Gonna do it...

Here you go girls! The pic of my pontoon boat - unfortunately for sale... cuz i don't really use it anyway! Guess a half hour drive is still too far to bother with. Silly (lazy?) me!!!

Notice the SparkPeople thingy above? Since actually working at a lifestyle change with SP as a guide, i've actually lost 17 pounds!!! That's without trying very hard. When i actually get going with the exercise portion it might even go faster.

...and SP is not just another 'flash in the pan' according to Business Week! For the second year in a row, SparkPeople is on their list of Best of the Web. Also, read what SP has to say about it here.

power of one - a new release

: "1. Power Of One - Bomshel "

I'm using Rhapsody on my new laptop with Vista. Just trying to learn to use the 'puter & i signed up to use this program - available to sign up for. Kinda neat! I don't know if you have to sign up & sign in to listen to this song because i'm still signed in.... anyway free music can't be all bad now, can it? Yes, there are two paid options plus i can buy this one for 99cents if i want to. Well, gotta go... will check in later when i have more time

I'll tell you what it is! It's a...

circular staircase -


looking from top straight down at it. Recently had the steps covered with the charcoal carpet & used gold colored strips because with the oak trim it looks better than the silver color alternative.





...and here i wanted to share my old laptop computer's current desktop. Yes, the photo is beautiful as well... took it at the State Park in Holland, MI during my last visit with #3 daughter. I LOVE the ethereal quality of the unbrellas against the warm summer sky... but that's not the reason i'm sharing.

Notice the clock & the weather stamp? I got them from Yahoo Widgets. Also have the widget toolbar but prefer letting it hide when i don't need it. The other widget i downloaded & have ready access to is the gas saver widget. It gives me a list of current gas prices in my area, so naturally i only use that one when my car is low on gas. The best part of these things - you can make them partially transparent (as mine are) or not at all... or keep them hidden until you want to see them. Check 'em out!

I learned about these little gems from the computer club where i still maintain membership. Gotta stay up to date, right?

Gotta share this with you...

I took this photo recently & just wanted to share it. Can you tell me what it is? Of course, I know what it is... i took the picture! I want you to guess. I'll be back to give you the answer later.

Today is an anniversary...

...one i do NOT enjoy but must observe.

Two years ago today my husband was working on a household project downstairs in the family room. He came upstairs, telling me he needed my help - then sat on the floor. He was pale & cold & clammy & i phoned 911 as i ministered to his request for a drink of water. 1st response arrived within 5 minutes & ambulance in ~20 minutes. By then he was gone. For the first time in my life i was completely alone.

Was gonna say i'm sorry for sharing my grief, but i'm not... I need to do this. I loved him always & we were best friends. We had many of the same interests. We did everything together. Until August 29, 2005 we remained as one entity... & now it was broken. He truly LIVED until he died. For this i am grateful.

We spoke occasionally about what one would do without the other. I am there. I heed his words. I make the best of this 'half life' after living so fully for 49 years, 11 months & 5 days of marriage. He is always with me so i do not dwell on his physical absence. Life goes on.

new life...

A week ago, the last Sunday in July, my sister Gerry & I visited our sister Barb. Barb has the most beautiful garden i've ever seen in real life... even though i have a friend who is a master gardener & her garden is beautiful!

Yes, i took lots of pics but I call this one 'Barb's Garden.'

Last Saturday, on the birthday of my twin girls, i took my mother for a walk in the Dow Gardens. She had a pretty good workout for a 91 year young woman! We had a great time. Yesterday, the first Sunday of August, Gerry & i took mom out to dinner at our favorite Chinese buffet. I went off my diet & ate just about everything on the buffet that was fried! Mom did a pretty good job of keeping up with me!!!

I thought they were dogs at first...

...then of course i knew! They are the foxes my neighbors have been watching from afar! They invited me over to watch them one evening... and they appeared 'way over near the river and we could barely see them!!! But this!!! This was great! They were in my backyard - a total of three..... and i was able to get 4 shots all together. The camera was set on macro & i had to use my telephoto so they're a bit grainy... but there they are! Aren't they beautiful?

Good news!

Saturday my sister & I went to my lake property to clean up & get it ready to put on the market. We were not even unpacked & inside when a neighbor came over in his boat to say hello. While we were talking another couple pulled over in their kayaks.

Before we had the rest of our stuff out of the car, I had shown the couple around the premises... and they were already sure they wanted to buy the property. I gave them an 'as is' price & Sunday morning at 10:00, they were over to discuss a bit more, wrote a 'good faith' check & my sister & I went home without having to do all that work.

Today came a phone call. Their loan is approved. The place is sold & it wasn't even 'on the market' yet!!! Needless to say, I'm elated! Sometimes things were just meant to be.

New, new, new!

Last month i decided to move on to a new blog... and a new outlook on life! Last week i visited an old friend on the net - nowhere near as old as i, but that's another story. She had moved on too!

This blog is a new beginning - a new slate. If you do not see your blog on my list it's because i haven't been there lately...

Now... back to the kitchen. I forgot to have breakfast so i think it's brunch time!

Day 3...

...not really but got a thing going here! Had two graduation parties, a daughter visiting from California, and a 'moving away' potluck in the past few weeks and somehow managed to lose 8 pounds anyway. Now that's not bad at all, is it? I'm giving Sparkpeople.com loads of credit for this, coupled with the fact that 3 daughters & my grandson's fiance are members as well. Mostly two of the girls & i are currently very active there & that continual support, coupled with the free Sparkpeople tools, is a very very good thing. Check it out. You might like it!

I signed up for a daily motivational email that encourages the blogging portion of the program. This includes a quote & i'd like to share the quote from this morning here with you.

'There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.'
Albert Einstein, physicist

My house has a deck that spans the entire back on the second level. The first level is a 'basement' - partially exposed with windows & doors from the ground up. It is a beautiful deck.
From the deck you can see my back yard. Beyond that is a field, farmed annually by a local farmer. Beyond that is a row of trees & the river. Although i can't see it i know the river is there. Somebody recently commented as he stood on my deck - 'This is a million dollar view.'
Funny, i never really looked at it that way. I've lived here all of my adult life & i guess i just took it for granted.

Recently i've learned to enjoy & appreciate this 'million dollar' view. I've had breakfast on the deck - in the morning before excessive heat takes over the day. I've sat for a while & listened to the sounds. Yes, there is traffic driving past my house but mostly they are hardly noticeable. Across the river is a state highway, but as it goes through town traffic must slow down.

What i hear is the birds... so many birds. They love the trees my husband & i planted throughout the past 47 years. We wanted to create a wild life haven. We did.
There are bunnies & chipmunks. An occasional frog from the nearby county ditch (we refer to as the creek) visits the little pond my husband created in the garden the year before he died. I see an occasional little garden snake... helping keep the grasses insect free. They rush away when i'm around, sometimes startling me as much as i startled them.

The yard is green even in the driest of seasons because it is more than grass... it is a neatly mowed meadow. When I mow there is a smell of clover & mint... and in the closer yard - the smell of lemon balm gone wild.

Yes, i am learning to enjoy, to appreciate this miracle... the beautiful natural habitat that grew with our love... right here in my own back yard. In this day of weed killers, insecticides & the chemically perfect yard, my backyard is truly a miracle.

granni is gone...

salli is here.

My horoscope for today:

Quickie:Your creativity will allow you to have fun and get out of an
unpleasant assignment.

Overview:If you were in charge of everything, traffic would be clear, you'd never spill coffee on your good wool pants and that annoying clerk at the local cafe would ... Oh, let's face it, it would be too much work. Let it go.

Day 2...

My boat goes in the water today. I'm doing this alone. It seems that now my husband is dead, my kids do not like boating any more. I have no friends who really like boating. The boat was mine before he died almost two years ago; the boat is still mine. I like boating. I moved it from the lake 'way up north & 2-1/2 hours away so i can use my boat more often. Now it is on the river, only a half hour away!

A real woman doesn't need a man to use her boat. A real woman can do it alone. I will.

Day 1...

..is actually Day 8 because that's when I started using the WeightWatchers point system. Seems to work pretty well most of the time & sort of keeps me in line when out and about. The most difficult part is starting out with existing recipes - counting points on some of my favorites. As this blog develops I'll share some of those with you.

Today I had a craving for corned beef hash - must be I felt a need for the grease! Decided to gratify that craving by having a smaller quantity. It was a pretty good lunch, actually. The whole thing was only 8.5 points out of my 24/day count. Not bad since I only had 18.5 left after breakfast. Here's the menu: 1/3 can (15 oz) hash - 7 pts, 1 egg - 1 pt, 1 whole wheat lite toast - .5 pt, using ~1 teaspoon I Can't Believe it's not Butter which is only 1 pt/tablespoon, so it's fairly insignificant.

That leaves me with 10 points for the rest of today, enough for chicken tenders with a nice big salad, a hot vegetable & maybe even a waffle with Smucker's sugarless orange marmalade!!! Mmmmmm!

Daily Hint: If I really crave a high point item, it's better to have a small amount than to end up depriving myself & hating the new eating habits!

It's Monday Madness and more...

This week's questions; all about birthdays!
Happy Birthday Natalie!!! (Natalie/Otto's birthday is tomorrow.)
1. Name one thing you received as a gift on your last birthday. Love! It may be a phone call, a visit, a card, or some other token of acknowledgment... but bottom line, the message is 'I'm glad you were born.'

2. What would be the "perfect" birthday gift? Okay, call me sappy but my answer is in number one.

3. Do you look forward to birthdays? Not really, but I am more aware of my age on my birthday. I guess my attitude still is '...better than the alternative.'

4. On your birthday, do you treat yourself to something special each year? Not really but then again, I've never been overly excited one way or the other about my birthday.

5. Do you bother keeping up with your horoscope on a regular basis? Yes... it usually has some relationship to my life - except when it refers to my 'love life' - which is nonexistent. I'm a widow with no intention or desire to resume a brand new love life. I find mine, not on MyYahoo, but the regular Yahoo page which can now be customized & is faster loading the MyYahoo! Matter of fact, here's my horoscope for today:

Quickie: Improving your health is admirable -- lecturing other people to do the same is not.
Overview: Branch out. Take a language class. Try some exotic delicacies. Attend art galleries, poetry readings and cultural festivals. If you make an effort to enjoy and indulge in the new and the sublime, it will indulge you.

6. What zodiac sign are you, and do you think you fit the description for that sign? I'm a Pisces & pretty much fit the sign. I also read an inspirational quote of the day - arriving every weekday in my email. I always think it's a good way to find something to blog about... and today's was NO exception:

... that today is the birthday of the Automobile Speed Limit? In 1901,
Connecticut enacted the first automobile speed limit:15 mph on country
highways and 12 mph within city limits.Celebrate by keeping to the speed
limit on our roadways.
~~~
Today's Inspirational Quote:
"The moment of enlightenment is when a person's dreams ofpossibilities become images of probabilities."
--
Vic Braden, American Tennis Coach

The auto speed thing? Appropriate! Not gonna tell the whole story here but... Friday late afternoon I was stopped by a policeman for speeding. I was going fast - didn't know how fast! It's a new car and moves 'easier' than my old pickup truck did. I was going 72 in a 45 mile/hour zone... and honestly didn't realize it. The WONDERFUL officer actually let me off with a warning! You know, I actually like and respect police officers and that must show through. I was not frightened (although my passenger was a bit nervous) and I guess that's a good thing too.

Happy Birthday Sharba!!!

Golly it's hard to believe... only fifty years ago today I finally gave birth to you! In my young mind you were coming late. Your big sister, Windy, was born eleven months prior to your birthday and she was two weeks early! I was hoping for the same with you... and here you were... finally..... a whole day later than Dr. Stander predicted you would arrive!

I had a great Mother's Day...

Heard from some and enjoyed visits with others... all in all none of my beautiful six daughters missed it! I will be visiting my mom today (she didn't want me to stop by on Sunday). Don't ask - she's 91 and deserves to do it any way she wants to!

Now here's my Monday Madness. Natalie (OttO), you outdid yourself this time. The questions concern something I'm a bit opinionated about, so here are my answers:

1. Which web browser do you prefer? I use MSIE7, MSIE6 and Firefox. I prefer MS internet explorer 6 best because i'm most comfortable with it. Microsoft made it too safe in MSIE7 - so safe that it's too time-consuming to use. Using Firefox sometimes to get used to it... because Microsoft, unfortunately just becomes bulkier and bulkier and i'm losing tolerance for all of the new products!

2. Are you a PC user or MAC user? PC but might have to go over to the more expensive MAC in future. Don't like all that overhead built into Microsoft products. If I decide to stay with PC - am trying to learn more about Linux - especially the newest version - Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/).

3. Will your next computer purchase happen within the next year (do you think)? I hope not!!! I like the ones I have - except maybe... just maybe..... a bigger notebook some day.

4. Will you purchase your next computer at a local store or via the internet? Whereever i can find the best deal.

5. Have you had any experience with Windows Vista? Not personally but as recently past president of a computer club i had a fullblown legal Vista OS when it first came out. Couldn't even give it away to any of our members. Have since given it to a nephew who might try it when he builds himself a new computer.

6. What are your feelings about this new operating system (if any)? All based on reviews by friends in a computer club...

• It's too bulky and not compatible for use on existing older computers already set up with XP (or older) OS.
• There's a bit of a learning curve involved for those of us that are comfortable with all previous Microsoft operating systems so one friend who evaluated Vista & uses it in his workplace suggests unless you are going to have to use it in the office, keep your old Windows versions. You can still purchase new computers from sources - one is Dell - with XP OS and soon to come, with Linux OS.
• Another friend bought a laptop with Vista just to learn and evaluate it. He says Vista does not work well with older versions of MS programs.
• Yet another friend, who works with multiple computers in a school, likes Vista just fine... but he still has the old OS on his system at home.
• Linux is not as fancy... it's open source (free)... and updated every six months.
• Linux works with your old Windows programs (I think) - but if you're starting fresh you can also get just about any program you want online - open source. So far all I hear is good & will be trying it on one of my computers soon!

What was the question again?

Now I know...

...the best reason to TIVO Letterman! Today I played two nights of David Letterman Latenight while folding laundry and other mundane tasks around the house - without zapping through the commercials. I would guesstimate that at least a half hour of each hour is commercials. If I tried watching it real time I'd probably fall asleep during the first set of commercials.

Hey kids! Go visit Foggybloggy - and don't forget to leave a message. She blogs more regularly than any of us. Go, Patti!!!

It's Cinco de Mayo...

Have a good one! Today a friend told me it doesn't matter so much who reads her blog... it's therapeutic. Know what? That's the way I used to be... and now it's not so much fun. Why? I think I started writing to get other bloggers to come and leave comments.

No more! It's back to basics for this lady. Some days may be different than the old days BFD (Before Frank Died) - but they are days nonetheless - they are my days - and by golly, I'm gonna make the best of it.

I went to a meeting Thursday. We call them 'dioxin meetings'. The chemical company and the state government regulatory people are working together to clean up a chemical they couldn't even find in such tiny amounts a century ago when it all started. I don't attend those meetings to make sure they're doing it right. They know what they are doing. I attend because I find it therapeutic! I attend because there's a gang of bullies who want to get something for nothing from the giant company. I attend because those bullies want to drag me and my neighbors along with them by claiming they represent all of us. I attend to represent me and the majority of my neighbors!

Now I'd better go over to TRVoice & blog about that meeting. If you happen to stop by there, don't think ill of me - I plan on using that last paragraph to get the thing going. I think my writer's block just got unblocked!

my monday madness update...

1. Currently, what television commercial is your least favorite? 'Head on!!!'

2. And which commercial is your most favorite? hmmm - do you mean the least obnoxious? I guess I usually don't watch the commercials actually.

3. Of the sitcoms that are on during "prime time" how many do you watch on a regular basis? Please share. The only one i set my DVR for is - 'Til Death' and 'Ugly Betty'. A real time must watch is Desperate Housewives. There are others i watch whenever i can including - 2-1/2 Men, Adventures of Old Christine & whatever others might be on when there's nothing else to watch.

4. Is there a television series that you enjoy watching that is ending this season? Not that I'm aware of.

5. Is there any type of program you'd like to see more of on television? Comedies & Comic Dramas (like Monk).

6. Is there any type of program you'd like to see less of on television? Not really. If I don't like it, I don't watch it.

7. Is there a series that is no longer aired that you wish would come back? None I can think of.

8. Do you watch re-runs of anything on television? Yes, if they are not reruns to me. ;-)

...and now..... what's the latest? 1 - Foggy is back!!! Go visit her. We want to keep her blogging! You'll find her at http://foggybloggy.blogspot.com - & she's a busy one! Been blogging regularly - not like yours truly.

been busy...

This morning's quote - "The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
-- Chinese proverb

In my mailbox today...

..was this quote: "If the automobile had followed the same development as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year killing everyone inside."-- Robert Cringely

True, so true! I have a new car. It cost more than we originally paid for the house I still live in.

Miss Kitty Update...

I redecorated a big wreath last week and caught Miss Kitty trying to help me by moving the greenery out of the dining room into the ... bathroom???? Honest! She even moved up to the middle of this thing and nudged it forward to her destination! Gotta love her.

Here's Monday Madness:

1. Where did you go on your last vacation? Hawaii & San Diego
2. Would you go there again? Why or why not? Yes! Hawaii is most perfect - people & weather & I just didn't spend enough time in San Diego.
3. How many vacations do you take in one year? Not enough.
4. Where would you REALLY like to go on your next vacation, if money was no issue, and how long would you stay? If money was no issue I'd probably visit New Zealand next.
5. Do you put a little money aside each week (or month) to save up for your vacation? Been doing that for many many years...

Actually I've been answering these regularly but then don't take time to put them in my blog. I miss my blogging friends & will try to get back on track.

BTW...

Sharba has new pix at Sharba's Pix! She also posted on her blog! Hmmm! Why can't Jan get on her old version? (Jan, contact me! I sent you an email about that.) OttO posted a new one about a month ago & somehow I missed that until this morning... duh! me! If you've not seen it yet, she has a great night shot of workers replacing a power pole after an icey motor mishap (not hers)... check it out! Maybe it will motivate her to get blogging again. ;-)

Not a Diet...

...it's a lifestyle change; first time since the biggy when the husband left his earthly body. Here's the plan:

• Count calories - only thing that ever worked for me. Found a great place on line that does it all for you. It's called My Calorie Counter and my blog & journal is here. It keeps track of calories (input and output) and charts your progress! You don't have to show all that info but it works for me so I do! It helps to have a buddy so if anybody wants to go it with me, join up and let me know!


• Use exercise equipment - formerly used for extra clothing storage and coatracks for company. Yes, I have a stationary bike and treadmill and will start using them every day. Might possibly make exceptions on days when I'm 'out and about.'


• Cook for myself and, in general, use the kind of recipes I used for Frank. Honest!!! We ate healthy, even when I didn't lose weight! I controlled the fats & used more veggies and fruits for balance. Since he's gone I've begun eating out again and eat more fats and less veggies and fruits. Looking at my daily food journal will definitely help accomplish this goal.


• Get a life! He died; I didn't. I know he doesn't want me to vegetate.

Had a break from cabin fever earlier this week. Went out for breakfast with Jack & Jacquie and the same day took mom out for dinner. It was a full day but yes... loads of fun! Good people, good food - what more can one ask for? I guess you might say it was the big binge that made me decide to try to get back to reality! No, not gonna stop going out... just plan to be more realistic with every day eating. I think I've been adjusting (or not) to my first time ever living alone by doing what lots of people do when they're 'on their own' for the first time. The difference is... I know better!

The kitty in the pic? No, I didn't acquire another!!! It's my mom's! Isn't she a beauty?

...and oh yes, Monday Madness - today mine shows up on Friday. OttO (Monday Madness) says, 'Sorry, folks! I'm running a bit late (again)! Hope all is well and you all have a wonderful week. Thanks for playing Monday Madness. The following 2 questions come from our friend, tricia... Thanks, Tricia, and thanks for the idea!'
1. Do you ever use all caps when typing online messages? no... I sometimes use caps on one word... sort of shouting on purpose. ;-)
2. Does it bother you when other people use all caps in their messages? not really because I don't think they know what it means.
3. Do you use abbreviations (i.e. lol, brb, etc.) when typing email messages or text messages? not usually because I don't know what most of them mean... but I DO use fyi and btw quite often. Does that mean I should have said yes?
4. Do you ever receive faxes or other correspondence from a professional office that are typed in all caps? If so, what do you think of that? actually, no.
5. Do you rely on the computer program to catch your typing errors, or do you proofread your material before sending it out? My spelling and grammar are actually pretty good so I usually ignore what my computer program corrects... unless it's a business letter or document. Most of my casual 'errors' are actually done on purpose. ;-)

Delusions and Confessions...

Omigosh! I'm an addict! For all my complaints about the Anna Nicole publicity I just realized the truth! My favorite news station is covering the court proceedings almost constantly. Today I sorted laundry... three loads and I want to get it all done today. I just realized the addiction when it was time to take a load out of the washer... I actually considered Tivo-ing the trial so I wouldn't miss any of it!

Yes, I did turn it off yesterday... but partly because I have some favorites on HGTV... at least until I get some redecorating and remodeling completed. So far today I just don't want to miss a thing. Good heavens... some days my life seems like a soap opera but this story becomes more mesmerizing as it progresses! No, I will not Tivo it.

Yes, I am afraid! Of what? Oh, didn't I mention? I just learned about a new medical condition. It's called Barrett's Esophagus. Never heard of it before... never heard of GERD... rarely have heartburn.... and I feel absolutely great!!! Had heartburn during pregnancy and recently started having it on a regular basis after taking Fosamax for osteoporosis. Yes, I am aware that Prilosec, a treatment for Barrett's Esophagus, is known to weaken the bones. Yes, my primary physician has already taken corrective action... changing my osteoporosis medication and strongly advising to take the Prilosec!

Why am I afraid? She has impressed on my mind that Barrett's Esophagus is a precancerous condition. Now I've just read in the above mentioned website:

'Surprisingly, as many as 40% of patients who are diagnosed with an esophageal adenocarcinoma (Barrett's associated cancer) deny ever having typical heartburnor GERD symptoms, such as burning chest pain or regurgitation of acid.'

Okay, so I'm afraid but will not dwell on it. I feel great and will conscientiously follow doctor's orders and do everything in my power to maintain my health.

I'm superstitious! A year or two ago an environmental extremist weirdo female advised me that I should not go around 'bragging about my good health in public'. Since then my husband died and two of my family pets have died. Logic tells me it's coincidence. Short of poisoning our food or drink, that witch has no way to cause ill health in my household!

I'm religious! I pray and ask for your prayers as well.

I'm an optimist! I honestly believe I am as healthy as I feel. I believe maintenance is important in life... be it your home, your car, or most of all your own body!

I dislike housework of all kinds, including laundry! ...so I save it up, do it in one day and get it out of my way until it really needs it again.

Also, sounds like I'm self-centered! Hmmm! Perhaps I am. I do know, however, that in order to love others one must love oneself... and I think I do. Since my best friend, my spouse, died, I need to be my own best friend... and so I am.

1:19 PM 2/22/2007
Talk about drama! One of the lawyers just collapsed in the courtroom. Turns out he's diabetic and needed sustenance. Judge just announced he wants to wrap up testimony today because he wants to announce his decision tomorrow! ...and this is just to determine who gets custody of the body! I can hardly wait for the parental custody portion. Hope that judge is dramatic as this one!

Tell me... am I 'normal'?

Delusions and Confessions...

Omigosh! I'm an addict! For all my complaints about the Anna Nicole publicity I just realized the truth! My favorite news station is covering the court proceedings almost constantly. Today I sorted laundry... three loads and I want to get it all done today. I just realized the addiction when it was time to take a load out of the washer... I actually considered Tivo-ing the trial so I wouldn't miss any of it!

Yes, I did turn it off yesterday... but partly because I have some favorites on HGTV... at least until I get some redecorating and remodeling completed. So far today I just don't want to miss a thing. Good heavens... some days my life seems like a soap opera but this story becomes more mesmerizing as it progresses! No, I will not Tivo it.

Yes, I am afraid! Of what? Oh, didn't I mention? I just learned about a new medical condition. It's called Barrett's Esophagus. Never heard of it before... never heard of GERD... rarely have heartburn.... and I feel absolutely great!!! Had heartburn during pregnancy and recently started having it on a regular basis after taking Fosamax for osteoporosis. Yes, I am aware that Prilosec, a treatment for Barrett's Esophagus, is known to weaken the bones. Yes, my primary physician has already taken corrective action... changing my osteoporosis medication and strongly advising to take the Prilosec!

Why am I afraid? She has impressed on my mind that this condition is a precancerous indication. Now I've just read in the above mentioned website:

'Surprisingly, as many as 40% of patients who are diagnosed with an esophageal adenocarcinoma (Barrett's associated cancer) deny ever having typical heartburnor GERD symptoms, such as burning chest pain or regurgitation of acid.'

Okay, so I'm afraid but will not dwell on it. I feel great and will conscientiously follow doctor's orders and do everything in my power to maintain my health.

I'm superstitious! A year or two ago an environmental extremist weirdo female advised me that I should not go around 'bragging about my good health in public'. Since then my husband died and two of my family pets have died. Logic tells me it's coincidence. Short of poisoning our food or drink, that witch has no way to cause ill health in my household!

I'm religious! I pray and ask for your prayers as well.

I'm an optimist! I honestly believe I am as healthy as I feel. I believe maintenance is important in life... be it your home, your car, or most of all your own body!

I dislike housework of all kinds, including laundry! ...so I save it up, do it in one day and get it out of my way until it really needs it again.

Also, sounds like I'm self-centered! Hmmm! Perhaps I am. I do know, however, that in order to love others one must love oneself... and I think I do. Since my best friend died, I need to be my own best friend... and so I am.

Wednesday - Midweek Mumbling...

Today Martha Stewart showed her viewers how to force springtime blooms indoors. A couple of weeks ago my neighbor gave me some freshly cut branches from an apple tree! Today those branches are in full bloom. I just took this close-up of one of those apple blossoms this morning. How do you do it? Cut the branches, put them in a vase of fresh water and be patient. Of course Martha had a more complicated way to do it. What works? Anything that will blossom - apples, pears, cherries, forsythia... try just about any deciduous bush or tree branches.

This cute little tiger aka Miss Kitty, shown below helping me play Spider Solitaire is the reason I must keep those blossoms on top of one piece of furniture she still can't jump up on! She doesn't do it to be mean but the little critter is the most curious cat ever to have moved in with me! She follows me everywhere and tries to figure out how everything works. She still hasn't grown into those ears either.

Celebrity Losers: Poor pitiful blondes seem to be particularly in the national headlines lately. First it was Anna Nicole Smith birthing a baby girl and losing her firstborn immediately after. Not enough that two men claimed fatherhood of that baby... after the mom dies from what is probably a drug reaction, even more creeps come out of the woodwork claiming fatherhood! People took advantage of the poor woman when she was alive and continue even now that she's dead. News media were the worst and still won't let it go. I've resorted to watching Animal Planet and HGTV during the interim. I guess there is no real news any more!

...so BS (that would be Britney Spears Shears) decides she's not getting her share of the news and goes beserk - in & out and in & out and back in... to rehab, shaving her head during the interim! Not to mention all the others that have gone in and out of rehab (the new celebrity status symbol), I ask, who cares??? It's all a lot of B.S. but they sure do give us reason to believe the old saying... 'Money is the root of all evil.' Wouldn't it be a goofy world if we all acted out like that?
Gee I'm glad I'm me!!!

...and finally - Monday Madness!
OttO says, 'This week's questions come from 3 of our fellow MM participants. Thanks to you all for your faithful participation in my meme! =) ' These were tough but good ones!!

From sleeping mermaid:
If you could rewrite one pivotal moment in history, good or
bad, to make a change, which moment would that be AND what are some of the consequences that you believe might come from that change? I believe even if you could change a historical moment, the consequences would remain... perhaps just at a different moment. I guess I mean that whatever 'it' is, it was meant to happen.

From beth:
What's the most unusual hobby you have? How did you get started with it? sailing... may not be unusual to some but can you sail? How did I get started? I wanted to do it so we bought a sailboat and sailed it!

From shelly:
Name one thing for each of the following:
Favorite smell lemony
Favorite texture fluffy
Favorite view my backyard
Favorite sound laughter
Favorite taste savory

It's Monday again...

It's time for Monday Madness again and OttO says 'Thank you all for playing Monday Madness. With Valentine's Day coming up this week, I thought I'd use questions offered by one of our very faithful MM players, rach. Thank you, Rach! Look for YOUR questions to be used in the future! Have a great week, everyone! =)'

1. How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? When my family were children, I usually baked a heart-shaped cake for them. Usually made sure to have some conversation heart candies around the house too. Okay, okay... I also sometimes baked the heart-shaped cake for the Bug's birthday on February 10 and/or the husband's birthday on January 30 too!

2. Name a special gift you received during Valentine's Day. Last year - my first Valentine's Day alone - Natalie (OttO) gave me a heart shaped box of chocolates with a pair of little froggy lovers on top. Yes, I love little froggies! It was really extra special because I think most of my family, including me, were still unsure of how to deal with some special occasions. Well gosh, wouldn't you know? A photo of that valentine was still on my little 'puter!

3. Define Love using each letter: L.O.V.E.
L ook past any shortcomings.
O pen your mind to his/her thoughts and ideas.
V alentine's Day - celebrate it more than once a year.
E mphasize the positive and be E nthusiastic.

Thanks Rach!!! Great questions and challenging too. Thank you!

It's Monday...

How about a bit of Madness with Monday Madness!

OttO says, 'Thanks to all of you who suggested questions. If I haven't been to your site yet to grab them, I will be there soon! This week's questions come from karen. Great questions, Karen! =)'

1. What is your favorite main course to prepare? For me it depends on the season, the weather and what sort of mood I might be in at the time but when in doubt, you can't beat a good stirfry dish! My favorite supermarket often has frozen cocktail shrimp on sale (buy 1, get 1 free) and I like to keep frozen stirfry veggies on hand, so it's quick and easy. Start cooking rice and while it's cooking, pull tails off the shrimp, combine soy sauce with a few favorite spices in a wok or big frypan... toss in the veggies, cook a few minutes, add the shrimp until heated through and serve!

2. What is your favorite side dish to prepare? Just can't miss with a simple salad with dressings on the side. Actually, for a group, I like to create a mini-salad bar with all kinds of trimmings.

3. Do you like to bake? If so, what is your favorite? Yes. My favorite bread machine recipe is Jalapeno Corn Bread. My most frequently baked item (not from a box) is probably Apple Crisp.

4. What one dish would you like to learn to cook? Hmm! Guess I'd have to think about this one awhile.

5. What is your worst cooking disaster? brown rice in the microwave. I guess I haven't mastered how to set it for 50% and in 5 minutes I not only burnt the rice but melted the Tupperware bowl!!! Would have started a fire in the oven if I hadn't noticed the odor!!!

Don't believe me? There it is... on the left. The round thing under it is the microwave turntable. Yes, I was able to clean that! I still buy brown rice... it's good for you. I buy rice in a bag.

They're my questions so I'd better not delay...

OttO's Monday Madness this week:

This week's questions come from one of our very FAITHFUL
participants (and she happens to be my mother), sherle. Thanks,
Mom! =)

1. Do you make New Year's resolutions? If so, what is your most
important one? Yes, sort of... This year I've vowed to use the phone lots more often!!! After all, friends and family are only a few numbers away. I think I don't use the phone often because using the phone was a very important part of my jobs over the years... so I sort of avoided it.

2. Easter is coming. Many Christians give up something for Lent.
Do you give something up for any reason (or season)? What is it
this year? Grades 6-12 I attended a Christian school and always gave something up for Lent and Advent. Sort of did so raising my kids but only during their younger years. Of course my church used to require certain food restrictions during some seasons, so this made it easier to do. I think this year I will reinstate some of the food restrictions for myself because they are healthy habits anyway!These restrictions include no eating between meals and no meat on certains days.

3. Do you watch the Super Bowl? If so, do you watch it with a
group? If not, what do you do while the game is on? Anything
special? NO.. haven't been a sports fan since highschool but when the husband was alive I would sort of get interested in who was winning and losing. Neither of us ever really felt it necessary to watch the whole thing or make a party of it however... usually just tuned in now and again to see what was happening. I continue that tradition. I'll probably watch some movies I've saved on Moxie/DVR.

4. Would you miss Monday Madness if it stopped permanently? YES!!! Don't stop please!!!!
5. Name at least one theme for MM questions. Share at least one
question for that theme. Here are a few: Pets, Phobias, Habits - bad or good, Hobbies, Fears, Joys, Siblings, Relationships, Holidays, Blue Days, Traditions, Memories - childhood or whatever, blah blah blah... didn't know I'd think of so many and I'm sure there are more. Okay, blue days... What makes you feel blue and how do you overcome it... or do you just suffer?

monday madness - late but...

...I answered the questions a few days ago but for some reason they remained on my computer until now. I was one of the people complaining about missing it so here are my answers to this week's Monday Madness:
Otto is back and she says, 'I hope everyone's new year is going well. I had planned on getting back to Monday Madness on New Year's Day, but obviously I haven't been posting. I apologize and hope you still play!'

1. Did you make any resolutions this year? Sort of...

2. If so, which one do you think you'll really stick to? If not, is there something you're going to try harder to accomplish? I decided I will make more phone calls this year - especially to family members... my kids, my mom and my sisters. It's harder than you think - I'm sort of lacking when it comes to phone stuff... but will really work at it this year! Also, I just went hunting for and found my list of ten things I would do if I had more time (a MM challenge in October). I plan on working on that list this year too!!!

3. Do you have a fear of any small rodents/insects/etc? If so, please share. Not so much a fear but I just don't like such vermin. Now that I'm a 'mature woman' I watch out for all small critters when I'm mowing the lawn... even to wait for a little snake or frog to get out of my way, but when I was younger... I was very pregnant for my first child when surprised by a rustling in the bushes near my back door (out in the country) there was a whole nest of little snakes!!! They were harmless garden snakes but wow! what a shocker!

4. Share something exciting that's going on in your life. Sometimes my life is like a soap opera. Where should I begin? I might start sharing some of it here...

5. Did you wonder what happened to Monday Madness these past few weeks? I was worried you might quit doing it. I really missed it actually.

...and this question comes from one of our good friends, tricia:

Do you have a favorite gameshow announcer? I don't really watch any of the new gameshows but I used to watch the one with Vanna White turning letters... I really do NOT like Howie Mandel and never could stand to watch anything he starred in, so I don't watch his 'deal or no deal' show.

Daisy Mae died today. You might think, because I had 5 cats I shouldn't feel so bad when one dies but I do. I hadn't seen her early this morning and after breakfast she was lying on a throw rug in the entry area between the dining room and bathroom. I was able to pet her and comfort her as she died. It must have been a stroke or heart attack.

I put her in her favorite basket and my neighbor came over to get her and said he will bury her today. What would I do without these wonderful people living next door?

We saved Daisy from 'death row' at the animal shelter about 9 years ago. There were lots of kittens there that day but Daisy charmed me. Even the attendant at the shelter asked me if I was sure she was the one I wanted to take home. Of course she was! She chose me! We soon learned however, she was ferral - had been picked up by animal control because people complained about her hunting around their bird feeders.

Doctor Janet showed us where she had been spayed so we know she had a family before going wild. The stitches had never been removed, though, and doctor had quite a job removing them. It took a few years but Daisy gradually became more domestic. She was 'daddy's kitty' and followed him around the house. When he was outdoors, she would follow him inside by watching him from the window or door nearest him. Now she is at peace with him.

I will take in no more strays though. The current count is four and will only go down! I learned how to say 'no' when a 'stray' woman came to my door a few weeks ago... in need of a 'room for the night' but that's another story... God bless!

My last post was...... WHEN???

A casual look at my slippers one morning... and what is it? Miss Kitty has a toy mouse that she absolutely loves!!! Was I EVER glad it wasn't a real mouse.

A couple of days later she actually caught a real one!!! What can I say, I live out in the country and field mice love to move on up to 'house' mice. Yup, the little twerp is only five+ months old and already the mouser of the house!

She is a bundle of activity - in constant motion! See her almost hanging off the Christmas tree? I put it up last minute and took it down as soon as possible after our Christmas get-together! Little Miss Kitty tried like crazy to detach the bottom branches... and yes, she actually does rest occasionally. Of course she prefers serving as centerpiece on the dining room table!

...and just last Friday she had to stay overnight at her doctor's place. Yup, I had her fixed and ya know... she wasn't even broke! The most difficult part is post-op. She had to wear a collar the first night because I couldn't stop her from trying to bite off the stitches. It slowed her down but not much!

So what have I been doing in my 'spare' time? Well one thing was a big ol' update on my website at salascove. Been wanting to do it for a long time and just decided the time is now. Let me know what you think of it.

Another thing I've been wanting to do... getting involved in the stock market again. Just a little bit... it's sort of my 'recreational fund' so it's okay.It's really fun and I've really missed it... having quit 'playing' after September 11, 2001 when everything crumbled.

Hey! did you know there's another 26 Things challenge? I guess there was one in November too but I missed that one. I guess I'm not on the mailing list anymore. Anyway, it looks like a good one! I just might try it. How about you?