The Sad/Happy Post

Dear Blog, I have this bad habit of telling myself that I'm going to begin being more consistent in writing to you, but somehow OK, I'll admit it, pure laziness seems to get in the way. I have these great thoughts on what I could write about, and what do I do...nothing, absolutely nothing. I certainly can't blame anything on "I'm so busy", because let's face it, unless you have a full-time job (did at one time), small children (also did at one time), are a care-taker (double did at one time), I can't come up with anything else that might keep me from writing a simple blog post. I get up every morning to "must have a couple of cups of coffee", read emails, read the morning paper (on-line) check facebook and instagram and start the circle again....check email etc. I'm in a rut. I'm blaming it all on my I-PAD....it's too easy, too convenient and I have to blame someone, something, certainly not myself.

I'll admit the last few months have not been the easiest, losing my sweetie in September and then losing my Toby this month.  Somewhere I think it's written that you are not supposed to lose your husband and your favorite pet within months of each other. If it's not, it should be. Toby had been with me for 11 years, got him as a puppy, and honestly the BEST dog I ever had. He was with me all through those bad times struggling with my sweetie's Alzheimer's and then being a comfort to me after my decision to place my sweetie in a care facility. He had not been acting quite right for a couple of weeks, not eating well, having trouble getting comfortable, restless. I thought probably a flu or a virus. Brought him to the Vet on a Monday evening and left without him. He was diagnosed with lymphoma and since I could tell he was already suffering with his not acting right, I made the decision to have him put to sleep. One of the top 10 toughest decisions I have made in my life. But I did it out of love, so he would not have to suffer. I would only be keeping him alive for myself, not for him. I know many of you have had to face this decision and it ain't easy. Will I get another dog, absolutely. Cinder is lonely, she looks for Toby all the time, and she also will be leaving me soon, she has breast cancer and she is too old to have the radical surgery she needs. So I'm facing this again before too long. Right now she is OK, but tumors are popping up in her mammary glands. I've loved my kids with all my heart. Sorry to write all this sad stuff, but this has been my life lately. I do try to keep busy, book club, bible study, movies, reading, but I'm in a rut and I need to change my lazy habits.

I do have several great trips planned for this year and I'm looking forward to all, but it's this day to day shit (pardon me) that I'm having trouble with. My 75th birthday is coming up in March and a couple of  years ago I wrote 73 things that make me happy in my blog posts. Maybe that will help. I'll start with these two...

1) Crunchy Peanut Butter on Trader Joe's Classic British Muffins toasted with Stonewall Kitchen's Peach Amaretto Jam spread on top. Try it, you will like it.

2) Reading a really good book, just finished "The Woman in the Window" by A J Finn.  If you enjoyed the old Hitchcock movies, you will enjoy this read.

Ok I'm on a roll. Maybe this will keep me going. Inserting a few picture, they have absolutely nothing to do with this post. Just some pretties to look at.

See you next time.....

That Time of the Year

Spring came, Spring left, and now it seems to be returning again.  I did say that it was a fickle season and this past couple of weeks proved my point.  A week ago Monday it was 70 degrees, this Monday we had a snow-fall of about 5 inches, wet, heavy stuff.  Today there is hardly any trace left of that 5 inches.  "Hope for the best. Expect the worst. Life is a play. We're unrehearsed." ~ Mel Brooks  That about sums up Spring around here.  I did manage to find a robin or two during the snowstorm, sitting on the rose bushes in the backyard, patiently waiting for the snow to stop.  

Now we are back to this.....

Linking up to Theresa's Good Fences 

I get real antsy about this time of year.  The holidays are long gone, the winter has gone on too long, my getaway to Arizona is over, too early to even think about planting flowers, it's that ho-hum time of the year for me.  I start getting real lazy....sitting around reading, binge watching TV shows, playing solitaire on my I-Phone, ya know all really important meaningful ways to spend the day. 

I volunteered to take pictures of the animals at our Humane Society, thinking I would go a couple of times a week.  But after further discussion, I think they want someone that can come practically every day.  I don't know if I want to be that committed to a volunteer undertaking.  They did say they needed photographers for their events, which is a consideration.  I was so excited about the possibility of being around animals and photographing them, but it's just a might much for me to commit oneself to.  I know my limits.  

We have been studying Joanna Weaver's "Having a Mary Spirit" in Bible Study.  This last week we focused on forgiving others.  Sometimes we have been hurt and the person responsible isn't even aware of the hurt.  Many times we carry this burden of hurt and don't want to forgive.  I found this quote today and thought it was so appropriate for letting go....  "Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life." ~ Joan Lunden  Isn't that just perfect. And I also found this on Pinterest and decided to add it to an Arizona image of mine. 

Yes, we can count on God and his love for healing old wounds and help us to forgive.  Who wants to carry around old hurts, not me. 

Until next time.....

It Snowed!!!

Oh boy did it snow here today. and it was that nice heavy "heart-attack" kinda snow that just sticks to everything.  Perfect for making a snow man.  It started before 11:00 PM last night and the last I checked it was still snowin' and a blowin'.  Needless to say I barely stepped out today except to shovel a pathway for my kids to do their thing.  Speaking of doing your "thing" I still remember my grandmother's outhouse.  Oh Yuck!!  We only visited in the warm months and it was bad enough then but can you imagine traipsing out with snow up to your knees with the wind howling. Oh no....so glad I am a 21st century woman.  How did I get off on that train of thought!!??

These are my snow angels.  They are the family that live across the street and every time it snows they come over (all of them) with shovels in hand and shovel my driveway and walks.  You can see by the pic how heavy it was snowing.  God bless the good neighbors in this world!!

Toby loves the snow....he jumps and runs and buries his nose in the white stuff.

While Cinder, on the other hand, is just fine staying in the nice warm house with her new sweater to keep her extra warm.  She only goes out when it is absolutely necessary, if ya know what I mean.

OK now it is the morning after and Toby has managed to burrow his way through the snow...you can tell by the huge piles just how much snow actually fell yesterday.  I saw on facebook someone measured 16 inches on their back porch but I don't think it is quite that much.  It's still a pile whatever the actual measurement is.

And another shoveling angel stopped by this morning and snow-blowed my driveway and sidewalks. I am so grateful for my neighbors who do this for me.  I have enough trouble just keeping a walkway cleared for the kids.

And to remind us that Spring is on it's way....(altho today being Ground Hog's Day and the critter saw his shadow which means another 6 weeks of winter) we will think warm thoughts and enjoy flowers from TJ's until they begin their emergence in the warmth of April May June.

Stay warm, stay safe!!

Until next time.....

It is Coming......

Well, the kids are back in school, Labor Day is upon us, and shortly the leaves will begin their yearly burst of oranges, reds & yellows.  I gotta admit that I have a hard time choosing between spring and fall as my two favorite times of the year.  Altho based on the fact that winter follows fall I will have to go with spring.  We all know I did quite a bit of moaning and groaning last year, alright let's call it like it really was, I bitched about the long, cold & snowy winter and I keep hearing that it will repeat again this year.  So prepare yourself for more bitchin' if that does indeed come to fruition.  I just hope that I handle it with a little more grace than I did last year.  A great way to handle it would be to leave for a warmer climate....say January thru March but that ain't gonna happen.

OK, enough already....one indication that Fall is quickly approaching are the little crab apples that are constantly dropping off of the tree in my side yard.  Now if I was really ambitious maybe I could use these little fruits in a jelly or jam but instead I will just use them as props for a photo.

I love this little hand-painted cup.  My Dad's sister was an artist and she painted this in 1962, over 50 years ago.  I love that I have a rememberance of her and her talent.  PS...the reason that bokeh looks so weird is that I took this on my back porch and that is the screening in the background.

Another reminder is the latest blooming hosta is now sprouting her final show

And finally, and this has absolutely nothing to do with fall....the kids went to the beauty shop and got their hair and nails done.  Aren't they adorable.  I just love those two....

And one last thing....I am joining Good Fences, TexWisGirl's weekly meme.  I know this isn't much of a fence, but I promise it is, an 8 foot one that obviously is used by many a bird to perch on.   And again this has absolutely nothing to do with Fall except that the sparrows never leave, Fall or Winter they stay no matter what.  I wonder if they bitched as much as I did last year??

"But the struggles make you stronger and the changes make you wise...And happiness has its own way of taking its sweet time. " ~ Gary Allen

Until next time.....

A Four Letter Word is Back...

I am trying to get back in the habit of blogging on a more regular basis, since I seemed to have lost that MOJO I was talking about earlier.  I guess you have to work at your MOJO, it doesn't just re-appear like a lost shoe.  It's like good habits, you have to work at those daily or you can slip into bad habits.  And so it is with writing and photography, it is a practice that needs regular tending.

We did have a touch of spring last week, but Sunday the clouds rolled in with rain and much cooler temperatures and then late yesterday afternoon that dreaded four letter word returned...SNOW. The weathermen had predicted the snow, but said because the weather had warmed up, that surely it wouldn't stick.  Hah, again Mother Nature fooled us.  It stuck and this morning I woke up to winter white again.  But....the sun is shining, and we will return to Spring later this week, albeit not warm it should be back in the 50's/60's.  Springtime in Chicagoland is always fickle so this should not be a surprise to any of us.  I remember the first Spring we arrived here back in the 70's, Easter Sunday was not tulips and daffodils, but snow and cold.   My son with his new white pants blended nicely with the fresh fallen snow, blended yes, looked ridiculous, yes.

My Toby has been fighting an ear infection for about a week.  Kids....took him to the VET last Wednesday and because it was pretty bad and the Doc couldn't quite determine exactly what the bacteria was, it (not his ear, but a swab of the crap that was oozing, have I grossed you out??) was sent to a lab for further analysis.  Now on his 2nd round of antibiotics and over $400 later he is on his way back to good health.  YIPES!!  Thank goodness it's not contagious or I might be looking at another boatload of money for Cinder.  No wonder there are so many dogs out there looking for new owners thru these adoption agencies.  In these tough times, I can imagine the affordability gets too overwhelming for some.  So far I have been able to disguise his meds via peanut butter, but this latest med is a topical ointment, which means getting into that sore ear.  Hmm, wonder how that is going to play out.

 
Hoping your week is gifting you with Spring and all the newness it brings....

Linking to Kim's Texture Tuesday today.

"You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety."   ~Abraham Maslow

Until next time....

Somewhat Pink

Well, I started out by trying to gather images of pink and making this a pink post, but I didn't get very far before I ran out of pink....you just can't find a lot of pink in the white world I am living in right now.  But I did go out and buy pink tulips (actually I didn't even know what color they were when I made the purchase, their little buds were so tightly closed it took a couple of days before their true color was revealed.

And then I thought of my trip to the Arizona zoo, and the pink flamingos...don't ya just love pink flamingos.

And then I remembered there were pretty pink flowers that the butterflies were sipping from at Butterfly Wonderland in Phoenix....

And then ofcourse there is Cinder's new sweater....this is her bounding thru the snow.  No, she really isn't playing she is running to get back inside, this is not her favorite weather.

And then Toby, who doesn't have a lick of pink on him, standing there wondering why Cinder is in such a hurry to get back inside, because when the temps get to above 20 he is ready to stay and play.

Kathy over at You'll Shoot Your Eye Out has a fun meme on Sundays entitled Song-ography - take a song and photograph your interpretation...this week it is Meatloaf's "I Would Do Anything For Love"....personally if I was a big singing star, Meatloaf is probably the last name I would have chosen to be known as, but then I didn't do the choosen.  Anyhoo, I thought this might represent that song....you just don't see giraffes sitting down too often, and I am thinkin' one was feeling a little down (maybe a sore throat...snort) so her mate came down to keep her company.

So that's it.....my somewhat pink post, mixed in with a little Toby and a little Song-ography.  Hope you are having a great Sunday.  And btw, I finished The Snow Child....very fairy-tale like, easy read, I liked it, but again, I think next February we should be more astute in our choice of reading and not pick something that takes place in Alaska in the winter-time....just sayin.

"Book lovers never go to bed alone."  ~Author Unknown

Until next time.....

Random Five On Friday - The January 10, 2014 Edition

1) I am beginning this post with trepidation due to the apparent hiccups blogger is currently experiencing. We will see how this unfolds....as I said yesterday, I was feeling really smug because I had sailed along via blogger for years...since 2009 (wow has it been that long ago since I began this blog??) without a stitch of trouble until yesterday.  Oh baby I bet their inbox was overflowing with disgruntled bloggers.  Oh and btw....that is my first of my random five on Friday.  I am going to have to dig dip to come up with 5 random thoughts today.

2) It has been kind of a (ho-hum) boring week with the only day out being Wednesday with my gal pals for the start of our new Bible study where I blasphemed (not really) Beth Moore on a recent post and then enjoyed lunch with more gal pals to examine, deliberate and confer about the new season of Downton Abbey.

3)  Today it is warming up....the drips can be heard from the melting of the snow, and Toby is in his glory.  He was feeling mighty trapped being in the house all day and not able to patrol the grounds.

4)  This week brought disturbing news from a friend and then from a relative about some difficult medical issues....and both of my granddaughters are having medical issues...all very unnerving and worrisome...all are being taken care of by the best means possible.   I am sure this is part of my "grumpiness." with the worries and the knowing I can't do a thing to help anyone of them except pray.

5) And this one is definitely a world shaker...I have decided to let my hair grow.  I cancelled my last haircut appointment then never re-booked therefore the hair continued to grow.  Returning to Bible Study after almost a month without, a couple of ladies told me that my new style made me look "younger"....well that's all you need to say to me. so no haircuts in the near future for this "younger" woman.  (giggle, snort)

So there, that is my random five...all so very notable (snore) but I would appreciate a hop over to my collaborative blog, Focusing on Life where I am musing on "begin".  And of course a trip to Nancy's, the host of Random Five on Friday is always a fun time.

"Each moment is a place you've never been."  ~ Mark Strand

Until next time....

Monday, Monday

OK, this is ridiculous...you notice the"real feel" temp is -46.  I guess that is the new "wind-chill" 

terminology.  

I let my kids out this morning about 6:30 AM and in less than 2 minutes they were both back in the house...Cinder limped up the sidewalk, shivering.  I immediately wiped her off and cuddled her under a warm blanket and she remained in that position until just about 11:30, when she jumped down for about a minute and then decided, never mind and jumped back up into those warm covers.

Toby loves being outside and he just can't understand why I won't let him go out....he just looks at me with that forlorn look and says....please, please.  Then when I do let him out, he comes hobbling back within 5 minutes.  He almost didn't make it up the sidewalk the last time he went out.  Poor things, they don't understand what this nasty weather is all about.  It's supposed to warm up to -12 by 9:00 PM tonight.  Oh my, I do hope everyone is safe and warm wherever they are.  And thanks for all the concerns about my two granddaughters....Bailey did spend the night with me last night and Brie's drive back to Iowa State was safe and uneventful. Sometimes that word "uneventful" is so positive.  I love it when someone says..."how was your flight" and I reply, "uneventful"...in other-words, no problems.

Ok, since you won't let me play outside, will you play with me inside???

While Cinder stays wrapped in her blanket.

Well, did ya, did ya....watch Downton Abbey last night??  Thank God Mary came out of her gloominess before the show's end, what a drag she was.  And O'brien left....wow didn't see that coming.  And wasn't that a sweet ending when Mr. Carson finally went to see his ole' theater pal and extended a friendly hand.  And I must say, Lady Edith sure is coming into her own with her new make-up and wardrobe.  That green evening dress was quite stunning.  OK, sure hope I haven't spoiled it for anyone, it is pure pleasure to watch.

OK, my 50mm class begins today, our assignment is to get used to the lens, wander around our house and backyard (ha is she kidding??) and snap using different exposures, aperatures etc.  OK, so the Toby pics were 50mm and here are a couple more and yes, they are all inside.

and yes, the Christmas decorations are STILL up...I know, I'm tired of them too.

And one more thing....today is the anniversary of the day that Peanuts was introduced to us by Charles Schultz back in 1952.  It was the longest running comic strip with 17,897 strips in total and is considered one of the most influential and popular comic strips ever written.   Love you "Peanuts"!

" If  I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself." ~  Charles Schultz

And PS....just checked the weather again and it warmed up to -13...what the heck??!!  

Until next time....

Good Intentions??

This is already the 4th day into the New Year and I am still sitting here with my old habits.  I always think that with the new year I will suddenly change into an up early & dressed, exercise, lose those lbs, get organized, stop procrastinating kinda gal....but sadly, it seems to be the same ole same ole for me. I have good intentions, I really do.  Found this quote...."I think I'll be going to Heaven, because I had good intentions. But my actions are another thing."  By Curtis James Jackson that I think pretty well sums me up. 

I would much rather spend my time photographing, blogging, editing than exercising any day of the week.  And speaking of photography....Toby does love the snow.

Unlike my little Cinder, who says, "no thank you....I will just sit here on this nice warm couch catching any sun rays that I can while snuggled in one of my Mom's blankets."

Over at Kim Klassen's blog she challenged us to do a "fourteen in 2014" and I don't consider these resolutions so much as what I would really like to accomplish in 2014.  I have been mulling this in my mind for a few days.  

So here is my list (subject to change and not in any particular order) these things I really "want to do" in 2014.  

                                                               

1. Have registered and plan on completing (of which I have failed miserably in the past) a new class entitled "The 50mm Project".  Using your 50mm lens with different assignments and instructions for 4 weeks.  This the lightest weight lens I own, why I don't use it more often is beyond me.  But this will encourage me to take it out of the bag more often.  In fact...all the images on today's post are taken with my 50mm 1.4 lens.  
2. Learn Lightroom 5.  I have been using it, but I really need some good "how to's and to dig dip" because not only am I using Lightroom for most of my editing, I made the decision to shoot in RAW.  Huge leaps for me. 
3. Meet more blogging friends face to face.  I have done that in the past and loved meeting those that you get to know via their blogs, but meeting them, and carrying on a conservation, and laughing and really getting to know them is life enriching!!
4. Take better care of myself.  I won't go there now, but I am horrible at so many "healthful habits".
5. Finish a 365 Project.  Again have failed miserably in the past, but heh, try and try again, maybe the 3rd time will be the charm.
6. Gather with friends more.  Life is too sweet and too short to not stay in touch with those you love.
7. Try and whittle down my notorious procrastination....but I am afraid it's part of who I am..my so-called DNA.  
8. Participate for a 2nd time in the Alzheimer's Walk in the Fall and try to raise even more money for research for this dreaded and horrible disease.
9. Grow my Family Photography Business.  I am delighted with what I have done so far, but would like to continue and gain more clients this year.
10. Travel, travel, travel....need I say more.
11. Read more, have a ton of books downloaded on my Kindle, just waiting patiently for mine eyes to see.  If you are a Kindle user you must subscribe via email to Pixel of Ink and Book Bub.  They are sites that are linked to Amazon that offer daily offerings of digital books to read, some are free, some are $1.99 and the really fantastic almost brand new books are $2.99.  Granted most times I read and delete, but it's worth it to sign up.  Just google them....and sign up, do it!!
12. Let go of a hurtful relationship.  
13. Investigate selling my prints on line, another huge leap for me if I follow thru.
14. Be more prayerful....after all, nothing would be possible without the good Lord guiding me, protecting me, lifting me up when I am down, and loving me for who I am.   

I will let you know as I travel thru 2014 how I am doing on this list.  But right now I MUST get dressed and get to the grocery store for some food supplies....the dreaded and dangerous cold is hitting us soon and my cupboards are a little bare.

Have a safe, warm & happy weekend.....

Until next time.....