Bucket List Updated

since Sunday was my 50th birthday I have been reflecting on my “Bucket List”and reposting,
what I have done so far;

I did the Excalibur Drive in Ireland
slept in a castle
swam in The Caribbean sea,
got my feet wet in the Irish Sea
had a daughter
had a son,watched them grow into wonderful adults
love my step children as my own
forgave my parents
found God
slept under the stars
ate and loved foi gras and drank Dom Perignon
stayed in love
adopted a cat,grieved his death
adopted a big dog
made a home
learned to love and embrace all homemaking skills
understand the charm of a apron
play an instrument with some decree of skill
play that instrument in church
Gave back by coaching a youth sports team
had my portrait drawn
Spent a whole day eating junk food without feeling guilty.
Made love outdoors
learnt how to sweat pipes
Had a room with a view
Sent a message in a bottle
Took a horse and buggy ride.
Did the all NYC tourist things,although I am a native.
Planted trees.
Learnt not to say yes when I really mean no
Made a complete and utter fool of myself many times
Took a ride on the highest roller coaster in the city
Spent a whole day reading a great novel
Made bread from scratch
became a good cook
Became a mentor to a young person who needed direction
Become a good listener
Spontaneously gave flowers to my husband for no reason
Got tattoos
Gave blood
Wished upon a shooting star
Visited some of the countries our ancestors called home
Taught a class
Kissed passionately in public
married my husband twice, once in city hall the a few years later in church
had a star named after me
sat front and center at Operas and Broadway shows
became a vegan
made a website
dunk a basketball



I am sure there are many more that havent came to memory yet,

I still want to,
survive menopause mentally intact!!!
see more operas
become a grandma
live in the country
grow an edible garden
foster a horse
own a toy dog
have a spa mud bath
Ride an elephant
Reflect on my greatest weakness, and realize how it is my greatest strength
Spend three months getting my body into optimum shape
Spend Christmas and New Year's in an exotic location
Learn to ballroom dance properly
Be an extra in a film
Make my own wine
Develope a talent for photography
find new antique shops
laugh until I cry
learn to love winter(or at least like it)
find a physical activity that both my hubby and I enjoy doing together
watch our kids living out their own Bucket List dreams
Kiss my husband passionately in public over and over again,
and shhhhh dont tell anyone but eat more foi gras and drink Dom Perignon.


Whats on your list?

Sharing

Just had to share this..

Vacation,and Home Sweet Home

Hi everyone,well we went on vacation,
same place as the last few year,to the
Interlaken Inn
it was very nice,didn't stay in the cabin,this time but in their Woodside Room





it had all we needed,but the cabin was much nicer,
and no bugs this time,
you can see the cabin Here
and Here
it is such a great place to go with a pet,
summer in the country is so much nicer than the city,wish we could have stayed longer.
Here's some nice cooling pics,




my favorite piece of land,

Have a Blessed Summer!Lady of the Mote

Day Tripping

What a nice way to spend a hot summer day,
a day trip to Cold Spring NY,
nice and cool!






You can see more of Cold Springs >here<
and the shops >here<


Have a Blessed day,Lady of the Mote

Cheap Yard Decor

leftover pilings,turned yard decor,



I hope your are all having a wonderful summer!Love you all,
Lady of the Mote.

D-Day

Don't let today pass without remembering the thousands of men who landed and gave their lives on the sands of Normandy,
The veterans of that war are passing quickly away from us,
Saying hello to a veteran or shaking his or her hand and say thank you.The feeling of pride you will give the veteran will last forever.

Memorial Day

Today is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service,thank you,for giving and serving with your life, that we may have freedom.


Our Town's Parade,

Day Craft

Hubby had a Radio Flyer wagon he turned into a planter,
cute I think, in a few weeks it should be beautiful and lush.


Have a blessed weekend,
Lady of the Mote

BLOOMING!!!

My yard is blooming,cherry tree,lilac tree,and plum bush,seems like it happened over night,
and of course The Dutchess is enjoying the sunshine






Have a Blessed day!
Lady of the Mote

True Beauty

Susan Boyle


Beauty... when you look into a woman's eyes and see what is in her heart.
-- Nate Dircks


That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.
-- Ninon de L'Enclos


Beauty is not real. Beauty only exists in perception.
Unknown


Happy Resurrection Day!

Happy Resurrection Day!



Have a very,very,blessed Day!
Lady of the Mote

Onward thru the Mess

Not in order,this is the fabric we used for the chairs and curtains,the pics dont show it but it has a light pink/beige
the paint and fabric on the walls will be my dining room,
notice all the color swatches on the table base,(they are being switched everyday,lol)
since the room will be painted all pale and my furniture is white,I was thinking about painting the base a color that pops,
but I will wait on that till the room is finished,to decided if I want to do this,
the colors in the pics are not the true colors,I don't know why but my pics never come out they way it truely looks,















well back to the madness,
Lady of the Mote

Kitchen Paint

After much debate over paint color,we settled on something"safe"Elegant Ivory"
I have to say it takes a bit getting used too,after
having blue and yellow,but I like it,
I love the light hubby pick out the pics dont do it justice,
it has a dimmer so that is really nice,
I still have to get window treaments,and tidy up a bit,
but all and all it feels like a clean slate.

Sharing,The gratitude campaign

thank you

Vintage Valentines: Free Download

Vintage Valentines: Free Download

From my favorite tip site,
TIPNUT
You’re free to download them and print them off to use in scrapbooking, as gift tags or whatever else you like. These are so charmingly retro and although they’re older than I am, they sure do bring back memories.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day,

Lady of the Mote

Points to Ponder

an atheist words on a believer,



something for us believers to strive for,
to have that kind of impact,and then let God do the rest.
Lady of the Mote

By the Power of Greyskull,Hey Frankie Look!

By the Power of Greyskull!!
(giggle)
Posted for my son,
he was a livid collector of all things He-man
as a child,



Variety
Los Angeles

WB, Joel Silver shaping He-Man film
John Stevenson to direct live action 'Masters'
By MICHAEL FLEMING


Warner Bros. and producer Joel Silver have set "Kung Fu Panda" co-director John Stevenson to make his live-action directing debut on "Masters of the Universe," a reimagining of the signature Mattel toy line.
Pic will revolve around He-Man, a prince who transforms into a warrior and becomes the last hope for a magical land being ravaged by the evil Skeletor.
Silver is producing through his Silver Pictures banner. Mattel's Barry Waldo will be exec producer.
WB acquired the property in 2007, and Justin Marks wrote the first draft of the script based on a story he developed with Neil Ellice.
The Mattel property was adapted into the 1980s cartoon series "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe."
The property was previously turned into a campy flop by Cannon Films in 1987, with Dolph Lungdren as He-Man and "Frost/Nixon" star Frank Langella as the villainous Skeletor.
The film project is a big priority for Mattel, which licenses a high-end line of He-Man toys that are popular with hardcore collectors.
Hollywood has become a magnet for branded toy-line properties, as DreamWorks and Paramount ready a June 26 release for "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and Paramount preps for an Aug. 7 release on "G.I. Joe." Both began as toy lines that became hit animated series.
Waldo said Stevenson's vision to elevate the material matched with Mattel's desire to see He-Man become a big studio film. Mattel has also brought its "Hot Wheels" film to WB and Silver.
"John had such passion that we found ourselves running to catch up with his vision," Waldo said.
Stevenson has also worked on "Shrek" and "Shrek 2," "Madagascar" and "James and the Giant Peach." He began his career working for Jim Henson on projects that included "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth."

Lady of the Mote

Miracle on the Hudson

Let's make this artist famous! This is a cool picture!
Artist Rex Babin's best !!!


The best interpretation of Miracle on the Hudson ...





Lady of the Mote

Snowed in,Spring Cleaning

OK it maybe to early for some of you to think of spring cleaning,but
winter has a deep hold on us,snowed in,I have started doing some spring cleaning,
right now I am in the process of repainting the guest room,
and trying to go thru the list at the bottom of the page,


Spring cleaning
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
History
It has been suggested that the origins of spring cleaning date back to the Iranian Norouz, the Persian new year, which falls on the first day of spring[citation needed]. This theory has been questioned, however, as Iranians (along with the majority of the population of the ancient near east) held to a lunar calendar and not a solar one and spring was not calculated the same way that society does today. Iranians continue the practice of "khooneh tekouni" which literally means "shaking the house" just before the new year. Everything in the house is thoroughly cleaned, from the drapes to the furniture.
A more likely origin of spring cleaning can be traced to the ancient Jewish practice (a full 700 years before Persian culture emerged) of thoroughly cleansing the home in anticipation of the spring-time holiday of Passover (Hebrew: פסח pesach‎). In remembrance of the Jews' hasty flight from Egypt following their captivity there, during the eight-day holiday there is a strict prohibition against eating anything which may have been leavened. Jews not are not only supposed to refrain from leavened foodstuffs (known in Hebrew as חמץ chametz), they are expressly commanded to rid their homes of even small remnants of chametz for the length of the holiday (Exodus 12:15). Therefore, for the past 3,500 years, observant Jews have conducted a thorough "spring cleaning" of the house, followed by a traditional hunt for chametz crumbs by candlelight (called bedikat chametz [Hebrew: בדיקת חמץ]) on the evening before the holiday begins.
In North America and northern Europe, the custom found an especial practical value due to those regions' continental and wet climates. During the 19th century in America, prior to the advent of the vacuum cleaner, March was often the best time for dusting because it was getting warm enough to open windows and doors (but not warm enough for insects to be a problem), and the high winds could carry the dust out of the house. For the same reason, modern rural households often use the month of March for cleaning projects involving the use of chemical products which generate fumes.

Cultural references
In Greece, and other Orthodox nations, it is traditional to clean the house thoroughly either right before or during the first week of Great Lent, which is referred to as Clean Week.


Spring Cleaning: A Complete Checklist
A Spring Cleaning Extravaganza

Only for the Brave of Heart

For us that live in colder climates...


Take a deep breath...


and...


look...








Lady of the Mote:)

what's inside you?

Found this video while cruising through blog land,
hope you enjoy it as much as I did,


Lady of the Mote

Have you read this!

Can you believe this!
I was sad beyond belief when I read this,
I am all for testing,but at the factories where it is made, this is crazy!,on clothing!
Good Will and Thift stores are my favorite places to shop,and when my kids were small,many of winter coats were bought for them at Good Will,
and what about all those mom’s
who sell their crafts from home,to make ends meet,so sad.


YOUR GOVERNMENT AT WORK
Is Feb. 10 financial doomsday for thousands?
New law could force companies into ruin

Lady of the Mote

it works!!

I am always looking and try face creams,looking for that magic potion,
I bought Bliss,Thinny Thin Chin,at Sephora,
a week before Christmas,
I have been using it on my face also,
ok it didnt make me look 10 years younger,but it has improved my skin
emensely,so much so that I skipped make up this mourning,
and it has just been a few weeks to see the difference,



do you have favorite products??share the reviews!

Have a blessed day,
Lady of the Mote

My Score,After Christmas Sale

What a nice surprise I got myself,
went to the mall to use a gift certificate,
and I stubbled upon this 3ft tree for $5.00!
looks like I am headed in the right direction for next year!
this one is going in the bedroom then.



Have a blessed day,
Lady of the Mote

A Happy New Years


We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.  Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.  ~Ellen Goodman

A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.
~Edgar Guest

Taking down the Tree

Taking down the Christmas tree is a sad lonely job,
but as I vacuum the last bits of glitter away,
I try to remember where things stood before the tree came in.
The house seems cold empty and barren like the earth feels, for just a moment or two,until a bird lands on the window sill and I am aware of the new year approaching,and make space for the fresh and new.




There's no one lonelier than the person “taking down the Christmas tree.” This, of course, is a universal truth. ...
You'd like to clear everyone out of the house and be able to have some quiet time alone?

Next to the presidency, detrimming a tree has to be the loneliest job in the world. It has fallen to women for centuries and is considered a skill only they can do, like replacing the roll on the toilet tissue spindle, painting baseboards, holding a wet washcloth for a child who is throwing up or taking out a splinter with a needle.
(Erma Bombeck)


within the empty spaces you have space for growth,
Lady of the Mote

Happy Boxing Day

Happy Boxing Day to all who celebrate,


Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th. It is a statutory holiday in the federal jurisdiction and in Ontario. If it falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the working day immediately preceding or following Boxing Day is considered a legal holiday.

Boxing Day, also known as the Feast of St. Stephen (after the first Christian martyr), originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. It originated as a holiday for members of the merchant class to give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude similar to the bonuses many employers offer their employees today. These gifts, usually given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".

Also related to the origin of Boxing Day is the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season. The contents of these boxes were distributed amongst the poor, by the clergy, the day after Christmas.

Today, Boxing Day is a holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, and many other Commonwealth nations. It is a time for family and friends to gather with lots of food and fun. Outdoor sports such as soccer, horse racing and hunting are popular on this holiday. Retailers offer huge savings on many items on this day, making it the biggest shopping day of the year in Canada.

Throughout the Christmas season, many organizations keep the original tradition of Boxing Day alive by donating their time, energy, and money to fill the Food Bank and provide gifts for the poor.
Lady of the Mote

Christmas night

The kitchen is clean,
it's frosty outside,
Santa brought Dutchess toys and rawhide!















I pray you all had a very blessed day,
Lady of the Mote

Merry Christmas!

I want to wish all my Blogger Friends a very Merry Christmas,
may you all receive the desires of your hearts,
you are all very very special,
I am sending you a very Merry NYC Christmas,
God Bless you and your families,




Lady of the Mote.

Daytime Christmas Tour

Day time tour,
it's starting to look like Christmas,
this fell in only an hour,and still coming down heavy,


help yourself to a piece of cake,
this is a cake for our church's kids basketball team,I am one of the teams assistant coaches,I think it looks like a Whoville cake,it should pass with the kids,we are having a party for them tonight if the snow doesnt cancel it,


my mantels are still a bit holiday bare,but at night with all my candles lit you never notice,
bedroom mantel,


tree in living room,

dinning room hutch,

dinning room mandle,OK it hasn't been change since Thanksgiving,
but having few ornaments(remember I started from scratch) it will have to do for this year,

Living room mantel,still a bit bare

some close ups


till I post the night time tour,I promise that looks much better,
Have a blessed day,
Lady of the Mote

Potpourri,Simmering Pot Recipes

First I want to thank everyone for the well wishes for hubby and me,
as a new blogger I was quite touched,
we are much better,thank you so much,

I enjoyed everyone's Christmas Home Tours,you ladies are GREAT!
your houses are stunning,I will try to make a tour of mine this weekend,

in the mean time I wanted to share this with you all,
I love the TIP NUT website
they have many frugal tips,
this week they sent me recipes for Potpourri
I made #4 if we only had type and sniff,


Recipe #4 - Christmas Potpourri Simmering Pot
3 sprigs evergreen or handful pine needles
2 cinnamon sticks
2 TBS whole cloves
2 bay leaves
2 pieces orange rind
2 pieces lemon rind
Directions
Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add the ingredients from your favorite recipe, boil for a few minutes, then turn the heat down to simmer all day. Top up water as needed.
Caution: Set your timer for 30 minutes so you remember to top up with water. You don’t want the pot burning dry. Do not leave the house with this left heating on the stove.

Check out the site,its filled with good ideas.
Have a very blessed day,
Lady of the Mote

SHHHHH....

Cold and flu season is upon us,
both hubby and I have been hit hard,
so the past few days we have been eating
nothing but soups.


Our favorite home remedy,


Ginger Tea
4 cups water
4-5 inch piece of thick fresh ginger root
1 cinnamon stick
6 cloves
1 star anise
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup honey
1 green tea bag or tsp green tea leaves
dash of cayenne pepper

bring to boil cover,shut off heat let sit for 20 minutes
strain into a thermos
and sip thru-out the day
it sure helps,

Did you know that,
Antibiotics are not prescribed for colds and flu
because they are viral. Antibiotics only kill bacteria.

Do you have a home remedy to share?
I sure would appreciate it.

Have a blessed day,
Lady of the Mote

Poinsetta Day

Poinsetta Day





History of the poinsettia and the Christmas tradition
In Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, the plant is called Cuitlaxochitl meaning "star flower." The Aztecs used the plant to produce red dye and as an antipyretic medication. In both Chile and Peru, the plant became known as "Crown of the Andes".

The plants' association with Christmas began in 16th century Mexico, where legend tells of a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. The tale goes that the child was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Crimson "blossoms" sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias.From the 17th century, Franciscan monks in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations.

There are over 100 varieties of poinsettia available. 74% of Americans prefer red poinsettias, 8% prefer white, and 6% prefer pink.
In the United States, December 12th is National Poinsettia Day.

From Wikipedia
Lady of the Mote

Can I peek into your bedroom,The art of Bed making.

The art of Bed making,

as I was making my bed this morning ,trying for a new way to make it,I thought,

It Truly is an art,with all the many styles and ways to make a bed,
the uses of linens,quilts and pillows,
the bed becomes a canvas of what we want to end our days with,
to some it’s a chore,and many don’t even bother,
but for others it become a sanctuary ,at the end of the day,

I am always trying new ways to make my bed,
my bedroom can be found here,if you want to peek


these are my dream beds,depends what mood I am in,




(if you want to see beautiful beds look at
Cottage Chic shopI look there often for inspiration)


I could never have it because of,
the Dutchess,lol

I would love to see how you make your bed,
let me peek into your bedroom,
add a link in the comments,
and lets all take a peek.

Have a Blessed Day
Lady of the Mote

National Tinstel,AND Rubber Duckie Day

National Tinstel Day

According to legend, tinsel came about as a Christmas tree decoration due to a sad tale of a woman whose husband had passed away. She was left with several children to raise and worked very hard to support them. She worked hard on a tree to greet the children on Christmas day, but during the night, spiders spun webs through the limbs of her tree. According to legend, the Christ child witnessed the webbing and knowing the woman would be devastated to find all her work ruined, he changed to webs into silver.

Tinsel was first used in Germany in 1610 and was originally made of silver. Machines were invented to stretch out the silver into thin strips soon afterward and inventors tried unsuccessfully to create tinsel from a mixture of lead and tin. However, the mixed tinsel tended to be too heavy and prone to breaking, so people reverted to the use of silver until the mid-20th century.

And......

it's also National Rubber Duckie Day!!!




Rubber Duckies
History(Wikipedia)
The origin of the rubber duck is not known, but its history is inevitably linked to the emergence of rubber manufacturing in the late 1800s. The earliest rubber ducks were made from harder rubber and lacked squeakers. The yellow rubber duck has achieved an iconic status in American pop culture and is often symbolically linked to bathing or bath tubs and bubbles and to babies and toddlers.
Jim Henson popularized rubber ducks in 1970, performing "Rubber Duckie" as Ernie, a popular Muppet from Sesame Street. The song had two follow-ups, "Do de Rubber Duck" and "DUCKIE," and Ernie frequently spoke to his duck and carried it with him in other segments of the show. The song "Rubber Duckie" and many of the characters of the show were done by Jim Henson.
As the rubber duck has grown in popularity over the years, many variants are sold, including "devil ducks," "dead ducks," and "bride and groom" ducks.
In 2001, The Sun, a British tabloid newspaper reported that Queen Elizabeth II has a rubber duck in her bathroom that wears an inflatable crown. The duck was spotted by a workman who was repainting her bathroom.[1] The story prompted sales of rubber ducks in the United Kingdom to increase by 80% for a short period.
Rubber ducks are collected by a small number of enthusiasts in countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, United States, and the Netherlands. The 2007 Guinness World Record for World's Largest Rubber Duck Collection numbered 2,583 unique rubber ducks was awarded to Charlotte Lee of Duckplanet.com.
The rubber duck can be referred to informally as a "rubber duckie" or a "rubber ducky." Amongst collectors of rubber ducks, the spelling "rubber duckie" has achieved prominence, but both spellings are considered acceptable.

So float your ducks and throw your tinstel about and have a very blessed day,
Lady of the Mote

Some serious nonsense,Nice cover Kermit!

Some serious nonsense:
Bravo to LCD Sound System,
Nice cover Kermit!

The most fundamental debate in the philosophy of music involves the question of whether there is an artistically important connection between music and the emotions. Many theories of the nature and significance of music as an art form have maintained that at least one important value of music is its capacity to represent, express, communicate, or symbolize a variety of extra-musical emotions or a certain aspect of emotion.
(Music and the Emotions: The Philosophical Theories ,International Library of Philosophy
by Malcolm Budd,Publisher Comments)

Opera is a form of art and music,that never fails to touch me on a deep spiritual level,as well a Pink Floyd,it’s only when the images and music both speak in,inner harmony,
only rarely can popular music do this anymore,
I came across this video,and wanted to share it,
mainly with my family they understand my madness.

Muppets,Jim Henson was and is well loved,Humanitarian, muppeteer, producer and director of films that encourage tolerance, interracial values, equality and fair play,and when combined with a serious matter,it seems to take it straight to the heart so
without further over analyzing,
LCD Sound Systems will touch many a NY’er with this one,
Thanks for this piece, love the song,chosen character,and where it is filmed.
well done,
I can smile and cry at the same time,



Lady of the Mote

Changing of the Guard(Door Wreaths)

This is the first time I have been making wreaths for the front door for each season,this was fall,



and this is Christmas,I have to say it is very cheap to make with items from the dollar store,and took me just a few hours,



I am already planning a Valentines Day one,
come on show off your wreaths!
Have a blessed day,
Lady of the Mote

Christmas Decor

Well started my Christmas decorating,
doing pretty well,considering I am almost starting from nothing,
after my old decor toss out,
this is what I have so far,
sorry for the blur pic on Santa sled and the Christmas carolers,
those are old vintage,everything else is "new"vintage,
the white tree,is in my living room it is 6 ft,looks smaller in the pic,
the little green one is in my dining room just 2 ft,
I sure am having fun this year
more to come....lol.

Have a blessed day,
Lady of the Mote

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving,
we have so much to be thankful for,
husbands,children,homes,jobs,country,
I want to say thankyou to all you Ladies,
that take the time to read a newbie's blog and leave
comments and thank you for the few I have friendships starting,

well we had an abundant dinner,(sometimes this feels wrong,its the only day that gluttony is ok,but as I sit with a normal than full belly posting,
changes were made in the menu,
we had,

Roast Turkey Breast with Stuffing & Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Green Beans and Almonds
mashed yams
Mashed Potatoes
Turnips
Green leaf salad with grilled beets and goat chesse
Grain salad
Biscuits
Collard greens
Pumpkin bread
Lemon coffee cake
Fruit Salad,
to my vegans friend no turkey or dairy for Mama,lol,

my table landed up looking like this,

and I dare not show the kitchen,but hubby and BIL tubes and all did the dish washing,bless their hearts,
Today I am so Thankful for my hubby,grown healthy kids,a home that is paid off,good friends and Gods hand on my life,and all of you,my blogger and email friends,
Lady of the Mote

Thanksgiving Menu

Since I will be having a guest for Thanksgiving now,
my menu will be the traditional Thanksgiving menu,

Roast Turkey Breast with Stuffing & Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Green Beans and Almonds
mashed yams
Mashed Potatoes
Green leaf salad with tomato and avocado
Biscuits
Collard greens
Pumpkin bread



table setting will still be as posted here

Today is a day for shopping and getting the rest of the food items,cleaning the house getting things prepared.
Have a blessed day,
Love,
Lady of the Mote

Prayers

Good Morning Everyone,
no pictures today,or me trying a witty post,or crafts
Today I ask for prayers for my brother-in-law
he is getting surgery for prostate cancer,
and after that he will spend a few days with us
recovering,prayers for wisdom to the doctors
and healing for him,
Thank you so very much,
and ladies make sure your husbands get tested,
it is as important as breast exams for us,
God Bless you all.
Love,
Lady of the Mote

Birthdays and Bucket List

since today is my birthday I have been reflecting on my “Bucket List”
what I have done so far;

I did the Excalibur Drive in Ireland
slept in a castle
swam in The Caribbean sea,
got my feet wet in the Irish Sea
had a daughter
had a son,watched them grow into wonderful adults
love my step children as my own
forgave my parents
found God
slept under the stars
ate and loved foi gras and drank Dom Perignon
stayed in love
adopted a cat,grieved his death
adopted a big dog
made a home
learned to love and embrace all homemaking skills
understand the charm of a apron
play an instrument with some decree of skill
play that instrument in church
Gave back by coaching a youth sports team
had my portrait drawn
Spent a whole day eating junk food without feeling guilty.
Made love outdoors
learnt how to sweat pipes
Had a room with a view
Sent a message in a bottle
Took a horse and buggy ride.
Did the all NYC tourist things,although I am a native.
Planted trees.
Learnt not to say yes when I really mean no
Made a complete and utter fool of myself many times
Took a ride on the highest roller coaster in the city
Spent a whole day reading a great novel
Made bread from scratch
became a good cook
Became a mentor to a young person who needed direction
Become a good listener
Spontaneously gave flowers to my husband for no reason
Got tattoos
Gave blood
Wished upon a shooting star
Visited some of the countries our ancestors called home
Taught a class
Kissed passionately in public
married my husband twice, once in city hall the a few years later in church
had a star named after me
sat front and center at Operas and Broadway shows
became a vegan
made a website



I am sure there are many more that havent came to memory yet,

I still want to,
survive menopause mentally intact!!!
see more operas
become a grandma
live in the country
grow an edible garden
foster a horse
own a toy dog
have a spa mud bath
Dunk a basketball
Ride an elephant
Reflect on my greatest weakness, and realize how it is my greatest strength
Spend three months getting my body into optimum shape
Spend Christmas and New Year's in an exotic location
Learn to ballroom dance properly
Be an extra in a film
Make my own wine
Develope a talent for photography
find new antique shops
laugh until I cry
learn to love winter(or at least like it)
find a physical activity that both my hubby and I enjoy doing together
watch our kids living out their own Bucket List dreams
Kiss my husband passionately in public again,
and shhhhh dont tell anyone but eat more foi gras and drink Dom Perignon.


Whats on your list?



How Many Share Your Birthday
18 Million People Sing "Happy Birthday" Each Day
By Matt Rosenberg, About.com

If your birthday is any day except February 29, you share your birthday with approximately 1/365 of any population (0.274%).
Therefore, since the world population as of this writing is estimated at 6,568,250,905, you share your birthday with nearly 18 million people around the world (17,995,207).

Here are how many people you share your birthday with for countries around the world:

You currently share your birthday with about 824,456 people who reside in the United States but only 90,682 Canadians, 166,052 British, 225,813 Germans, and 349,216 Japanese.

On a grand scale, you share your birthday with about 3.6 million Chinese and 3 million Indians.

However, among the non-permanent residents of the world's least populated and smallest country in area, the Vatican City, you only share your birthday with 2 to 3 people on any given birthday. In the island country of Tuvalu, about 35 people sing "Happy Birthday" on any given day.

Leap Year

If you are lucky enough to have been born on February 29, you share your birthday with 1/1461 (because 366+365+365+365 equals 1461) of the population (0.068%) and so worldwide, you only share your birthday with a mere 4,495,722 people!

That means that a mere 204,630 Americans and only 22,507 Canadians share the very special February 29 birthday!

Happy Birthday to all who share it with me,
Love,
Lady of the Mote

Images of Warmth

Images of warmth,

Boy is it cold outside,what makes you feel warm?what warms your soul?
these are some of my favorites,










but I think my dog has the right idea,

My Christmas Elves!!

Hubby and Kids have been ELFED!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I am having so much fun with this,I couldnt decide what dance to post,
I am sure all of you will have so much fun making your own,
I am laughing till I am crying with this!
Have a Blessed day!!

Christmas Decorating

I always used to love hate Christmas decorating,
loved when it was up and knew the kids where looking forward to it,,but got tired of it quickly,
it turned into clutter in my sight,
this year I decided I am going to try to do a vintage type romantic pink
Christmas decor,the kind I always drooled over in magazines,
but never did,because,kids,animals,money,lack of energy etc,

this is my inspiration,




well the past 2 days I have been going thru all my boxes of stuff,
things you collect over the decades,and I was ruthless,I threw away
all the stuff that was just to tired,chip,or did not fit in,or that I didnt truely love,
2 big bags of trash so far,I have one more big box to go thru.

I am feeling free and so good,a trip to the craft store and dollar store(budget,budget,budget) and I will be ready to set things up,
it will be small but I hope lovely!
and up before Thanksgiving.

Have you started decorating?or thinking about it?
I would love to hear about it.

Beauty

The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life."
-Frank Lloyd Wright


(another lovely photo from Elaine )

Thank You

My flag flies for you today, the American Veteran, and for every single one of your brothers and sisters in arms. Thank you, Veterans, for your service and your sacrifice.

Temptation

Days like today make it so hard being a vegan,
hubby wants Paula Deen’s Southern Fried Chicken and collard greens,for dinner,
Recipes will follow.

It’s something I will only make maybe once or twice a year,
we have really change our eating habits,although he still eats meat,it’s only free range organic meats.

First I arm myself with my prettiest apron
and in it’s pocket a feather from,Luna and Lola that I had saved(they were my pet chickens)
then I wore my tightest cant breathe if I wanted to jeans,a great weapon for that”I take just one bite thought”,and painted a V on my wrist,to further ward off evil(V for vegan)
and I cooked,my house smelled wonderful,
hubby was so happy,thank God for the collard greens!
now that dishes are done,I am feeling great I didnt give in to temptation,V for victory!LOL!!!

but really if you love fried chicken it is a wonderful recipe,and use a free range organic chicken,it does make a difference.


Southern Fried Chicken
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
3 eggs
1/3 cup water
About 1 cup hot red pepper sauce (recommended: Texas Pete)
2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon pepper
House seasoning, recipe follows
1 (1 to 2 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into pieces
Oil, for frying, preferably peanut oilIn a medium size bowl, beat the eggs with the water. Add enough hot sauce so the egg mixture is bright orange. In another bowl, combine the flour and pepper. Season the chicken with the house seasoning. Dip the seasoned chicken in the egg, and then coat well in the flour mixture.
Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a deep pot. Do not fill the pot more than 1/2 full with oil.
Fry the chicken in the oil until brown and crisp. Dark meat takes longer then white meat. It should take dark meat about 13 to 14 minutes, white meat around 8 to 10 minutes.
House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powderMix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.



Quick and Delicious Collards
Recipe courtesy FatFree Vegan Kitchen


1-2 bunches collard greens (as much as your pressure cooker will hold)
1 large onion, peeled and cut into thin rings
2 tablespoons water
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
generous pinch of red pepper flakes
1 cup water

Cut off the stems of the collard greens, removing any part of the central stem that seems tough. Stack 2 or 3 leaves on top of each other, roll them up so that they form a long tube, and cut them into thin strands:
Repeat with all the collards.

Spray the bottom of the pressure cooker lightly with olive oil and heat. Add the onions and 2 tablespoons water and cook, stirring, until the water evaporates. Keep cooking and stirring until the onions start to brown. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 more minute.

Stir in the collard greens, add the 1 cup of water, and seal the cooker. Bring to high pressure and then reduce heat to keep the cooker at high pressure for 3 minutes. (If you are using small, baby collards, cook at high pressure for only 1 minute.) Remove from heat and use a quick-release method to reduce the pressure. Check the collards for tenderness; if they're still tough, put them back on the heat, but don't seal the cooker. Cook until tender. Salt, if desired, and serve (using a slotted spoon) with additional red pepper flakes.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner,
and since the empty nest holidays are quiet around here,
we often go away or out to eat for Thanksgiving,
this year like most of you,budget is tight,
so I plan on a nice Thanksgiving for us two,
this is my inspiration,

But my color will be soft pink and white,
these are my,tablecloth,stemware and dishes,





all I need to get are pink candles and plan the menu,cooking a Thanksgiving meal for 2 is a challenge when I am a vegan and hubby is not,
and excuse me,all you vegans out there,Torfurky just sucks!!yuck!!!(but the idea is good)
I tried it last Christmas and my dog didnt even want it,but for those who love it,enjoy!
I make hubby some kind of stuffed turkey breast and I will must likely have the side dishes,but will keep looking around for ideas,
Have a blessed day!!

Religion & Politics

Religion & Politics

something I hate talking about but this post if for myself,and if it helps you thank the Lord only

as I am reading my emails this morning,people are sad,afraid, and their hearts heavy and I remembered these few sentences...

People are afraid. Many for the first time in their lives, they are truly afraid of what is in store for them with their jobs, their homes, their retirement funds, as well as the conditions nationally and in the world.
Their lack of a sense of well-being is on overload, and a sense of uneasiness prevails.

We all need to be on our knees. Do you believe we can take God at His word? . We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land.
One good thing that I can see coming out of this, is that people who have never prayed may well begin to pray, and Christians who have only prayed from rote and not from the heart may now begin to pray heart felt prayers.(author unknown maybe from crosswalk?)

I am thinking, these events can create a new order in which God is universally recognized as the ruler over His creation, which includes everyone and everything.
but those of you who believe in the End Times also believe that it’s never to late for God’s mercy

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

so we need to be pray now and in the years to come,we know we are all guilty,as a nation we are no longer christian in deeds as a whole,but be encouraged today,

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them" (Hebrews 6:10).

What about you? We often see the fruit of our labors in part. But you know what? I feel what we see likely only represents the tip of the iceberg.

be encouraged today,

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

be encouraged today,as you go about your daily tasks,it will not be much different than yesterday,you need to clean,work,cook,eat,raise the kids or help with the grandkids,and today make a effort to not to, forget to pray for their future,and let your heart take rest and joy in the simple things,in the end only love matters...
Have a Blessed day

A prayer for our future leader

A prayer for our future leader

Holy Spirit, we come before you this day in humility and gratitude to beg Your choicest blessings upon those in charge of our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
Grant them in abundance Your gifts of:

WISDOM: 

that they may always be guided to place the spiritual good of the nation as the highest good.

UNDERSTANDING: 

that they may recognize the simplicity of truth.

COUNSEL: 

that they may recognize the will of God under circumstances that discourage lesser men.

FORTITUDE: 

that they may be given the spiritual and physical strength to accept the inevitable burdens of leadership with courageous endurance.

KNOWLEDGE: 

that they may know the vastness of their mission and yet retain humility of spirit and charity for each and every soul.

PIETY: 

that in the manifold duties of their offices they may always find time to communicate quietly with God and therein find peace of soul.

FEAR OF THE LORD: 

that they would forego worldly honors and recognition rather than bow to the will of evil men.
May you bless and direct our leaders for as long as it is Your will for them to guide the destiny of this nation and the world.
Father, we thank You that You hear our prayer. Please remind us, too, that You are still in charge!
Amen.
(Patricia Nordman - EzineArticles.com)

Dollar Stores

with the holidays a few weeks away,and budgets really tight,
it was nice to find this site,
Dollar Store Crafts
had to share it with you all,great site for ideas.

Have a Blessed Day

Pastor Appreciation Day

Thank You Pastor Roser,for coming to our church it's only been 8 months
but we are so glad God sent you here,

and to our beloved Pastor Kordon,pastor now in emeritus,we will always love you,and I pray many people will watch your video and know the power of prayer,you will always be missed.
"Portrait of a Pioneer Pastor"

Next!Apron

Ok here is the next one,if you could only see this fabric,it is yummy!
well this is an addiction and I just may sell them,
I don't see how I can stop making them!!
I see after a make a few more,but if any of my friends(friends only
not ready to start any kind of real business)
want to buy ones I have made already,just call or email.





well on to the next!
Have a Blessed day!!

More Apron Love

I want to thank every one for their lovely comments on my aprons,
I am working on my 4th,and I think it will be the best so far,
many of you wished you can make one,
I found the fabulous site that gives 54 Free Apron Patterns You Can Make
at the TipNut
I get many many ideas there and from the bloggers who left comments
some of the aprons women make are amazing!!!
Have fun looking!!


Happy Sewing!!!

The Dutchess

Things We Can Learn From A Dog

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air &
the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps & stretch before rising.
Run, romp & play daily.
Eat with gusto & enthusiasm.
Be Loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent,
sit close by & nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention & let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water & lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around & wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded,
don't buy into the guilt thing & pout...
run right back & make friends.
Bond with your pack.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
-Author Unknown

Dog and Man

My friend Elaine takes the most amazing pictures,
every once in a while I will feature them on the blog,
please click the photo to enlarge it,
thanks Elaine,I just want to share with the world the beauty
that is seen thru your eyes,

Latest Creation

From $3.00 worth of sewing notions,




into this...



I sure do enjoy the process of making the aprons,
next I have the yummy strawberry print fabric I bought in Cold Spring to work with,if you have a blog please share your ideas,and creations!

My day at Cold Springs

There are ALOT of images here,please wait for loading,











a very dog friendly town,small or big,







inside some of the shops,
a African/Safari store were the items are crafted by women,


This Old Couple has been hanging for sale in one of the stores since we started gong to Cold Spring,if the sale price was much cheaper I would
adopt them,

this was a beautiful wall just fall of stain glass windows,

a Octoberfest Band playing,and a group of beautiful modest women,




For lunch,grilled eggplant,cabbage and chickpea soup,pasta,
I must remember to take pictures BEFORE we start eating,lol!




The Drive home we past thru Sleepy Hollow,and Tarrytown,
we went a few years ago,I was a big Dark Shadows fan,and HAD to see Lynhurst Manor,it was the days before I had a computer,so that will be something to blog about in the future,


and the items that I bought,get fabrics,napkins,rag rugs,
and scone mix and chocolate,
yes that middle bar of chocolate is made with bacon,that sounds so very wrong,Hubby is brave!




and last item,I got was a bright pink rain coat,for The Dutchess,
she will model it in an other blog post,
Thanks for visiting and taking the trip with me!

A day in the Country

Have a great day everyone,I am heading up to Cold Spring NY for a day trip,
Cold Spring Living
here's some screen shots,
I'll be back with my pics,
Hope I can find some treasures,
Have a blessed day!

Puppy Love

Having some fun with,MagMyPic
Fake magazine covers,

and of course she has her own page at,

Looking forward to the return of,
ElfYourself
I get a kick playing with the kids pics there,
well you all have a blessed Thursday!
Time to start my chores.

Apron Love

I must admit I have fallen in apron love,this is the 2nd one I made
and there will be many more to come,
there is something about an apron that is akin to being pregnant,
no I havent lost my mind,it holds the idea of the possibilities of the joys
of homemaking,there is something very powerful in the romance of an apron,and what symbolism it holds,
so I thank all you apronistas out there for your blogs and ideas I have gotten from you,and
I just love putting the scraps to use in things other than
quilts or yo-yos,


for the neck closure I just added a bit of velco,

Chase Cover

I turned a king size sheet into a new chase cover,
looks cleaner and more streamlined than the old one,
I could have fit it a little tighter,but I am pleased with the outcome,
not bad for a $14.00 sheet,

I can do the Highland fling

For those who know me,(and for those who don’t...really I am not as flaky as this post will make me seem!)
Today is the 39th Anniversary of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, which first hit British TV screens on the BBC October 5th 1969.

Happy Anniversary!!!!
Graham Chapman(RIP as well as you can,
He has ceased to be, bereft of life, he rests in peace, he has kicked the bucket, hopped the twig, bit the dust, snuffed it, breathed his last, and gone to meet the Great Head of Light Entertainment in the sky,Thank you for the laughs) John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.We thank you for all your brilliance.


Please send in your favorite Pythonisms
aka
The rhetorical machinations of Monty Python

Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.





why because!:

I feel happy. I feel happy.
I am not dead yet
I can dance and I can sing
I am not dead yet
I can do the highland fling
I am not dead yet
No need to go to bed
No need to call the doctor
'Cos I'm not yet dead


Hey Jesse are you smiling yet:)

What to blog

What to blog about when there is nothing to say,
still working on the chase cover,and didnt start the kitchen yet,
so I'll send this in for all you ladies,



Funny Quotes for the Ladies

Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened. ~Cora Harvey Armstrong~

The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy. ~Helen Hayes (at 73)~

Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse. ~Lily Tomlin~

A male gynecologist is like an auto mechanic who never owned a car. ~Carrie Snow~

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends. ~Laurie Kuslansky~

My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being, hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint. ~Erma Bombeck~

Old age ain't no place for sissies. ~Bette Davis~

A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't. ~Rhonda Hansome~

The phrase "working mother" is redundant. ~Jane Sellman~

Every time I close the door on reality it comes in through the windows. ~Jennifer Unlimited~


Thirty~five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart. ~Caryn Leschen~

I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once. ~Jennifer Unlimited~

If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. ~Catherine~

When I was young, I was put in a school for retarded kids for two years before they realized I actually had a hearing loss. And they called ME slow! ~Kathy Buckley~

I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb .. and I'm also not blonde. ~Dolly Parton~

If high heels were so wonderful, men would still be wearing them. ~Sue Grafton~

When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country. ~Elayne Boosler~

If you want anything said, ask a man~ if you want anything done, ask a woman. ~Margaret Thatcher~

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. ~Eleanor Roosevelt~

On Kids

1. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.

2. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.

3. Children seldom misquote you: In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.

4. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.

5. We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.
(unknown)


Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 
 but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praise

Changing of the Guard

Good bye summer.

Hello Fall,I have to believe fall colors are pretty and not sad,


This was a blessing made from a bag of florals I had forgotten about,
I still have enough to make a small white arrangement,just looking for something to make it in,
Have a blessed evening

Mess part 2

Here we go again,my mess part 2
bedroom during....





and bedroom after.....















I can't stop smiling thank you Lord,
calling for ideas I would like to paint the wall
where the fireplace is a different color
any opinions?
Have a Blessed Evening!

Celery!!Gasp!

This is a old article but I have to share it and vent,
I went to make a nice healthy pot of simple vegetable
and rice soup,I get into making soup in the fall,
but what was this,
I went to buy celery,a humble plant
but Lord help us it was $3.99!!!..Shock ,horror, sadness,GASP!
did it turn into a gourmet food when I wasn’t looking!
shame on you P***M***
for charging such prices!!
you may have a bunch of rotting goods at that price!
ok thats my vent here’s the clipping I wanted to share:




The New York Times
Tara Parker-Pope on Health
December 5, 2007, 12:46 PM
A High Price for Healthy Food

Healthy eating really does cost more.
That’s what University of Washington researchers found when they compared the prices of 370 foods sold at supermarkets in the Seattle area. Calorie for calorie, junk foods not only cost less than fruits and vegetables, but junk food prices also are less likely to rise as a result of inflation. The findings, reported in the current issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, may help explain why the highest rates of obesity are seen among people in lower-income groups.
The scientists took an unusual approach, essentially comparing the price of a calorie in a junk food to one consumed in a healthier meal. Although fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients, they also contain relatively few calories. Foods with high energy density, meaning they pack the most calories per gram, included candy, pastries, baked goods and snacks.
The survey found that higher-calorie, energy-dense foods are the better bargain for cash-strapped shoppers. Energy-dense munchies cost on average $1.76 per 1,000 calories, compared with $18.16 per 1,000 calories for low-energy but nutritious foods.
The survey also showed that low-calorie foods were more likely to increase in price, surging 19.5 percent over the two-year study period. High-calorie foods remained a relative bargain, dropping in price by 1.8 percent.
Although people don’t knowingly shop for calories per se, the data show that it’s easier for low-income people to sustain themselves on junk food rather than fruits and vegetables, says the study’s lead author Adam Drewnowski, director of the center for public health nutrition at the University of Washington. Based on his findings, a 2,000-calorie diet would cost just $3.52 a day if it consisted of junk food, compared with $36.32 a day for a diet of low-energy dense foods. However, most people eat a mix of foods. The average American spends about $7 a day on food, although low-income people spend about $4, says Dr. Drewnowski.
But it’s easier to overeat junk food, Dr. Drewnowski adds, both because it tastes good and because eaters often must consume a greater volume in order to feel satisfied. Still, even those who consume twice as much in junk food calories are still spending far less than healthy eaters.
“If you have $3 to feed yourself, your choices gravitate toward foods which give you the most calories per dollar,’’ said Dr. Drewnowski. “Not only are the empty calories cheaper, but the healthy foods are becoming more and more expensive. Vegetables and fruits are rapidly becoming luxury goods.

You can say that again,staying healthy just may turn into a luxury!

Fall feelings

Days and nights share time for equal moments , Fall, sadness over the end of Summer,warm,enveloping heat, replaced by the chill of cooler days, frozen dark nights ahead. Heavy sweaters ,bulky layers worn. Leaves crackling under foot,dying, plants root deep to ensure new life next Spring.

Orange pumpkins, with jack o' lantern faces, mocking me,so I only buy white ones, they say the promise of something pure and light to my heart
Squirrels and animals running around knowing time is running out. Their soul saying survive, so must I.

I try to feed my soul with smells of cider, baking cookies,pies, pots of soup,that briefly say, warmth will return.
I try to see the beauty in the colors of dying leaves,I see many grey hairs,I am wise yet.

I fight hard to see the beauty in fallen snow,the only beauty I find,is in the birth of our Saviour.With that I feel the warmth and love of life.
Melancholy and sad Fall marks the end of another season - too soon another year shall pass,as I wait for the promise of the returning Spring,and the happiness of abundant live.

How does Fall affect your mood? What are your thoughts of Fall?

Painting

Hubby decided he wanted to painted the living room ceiling,
Welcome to my mess!,

The mess in the dining room,





But now all is back to order



Dining room is still not decorated they way I would like,still working on it looking for ideas,

Mondays

We should feel bad for Monday, because everyone is always looking forward to Friday. We always hear “Thank Goodness its Friday”.” Or we hear

“Can’t wait until the Weekend”. We never hear “ Thank Goodness its Monday” or “Can’t wait until Monday”.



Now take “Wednesday” for example, everyone lovingly calls it “Hump day”, since it’s in the middle of the week and getting us closer to the weekend.

How about the “Weekend”, Saturday and Sunday, everyone is so excited its finally the weekend. Until Sunday evening that is, then the weekend blues hit, all you hear is “Great the weekend is over already, here comes Monday”.



No one ever really stops and gives Monday its credit.

You would think that Monday would have such a low sense of self-worth, with everyone complaining about Monday’s all the time.

If you stop to think about it, Monday is your best day, Monday is a great day. Monday never complains when we start over on our diets, because of the weekend fun we had. Monday, never

Complains, when we get a nice long Holiday Weekend that includes Monday. Monday never seems to mind that we use it for excuses to start something over or to stop doing something. You always hear “ When Monday comes, I’ll start over” or “ When Monday comes, that will be the day I quit”. Monday should be lovingly called “Start Over day” .



Perhaps instead we should see it as the “New Beginning Day”. When Monday comes it is a new beginning of the week, a new journey is how we should look at it. Every Monday, we should think about these Four things and answer them on “New Beginning Day” morning.

On Monday morning, we should stop and think, what is one thing that I am thankful for in my life, this New Beginning Day.

On Monday morning, we should stop and think, what was one good thing that happened last week that made me smile, that will brighten my day when I think about it, this New Beginning Day.

On Monday morning, we should stop and think, what is one thing that I am looking forwarded to in my life, this New Beginning Day.

On Monday morning, we should stop and think, what do I want to accomplish in my life this week before next New Beginning Day.

(thanks Linda)

Rummage Sale

The Church's Rummage sale was a huge success,
thanks to Grace the Women's Ministry Leader,

Our Pastor making a sale,giving a sermon,or quoting the"Honeymooners?"

Guess who,

I had to by these,



it was a wonderful time for all,
so if you are in the neighborhood,come to a service at,Howard Beach
Assembly of God,tell them The Lady in the Magic Hat sent you!
Have a Blessed Day!

Belated Birthday

We were on vacation when my daughter had her 23rd birthday,

first one I missed,sorry sweetie,

but I am glad we had a chance to make it up,

hope you enjoyed your cake,I Love you!

Mannikins

I have seen people do amazing things with
mannikins,here is mine so far,made her into a lamp with a pretty hat,
just need to come up with ideas to clothe her,have one to show off?post the link in comments,your ideas will help me greatly,

Are you ready to move?

A new addition to my enamelware collection,I have around 40 pieces now,
it’s one of those things that says country to me,




(sharing a post I read)
written by: Jennifer Jordan
On and On Creative
5 Reasons you are ready to move out of the city.

You are tired of neighbors: Neighbors are good for some things - the occasional cup of borrowed sugar, for instance - but they can also cause problems. Loud parties, poor lawn care, their habit of throwing their trash onto your driveway, can all compound and cause feuds that rival those in West Side Story. Country living, however, can relieve some of this strain. Living in the country doesn't mean you will be free of neighbors, but the space between your houses will allow your neighbors to feel like neighbors instead of like roommates.

You want a bigger yard: A city offers a wide variety of yard selections: from backyards that fit a swing set, a trampoline, and a croquet set, to yards that are just big enough to be your toy poodle's toilet, sizes vary greatly. Still, even the biggest city yard doesn't compare to a country yard. City yards are measured in feet, country yards are measured in acres. If you are seeking a yard that you can't possibly mow in a single day, a country yard may be for you.

You want your own space: Yes, "Wide Open Spaces" may be a song by the Dixie Chicks, but it's also a dream come true for those who are tired of being bogged down by the claustrophobia of the city life. In the city, houses, condos, and apartments are often crammed together like a sardine box: no one truly has their own space. The opposite is true in the country. You will never find a sardine in the countryside.

You're Sick of the City Life: The city is good for certain things: restaurants, taverns, and shopping malls are all within walking distance. But, a city can also come with its fair share of problems: crime, noise, and pollution are just a few examples. The country, while not necessarily void of the aforementioned issues, is generally less likely to have them. With much less congestion, and far less people, country life is usually much more quiet and much more peaceful: two things that you may have been seeking for quite some time.

You Want Fresh Air: There is country air -air that smells like pine trees and flowers - then there is city air - air that smells like car exhaust and, on good days, Starbucks. While some people may love the latter, others want the former. For anyone who wants air that is truly fresh, country living is your best bet. Far away from traffic, smoke stacks, and semi trucks, country air allows you to breathe freely without wondering what you are actually inhaling.Country living is definitely a change from the big city. A change that is usually well worth it.

OHHHHH ,In my mind I am soooooo there!!!from my thoughts and wishes to Gods ears!





 

Vintage fabrics

Good Morning!
while out antiquing I brought some beautiful


(sorry forgot the before pic)
I turned into



a sette cover,(that scrap teddy bear I made years ago)



and a apron
it was a good few day sewing!
my next project will be a vintage inspired dress,made from the fabric
on the front arms of the chair.
I would love to see your vintage inspired creations.

Tuesday

Good Morning!
I am still working on my vintage finds today,I should be done by tomorrow,
just sharing what’s been going on in my neighborhood,went up to the blvd last night and it still stinks,I feel bad for the people who live on that canal,
we live on the other side of the blvd in
Ramblersville


and the dead fish havent come down this far.
So if your going up to Crossbay,hold your nose.

taken from

The Daily News
Queens,Howard Beach residents sick of dead fish smell from Shellbank Basin
BY BRENDAN BROSH
Monday, September 15th 2008, 9:27 PM


Southern Queens pols, including Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (l.), Councilman Joe Addabbo and District Manager Frank Gulluscio, want answers to fish die-off.
Thousands of dead fish are clogging a canal in Howard Beach and causing alarm in the neighborhood.
Residents said for the past two weeks they have had to endure the smell of rotting fish coming from Shellbank Basin. They are demanding an answer from the city.
But city officials attributed the die-off to a "natural phenomenon."
"It's like sitting in a garbage dump on a 90-degree day," said Bob Giallanzo, 53, a worker with the Department of Transportation who lives along the basin. "Everything in there is dying."
The dead fish are mostly menhaden - known around Jamaica Bay as bunker - an oily bait fish used by recreational anglers that doesn't fare well in poorly aerated water. The fish swim in large schools and likely suffocated in water poorly oxygenated due to a massive algae bloom, a city official said.
"From time to time, a school of bunker fish is chased into canals by predators like bluefish and striped bass," said Mercedes Padilla, a city Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman. "There is less dissolved oxygen in the water, so they die. We had the same situation in a different part of the city last summer," she said.
City Councilman Joe Addabbo (D-Ozone Park) said the stench is affecting local businesses and schools. Addabbo and neighbors said the city may have stopped using a destratification process  that pumps air into the water of the canal and allows fish to breathe.
Padilla would only say the fishkill is due to a natural process and not related to any actions by the agency. Locals found that hard to swallow.
"There are residents here 30 and 40 years that have never seen anything like this," Addabbo said. "My residents deserve an explanation."
The city is using skimmer boats to clean the dead fish from the canal, but neighbors said that the area's ecosystem - including seagulls and even rats - has already been affected.
"There are dead birds on top of the dead fish," said Maureen Muller, 63, a receptionist who lives near the basin. "People are sick to their stomachs."
Locals said they have been unable to enjoy the last days of summer because of the persistent foul odor.
"The whole canal looks green, like it is covered in antifreeze," said Don Sclafani, 69, a retired plumber.
"I've never seen it this dirty," he said. "I can't even invite people to my backyard for a barbecue."

Monday

Good Morning!!







Time to workout again after 10 day of vacation,I need this cup of coffee first,it was so hard to get up,it is wonderful being in my own bed again,
My work out routine lately has been rebouding for 30 mins and my 8min AB dvd,but I can do it with out the dvd.
rebounding is 68% more efficient than jogging, according to NASA in a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
Do you know,
Benefits include;
• strengthen muscles and bones
• activate the lymphatic system
• improve the immune system
• increase oxygen uptake
• increase metabolism
• lower blood pressure
• increase circulation
• relieve constipation
• improve digestion
• detoxify the body
• reduce cellulite
• reduce stress
• relieve pain
• no impact
• safe for seniors.

well it all sounds good to me:)
oh btw,the 8 min ABS is great been doing it
for about 9 years almost daily,do I have a 6 pack
no I would have to lose about 10 lbs of vanity weight for them to show now,but I did have a 4 pack
10 years ago,the ab routine just feels good

and after that I have...




cleaning,want to help?
what is your least favorite chore?
mine has to be vacuuming daily dog hair,
but the other stuff I don’t mine,I am house proud.
Then I’ll be back to share some of my small treasures found while antiquing.

Blessed Sunday

After Church ,Sunday Brunch


Tomato Bruschetta

INGREDIENTS
6 large tomatoes, chopped
1 med,red onion chopped fine
3 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or lemon juice,or a mixture of both.
1/4 cup fresh basil, stems removed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 French baguette

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven on broiler setting,or uses toaster oven.
2. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion,garlic, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to sit for no less than 10 minutes,the longer the better.
3. Cut the baguette into 3/4-inch slices. On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Broil or toast until brown.
4. Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the baguette slices. Enjoy

Girly Comments & Graphics

Vacation...

We're home,had a wonderful time,the place is beautiful,went hiking, boating,swimming,lots of antique stores,some draw backs no stove in kitchen,

just a microwave,no free internet,and I have 4 bedbug bites ewwwwwww,

came home and washed everything in scalding water,even the colored clothes,

shame it had a lovely bedroom,

but all and all we had a grand time....

                                                I could be QUEEN OF THE FOREST!
                                                             We loved the lake
                                                              A Vegan feast!
                                                          Dutchess of all I see
                                                   So what you think dad can we stay?

                                                                            Cabin
                                                        That's me and the Dutchess
                                                                     side view

                                                          view from the bedroom

It's good to be home,I pray safety for all in the hurricane's path........

Vacation...at Last

First Blog Post,Leaving in the morning,

with summer being almost over,we are going on vacation at last,

To the Lakeside Cottage at the Interlaken Inn,Lakeville CT,

we have been to the inn before but stayed at the Townhouses,

this will be the first time in the Cottage,we have our own lake,

my dog Dutchess will love that,will be interesting have a wet dog all week.

The main reason we go there is because it is very pet friendly,

we adopted her 3 years ago after our last child flew the nest,

how one dog can change your life is wild!

The Cottage and lake

if you know of pet friendly vacation places along the East Coast,

I would love to hear about them,

I wonder if the cottage has internet,I may get the hang of this blogging,

Have a wonderful week,and God be with you,

off to finish packing......