could read patterns to an extent. Not hard one's though. I miss her. I can't believe it will be three years this December since she passed. I wonder if she watches over me. I would like to believe she does.

It rained here last night. Remnants of Hurricane Issac. It may rain on and off all weekend. It doesn't bother me. We have been in a drought after all. I would like to go for a walk in the rain. I want to go four wheeling in the mud. I went four wheeling last weekend. By myself. I did it. It was quite exciting. And freeing. At first I found it a bit hard to turn and was afraid I would tip over. But after awhile, I just wanted to go for miles and miles. I want to go again. My son has a four wheeler at his house in the country. I know he wouldn't care if I went out there and did it.

My son and his wife have split up again. I don't know what is going to happen, if it's permanent or not. My heart aches for him. And my Daughter-In-Law. I love her too. But it is what it is. I just want everyone to find peace and happiness in their lives.

This has had me very down lately. Understandably. I was feeling down and extremely tired the past few weeks. And sore. My doctor raised my dosage of my cholesterol pill. He doubled it. I couldn't take it anymore so I called him last week to complain. I said, "I can't take it anymore!". Whats the point of lowering my cholesterol a few points if all I want to do is sleep and ache all the time? So he cut me back. After the first day I felt much better. Also started taking B Complex. I have much more energy again. So I may not live as long as he'd like but at least I can do things and have fun now.

Oh my gosh, everyone is sneezing and moaning.

I think I am going to have a cocktail or two myself tonight. Maybe that will help me sleep too. On a good note, since everyone is sick, I will have time to read everyone's posts.

Oh and speaking of Blog posting, I am just going to spit it out. O.K. here goes. I'm not reading anymore posts that contain all politics. I'm tired of hearing about the election. I'm not interested in hearing about it anymore. I always vote. I always read up on the candidates. I was a Board of Elections Judge for three years. I canvassed the neighborhoods on foot. I did my stint. The one thing I've learned is this, anyone can promise anything. It means little if nothing. The fact of the matter is actions speak louder than words and there is no way of knowing the outcome until after the winner has been elected.

It doesn't excite me anymore. So please don't take offense if I don't read political posts. I'm not one of those people that don't vote and then complains when things don't work out as promised. I vote every election. I just don't want it jammed down my throat 24/7 until November.

I'm sorry if this offends anyone but I do have the freedom of speech, well at least for now!

Well I think my husband wants some attention so I guess that's enough Rambling for now. I hope everyone has a fun weekend. I'll be by for a visit soon. Take care and be safe, Love Di ♥

Diana's Household Diaries " Secret Summer Surprise "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:01:00 +0000

I've decided to be generous and share my "Secret Summer Dessert" recipe with all of you.

This is one of my most requested Summertime desserts and I've made it four or five times over the last few weeks. I lost count.

Then I quit making it because, well,

I just got tired of making it.

It's not very big so it goes fast. My photo of it doesn't do it justice but I'm just not talented like that. You know who you are. The Blogger's that make every dish look so beautiful. I've tried that.

It didn't work for me. Could be because I hate cooking so much that I just do it and serve it up!

This is so good, especially on a hot summer day.

Lemon Torte

12 Graham Cracker Squares, crushed

3 Large eggs, separated

1 Tablespoon Finely grated lemon peel

1/4 Cup fresh squeezed Lemon Juice

1/4 Cup Sugar

1/8 Teaspoon salt

1/4 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Whipped Cream (Whipped) Or I use

2 Cups thawed Cool Whip

Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with half of the Graham Cracker crumbs

In a medium saucepan, combine egg yolks, (Reserve whites in a medium glass or metal bowl, chill) lemon peel, lemon juice, 1/4 cup of sugar and salt. Mix well.

Cook over medium heat until mixture just begins to bubble, stirring constantly. It will be the consistency of pudding. Remove from heat and let cool.

Beat egg whites in chilled bowl until frothy. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

Fold in cooled lemon mixture and Cool Whip.

Pour into pan and top with remaining Graham Cracker crumbs. Freeze for at least four hours. You will want it to be frozen solid.

For longer storage cover with foil but it usually doesn't last very long!

This tastes like a delicious sweet, lemony ice cream. You will get compliments on this dessert!

No need to thank me just try it, you'll like it!!

I don't share my secrets with just anyone you know!!

A Fun Birthday Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:43:00 +0000

After Balloon Fest Friday we all went out for a fun birthday dinner. My youngest daughter's boyfriend Anthony was celebrating his 19th birthday with us and Kate and I wanted to go somewhere special.

We kept seeing television commercials for Fujiyama Steak house and thought it looked like a fun place to go. Plus we all like steak, Kate and Ginny love Sushi, I had never tried it and wanted to so....

We asked Anthony if he may be interested in going there for his birthday. He said it sounded fine to him as long as he could have steak! Well, Kate and I knew that for crying out loud!!

Ginny was here visiting and Jake was on vacation so we took the forty minute or so drive to the steak house.

You have the choice of regular seating or Hibachi. We, of coarse, in unison, said "Hibachi". After all we wanted dinner and a show. And that is exactly what we got.

First we ordered drinks. Ginny had Saki and I ordered a Singapore Sling. They are very good by the way! Everyone else ordered soda. Jake was the designated driver.

We were then served Mushroom soup. Some of us liked it and some didn't. I thought it very mild tasting and good. The next coarse was salad served with a Ginger Dressing, I think we all liked that.

Next came the Sushi. I think we ordered six or more different one's and shared them all. O.K. I like Sushi!!

I think my husband even liked some of it ! Anyway we all had fun sampling the Sushi. So onward to the meal. After we finished our Sushi and ordered more drinks, our Hibachi Chef entered the room with his cart filled with goodies. I have to say that we got very lucky with the chef we had as he was VERY entertaining. The Chef at the table next to us wasn't nearly as entertaining!

He was a great jester as well as chef, which in our family was greatly appreciated! As he was preparing our rice and noodles, we all got the chance to catch it with our mouths as he threw it in the air at us! Ginny and Anthony were the only two that were able to catch the rice!

I believe he was getting ready to toss some rice at Anthony , the birthday boy. Lets just say there was a lot of laughing and screaming going on and it wasn't just from our table. I think we were all having so much fun that everyone else was getting a kick out of it.

Blurry I know! But it was hard catching the shot of Anthony catching the rice, but he did!!

Alright, just for the few of you who may never have had a teen in your life, a rare photo of them smiling simultaneously!

We all had a great and enjoyable meal. Hibachi Steak, Shrimp and Chicken with noodles, rice and vegetables.

My oldest daughter Ginny and myself.

We all had such a great time. This was a dinner that I'm sure we will all remember for a long time. I'm sure we will return again. And I think it was a pretty special birthday dinner for Anthony!

Here's a photo of Jake and I. So long for now!

"What Goes Up...."

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 11:58:00 +0000

I'm so sorry for my absence. I've hardly visited anyone as of late but it's because my husband has been home all week on vacation. I have lots to post about but just for now I have a few photos of last weekends Balloon Festival that I want to share with you.

First off, here's one of me that I didn't know my daughter Ginny had snapped! It was my daughter's Ginny and Kate along with Kate's boyfriend that went to the fest. The kids bought me a nice comfy chair to sit on. The weather was just perfect, a bit chilly towards the end but we just loved it after the heat wave this summer.

Here's the funny part, these are all Ginny's photo's. I still haven't uploaded mine yet!

I must say this was the most relaxing evening that I've had in ages! The crowd was very light. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. We had some delicious treats and saw some gorgeous balloons. I'm going to get some of mine up here soon.

The next day we had some more fun. I'll save that for my next post, until then hope you are having a good weekend!!

"Happy Anniversary To Me"... Total Bilateral Knee Replacement, Post-Op One Year !!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 06:00:00 +0000

They say that time flies. So true isn't it?

It's hard for even me to believe but it's been one year since I've had my knees replaced.

I went for my one year check-up with ex-rays. The bones have healed very well. This is what my knees looked like shortly after the surgery.

I know right? Pretty gross!

And here I am today. As you can see, no more swelling, no more staples, and most importantly,

no more pain!

My scars are fading, slowly. But it doesn't bother me at all. I wear them with pride. I went through a lot to get this far!

I told my surgeon that it now feels as if I never had arthritis and my knees feel like just that,

my knees. They don't feel mechanical at all.

I don't have to see him again for two years. How amazing is that?

I sort of get a kick out of people that will say "Can you do that with your knees?", because I can do more with my knees now than I could before I had them replaced!

It's a good feeling. I am grateful that this technology was available to me. I am grateful that my husband worked so hard to afford this for me.

My oldest daughter, Ginny, is flying in from Raleigh on Friday. We are all going to the Hot Air Balloon Festival in our neighboring town, this weekend. I will tell you this much. Had I not had my knees replaced last year, I would have had to use a wheelchair or simply not gone. I haven't been to the annual festival in years so I am looking forward to seeing all of the beautiful balloons while

"walking"!

I will miss my mom. She used to love going to the festival. But I'm sure she will be walking right along side of me if only in spirit.

Happy Anniversary to me!!!

Shutting Down

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 02:34:00 +0000

Hey Blogger Buddies! Just a quick post tonight. I've been extremely busy this week and I don't see an end anytime soon.

I'm shutting my computer off for a few days. I am preparing for a visit from my oldest daughter Ginny.

She will be here next Friday for the weekend. I'm very excited. I will be back the beginning of next week at which time I will catch up with everyone's posts. I will miss you all!

I have a very special anniversary coming up next week and I hope you will come back for a visit to share my happiness with me.

Until then, may God Bless You.

Love Di ♥

Diana's Household Diaries " My Constant Struggle, Floor Cleaning "

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:57:00 +0000

I am going to have a difficult time with post. You see I have a love/hate relationship with my floors, or anyone's floors for that matter.

First of all I don't like cleaning floors. We have a lot of floors and it's a lot of work. We have two cats, two dogs and two teenagers. I will have my two grandchildren on Monday for an overnight as well. I also clean floors at another house that I clean once a week. So you see I clean a lot of floors.

Here's the other problem. I despise dusty or dirty floors. And for some reason that I don't quite understand, I see every animal hair, speck of dirt, or crumb that may have found it's way to the floor. If I feel dust or a speck of dirt or crumb on my feet, I practically flip out. I'm not a phycoligist but I have a pretty good guess that this may be a bit obsessive. The good news is that I can ignore it to the point that I only do the floors one maybe two times a week.

We have a lot of wood floors in our house. Old wood floors. We only have one room downstairs that is still carpeted. The entire upstairs is carpeted as well as the stairs themselves. So it's a lot of work.

When cleaning my floors I always start downstairs in the living and dining rooms. They tend to collect a lot of "Tumblefur" as we like to call it, from the animals. Now I do have one of these...

It does work well, is very large so it picks up a lot of dust and it can be fun chasing the dogs around with it but I rarely use it as I am an old fashioned kinda girl and I still prefer using these...

Call me crazy, go ahead, I'll wait....

I just find that I am getting more dirt with the old fashioned broom and dustpan. For mopping my wooden floors I use the Rubbermaid mop.

By far my favorite choice and have used it for years. The mop head is replaceable. I have two of them.

This mop does a wonderful job and has a scrubber top as well. As for wood floor cleaner I like to use water and this...

It does a fine job on wood.

Now when it comes to my kitchen floor, I switch to this...

I've used other products in the past, all of which work rather well but I do like a strong, good smelling man so I have to use my Mr. Clean.

It also works well for general cleaning and smells so "FRESH" ! I also use Mr. Clean spray cleaner on my counters and such.

Obviously on my carpets I use a vacuum cleaner. I also have a small carpet cleaner that does a pretty good job.

Before our daughter had her second nasal polyp surgery a few months ago, we ripped all of the carpet out of her room that had been there for God knows how long. It was there before we moved in almost 14 years ago. It was pretty nasty. The hard wood flooring in her room doesn't look very good but we'll wait until she moves out to do something with that floor. The whole room will need to be redone by then anyway.

It takes a lot of time doing all of these floors. There is a lot of furniture that has to be swept and washed underneath. I do take breaks and I rarely do the upstairs and downstairs on the same day. It's just too much.

I'm so happy that I'm getting this post out of the way. Floor cleaning is a very boring subject and I don't think it's fun work at all.

But it is an important part of keeping a clean and healthy household. I usually do my floors mid week or whenever I can find the time through the week. And of coarse I always do floors on Thursday's when I clean house for another family.

I promise I will try to have a more interesting post next time. Maybe I can get some ideas?