Never Enough Time

Use Simply Balisha address .......http://simplybalisha.blogspot.com/

2014-02-22T11:12:00.001-06:00

A Rather Blustery Day

2014-02-21T09:22:00.001-06:00

It's a rather blustery day...as Winnie the Pooh would say. Loved this little story. When my son John was a little guy...he loved Winnie the Pooh...and so did I. Of all the stories The Blustery Day was my favorite. The art work in the story is beautiful....soft water colors. the little creatures seem almost alive. Little touches like Winnie's blue scarf and little night shirt and night cap...make the story come alive. Christopher Robin's very sweet voice when he says, "Silly old bear" was so cute. A.A Milne was the creator and Ernest Howard Shepard the artist and book illustrator. He is known for his human-like animals for The Wind in the Willows and the Pooh stories among others.

We have had wind all night. I had trouble sleeping because of the rattling of things on the house. When I finally got to sleep,the power went off for a while. Then mysterious things started happening in the computer room. The computers went off and then turned on. I kept hearing noises from them too. Probably my dreams were the cause of that. This morning, things aren't right with the computers. It seems that they have a mind of their own...and we both have a few problems.....mainly with Google Chrome.

Right now....the wind is fierce and the sky blue as bluebells with puffy white clouds.Because I didn't sleep well....I'll just do the necessary things around here and maybe doze in the afternoon for a while.We usually go for a fish fry on Friday....maybe we'll get out even though it's a rather blustery day.

Balisha

2014-02-20T16:38:00.001-06:00

Very strange to be sitting in the rocking chair and hearing thunder...then seeing lightning, with the ground covered with deep snow. Birds are scarce today....Where do they go?
Balisha

Where is Your Favorite Place to Read?

2014-02-20T11:44:00.002-06:00

This is a replica of the chair that John F Kennedy used. I bought one at the same place where he used to buy his. It's a comfortable chair...if we could find a place for it.. near good lighting...I know I would sit there to read.

Where is or was your favorite reading spot? Where do you go to be all alone with your book? Is it possible for you to hide away and read? What gives you comfort while you read? A cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or a soda? Maybe nothing comes between you and your book.
My favorite reading spots and habits have changed through the years.

When I was a little girl...my first favorite spot was on a brown horsehair arm chair, with my Dad reading to me. He read me stories every night before he left for work. He was an animated reader...many times changing voices of the characters as he read along. As I grew up and learned to read myself...I enjoyed reading in my bedroom. I had a cushioned window seat, in the dormer, where I could while away the hours with a good book.My mother would say, "Why do you lie there all cramped up...when you can read downstairs in a comfortable chair?" She didn't know how I loved the window seat in the privacy of my room. Later on, when my family started, it was hard to read for myself.I was reading cookbooks and newspapers. I mostly read to the kids...me sitting in a chair or lying on their bed while they listened to me reading. When the years followed, and I was an empty nester...I read lying down...on the couch or in bed before going to sleep.I had a little book light that I could clip on the book and read without disturbing my husband. Now, I find that my favorite spot has changed...I read where the light is good. I can hardly read lying down anymore....so I have found a place to read that is near a window or on the couch near an Ott lamp.In the summer I read magazines on my porch. Too many distractions to read books, but glancing at magazines...just fine. I read on the computer and find that my eyes get tired so fast...reading isn't quite the pleasure that it used to be. Now, don't get me wrong...I still love a good book and most times have one that I am reading. I'm more selective...don't waste my time reading something that I don't love.....I find that out early on and make a trip back to the library to find another. I see people reading in the library. I always wonder why....do they find peace there with no one to disturb them, do they not have a comfortable place at home to read, or do they read there to get out of the house and be around people? I see mostly men reading the newspaper there...older men my age. Is this a way to get out of the house and have a change of view? I'm glad that there are comfortable chairs for people to use at the library...what ever their reason is for being there... I have books stacked in several places...I've been in homes where there are no books...and I wonder about that. I wish that everyone could have the love of books that I do....and a comfortable spot for reading.
Balisha

A Few of My Favorite Things

2014-02-19T12:43:00.002-06:00

Snow line is where the shadow starts. Over three feet of snow.

What a beautiful day today....Sun shining, birds singing (well, a couple that is) people out walking....hard to believe this the the calm before the storm. So, instead of grousing about the weather coming...here are a few of my favorite things.

Sun coming in my garden window..
The smell of a casserole baking in the oven...
Playing online scrabble with my daughter...on her way to Belize..
The afternoon ahead... with time for fun..
Downton Abbey on the DVR..
The titmouse in the feeder..
Snow melting..
Joe's surprise for me...a piece of cake with cream cheese frosting..
Just read Susan Branch's post..
Comfy clothes..
New computer ordered...early birthday present from Joe..
Finished book and a new one started...
Knitting dish cloths..

Just a few things to look forward to this afternoon. I intend to fill the bird feeders before storm hits...thawed a pork roast for crock pot meal tomorrow, and I want to clean up around computer...so I'm ready for the new one.
Have a nice afternoon....Take care,
Balisha

The Swimsuit by Balisha

2014-02-17T09:17:00.001-06:00

This is my friend Nancy's little great granddaughter, Aaliyah. She just got a new swim suit and was the inspiration for this poem.Little Aaliyah is just starting out... Don't you wonder what life has in store for her? Hope it's sweet.

The Swimsuit by Balisha

Looking out my window... a surprise there for me...
More snow coming down...t'was an old sight to see.
Never mind the snow...I had a job to do..
No time to eat breakfast...Joe hadn't a clue.
A swimsuit was needed...I must buy one soon..
I went on the computer ... to buy one by noon.
I clicked away...Lands End then LL Bean's...
I wanted one.. to make me look very lean.
I found one...a floral..I started then to quiver.
Had to wait for days... till it was delivered.
I quickly took the box to the mirror... down the hall..
So pleased I didn't have to go to the mall.
Took off my clothes... looked in the mirror on the wall..
Didn't think I looked bad..so glad that I 'm tall.
My legs went in... my fanny was left..
Tried to pull it up...this all made me fret.
Things just weren't right...when did I change?
The size on the label was just in my range.
When did I get that little bulge there?
Some wrinkles had dropped...I wasn't aware.
My torso was long because I am tall..
My body had changed was the answer.. that's all.
Why do we fight it and drive ourselves crazy..
It's a natural thing... even old minds get hazy.
Put it back in the box...and sent it away..
Had a smile on my face and wanted to say.
"This one didn't work, but I am ready for more"..
I'm determined to find one...I'm not keeping score.
Maybe a blue or a red or a pink...
When the postman delivers I'll give him a wink.
And run to the mirror that hangs on the wall..
And start it all over....hate going to the mall.

Balisha

Sunlit Sunday

2014-02-16T09:46:00.000-06:00

I always admired this print, when my mother in law was alive. She told me often that I could have it, because I was taking art lessons at that time. When she died...this was the thing that meant the most to me. I brought it home and it has graced my walls ever since.Now there is a little crack of sunlight shining on it in the window.

Joining Sunlit Sundays today...Here's the link...http://mylittlehomeandgarden.blogspot.com/

Balisha

Thoughts Go Through My Head on Saturday

2014-02-15T15:25:00.000-06:00

I passed by these little plants yesterday...hanging in the garage. It looks like some little creature has taken up residence there among the succulents. The soil is disturbed...I hope who ever it was didn't burrow down and start eating the roots. These hearty plants don't have much of a root system, however. You can pretty much break one off and just plop it into the ground and it will take root. If you remember, this is a hanging basket. I experimented with it last summer, and it was so successful that I may try another this summer. Can you tell I'm tired of snow and looking forward to the growing season?I have a strawberry jar that needs redoing and some plants for my other succulent planter are spending the winter downstairs.

I'm going to get ready for gardening starting right now. I have my exercise video ready and Joe has the Dr's. OK to go to the pool. So, this next week we start with water walking again. It will feel so good to get going and do some exercising...after being sloth like all winter. We'll swim on Mon, Wed, and Fri. Then Joe can go to therapy on Tues. and Thurs.

Still fussing with swimsuits. Men have it so easy...just put on a pair of swim trunks and jump in. We women have to find a suit that fits all our parts and still looks good. If you ask a man, "How does this one look?" Most likely he'll say, "Fine." You say..." Is this too tight?" He'll say, "Aren't swimsuits supposed to be tight?" So big help that he is...why didn't we put a three way mirror in the closet?

This morning I saw a tiny bird in the corner of our hanging shelf feeder. He was puffed up and shivering. I think that he was dying. I watched for quite a while and he stayed there. Such a sad little thing. A couple of hours later he was gone. I'll never know what happened. This harsh winter has been so hard on wildlife. I can hardly eat a meal and look out at the empty feeder on the deck. Little birds still come there...even if we fill the one in the front of the house...they like the back one better. Not safe for me to go out there...so they will have to find the front feeders.

Well, gotta go. Today is Joe's son Dan's birthday. He and Melody are coming out for dinner tomorrow. I made the pasta sauce this morning....we'll have all the fixins along with birthday cake.

So, we've gone from planters to birthday cake. A lot of things went through my head as I sat and wrote this post.

See you tomorrow,

Balisha

Happy Valentine's Day from Joe

2014-02-14T07:15:00.001-06:00

It's Valentine's Day. Yesterday, Joe left for physical therapy a little early. He just recently started driving to therapy.He made a stop at the store first. He got out of the car and using his walker, walked to the floral department. He picked out what he wanted and the girl told him that she'd make it up for him. He told her that he had an appointment at therapy....she said that she would look out the window to watch for him and then she would bring them out to the car. That way he wouldn't have to come all the way back in. After therapy, there she was, and the two of them figured out how to hold them secure in the cup holder. I told about this girl in a post... a while back...and this is what I mean about shopping in little local stores. They are all so friendly and go the extra mile for their customers.

Most of you know that Joe had his hip replaced the day after Christmas. He was just at the doctor and the hip is fine and the incision is healed...the only thing wrong is the edema in his thigh and some bursitis. He had his knee replaced 15 yrs. ago....and of course it's on the surgery side.He's been having pain there too. So, for now, until they get the leg back to normal, he will have to use a walker. Knowing how hard it was for him to do this, makes these flowers extra special. He couldn't let Valentine's Day go by without getting me something.

I know that Joe reads this blog...so just want to say how much I love you.
Balisha

Tulips in the Window

2014-02-13T16:57:00.000-06:00

Do you see the tulips in my window? This window cling was part of my birthday present from my daughter last year. I put them away in a drawer and forgot about them. I found them when I was putting some Christmas things away and almost ran to the window to put them on display. I love them. I was thinking that these would be such a bright bit of spring on a winter's day. I heard a weather forecast for the end of next week...maybe the 60's...hooray! Today in the 30's and I went out without my scarf wrapped around my mouth. I saw lots of squirrels venturing out and the little titmouse pair were at the feeder. Now, I'm going to get you excited....I heard a cardinal singing this morning. Can good weather be far off?
Here's a little poem for today...

Tulips in the Window, by Balisha

Happy Birthday Mom and here's a gift for you...
Tulips for your window... when you are feeling blue.
The cardinals and the sparrows were chatting just this morn..
The other birds just waiting... looking so forlorn.
Then they spied the flowers and started singing tunes..
They sang of Spring and warmth and the merry month of June.
"The snow will have to go,"I said. Won't be much longer dears...
Just enjoy the window flowers and sing the songs I love to hear.

Little Girls I remember Well

2014-02-12T13:48:00.001-06:00

I was saddened yesterday to hear about Shirley Temple's death. She was a little older than me and was America's Sweetheart. Mom and I loved her movies and I think Mom tried to make my hair look like hers....using that dreaded curling iron to make my very straight hair curly. This little girl made life easier during the depression...she brought a smile to every one's face.

Then five more little girls came into my life. The Dionne Quintuplets. Five little babies born to a couple in Canada. It seems that these precious little ones were used for advertising on so many household items in our country.. I only remember this calendar that hung in our kitchen. Mom was fascinated by them...as were many other people. I was reading about them this morning and found that only two are still living. They were used to promote all kinds of products, earning their country $20 million a year during the depression. They were exploited and the two remaining have to fight for money even now.

I was a little girl just at the end of the depression...this was such a time of little money. Simple things made us happy in those days. Sitting on the horsehair sofa, with some bread with brown sugar on top, and a cup of ovaltine, and listening to Shirley sing the classic song... "On the Good Ship Lollipop." We had a big floor model radio in those days...that along with the old upright piano were the focal points in our house.We had very little, but I thought we were rich...because of the love in our home.

Balisha

My Winter Interest

2014-02-11T09:29:00.002-06:00

I don't have a lot of time to be on the computer this morning...we are going to Joe's dr. appt later today. I just thought I'd post a few pictures from the woods.

Snowy days have been quite boring lately, but in the woods....things are never boring.

The statues take on a new look with snow all around and on top of them. Aren't they pretty with their coat of white?

Gardeners say to leave some grasses and dried flower stalks for "winter interest" My winter interest plants are under a blanket of snow. I didn't plan on showing these statues again until warmer weather, but they seem to be the perfect winter interest feature in my garden.
Hope you enjoy them.
Balisha

How I Developed a Sweet Tooth

2014-02-10T11:11:00.001-06:00

It all began with World War ll. Dad was away in Germany and Mom and I were on our own. A friend of Mom's and her little boy moved in with us to share expenses. I was in kindergarten at the time. I've told about them bringing a toaster with them before, but that's the beginning of the story. After school...toast with cinnamon sugar on it for a treat. Some days just a bread and butter sandwich with sugar or brown sugar was waiting or a graham cracker. I don't remember having cookies at home in my younger years. I used to walk home with a little boy and he would invite me to come in to get a sugar cookie.... that his grandma had just baked. That happened many times...I hope that wasn't the only reason I walked home with him. He didn't have many friends...I felt sorry for him and walked with him most days....getting my reward when we got to his house. My mom didn't like to make cookies...though all her life she tried to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookie.....or Toll House cookies as she called them. When I got older....that became my job in the kitchen. We always had cookies in the cookie jar then.Mom made pies and fudge. Edy's fudge was famous in those days.
As I grew older and married, I continued baking chocolate chips. My husband didn't like them as days went on and they got hard. I had to find a recipe that would stay soft. It wasn't until the 1970's that I found this recipe. A cookie that would stay soft until they were all gone. It tasted a little different than the originals, but no one noticed, but me. I recently found the recipe again...here it is.... These are excellent cookies and last a long time if the cookie monster doesn't find them :)

Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Rated:

Submitted By: Debbi Borsick

Photo By: Sir Psycho Sexy

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 12 Minutes

Ready In: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

Servings: 72

"Here's an Allrecipes classic and much-loved chocolate chip cookie recipe that uses instant pudding mix in the batter."

INGREDIENTS:

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 cups butter, softened

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla

pudding mix

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.
2.	In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3.	Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown.

Decisions Decisions....

2014-02-10T08:45:00.001-06:00

What to watch...the Olympics, The Beatles, or Downton Abbey? What's a girl to do? This is how we handled it....I recorded Downton....we went back and forth on the other two programs.....recording the Olympics, so we wouldn't miss an event we wanted to see.This morning...I got up early and watched the recorded Downton Abbey. Our remote got a workout yesterday. Do you remember when you had to get up and change the channel? That was a workout for us in those days...today we are spoiled and many over weight, from no exercise. Some only exercise their fingers with the remote. Back to last night..... All were good programs....what with the US skating team and the 50 yr reunion of the Beatles and "oh my" the goings on at Downton. So, blurry eyed this morning... as I sit here writing my post, I'm wondering what the day will bring. No plans except Joe's appointment at therapy.

Good golly Miss Molly...when is it going to warm up just a little? The view out the window is so deceiving...the sun is shining, the snow is sparkling, cars whizzing by on clear roads.....then I look at the thermometer and it reads -14. No walkers in sight this morning. Enough weather for today. Aren't you sick of hearing my daily weather report?

We had one of Joe's favorite meals yesterday....hamburger patties shaped like footballs... and made with a meatloaf like recipe. They are a little thicker than regular hamburgers. I made four "footballs" and browned them in a skillet. Then I added to the pan...about 11/2 cups of water mixed with 1/2 pkg of Lipton onion soup mix. I covered the pan and let the meat slow cook until done I used a meat thermometer to test. When they were done, I took them out of the pan and thickened the gravy. Sometimes I add mushrooms to this mixture. Meanwhile, I made some mashed potatoes and we had sweet corn and a salad. We ate two...so there are leftovers for another meal later this week.Joe always smiles when there is food left...he knows that I like to cook for a couple of days at one time.He tells me it's me trying to get out of cooking.

I'm sitting here listening to Joe talking to customer service on the phone. I've never seen anything like it....he makes a regular conversation with customer service...finding out where the person is, how's the weather there, they may talk about his surgery or other things going on....and usually ends up with free shipping. I think to myself...here he is talking to someone he doesn't even know....and on the other hand, here I am posting about my day with all of you, whom I've never met.

Well, gotta go and make breakfast...maybe I'll come back later and post my recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies...

Have a nice day....Balisha

2014-02-09T08:34:00.002-06:00

I don't know what happened this morning, but I tried like I have every morning, to sign in to my old blog and it worked. I got in. Now what do I do? Should I contact everyone and tell them to come back here or just let it be? What a confusing week. I've had a computer just quit...because I couldn't turn it on by pushing the button. Tried to get into blog with new computer...no such luck, son installed printer yesterday on this new computer...and now this. It's enough to make a person turn gray :) Well, as I have said many times....just go with the flow, relax, take a deep breath, and smile.

It's a bright morning and we have several inches of new snow. I think that the old snow was getting dirty looking and Mother Nature just freshened it up for us.

We had company yesterday. John and his friend Brian came over to help Joe hook up his new computer. Brian and I got to know each other while John and Joe were head to head doing all kinds of technical things. We decided to order a pizza to share...and what a pizza we got. It was the biggest pizza I've ever seen. 20 in. full of yummy toppings. I figured that we would finish it with 3 hungry guys, but there were plenty of leftovers.

I brought out the chocolate chip cookies and everyone made room for a couple of these. Mmmmmmm mom's chocolate chips.These have kept their softness by adding instant pudding to the mix...if you want the recipe, I'll post it later.

We visited and watched the Olympics....beautiful performance by our ice skaters....and the people on snow boards made me catch my breath. How do they do it....it seems that they are fearless flying through the air. I always wonder about their childhood....how does a kid progress in this sport of danger....are they just dare devils as children? Are they the ones who jump off garage roofs? Do their parents shudder, when they go out to play? I know that I shudder when they take off down the ramp....and sometimes fall and get hurt. I guess that it all happens gradually...one step at a time....so that Mom's (especially) can watch with relative calm. Looking forward to more breath taking events.

Well, guess I'll get busy and make some breakfast...I hear Joe puttering around in the other room. Speaking of Joe....his hip and incision are fine...it's his knee and muscles in the leg that are giving him trouble now. He has an appt. to see the Dr. on Tues.so we'll know more then. Until then we'll keep praying that he gets better soon....he's had to deal with pain for so many months.

Have a nice day today....remember Downton Abbey tonight.

Balisha

The Cabinet for Embroidery Floss and More

2014-01-30T09:04:00.001-06:00

I think that I've shown this before. It's an old embroidery thread cabinet that used to be in the old general store in Hampshire, Il. I use this cabinet to hold my stamps that I use for crafting.I worked for the mayor of the town... his store once was the general store. The Card and Candle was full of antiques...not for sale, but on display in the open loft that was overhead. We had a nice notions dept. at that time. My boss said that he heard someone say, "You can't find a spool of thread in town." They tried to keep the store filled with everyday things that people would need. Otherwise people would have to travel several miles to the mall or another shopping area. This Card shop developed into a variety store of sorts.We always kept in mind that during the winter, women would want to have some fun things to do. That's why we ordered so many sewing type kits and projects...even teaching how to do some embroidery called Candlewicking. I wish we had this store in our town....so hard to find things that we need everyday... in the shops we have.

I like to have antiques that I know the history of. Most of the things that I own are just that. So many are things that were from my own family and others from people that I once knew..

Mr. Cardinal is out on the feeder right now. I just filled it with the sunflower seeds that he loves. There's a suet block in the corner. No one has touched it yet. It'll not be long before many birds are here.I hope to see the squirrel too. After seeing what we thought was a hawk, up in the squirrel nest, we are looking for him.

No plans for today...we have no therapy appt. I guess I'll have to entertain myself here today. The house could use a good cleaning, but my shoulder is giving me fits this morning. I did a lot of chores yesterday that involved my right arm...and now I'm paying for it. Early this morning, I remembered a gift from my daughter-in-law...a wrap that holds three bags of rice. Once the bags are warmed in the microwave....I put them in the little pockets of the fleece holder...and lay this across my shoulders. It has a fragrance of lavender. As I did this today...I closed my eyes and I could imagine myself at a spa.I know that by working it out today, my shoulder will come around, but a little TLC is called for first.
I have to get used to something as simple as household chores playing havoc with my joints and muscles.This arthritis is a tough thing to deal with sometimes. No one knows, unless she is experiencing the same things...how very painful it can be. We just need to keep on moving. I'm finding it true that "Old Age Ain't For Sissies."
Balisha

A Felt Banner

2014-01-29T15:54:00.003-06:00

Here is some more felt crafting that I have been doing this week. I wanted a little banner to hang on the shelf above my sink. I work there so much...and I like to change it often. It's just a couple of inches deep, but I can get so many things on there. There are a couple of special things on this banner and shelf. The 4th pink heart from the left has a small, lacy, heart made by Flower Lady...Lorraine. and the doily hanging on the shelf is from Cathy at Acorn Hollow. These tiny, little, pretty, things have found their way into many decorative spots in our home. I love little surprises like this.

Balisha

I'm Late to the Party

2014-01-28T18:39:00.002-06:00

I guess you could say that I'm a little late to the party. The linky party that is. I joined in to make some Christmas ornaments for my little tree next Christmas. I finished way ahead of time, but when I lost my blog list....I lost the directions on when to post these pictures. So, better late than never...here they are. They were so easy to make and really fun. We all could do what ever we wanted with the patterns. It's going to be fun to see what the others did with the pattern.I decided to photograph mine in a basket. The two look a little lonely in this big basket...they are tiny critters just waiting for the rest of the ornaments to get finished. I think that we are doing a cardinal and a sheep for the next time.

Here they are up close. My bear turned out to be a polar bear. Because of the frigid temperatures here in Illinois...I thought he needed a jacket. The little owl looks like he is sleeping through the winter. He has a heart of pink...he must know that love will keep you warm.

You can still join in... Just go to either http://mockingbirdhillcottage.com/ or http://creativecaincabin.com/ to see the projects and maybe get started on your own.

Have fun,
Balisha

The Potty

2014-01-28T10:19:00.000-06:00

Here is a piece of furniture that has been a conversation piece ever since it came into my house. It looks like a small table...and I have used it for that most of the time. People often say..."What a cute little table." Then I show them what it really is. I lift the lid and it becomes a potty.

When we first got it...I filled the basin with a big pot of geraniums. I put my amaryllis in there just to show you sort of how it looked.

I've been doing a little "toilet" research online this morning. There is such a history...from just dumping the contents of a chamber pot out on the street...to the modern conveniences that we have today. So glad that we have these modern bathrooms today....Wouldn't it be awful to have to get up during the night and run out to the outhouse in this frigid weather? No wonder they had these potties in the house and chamber pots under the bed.

Today is bright and cold.... We've really been lucky this year with many sunny days. It makes the extreme cold easier to bear. You almost forget how cold it is outside...till you run out for the mail or to feed the birds.

My little plants in my garden window were dropping some leaves that were yellow the other day. I found that being so close to the window, though a sunny southern exposure, was to cold for them. So, I moved the silks close to the window and brought the live closer to the heated room. They are thriving now....some new leaves on a few of them. The primroses went limp two days ago....I found that they needed water. They sure dry out fast. A quick soak in warm water revived them.

I'm finishing my yogurt here at the computer this morning. Just had a bran muffin and a cutie in the breakfast room. We are having pulled pork sandwiches today...along with chips, veggies, and Bush's beans.I guess that I had better get going...I'm in the mood to do something creative today, but first my cup of tea.

Have a nice morning,

Balisha

Monday Musings

2014-01-27T08:24:00.002-06:00

Just thought I'd repost this poem that I wrote a while back. Since it's going to snow everyday...I might as well enjoy writing about it.

First Snow by Balisha

I'm standing in my little house, beside a window small..

I see the day that lies ahead..a day when snow might fall.

The clouds that gather in the sky, are telling me this day..

My comfy house will be so warm...a cozy place to stay.

Looking out I see the first of many flakes to fall..

Big and puffy come at first and then they change to small.

The wind blows fierce and little birds are trying to take flight..

If this keeps up my world of green will turn a snowy white.

I'll stand here by my window and work throughout the day..

And go to bed tonight and dream of yesterday.

When morning comes and I awake and come to window small..

I'll look and see a world so white from that very first snowfall.

I don't have to tell anyone.....Brrrrr! It's cold out. Sitting here before breakfast... trying to decide if we will go to therapy today. Joe got a pulled muscle at therapy last time he visited and he still feels some pain there.

We were looking at the squirrel nest, high up in our trees.. in the back, and noticed something big and white. It was hard to see it with binoculars even. Forgot about it and did some things around the house....went back and the big white spot was gone. We are thinking that a hawk or eagle might have been there...having breakfast. Now, I know that they have to eat too, but not a little squirrel or it's baby.

We watched most of the Grammy's last night, and found that we are really old. I like most kinds of music, but some of today's music leaves something to be desired. My favorite part was Pink soaring above the crowd on a trapeze of ropes, while singing her song "Try" She didn't lip sync...while she was dangling doing her acrobatic fete she kept on singing...then moving on to the stage and doing more acrobatics while singing too. I thought it was breath taking. Would love to have been below her in the crowd...cheering her on. Did anyone else receive awards...I wouldn't know...I was still mesmerized by her performance.

There's left over ham in the fridge today. I'll have to dream up a dinner using that. All that comes to mind right now...is ham and scalloped potatoes or ham fried rice.

It sure is hard to write interesting posts when you are in the house all the time. I think that tomorrow I will start something new. I have several interesting pieces of furniture and maybe a picture and post about those pieces would be fun. My favorite day this past week was Sunlit Sunday You can still go there and see the pictures that everyone posted...here's the link http://mylittlehomeandgarden.blogspot.com/2014/01/sunlit-sunday-week-4.html

Bye till tomorrow....Balisha

Sunlit Sunday

2014-01-26T09:49:00.001-06:00

I'm joining My Little Home and Garden for Sunlit Sunday. http://mylittlehomeandgarden.blogspot.com/2014/01/sunlit-sunday-week-4.html

January Shadows by Balisha

As I look out my garden window... and see the woods in back..

I see a landscape without color...one of white and black.

The sun comes out for minutes... the landscape starts to glow..

The woods takes on a sparkle.. with shadows in the snow.

The wreath of wire casts a shadow... in the snow upon the ground..

The colors that I missed before.. are everywhere.. I've found.

Umbers, siennas and some grays before my very eyes..

I thought that colors were all gone...what a nice surprise.

To see them glowing in the sun... is a pleasure now for me..

The winter landscape beautiful...is one I long to see.

It Takes a Village to Stay Put

2014-01-25T09:48:00.001-06:00

We watched the news last night on NBC. Brian Williams interviewed his in-laws about Staying Put....the program that allows people to stay in their own homes as they age.Joe said, "That's what I want... to stay put." Brian's father in law seemed a little more needy...as his wife has a job volunteering with this program in their town.They, like many of us, want to remain in their own homes. It was a very interesting interview If you are interested in seeing the interview...here's the link. http://dailynightly.nbcnews.com/
and here's the link to the Staying Put organization explaining it a little more. http://www.stayingputnc.org/about.html If you think that this is a long way off for you....think again, it's just around the corner. Time goes so fast and before you know it...you are there.

I watched a good movie the other day. Tuesdays With Morrie. I had read the book a few years ago, but I hadn't seen the movie.This is a great movie for our younger people, who are so wrapped up in their jobs and acquiring "things" that they feel they need to be successful. This is the story of Mitch Albom who had a mentor in college...Morrie Schwartz. He was one of Morrie's favorite students and when he graduated, Mitch promised to get in touch with Morrie often. Well, that didn't happen... with Mitch's busy life as a sports writer. The story goes on to where he does finally visit Morrie.. after hearing that Morrie was dying from ALS, and how Morrie affects Mitch's life through their weekly visits.I felt like ordering this movie to send to one in our family whose job drives him crazy....but I didn't.

This morning is so sunny...the shadows of tree trunks are on our snowy lawn. The squirrel was first here...no seed. He looked up at me in the window and I felt guilty. I'm going to get dressed and go out now to fill the feeder. Hope he comes back.

Balisha

Frigid Friday

2014-01-24T17:15:00.002-06:00

The afternoon called for a cup of hot tea. English Breakfast Tea is my favorite...the decaf. A mild tea with no bitterness...warm and soothing after a morning of flitting in and out of stores while Joe was in therapy. The wind was blowing fiercely (here I go again with the weather...just can't help it as it is a big part of our lives this winter) I had my long down coat on with a red knitted scarf (by moi) around my neck...red knitted hat (by moi) and black leather gloves. I had to go to Church first....parked in the parking lot and slid across to the sidewalk...it's a longish walk to the office, and just as I was about to head over to the long sidewalk, someone came out of the Sanctuary and told me to take a short cut this morning....through the quiet Sanctuary. There were two people there with heads bowed. I was quiet as a mouse...dipping my fingers into the Holy Water as I went out the door to the office. We had ordered flowers in memory of Tim and our 1st spouses and I had to drop a check off. There was a prayer shawl in a bag there, for Joe. He wondered why someone made him a prayer shawl.... When they begin to knit a shawl they say a prayer and prayers are said throughout the knitting of the piece. When it is finished another prayer is said for the person receiving it. Prayers of a good recovery were said for Joe. As I went out the door, this time taking the long way, a gust of wind blew me along until I reached the car.
The next stop was the grocery. We needed several things. The parking lot was not very full. People had heard that schools would be closing early and several businesses were closing too, because of the wind. They asked if I wanted help out to the car. I just couldn't make anyone go out on a day like this...I said no thank you. On windy days the carts are flying all over the lot, so I took my cart over to the place where they keep them outside.
Then a stop at the bank and on to get Joe. I had another stop at the drug store, but waited till I got him.
When I came in the house...my forehead was so cold and red.Even with a down coat... it took me forever to warm up. I started dinner...clam chowder and sandwiches. We ate and I put the groceries away and laid down on the couch to rest. What a windy morning....I'm in for the weekend...except for bringing in the mail...I'll be in my warm house.
I'm afraid that I have neglected my little bird friends this winter. When I feed them, I just toss some seed in the tray and leave. No special treats for these guys...like dried fruit, peanuts, etc. It's kind of a treacherous walk to the feeders...the snow is hard and I walk on top of it and slide around. Someday, when it's warmer...I'm going to chop a few holes for my feet...but till then, they will have to be satisfied with what they get.
Yesterday about this time, someone rang the doorbell. It was UPS delivering something for me. The bag was so cold and so was the article of clothing inside. A swimsuit! One of the coldest days of the year, and I had ordered a swimsuit. Joe said, "Why don't you try it on?" I told him the suit was freezing cold...I would wait till later. Well, it warmed up and I disappeared to try it on. Hmmmm....same size as the other one I ordered, but it didn't fit.I'm tall and I guess I need to buy one that has a long torso. You might wonder why I took a chance and ordered on online. I had good luck with the other one, and thought I would with this one. It would save me from having to run all over creation.. looking for a swimsuit....I've done that before. So, I'll have to send it back...I found another today and ordered it...taking another chance on an online order.This will be the last one I'll order...if it doesn't work out...I'll head for the mall. I have one suit that I wear every time, so I wanted another to trade off.
Well, guess I should go. Good TV tonight...do you watch Bluebloods? It's one of our favorites. The acting is so good and the story lines aren't the typical police show. A Catholic family of policemen who always end the show...sitting around the family dinner table eating, while in conversation with the different ages represented there. Good family values are taught around that table.
Joe has the weather on in the other room....I think I will hibernate this weekend...Sounds like a weekend of very bad weather.
Balisha

Grocery Store Floral Department

2014-01-23T09:44:00.001-06:00

Sometimes a trip to the grocery is like a winter get away for me. We need a few things from the store and I jump at the chance to get out of the house and just be with people who work there. I know few of their names, but they greet me like old friends... as I walk into the store. Today, I quickly turn to the left and head to my favorite dept....the floral dept. Wouldn't you know? I don't know the manager's name and I intend to find out next time I go there. This very small dept.is just jam packed with Spring. She has a lot of plants and flowers and they don't seem to be packed in.They are displayed so nicely. I see her there, often, pinching this and that...watering, spraying, creating arrangements and talking to customers. I feel like I know her.She always greets me with a smile and we spend time chatting about gardening...even if I don't buy anything. Today it is looking like Valentine's Day and Spring all wrapped into one. Her new selections are Primroses. They just came in and are so fresh and bright...I couldn't resist temptation and bought two. They were very reasonably priced. I could have two of these plants for less than a bouquet. I figured they would last longer...so they went into my cart.She approached me and asked if I had ever bought them before. I said that I hadn't...and she went on to tell me a few tips on keeping these pretty flowers. She lifted one out of the pot and showed me that they were double potted. You half fill the outer pot and set the plant back in to soak for about 15 or 20 min. The dump out the remaining water and be careful not to get the leaves wet. Water like this a couple times a week.Then you dead head and take off any unsightly leaves. They should continue blooming for quite a while....watering like this.They like a bright window and when they are done blooming...they make a pretty green plant that sometimes will bloom again. You can try to plant them outside, when the weather is suitable. Even if you don't do anything but water them....they bring a bit of the garden into our homes for a few weeks in the winter. I can't wait to see what she has coming in in the next few weeks. This is always my favorite stop when out doing errands.

Today some of the schools are closed around here, because of frigid temps and blowing snow. I was out early taking a little more garbage to the end of the drive. Oh, I appreciate Joe so much more...now that he's laid up. He does so many jobs that I don't want to do around the house.

Balisha :)

Lower Your Expectations

2014-01-22T16:07:00.000-06:00

Beautiful afternoon here in Northern Illinois. Blue skies with those big puffy white powder puff clouds. A white landscape, not marred by footsteps...the wind whipping the snow around into pretty swirls. There...can you picture it?

We were out this morning to Joe's dental appt. and then to therapy. It was a dreary morning...we certainly didn't expect this beautiful.. but cold afternoon.

I enjoy reading Ernestine's blog when ever she posts something. http://myjourneytomindfulness.blogspot.com/ She's about my age and I find that we have a lot in common. A while back she mentioned that her visiting son told her that she should lower her expectations...when she talked to him about not being able to do the things that she once did....especially when it came to her gardens and woods. I came away with that and got to thinking about it. Lowering my expectations...hmmmm. That could apply to me. Sometimes I beat myself up trying to do the things I once did...and failing miserably. It seems that we, over achievers, attempt perfectionism. Perfect marriage, perfect kids, perfect home, perfect meals, and perfect garden. I thought of this again last night as I was stitching a little felt piece. I wanted the embroidery thread to match the color of the felt piece that I was stitching. My eyes are so bad and I have a lot of trouble with colors...particularly when I work with dark colors. I didn't want to do a contrasting color...because.. with my poor vision... my stitches wouldn't be perfect. There's that dreadful word...perfect. As I sat there fretting about it...I thought of Ernestine's son's comment....Lower your expectations. Pretty soon, my tense shoulders relaxed, my stitching hand relaxed, and my whole demeanor just calmed. What if my stitches weren't just so? Was this an exercise in perfection or one of enjoyment? Who am I trying to impress? Wouldn't a kind person...look at my project and take in the whole thing without being judgmental about the size and shape of my stitches? I continued on until my eyes were so tired...I had to quit.I put a picture here of it...not finished of course. I just plopped the top layer on the bottom...with it not being sewn.

I'm going to take this advice and use it in many areas of my living. Whenever I feel my shoulders up around my ears...I know that I am tense. I'll remember this quote...."Lower your expectations" and I'll pay attention to it.

Balisha