Rosalie and Alice

 Rosalie and Alice Wishing All of You Happy Holidays !
     Are they not the sweetest looking girls you have ever seen ?  Believe me they are a blast to play with.  They will run towards you going sideways with their heads tilted.  It is so cute.  Then when you go out to feed them if they are in the far corner of the yard, here they come lickity split on a dead run.  My whole family just loves them and we do have a great time playing with them.
     Is everyone ready for Christmas?  Two days left.  As if I'm telling you something you don't already know.  Between the TV and the Internet you are kept up to the minute especially if you are ordering on line.  I will be doing my shopping on the 24th.  Yes, that is right as I told you last time that is when the money is coming in for the Holidays.  Help!  Hey, I just as well put a good spin on it and have a great time.  I have my list of things to buy for gifts and I want to be able to look around in case I see something else.  Then before Jim and I hit the grocery store for Christmas dinner, we are going to eat out, ourselves.  Usually we do not.  I generally always cook meals at home except for the occasional pizza but hey, we are going to be out and you know we will be getting hungry and this way we will be going to the grocery store, full which is always better.  We will pick a place which is locally owned.  None of the chain restaurants, besides we have a great variety to choose from.  If I let my husband pick he will want Chinese, I'm almost sure and there is a great one in Chico and their food is yummy.  I also like Chinese but am leaning towards Italian so we will have to see.
     

Yesterday my Granddaughter came up and we made popcorn balls.  When she was small she made them with my Mom, so we decided we would honor my MOM and her Great Grandmother.

What a great time we had.  My other two Granddaughters and my daughter in law also shared in our fun.  The syrup could have been cooked a little longer as when we took a bite it lashed on to our teeth and would not let go.  I'm sure my MOM was on the side lines snickering about that.  Oh how she would have loved to have been here and believe me we would have loved her being here with us.  Merry Christmas Ada Belle, you are missed !  Tootles and Doodles

December 20, Monday 2010

It's raining cats and dogs here in Northern California. Yikes !  This is suppose to be the Happiest time of the year.....well let me tell you, It is not.  It is very dreary, and cold to top it off.  You look outside and the rain just keeps coming down, down, down.  Sometimes it's sprinkles, sometimes it's drizzles, sometimes it's pouring, and sometimes it's a deluge of rain that you swear someone has a power hose pointed at your window.  Now I ask you, what kind of Holiday season is this suppose to be.
     Hey, I have another one for you, speaking of dreary, we won't get our check for Christmas shopping until Dec. 24.  Now how is that for Holiday Spirit.  We will have one day to buy gifts, buy food for Christmas and any extra's.  ONE day.  Will I be able to do it in this rainy, road slick weather.  Well, I will, or I should we will try our best and be very very careful.
     Must say Have a Very Merry Christmas !  I do mean that from the bottom of my heart.  It's not the gifts that are important.  It isn't necessary to have fancy food, what is important is who you will be celebrating with.  Make sure it's the people you dearly love.  You know the ones who always bring a smile to your face, make you feel good by just being around them.  The kind of people who would do anything for you all you have to do is ask.  Sometimes it's friends and sometimes it's family.  Just be grateful you have them around and for those who are not looking forward to certain Uncle's or Aunt's or a family member your not so crazy about maybe you should look a little harder and soften your heart.  You just might not know their story.   Tootles and Happy Holidays

A Live Tree !

     Yes, that's right, we got a live tree and it's really pretty.  It's only about 4' and fits perfect in our windows.  Guess what ?  That cats do not bother it.  In fact they actually jump up beside it and go to sleep.  Isn't that great.  They are so cute.  We got everyone a stocking and I went ahead and bought all our animals presents.  I  bought some really cute boxes.  The are all ready decorated so I put dog toys and cat toys in them.  Our tree looks very pretty with the presents underneath.
     I just happened to be on Amazon looking at books (duh!) and on the bottom of one of the pages the title of a book caught my eye.  Fall of the Giants by Ken Follett.  I have wanted to get this since I first read about it last August.  I love his other books, Pillars of the Earth, and World without End.  I read where it was coming out the end of September and was very excited about it.  Then I saw the price for Kindle. WHAT!  19.99 and 19.40 for hardback.  I mean come on.  Ken, I love your writing but let's be reasonable.  There is no way I am paying that much for your book on Kindle.  Getting back to what was at the bottom of the page......This was a discussion about the price.  I did not realize other people felt the same way I did.  In fact, if what I read is true, they have a boycott on the book and only rated it 3 stars.  That is not from the content (which I understand the book is great) but because of the price.  I have to say I agree.  It seems the publisher is trying to insult the Kindle Nation by making it more then the hardback.  Now, I ask you, what in the world is that all about.  I have to hand it to all the outraged Kindle readers who are protesting, boycotting, and writing emails and there are a lot of them but what the publisher doesn't realize is in my quiet way I am also doing the same.  I do believe there are many, many people who feel like I do.  Maybe we don't scream and yell.  We don't write letters or start boycotts but we will, in our quiet way protest and bring you to our way of thinking.  It's the ones you never hear from who can stop the production and you will never know why.  Tootles

What kind of Tree do we get ?

     Jim and I are debating about what tree to get.  Do we get a fake one, a cut one or a live tree that we can plant in our yard.  I think we are going with the live tree.  That's what we got last year and we have it planted by out front gate.  Maybe we will keep buying them every year from now on and end up with a forest around us.  That would be great with me as Jim and I both love trees.  We can't get a large one as I do not have the room for it so I think this is the way to go.  When I get it decorated I will take a picture of it and post it on this site.  Hey, I know just the place for decorations.  Go to the 99 cent store.  I'm not kidding, they have the most beautiful ornaments I have ever seen and let's face it, the price is right.  Oh, now I'm really getting in the Christmas Spirit.  I want to buy candy canes to hang on the tree. I must get Jim and I our stocking and of course stocking for all our animals.  We have Tasha, Bella and Olivia our dogs.  Then we have Eleanor, Elviria, Edgar and Elvis our cats.  They are going to be excited about the tree also. ............ Oh No.... The cats Will be excited about the tree.  They will think it's a new toy for them to climb in.  OH NO.  Well I could put it in one of windows as they all have storage underneath so maybe it wouldn't be out where they could see it or have a chance to jump in it.  Oh dear, I have much to think about.  Well, we will just have to figure it out because I really want a tree. Wishing you lots of luck and joy in finding that perfect tree.   Tootles

Is it Over ?

     Thanksgiving that is.  I mean you do all this preparation.  You plan out what your going to have at the dinner.   You ask company to bring certain things.  The day before your cooking and getting ready for the big day.  The morning of , you start the last of the dishes to be served.  Then everything is done so you wait, and wait and finally they start to arrive.  Some of the guest have other places to go so you know they will be leaving soon.  Your busy in the kitchen serving and making sure everyone has plenty to eat and to top it all off the football game is in the background.  I can not tell you how much I detest football.  There is no other conversation going on because certain people are watching or I should say they are glued to the TV.  God forbid if someone gets in front of the set or in front of the person.  Frowns are glared, arms are jerked, there are crab apple voices which are slightly raised telling the unfortunate child, "To get out of the way". 
     No one is chatting.  Unless it's about a player of football.  No one is asking how are things going, unless it's about the play of the game.  The rest of us, who do not like football,  I guess it's just me, don't have a chance at visiting.  Then before you know it games are over, at least one of them so some of the company leave but never fear as there are several more games starting.  And of course they do start watching.  I stay in the kitchen as just the sound of the game going on is enough to ruin the day.  I don't allow it to do that as I am in control of my moods but it's just very sad I am unable to enjoy my family.  I really want to know how they are doing.  What's happening in their lives but I guess they don't care what's happening in mine.  I guess that is not nice to say, I really don't know if they do or not the point is we are not enjoying each other as we should, as a caring family.  Sometimes I feel I am the only one who feels this way.  I do know I am the only one in my family.  Did I mention I am not having Christmas at my house.  Ha!  I don't know what I will do but I will not have football in the back ground no matter what I decide to do.  Happy Holidays !   Tootles

Good Morning !

     Thanksgiving is almost upon us.   It's kind of an odd Holiday.  Supposedly we shared dinner with the Indians. Boy, if they only knew what was ahead.  Then you hear no, it wasn't quite like that.  I mean, come on, how can we celebrate after what happened to the Indians.  We destroyed their way of life and living.  We made fun of their ways and called them foolish.  Oh, dear Lord, what were we thinking.  If only we had not been so arrogant and full of ourselves and learned from them the beauty of life through their eyes.  I know some did and they tried to tell whoever but no one listened or even tried to hear.  Let's face it, it all had to do with money.  They wanted the land and didn't care how they got it.  You know I have been reading a lot of Amish books,(which I really love) and realize they have the right idea about living.  They are a close knit community and help each other.  Their beliefs are real.  Then when you think about it the Tribes in Africa were somewhat the same.  They had their own community with beliefs, rules and traditions.  So what happened to the rest of us ?  I know there are even more groups which have this going for them and it works.  I think that is the way America was suppose to be.  That is, when our Founding Fathers started it.  We were suppose to have freedom and could choose our way of life but with always a respect for our fellow man and his way of life.  So, I ask you, what has happened ? Why is it so hard to see you cannot allow the wealthy to continue to expand their bank accounts and the middle class lose theirs.  It's that same old line, "How much money is enough ?  Just some food for thought as this Holiday Season is approaching.   Tootles

Eleanor and Elviria at their Best !

 This is Eleanor.  She has a routine, in which, she goes out every morning, walks along the top of the fence, puts herself on top of the post then jumps down on the other side.  She runs around the orchard (they are peach trees, yum) then comes back around and into the house.  We have a cat and dog door, one and the same, which they use.  I, for one, would not have an animal without it.  Doesn't she look majestic, I especially love her paw sticking out.  She is very sweet, if not a bit sassy.  Does not really work well with others.  Just leave her alone, although she does allow you to watch her, not that she could stop you. Don't you love the fog hovering?

This sweet girl is Elviria.  She really is a sweetie. She is sitting at our breakfast table looking out at that same orchard, although all you see is the fence.  Elviria is the one who cleans all their faces. I am not kidding.  Her routine is in the evening, she comes and curls up on my lap, and we cuddle the evening away.  It doesn't matter if I am watching TV, reading on my Kindle, or sewing, she manages to curl up and still allow me to do other things. Ha!  What a kitty.

 This shows you how sweet Elviria is, on the left and Bella, (Puppers) our dog on the right.  They do sleep together and Elviria cleans Bella's face all the time.  They are quite the pair.  I don't think Bella always likes it but she does endure, it's almost as if she doesn't want to hurt Elviria's feelings. Ha!  How I do enjoy my animals.  I must get a pic of Olivia and Tasha our other dogs and Edgar (sparky) our other cat.  Three dogs and three cats is a bit much but we do love them all.

Now, tell me, isn't this just the most beautiful pic you have ever seen.  What a classy Elviria.  Although I am a little mad at Eleanor, as she is the one who broke the little branch off of the flowers.  I stuck it in the soil but as you can see it's not standing at attention.  It's like she is saying," I swear I'm not the one who did it."
     On a different note, I have been summoned for jury duty.  Why is it when you first get this in the mail, you feel so mad.  Well, not really mad but you certainly do not feel, you just one the lottery. Ha.  I have to call in Friday, so will keep you posted and let you know what happens.  Tootles

Almost gone !

This is what I have left.  I think I might hold out and make a pie for Thanksgiving.  We will see.  I already made the crust it's in the freezer so I can do this anytime.  What fun it is to smell all of that cooking in your kitchen but it's not so good on the waist line so that is why I thought I would hold off a little.
     It's cooler weather and I love it.  I know, I'm sure I will be complaining in another month about it.  We really are never satisfied.  Tootles

Apple Orchard Pictures

 Is this not the most adorable home.  Don't you just want to go inside, make a fire, put the kettle on for tea and grab a blanket and a good book and curl up.  Oh, how I like the thought of that. 
     The smell in the air is pine at it's best.  You just automatically take a deep breath the minute you get out of your car.  The air is cool and crisp and you are so glad you decided to come.  I looked all around me and there are several building that you can tell have been there for a long time.  The boards are very wide and very dark.  It's almost like you have gone back in time to a much simpler life.  A time we all would like to experience.  That friendly neighborhood that helped each other and always knew just what you needed, even before you knew.  Don't you just love this yard.  Give me this any day.  Who wants the manicured yard that no one is to step in.  This is simple and charming.

 This is the other side of the home.  I didn't tell you the name of this farm or I should say Orchard........Noble Orchards, Jim and Laurie Noble at 7050 Pentz Road in Paradise, CA.  As we were leaving they put in our hand and said,  "Hope you can join us for our  Harvest Party Celebration our 89th Season, Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 form 2-7pm. 

     Can you imagine 89 years.  Boy, the stories that house and barn could tell.  It's a great place to go especially to take the kids and let them see what a farm, orchard looks like.  It's not showy, or fancy.  Like I said yesterday it's the real deal and I am so glad I ask the right questions and a fellow swimmer let me in on the nugget in Paradise.

Just look at this barn.  Now I wish I would have taken more pictures for you.  Hey, I just might have to go up there again and when I do, I will take a lot more pictures and share. 
     Enjoy, and I hope you are thinking about those apple pies you need to make for the Holidays.  You can always make some now just to get in practice for Thanksgiving and Hey, Christmas is just around the corner.
     I wonder if I can find the chocolate farm.  Can you imagine an orchard of chocolate drops hanging on the tree.  Maybe.  It could happen.  I just might be the one to go looking for it.  Ha!  Tootles

Happy Sunday to all of you !

     I have enjoyed this week-end.  First Saturday morning .....Well, I should start Friday morning.  I got a big tip from one of my fellow swimmers, at "In Motion Fitness".  We were talking about food, as usual and she told me about how she makes apple butter in her slow cooker (you know, the crock pot, why they thought they had to rename it, I will never know).  Well, I wanted to go do it right then. You know how that is, you do not want to wait for anybody, anytime or anything but I had no apples.  The great thing was she told me about this really cute farm (if a farm could really be called cute, that is), it's up in Paradise, CA.  Yes it is a real town and has it ever grown since I was a teen, I guess so as it's almost 50 years, any who, this place is the real deal.  We found it off Pentz Rd.  You drive in the driveway and it's a little one lane road which goes beside a rock house.  There is parking in the front yard which we decide to take because we have never been there before.  We start walking down the one lane and can see a barn which is open at this end.  There are shelves, and boxes and boxes of apples.  Many, many kinds.  Also they are selling Olive Oil that is local and some sauces.  I pick up the Olive Oil and get black berry sauce.  We are moseying (hey, we are on a farm) over where one lady is giving slices of apples to try.  Jim and I do so and after the granny smith, red delicious, she gives us gala.....wow that was real good.  We buy half a bushel, they smell wonderful.  Off we go with our loot and head for home.  Then Saturday morning I get up slice apples, slice apples, and then slice apples.  I made one big apple pie with a crumb topping, 5 small pies.  I had no more pie plates so just used the crust.  Rolled out the dough in a circle, added the apples in center with sugar and spices on and lapped the dough around them in a circle.  Hey, it worked fine.  I think that is how I am going to make them from now on.  Before all of this I put about 15 apples, sliced in the crock pot and 11 or so hours later I had apple butter.  I couldn't finish the apple butter on Sat as our electricity went out so just halted the crock pot and started it up again on Sunday Morning.  Let me tell you it is wonderful.  Here is all you do.......
     Peel and slice about 15 apples, add to crock pot.  Mix 3 to 4 cups of sugar (depending on apple sweetness), 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.  Stir.  Put crock pot on high for 1 hour, then stir and put on low for 11 to 12 hours.  Then the last hour leave lid off and stir with wire wisk to mash up apples.  I used a potato masher.  It will have become dark and thick and that is just what you want.  Put in sterilized jars, leave 1/2 an inch from top, place lids on and waalaa your done.  Apple butter is great over vanilla ice cream, add to pancake mix (about 1/2 cup) serve with pork chops.  Just use it like you would jam.  Believe me you will think of things yourself, it's delicious.  Tootles

Wow, have I been away or what !

     I think it has almost been a month since I was here.  You know life just gets ahold of you and you have a hard time getting lose.  There are just too many things that go on, in which you, yourself, have no control over.  That is where I have been and I hope to never end up there ever again.  Have I ever missed being here.  This is the place to be.  It's home, its comfortable and homey.  Just where I want to sit back, put my feet up, have my earl gray tea, steeping in my favorite cup, beside me.  Oh, I think this is the closes to heaven I can be, without actually being there.  Now then, let's get down to talking. 
     Our election is over here in CA.  What a race it was.  Let's just say, some people found out the hard way, it doesn't matter how much you spend it does not guarantee you will be elected.  The more you spend does not mean you will win.  I think some people forgot our country should be run like were a family.  The adults in Washington, (Now don't start laughing) are like the parents and each state is a child.  They set up money for each of them along with programs and such.  It's sad really how some people in office think it should be run like a business.  Think about it, wouldn't we all be a lot happier and our country would run smoothly but (there is always a but) then how would the wealthy keep getting more money.  What surprises me is some of the people I have met at swim class, who are retired teachers, retired professors, mostly professional and what I would call intelligent.  Well, I do get fooled by how they do not think for themselves.  If they hear it on TV and this man said it, then It must be true.  Come on people.  No matter what he, she or any one has said, take it all in, ask some questions and decide for yourself.  Nine times out of ten that person was twisting the real facst and you were not getting the full or real story. 
     Ok, that's it for me tonight.  I'll be back on the soap box tomorrow. 
     Happy Birthday Mom, where ever you are !        Tootles

I have not checked Amazon's Free Books Today. Yet.

     It's been hard but I have resisted. So far that is.  After all the day isn't over yet.  I want to stop being greedy and before I click, read about the books first.  I still can't believe I acted like that and want to get back to enjoying reading and the anticipation of a new book.  Wish me luck. 
     Well it is Friday and tomorrow is Jim's b-day.  We are having cake.  Yea!  I love cake and a Birthday is the perfect excuse.  He picked out white cake with dark chocolate frosting.  Yum. 
     Well, arnold has just passed the budget and I am wondering just who will be hurt.  You can bet it won't be the wealthy and to top it off he is going on vacation to Russia.  Russia, why ever is he going there on tax payers money.  Maria should hide under her bed. He certainly has terminated CA.
     Well, on a happier note I am feeling great.   I went to the gym today and worked out along with swim class.  It sure does make you feel super and keeps you in good spirits.  Let me tell you, it works.  Have you found a gym yet ?   I can't stress enough how important it is, of course along with eating right.  Tootles

My Kindle is Loading

     Every time I turn it on, it's like it freezes, then blank screen, then reloads itself.  I think maybe I need to put some of my books in Archives.  I do have over 1000 books on it so I think I will move some of them.  I really have no other complaints.  I mean I love my Kindle but I do think it has brought out the greed in me.  I knew I loved getting books and I was always happy to pick up paperbacks at the grocery store or discount store.  Once in a while I would buy 2 or 3 at a time, but mostly just one.  And I would wait for that best seller to come out in paperback as well.  Again, once in a while I would splurge and buy the hardback the day it would come out.  O.K.  that said, I have to admit now I feel so greedy.  I mean I check Amazon daily to see how many new free books can I load up.  I don't always check to see just what they are about.  Isn't that awful !  What the heck am I doing.  You know when I first received my Kindle maybe once a week at the Kindle store on the Kindle, the headline would be A FREE BOOK.  That would be so exciting and I would read the article about it and get the book.  Then it came more frequently and I was overwhelmed as I didn't want to take the time to read about each book, I just snapped them up.  Then I found I was getting so many books I couldn't keep tract of all of them.  That's when I received the update.  Now I have folders.  I can put all my books in folders.  Do you know I have 16 folders and one of them is titled.....Free books to read.  I have over 400 books just in that folder.  Have I went overboard or what ?  I think what I need to do is stop the insanity and read about the books first.  If I am not interested in that particular subject matter then DO NOT get it.  I just do not like to see this greedy side of myself and want to go back to getting excited about .......... A new book.  As Dr. Oz's would say,  "Make Sense" ?    Tootles

Flowers in Our Yard

I believe this is an Amaryllsis.  I just know it's the brightest flower in our yard.  What a show piece.  I swear you could look at it all day long, sometimes I just about do.  I wanted to get a shot of it to show you.  You know most of my flowers have been given to me by various people and it's like I have friends all over my yard.  Now that is a scary thought (just kidding). 
     Last night we had a wild and crazy rain.  I'm not kidding.  First there was this bright white flash, I just happened to see, out of the corner of my eye, through the window.  Then about 3 seconds later bamm!, a loud crack of thunder.  Wow !  This is so strange as I'm in Northern CA. just north of Sac. so we do not get thunder storms.  Your talking to a girl born and raised in Kansas.  I know what a Thunder and Lightening Storm sound like.  Believe me many anights I spent with my head under the covers only to bravely peek out of my upstairs window, to be Zapped by another round of thunder and lightening.  It was thrilling and scary at the same time but last night I have to say for the brief time it was in our area, about 30 to 45 minutes, it was a doozie.  Thunder, lightening and them a downpour of  rain, made me even miss the good ole' days of Kansas.  Ha!
   Hey you might want to check out another site I've been working on....Arcanes Portis Aveo on the Kindle blogs.  I'm enjoy myself very much and love sharing with you.  Tootles

My Garden and Things

Is not this beautiful ?  It is the bloom from the artichoke which will go to seed.  We have several on our bush and are thrilled to have them for next year.  Our Garden was not big at all as we just had, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, regular tomatoes ( cannot recall the type), and of course my herbs, rosemary (which I hope stays for a long time), oregano, and sage.  The sage seems to be taking over as I do not seem to have much oregano.  The of course I have lots and lots of mint.  That really takes over but I do love it.
     I do so wish we had planted green peppers as well as red, and orange, some hot peppers and of course, Pumpkins and then ornamental squash.  Cannot think of the name of them but I am sure you know what I am talking about.
     Our weather is Autumn for sure.  How I love the cool mornings.  Jim and I wrap up in jackets and have our coffee outside.  This morning it was quite windy coming from the north so we sat on the deck which is on the south side of our house.  So we were protected from it.  Oh, it was so enjoyable.  Wish we had a roof over that area to keep the rain out but it is just a cloth to protect us from the sun.

 

This is a picture of our first blossom from the citrus tree.  We do not know for sure what kind it is so that will be a surprise. 
     I do go out and sit a lot and enjoy the sights and sounds.  How refreshing it is to do. 
     Enjoy this day and our new Season.  Tootles

My Sweet Tasha and Sweet Bella

Isn't she sweet ?  We got her on Craigs list.  She's not too big and not too small, she is just right.  Very self centered but sweet about it.  Right next to her is Bella (which we call puppers) She is a Chihuahua (had to look up the spelling on that) and our son brought her home because her owners were not able to keep her.  Jim is an old softy and he knew we would take her as we have his dog all the time.  She is also a chihuahua but tan colored.  We really don't mind they are small dogs but we have made it plain, this is it, no more dogs ( I'm not kidding).  We also have 4 cats, 2 we brought with us here (they were strays at our old house) and 2 are strays that invited themselves to become apart of our family here.
     I have more pictures to show you but am having a hard time finding them on my computer.  I swear where do they go ?  I just put them on from my ipod and now I can't find them.
     It's funny as we were talking about that in the pool today, all the new technology now and how when we were growing up we were so happy with so much less.  It was a treat to have a coke on Saturday night.  Mom would always make hamburger (homemade, they were so yummy).  She would toast the buns.  How she would do it is....Once she turned the burger over the top of the bun would go on it and the bottom of the bun on top of that.  Well some of the top bun would slide over in the cast iron skillet and get toasted.  When the burger was done, you slid the scoop under the burger, pulled everything out and took the bottom of the bun (which is on the top of your stack) moved it under the scoop, slid the scoop out and whaalaa! a juicy and delicious  burger.  Mom always put tomato, lettuce, pickle, ketchup and mustard and said, "See, here is your salad, meat and bread all in one."  Mom didn't think it was a meal unless there was meat.  I have to say Mom was a great cook and I loved everything she made.  How lucky I was.
     Now I don't eat meat.  Let's face it with all the chemicals and antibiotics they pump into the animal it's such an insult to how it use to be.  We are lucky enough to have our own chickens and get fresh eggs everyday.  Oh, how I love that.  I don't know how that industry is going to stop but I do know millions of Americans get very sick and some die because of our tainted meat.  I won't even get into the treatment of all the animals at the slaughter houses.  How barbaric we have become and I for one do not want to be a part of any of that.
     Now they are talking about altering the DNA of some plants to produce some kind of large vegetable.  I don't know, just what they are trying to do but you can bet your bottom dollar it has nothing to do with something good for the people and has everything to do with getting a few folks very very rich.  How said is that and what has become with integrity and honor.  OH, MY, GOD, (he doesn't like it at all), don't get me started.
     The vegetarian advantage.  Eat fruits and vegetables with abandon----at least 5 servings a day.  Vegetarians definitely have a health advantage.
     Nothing looks surer in the food pharmacy than the powers of fruits and vegetables to help ward off disease and prolong life. Evidence is piling up at a fact pace, confirming that fruit and vegetables are full of exotic health-promoting compounds that boost bodily defenses against disease in all kinds of ways. Undeniable vegetarians and even meat eaters who eat lots of plant foods have an impressive health advantage. (From one of my favorite books, " The Food Pharmacy Guide to Good Eating," by Jean Carper)  Get the book it's great.   Tootles

Saturday Morning

I  would like you to meet Alice and Rose, our pet goats.  Actually  they started out with our Granddaughters but you know how that goes so Grandpa is taking care of them.  Believe me he is not complaining as we love them and enjoy watching them very much.  When they get excited to see you coming, off they go running lickity split with their heads turned to the side.  Let me tell you they are so cute.  They are very curious and have loads of fun just running around and investigating everything in site.  Then they settle down dig two little shallow holes with their two front paws to place their knees in and sit down and relax.  They love to sit in the shade and just watch the chickens, Elvis our stray kitty, who plays with Edgar, our other stray kitty, who is now a cat.  I think he gets too rough but Elvis keeps going back for more.  They sit and watch for hours.  Alice and Rose also love to eat Alfalfa but also love to nibble on the chicken feed, oatmeal and just about anything that's a grain.  What fun they are to have around, NO, we do NOT even think of eating them.  I sure hope they did not hear that as they would be very upset and I'm sure plan an attack of some kind.

     Now have you ever seen anything more adorable.  I mean they even have their Sunday socks on.  Enjoy !   Tootles

That's not all !

     I didn't tell you everything.  The first guy I talked to not only backed out the charge but he gave me a promo of 9.99 to use at Amazon for my inconvenience of having to call Amazon and explain how I messed up.  WoW!  What a company.
     Our gym is offering Silver Sneakers which sounds like something I would want to join, and I did but it's only offered to those who have a certain type of health insurance, if in fact you do, the insurance will pay for your membership in the gym.  Sounds great right.  That is, until you realize if you don't have health insurance from their list, not only will they NOT pay for your membership but you CANNOT join in Silver Sneakers Classes.  Let's see....what would you call that ?  I was looking into it because I wanted to take the classes, from what I understood some of the exercises were from sitting in a chair, getting up and down from a chair, wrist and hand exercises and a lot more.  Well, I was in, as it sounded great to me.  I assumed (you know what they say about that) you could still join in the classes, they would just not pay for your membership, which was fine with me.  Jim and I have already worked out our budget so we can go to the gym.  That's how important we know good health and exercise is.  Well, after more inquiring, I'm afraid, that is not the case.  One instructor explained to me they we going to have the wellness program spill into silver sneakers.  WHAT does that mean ?  I have stopped asking and as you have guessed I'm a little slow.  This is another way of dividing the classes of people.  My bank account is not even close to most of the Seniors there but for some reason I didn't think that would matter at a health club as long as you paid your membership. Yes, there are different classes which cost more if you want to partake even the wellness program is 10.00 dollars extra a month which we were happy to pay but to not even offer this class to other seniors who would forgo the membership in the gym being paid is a shame, shame, shame.  I still love the gym and of course all my instructors and will continue doing my routine.
      Ok, that's enough complaining.  I must keep it positive and happy.  Jim is mowing our lawn right now and I smell fresh cut grass, and there is a chill in the air each morning now that tells you Autumn is sneaking in.  How lovely change is especially when we are looking forward to it.   Tootles

Amazon WOW !

     I just had an experience with Amazon that I am so impressed about I must share.  I always check out the free books, well, a couple of days ago I was clicking on some new books and the only thing I can figure (I've done it again, will explain) is I go out of the free books and am looking at the ones that cost, my brain is still on click mode and there I go.  What happened is I checked my bank balance and there was another 9.99 that shouldn't have been.  So after going into Amazon I still could not find where they had charged me, I called them.  The guy on the phone couldn't have been nicer.  I explained I was charged for a book I didn't buy.  Well, he checked my account and asked if I had purchased these three books.  I said , "Yes, but they were free".  He said, "No, this one is 9.99.  I swear I thought it was free.  He stated he would back it out.  I was so happy.  So what do I do again today!  I'm looking in the free books again (I'm doing this on my computer, otherwise I would have hit the, sorry it was an accident button) I go out of them and see a book that draws my attention and wham, I click.  As soon as it went through I knew I messed up.  I swear, what a dope !  So I go to my account and find where I had called before and talked to another guy.  I did explain I had just done this a few days before but could he please take it off and not charge me.  Let me tell you, again he could not have been nicer and did in fact take it off my Kindle and put my money back.  Now That is Customer Service and That is why Amazon is #1.  Am I right or am I right.
     What great weather we are having.  It's fall for sure.  I am looking forward to rainy days just don't want there to be too many.  Tootles

Saturday, September 11, 2010

     Yes, I do know what today is but I do not want to dwell on the sadness.  My heart goes out to all the people who have suffered because of it and blessings for the future.
        Don't you just love those Saturdays you are able to get everything done you were hoping for done.  Well, I have almost that is.  I do still have a deck that is covered in cobwebs and needs sweeping and another little hideaway in my yard that could use some sweeping but Come ON, everything else is done, well not dinner.  I mean I haven't really thought about dinner so I don't have anything going yet for that.  Oh Well, here I thought I was doing so good.  I know I am tired and my back hurts as well as my feet so I must have done something.  Let me think.....what was it?  Oh, I can't remember, but believe me it was really something and I'm pretty sure very hard so I'm glad I did it.   Tootles
    

The Fall of Giants !

     Have you heard ?  Oh my Word !  Ken Follett has come out with a new book.  No, not just a new book but there will be three.  Yes, that is right. A Trilogy.  The first one which will be available on September 28, 2010 is " The Fall of Giants."  I am so excited about it.  I just wrote about liking his style of writing and the two books  (The Pillars of the Earth, and The World Without End) I read and am now rereading on my kindle.  I went to his site on the web and was able to read the first chapter.  Go there now, just type in his name and you'll get there.  The details in his books are very impressive.  You actually feel you are there with the people and enduring life, especially the hardships.  I tell you the first chapter is something.  I want to tell you about it but I really don't like to do that as I think it is best to start reading blind and draw your own opinion.  I never read the end leafs or the back cover as I want it all to be a surprise.       I was watching an interview of Toni Morrison and she stated, " Start reading a book like  your going to a party and the first page is the front door and each room is a new chapter, you don't know what's inside until you cross that thresh hold.  At the time she was talking about her book "Paradise".  What a book that is, the first line will startle you.  That's all I'm going to say about that.  Anyway getting back to "The Fall of the Giants", I really feel this is going to be big, I mean REEAALLYY big.  The only problem I am having is the price.  It's 19. something, let's just say 20 dollars.  That's a lot of money and it's a little less then that if you get the hard cover.  WHAT!  Hey, what happened to 9.99?  Of course, it says the price is set by the publisher.  What?  I don't know about you but I don't think I like that.  I know it's somewhere around 1,000 pages and believe me I do know this is going to be a great book so I will have to think about this for awhile.  I will let you know what I decide.  I know I will get it, I just have to think about it for awhile to justify it.  Tootles

Updates and All That

     I told you about the Kitty that was visiting in the outer front yard.  Jim has been able to hold it now.  After feeding him for several weeks he finally allowed Jim to pick him up.  He is a male which is fine with me as all our cats have been fixed.  We have 2 female, Eleanor and Elviria and 1 male, Edgar (we call him sparky).  The new Kitty's name is Elvis.  Our Granddaughter wanted to call it Edward (because of the Twilight books and movie) but Jim is the one who feeds it and he calls it Elvis.  He was so confident that it was getting tame he brought it up to introduce Elvis to our dog Tasha.  The minute Elvis saw Tasha she turned, bit Jim on the neck and flew out of his arms.  Jim did not see him until the next day, at feeding time. Ha!  So we are just fine at letting well enough alone.
     I still think about Nathan and Lighty and it brings on a smile.
     Our swim class is doing great.  How I love going to the gym, just wish I could lose some pounds.  I just do not get it.  Next week on Thursday the gym is having an Ice Cream Social.  You will be able to make your own sundae's.  Sounds yummy to me.  Don't even say anything, I'm only going to have a small one, so there.
      Have you read the book "The Pillars of the Earth," by Ken Follett and the next book to follow it "World Without End".  I have read both of them in book form and ordered "The Pillars of the Earth" for my Kindle.  They are both fabulous.  It takes place in the 11th century, that is the first one and the second one is one hundred or so years later, which is Great Grandsons of the main characters.  It makes you see a little of how they survived and what was the trade and life styles then.  Let me tell you it was not easy.  Just everyday happenings were a struggle.  Along with many characters one of them loves to build cathedrals, very interesting.  Why I am telling you this ? We just joined netflix and "The Pillars of the Earth" movie is on it.  You can view it right off your computer or through your TV how ever you have yours set up.  We are not set up for streaming as of yet (don't I sound like I know what I am talking about) so I will be patiently waiting for it to come out on DVD.  They do not offer that right now.  What I understand STARZ had the movie on their channel.  If anyone is interested enjoy.  I really loved the books.  Tootles

A Great Book !

      I'm reading a good book now which I want to tell you about.  It's called, "The Last Time I was me," by Cathy Lamb.  This is the second time I'm reading it and I just love it.  It has everything to keep you turning pages and the main  character is someone you want to be.  She's strong, intelligent and knows what she wants, plus her shoes are out of this world.  I also have one of her other books which is, "Julia's Chocolates".  It's just as good and the characters she has in her stories are people I would love to meet.   Pick it up and start reading.  I myself want to get more of her books as I really like her style of writing.
     We are still going to the gym and let me say right off the bat, I still love it and will continue to go but right now I am so down about it all I just want to go to my bedroom crawl under my bed (I can't really do that as it's full under there) and cry.  Yes, that's right cry.  I have been going to the gym since the middle of April and I have lost 2, count them 2 pounds.  Let me explain.  When I first started my weight was 155.  Then after about a month and a half my weight was 159.  THAT'S RIGHT!  I gained 4 pounds.  O.K.  they explained to me you are getting stronger (which I am) and you are turning fat into muscle (which I am).  So I kept plugging away, not missing a day and really trying harder every time I was there.
 After another month I lost the 4 pounds and was at my starting weight.  In July I lost 5 pounds (I'm not kidding, 5 pounds).  The next week my weight was 154.  Now come ON!.  What is up with this.  This is the last week in August and my  weight is again down to 152.  I swear it is so depressing.  Well, I really haven't got to the depressing part yet but first let me say when I was 150, I really felt smaller.  You know what I mean.  My tummy really felt smaller, I was so excited then bam, over night it seemed to sneak right back on.  I know what you are thinking it must be what she is eating.  Let me clear this up.  My diet or I should say my eating habits consist of vegetables, basmati rice with a little olive oil.  I eat one egg, 1 piece of toast for breakfast with coffee.  Yes, I do have the occasional burger out (which I only eat half) and one slice of vegie pizza.  Believe me when I say I do not over indulge.  According to WW I am at or just under my points for a day.  Now you want to hear the really depressing part.   Jim has lost 20, count them, 20 pounds !!  Enough said.   Tootles

Nathan and Lighty

     This is a true story told to me by my Dear Cousin Alice Kay.
     Nathan is Alice Kay's Grandson who lives in Denver and my Cousin lives in NE Kansas.
     This is in Alice Kay's words as I could not have said it better...........

"Nathan is excited to come so he can catch "lightning bugs". I decided to surprise him so a week ago on a Sunday night I went out caught about 20 of them, put them in a gladware container with grass and some dead leaves and mailed them to him. They were all alive when he got them and Allison said he was sooo excited!  Unfortunately, the afternoon he received them, Allison's sister-in-law invited them over to swim.  Allison asked if they could keep the bugs in on her kitchen table so they would be in the cool. Well, evidently she didn't want them in her house and so she sat them out on a patio table in the hot sun.  When Nathan saw them a little later, they had all died.  Allison said he was so upset and cried and cried and wanted to know if they went to heaven.  Allison told me that you can buy lightning bugs over the internet, so that is how I got the idea to send him some.  A year ago June when they were here, he took one home with him and he named it "Lighty" and it lasted two weeks. It actually flew away."
   
      That is the most adorable story I have heard in a long time that is aside from them ending up on the patio.  I'm sure the sister-in-law felt very bad as we have all done stupid things which we regret later.  After all who wants to be known as the "Lightning Bug Killer".
       A big shout out to Nathan and all the Lightning Bug Catcher's out there.  You have awakened in me the moments in childhood that are so precious and sweet.  May we remember and savior.  Tootles

Saturday, August 21,2010

Good Afternoon.  Our weather here this week-end is cool, breezy and hard to believe.  I mean this is August and usually here in N.CA. we are suffering in the triple digits.  This week-end we are having, today 85' and tomorrow 87'.  What is up with that ?  We are enjoying every minute of it let me tell you as Monday we are suppose to be back to 100'.  I swear it is just crazy.  When I first moved here with my parents in the early 60's everyone kept telling Mom the weather was so unusual. I'm not kidding, no matter what the weather was that was their comment.
     I've been organizing and reorganizing my books on the Kindle.  I get it one way and realize I want it another way.  Do you have that problem especially with the free books we get ? I'm getting so many and really I feel a little greedy.  I mean I can't believe all the books they are offering for free.  Some of them I really have enjoyed very much and they are free.  I don't even have to pay for the gas to go get them.  It's a little astounding.  Sometimes I feel it has taken something away, like the anticipation of waiting for that book.  It's the same way with movies now.  I mean with netflix you can get the movie instantly.  Where is the excitement of waiting for that day.  I know we do have official opening dates but how long is that going to last.  Will it be a movie is released and everyone has access to it from their computer or TV ?  Will we alway have theaters or are they going away also.  I don't know what to say maybe it's my age and we were taught that you had to earn the right.  Like, I had to clean my room, the living room and vacuum then I got my allowance.  Then I could walk downtown meet my friends and go to the show.  Do the kids of today have chores to do ?  Most of them are texting on their phones all the time or at their computer.  It's sad to me because they will never experience anticipation.  It's a wonderful experience as you feel excitement, a warm feeling, you have a smile on your face and you are in a good mood because something special is going to happen and you can hardly wait.
I guess I am showing my age but I do realize this younger generation has no patience they want everything now, instantly.  I just feel we have lost so much but it's probably just me.   Tootles

More for "It's the Law"

       Not that this is the official order after we get a number of them down then everyone may pick out their own order. Let's face it we all have different wants and different priorities.
     #3.  Treasure your friends.  I have actually run into people who have a friend they have know since preschool, even younger then that but preschool is when they can remember them.  Do not take that friend for granted.  It does take work and sometimes you have to go out of your way but do it.  Believe me it will all come back to you.  At one point in my life I actually turned away a friend.  Here is what happened..... My friend called me after not seeing each other for twenty some years.  She was so excited to come and see me.  I told  her I did not think that was a good idea as I was very busy and didn't have time to see her.  I actually heard the hurt in her voice when she said, "You don't want me to come and see you?."   Why, oh why would I do such a horrible thing ?  Well, at the time I thought it was the right thing, (not really, I was just trying to convince myself ).  You see at the time one of my children had made some horrible choices and was into drugs and running with bad characters.  I was so embarrassed for my friend to see that, that I wanted her to hate me and never consider coming around.  I succeeded.  I have never heard from her since, along with some other friends that were, at one time, in our circle.  What a fool I was, if anything I know she would have been a good friend and someone I could have talked to but I have to admit it was my ego that got in the way.  Of course in less than a year my child had straighten up and was doing fine but I had hurt my friend and did not have a chance in hell of ever seeing her again.  I mean lets face it, how could I explain, "I hurt you so I wouldn't be embarrassed".  A little self centered on my part.  I will regret that for the rest of my life and can still hear the hurt in her voice.  So you see I lost a good friend because I didn't take care of the friendship. 
      You do find out just what true friends you have when sickness or financial problems occur.  After the last time I had GBS I found out I had no friends, no kidding.  I really believed some of them would come around but none did.  I probably understand that better as I know it scares a lot of people.  I was not in good shape and was learning how to walk etc. all over again.  It's just hard to know how to act and just what you are suppose to do.  I do get that, I mean lets face it the friendship has taken a different turn and sometimes it just doesn't fit anymore.  It's just too uncomfortable for some people.  Then you go on and meet new friends, usually close to your own behavior and that's alright as you are more comfortable also.  Then you have the financial loss.  Well, this is dramatic to say the least.  We ended up losing our business, our jobs and our home.  Now we are living on a relatives property.  That's pretty unbelievable.  But we have managed to keep out heads above water and are doing good.  Of course our lifestyle has changed.  No more eating out a lot, or shopping for fun, buying all those extra's in groceries, going to the show (except on tightwad tuesdays) but you want to know something, I don't miss any of that.  Especially since we have joined the gym.  Yes, it is our social time meeting new friends everyday but it's also a place where Jim and I have restored our self esteem.  Let me tell you when you lose everything it takes a toll on your soul but you also realize just what is important.  I don't take anything for granted.  I treasure every friend I meet now and applaud their different personalities as each one is unique.  I treasure everyday, every minute of my life and try to live in the now.  There can not be worrying about the past, that's over, nor do I worry about the future.  I'm concerned and do what I can today to keep my future coming but I try to have an open mind and except and handle what is handed to me.  I do love my life now, it's simple, loving, and caring about other people which I realize in the circle of life that takes care of me.   Tootles

It's the LAW !

     Don't you wish when you were born you were handed a "Book of Law", and everything in it you had to follow to the letter.  The Do's and Don'ts .  I am always coming up with things I wish I had known or had taken more seriously.  I know we all do, but oh, wouldn't it have been wonderful to have that Guardian Angel right there beside you shaking her head no and mean it or shaking her head yes.  I think I would have listened to her.  I know we had Mom's but who listens to them when you already know everything.  I've come up with a few things and plan on adding more, Laws that is, to live by.  Who knows maybe my Grandchilden or someones children will take it seriously.............
#1.  Take care of your teeth.  I can't stress this enough.  Especially now, when going to the dentist, you need to sell your house first.  I'm not kidding.  What is it 3, when you should start going.  Go every 6 months and do not miss any.  Brush 3 times a day and of course floss.  Growing up we never had floss in the house.  I have to admit I wasn't the Mom who made sure we had floss in my house.  Even though when I did have a cavity it was between my teeth.  Now I ask you, wouldn't that be your first clue.  I just did not know how important I should have taken it.  Now I do.  I'm in my 60's, no dental insurance, and good old arnold has cut it out for Seniors.  Heaven help  us.
#2.  Education.  Work with your kids before they ever start school even preschool.  I did teach them the alphabet and some counting but should have stepped it up and done a lot more.  I was the Mom who would state, that's the teachers job.  How embarrassing now.  No it's not just the teachers job.  You have to look at it from your child's point of view.  Don't you want your child to do the best he can and be the best he can be.  You notice I did not say success at all because I do believe there are many people today who are considered very successful but are terrible unhappy.  So it's important to , yes, get the education but also seek and find what makes you happy and grab on.  Think about what and how you want your life to be, along the way of getting all the education you can get but above all study and learn.  Start young and learn how to study.  Some people never have to study, they are lucky but for those of us who need it, find out the best way.  I do know start the little ones early, that's when they are at their best of being a sponge.  I have witnessed it myself watching little ones learn and loved it.  For them it is not a chore but fun and new.  So grab that grandbaby and work with them on numbers, letters and let us not forget manners.     To be continued, I have just got started .    Tootles 

Your Own family

     Have I told you I am writing my own Family History,  What an eye opener that is.  I never realized just how many houses I lived in.  Not that my Mom liked all those moves.  In fact this was a women who should have stayed in her home town, living in a big two maybe three story house and never moved from it.  She would have loved keeping our, my brothers and mine, bedrooms just as they were and had all our keepsakes saved.  Oh, how I wish she had had that.  But she did not.  Her bravery when we did move astounded me.  She was always independent and showed herself to be on top of everything.  She could adapt to any situation and always made it better.  I am amazed at my Mom.  I was lucky enough to tell her numerous times how much I loved growing up in her home.  They did not have a lot of money but we never knew that, anyway I certainly didn't.  To hear my brothers tell it they had it bad.  They did not.  Mom always made sure we had a clean, cozy, loving home to come home to.  Always had good food on the table.  Of course after school, always, I mean always there were homemade cookies, cakes, pies, something for us to look forward to.  Oh how I miss her.  She was so wise and knew what she wanted but being of that generation the husband made most of the decisions and they weren't always the right ones.  
     Give it some thought.  Write down what you remember.  If not the whole time maybe memories that pop out.  Especially prices of things.  What did you do for fun?  At different ages.  Believe me someday your Grand children will thank you for it.  I know I would love to be able to read about my Grandma and Grandpa's life.  What was important to them.  How cool that would be.  Tootles 

Weekend ? What ?

     It's funny when you no longer go to work how the days just don't seem to matter.  I say, Jim and I are retired but that makes you visualize someone who now has the time to do all the things you didn't have time to do before.  Well, let's just say we do have the time but sadly not the money.  Don't feel sorry for us yet, as we are happy as larks (no I don't really know how happy they are but they sure do sing a pretty song).  Life is just great.  So when you are talking to someone about the weekend coming up you just don't get that happy feeling any more as everyday is the beginning of the weekend.  Am I right?
     Must tell you our stay at the Hotel Diamond was really fun and I enjoyed every minute of it.  It's a combination of ultra modern meets elegant furnishings.  The furniture in this room was gorgeous, huge elegant dressers with marble tops, medium size round table with elephant shaped legs, and they converted an old clothes closet into a cabinet for the flat screen tv.  It was all beautiful.  Then there was the rocking chair, OH MY GOD!,  beautiful dark wood, with scroll work on the back with the arm coming down into paws, leather seat and just adorable.  I swear I kept thinking I could get a rope, drop it out the window and put it in the trunk.  They would miss it, I'm sure, Maybe, OH stop.  I did enjoy it while I was there.  Then of course we had dinner in the dinning room.  I had crab legs, very, very good and Jim had shrimp scampy, Yum.  Everyone was very kind, welcoming, and made you feel at home.  We walked around downtown in the evening and enjoyed the cool weather.  It was great.
     Yes, we have our antenna up and running.  I say running but I don't really mean it's running just that it is working fine.  We now get about 40 channels and we are out in the country so if you are in a town you would probably get a lot more but hey, I'm not going to complain we (again) are happy as larks.  It's nice not having that 80.00 bill every month.  Just a one time price for the antenna and we are done.  The only thing I can say is my favorite channels, 9.1, 9.2 , 9.3, which are the pbs stations don't seem to come in in the evening.  Anyway not out here in the country, I imagine they still do in the city though.  Do you think they turn there power down at a certain time ?  That must be it.  Tootles
    
    

Games for Kindle ?

     Something new, any to me, games for the Kindle.  That's right, games.  I just downloaded them this morning and I swear I can't stop playing.  They are great fun and I can just imagine playing them at certain times when you are waiting for whatever reason.  I have played "Every Word" this morning and am about to try my hand at "Shuffled Row".  Did I mention they are free !  Something new for us to try out.  I don't know about you but I just love my Kindle and it just keeps getting better and better everyday.  I figure this will help keeping my thinking process working properly.  I don't know about you but I am always hearing we need to do more to keep using the thinking part of our brain, so here it is.  I did see they have crossword puzzles for the kindle.  It might be interesting, I will keep that in mind.

This is where we have our breakfast in the morning, we are facing south.  The orchard, straight ahead is peaches.  Once they have harvested them we are welcome to come over and take what we want.  You would be surprise how much they do leave behind.  Usually I make pies but this year I'm going to freeze what I can and make smoothies.  Jim loves smoothies as I do also but the difference is he loves his very, very, very cold and I do not.  In fact I don't need any ice.
Just to the right of the lawn chair and on the other side of the white rail is the ramp up to the pool.  It makes it very easy to go take a dip in the pool.  We don't have to step in the dirt or grass.  Of course I need to let the pool warm up for a few days before I step into it.
       Hope everything is going great for all of you.  You know, our summer is almost over.  I am looking forward to the fall weather.  Getting back into sweaters and sweatshirts.  You know the cover ups.  That's what I call them especially if I still haven't lost some of my tummy.  Hey, I have rearranged my body.  Doesn't that sound creepy !  You know what I mean.  I keep telling myself I just want to be healthy, and I do really but in the process I still want to lose some weight.  Tootles

Monday (need I say more)

Okay, so it isn't that bad.  I mean I get to go to the gym and see all my new friends.  We had a great time today, just working real hard and having fun.  We are all still worried about Edie and Barbara.  Edie is in the therapy center at the hospital.  So she is getting in on swimming.  We just miss her. I don't know if I told you, but she is 89, a tiny lady with white hair and wears blue sunglasses in the pool.  I told her she really looked cool.  Then there is Barbara, what an interesting lady to talk to.  Her love for sports is impressive.  She followed the soccer games faithfully and really enjoyed them, then watched and cheered for the, Tour de France, bike race.  She just really enjoys sports.  I think they feel she is having panic attacks.  I believe It really hit her hard when Edie fell and fractured her hip.  I do know she is afraid she will fall, as we all are really but you can't live your life that way.  Don't get me wrong I don't take chances.  I try to always watch where I am going for that pebble, bump, foot sticking out, hose or cord across the walk.  In fact just last spring I was at a small shopping mall with my family.  We had just come out of Subway, where we had had a delicious sandwich and was walking to the car.  Jim had stepped into a store and I was heading to the car with the rest of my family.  The curb was only about 2 to 3 inches and I took my Granddaughters elbow to step down, well low and behold, I don't know what happen but the parking lot was coming up to my face in a second.  It's so startling and you feel so foolish, I mean come on, 2 to 3 inches.  Somehow, I think my foot got twisted and down I went.  Although you never feel like your falling, you always feel the earth is coming up to you.  Funny how that works.  You see, I'm recovering from Guillain Barre Syndrome or GBS.  Andy Griffith had it and if you remember the author Joseph Heller (he wrote Catch 22, along with other books).  He also wrote, "No Laughing Matter," which is about his ordeal with GBS and how he and his good friend got through it.  I have had it three times and recovered the first and second time completely but with the third time it's been a lot harder.  The last time I had it was 1996 and I have recovered almost completely all but my legs and feet.  Mostly it's my feet which are still numb and sometimes tingley.  Like I said I just have to know where my feet are and where they land.  Ha!  Enough about that I got too much going on to even think about any of that.  That is why I love this class in the water.  Some people have had strokes, surgery, broken bones, been in car accidents, or like me recovering from GBS.  Once we are in the water everyone is the same.  We can water walk, which is wonderful and can really give you a good workout or use all the equipment they have for us, and really give yourself a heavy workout.  It's great, I love it. I'm just so grateful I found this place.
     We have drained our pool and are cleaning it out.  That is Jim is, as we speak.  I know the water will be very cold at first but it is August so we will most likely have some 100 degree days, probably many and if that happens, well, it won't take no time for it to warm up.  I don't mind it a little cold when you first get in because that is refreshing. 
     I've been shopping around for some exercise clothes.  Have you seen the prices of some of this stuff.  As I have told you we are on a fixed income and it's not very much.  That is why we joined the gym.  We have met some great people, we get out of the house, are doing exercise so getting healthy, and swimming which is the treat after the workout.  Hey, to some people it's a fast hour in the morning before work to us it's the whole morning and sometimes includes breakfast or lunch.  Vacations, forget about it, we ARE on vacation.  Anyway to get back to what I was saying I decided to go to the thrift stores and check out what they had.  Truth be told I can get better quality at a much lower price there.  I mean some of the brands I found I know are top of the line.  The great thing is I can spend very little, in fact while we were in the store he announced all the clothing was 99 cents for the rest of that day.  I guess they come up with different sales daily.  So if you have a thrift store in your neighborhood or you know where one is check it out.  You just might be surprised especially if you are looking for jeans or levi's what a bargain they are.  I even picked up a purse that I just love for 3.oo.  Tootles