My "Happy Place".

It's no wonder green is my favorite color.
I know most people long to live by water, but not me. I'm a green girl, all the way.
Just yesterday the city was mowing the right-a-way alongside the highway and I caught the scent of freshly mowed grass.  Be still my heart!  Yankee Candle once had a scented candle, "Fresh Mowed Grass" (discontinued now) - I loved it!  When I feel the need to think about a "Happy Place" I picture myself on a large front porch swing overlooking a large span of green grass. I can hear birds singing and there is a bit of honeysuckle mixed with the grassy scent. There's just something about that setting that puts me at peace.

Everyone needs a "Happy Place" in their mind, don't you think?
You know, the place you think about when the stress gets to be too much; the place where your mind's eye settles when you need a break from the "here and now".

Tell me about your "Happy Place" - I'd love to hear.
You can leave a comment OR you can blog about it if you'd like, just be sure to let me know so I can drop by to read about it.  "Inquiring minds" and all the stuff. . .

"puffy" skin?

Geez, I was in front of my TV,
ready to watch the Grammy's
then I got this memo -

"Thong-type costumes are problematic. Please avoid exposing bare, fleshy under-curves of the buttocks and buttock crack. Bare sides or under-curvature of the breasts is also problematic. . [.the genital region must be] "adequately covered so that there is no visibly 'puffy' bare skin exposure" and "sheer, see-through clothing that could possibly expose female breast nipples,".

Is this better?

Given there is no wardrobe "mal-function", I always enjoy the bizarre, and sometimes skimpy clothes the celebs wear to the Grammys.  Just sayin'. . .

I'm thinking you probably disagree with me.

Which is absolutely alright - we can still be friends!

Just sayin' . . .

It was one of those days I woulda, shoulda, coulda, oughta, have had my camera with me.  I was driving down a busy street in our town when I came across a two block area full of . . .

Port-a-pottys.
They were scattered about - different colors, and in varying degrees of "newness".  Randomly spaced, some had been placed on an incline that looked as though they would tip into the tiny creek adjacent to them if anyone set out to really use them.  It takes very little to amuse me, so I found this quite the funny sight as I let my imagination take flight.  A couple of men wandered among them counting and plotting.  Mardi Gras parades were held this weekend so I'm sure this was a holding area before placing them along the parade route for the big day.  Seeing all of these made me think of  -

THIS!

I've heard my parents tell lots of stories about this familiar structure of their youth.  Some of their stories are funny, but none are very pleasant.

I will never again complain when I clean the bathroom.
I will never again complain when I clean the bathroom.

I will never again complain when I clean the bathroom.

I will never again complain when I clean the bathroom.

Just sayin' . . .

The law of 3's

I'm not superstitious.
Not at all.
I will walk under ladders and step on sidewalk cracks with nary a thought.
Black cats can cross my path, circle around me, and do a dance routine - I will scarcely even notice.  That said, it does seem that certain things beyond our control tend to happen in three's.  Does it seem this way to you?  When someone famous dies it seems that you can be sure that two other famous people are soon to meet their demise also. I don't understand it.  I don't explain it.  I don't even know if this is accurate, but it sure seems this way to me.

ALSO, when things begin to break around the house, it seems these things usually happen in three's also.  Maybe this is just the case with appliances in my house - does it ever happen to you in this manner?

Yesterday I left my broken vacuum at the repair shop and am hoping they can still get the parts needed to fix it. The repairman was guardedly optimistic.

A handyman came this morning and installed a new garbage disposal.  Yay!  This is one of those things I don't properly appreciate until it's gone.  Things get messy without a garbage disposal, ya know?!

Then yesterday afternoon I sat down at the computer to read blogs.  Didn't happen.
The computer FROZE.  I tried to reboot it "three" times, with no luck.
Mister bought a new one last night.  Yep, this old dog is having to learn some new tricks on the computer today.  We went from Vista to Windows 8.  I am one of those who enjoy doing things the way I've always done them before, but alas, I am thankful for the new computer and will put my mind to learning how to navigate online in a new way.

1. Vacuum
2. Garbage Disposal
3. Computer

I'm feelin' the joy today as I can count off THREE things that have broken and are now fixed, or in the process of being fixed.  WHEW!

Ready.Set...and patiently Waiting.

A brand new little Granddoll is expected

to "rock our world" in March.

Her Mom has the nursery prepared

and waiting.

The "wait" is part of the fun,
don't you think?

(

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

I'm having a dinner party for eight friends at my house tomorrow.  Since inviting everyone a few days ago, my vacuum has quit working and today my garbage disposal went out.  "HA!", I say.  I can laugh into the wind because it really doesn't matter - that's one of the blessings of being of a certain age; it gives you perspective.

On the flip side...I had planned to go to the store this morning, then come home to make a cake for tomorrow night.  I never made it to the store (long story).  I looked at what I had in the pantry and began grabbing anything that I thought might be a good blend of flavors.  I began with a Yellow Butter Cake mix.  Then, besides the usual eggs and oil, I dumped in a can of mandarin oranges, some orange yogurt, orange juice concentrate, and a handful of Craisins.
It.Tastes.Wonderful!

A good dessert can cover a multitude of "oopsies".
You can quote me on that!

Now, what shall I name my new cake creation?

Suggestions?  Ideas?

Love and Hate.

10 Things I Love About February

1. Valentine's Day
2. Super Bowl Commercials
3. Red 
4. Trees budding
5. Mardi Gras Parades
6. Sonic Chocolate Covered Cherry Milkshakes
7. "Punxsutawney Phil"
8. Feb.15th (31 yr cancer survivor anniversary!)
9. Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies
10. Spring Clothes in stores

10 Things I Hate About February

1. Weight gain from Valentine candy
2. Dreary, long days
3. Lawn Weeds
4. Nasty Cold/Flu Germs
5. No Family Birthdays
6. Pasty, white, Skin
7. Weight Watchers Commercials
8. Winter feet
9. Fluctuating weather 
10. "February" is not spelled like it's pronounced. 

Sound off now!

What do you love and what do you hate about February?

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Surviving an Active Shooter Event - English

This is not the usual type of thing I post, however I feel it is important and I want to share it with you. It is upsetting to watch, but it could save your life. (please ignore the short ad at the beginning) Trust me, it is worth your time to see this.

"Slow-Starter"

I'm a Slow-Starter.

But, change is coming to the Bayou, and I'm not just talking menopause.  Mom will be here to live with us in about a month.  The house is ready, but I'm not.

I've had the luxury of going to bed when I want and getting up when I want for a very-long-time.  I like it this way.  This little life luxury is gone now - I kissed it farewell the last day I slept well into the morning.  I've put myself on this new-fangled schedule so I'll be at least somewhat used to it when Mom arrives.

Now, I've got to go to bed at a reasonable time.
And then, the kicker, "I've got to get up at a unreasonable time."

I like organization.
I like order.
And if I want things to move as smoothly as possible I've got to gear my schedule to that of my Mom's.  From now on my alarm is gonna go off at 7 am.  Ready or not.

(Yes!  7 am is VERY early to me!)

My family has laid odds I can't do this.
I so love their support.

Flower Power.

Mister brought this beautiful rose home for DD yesterday.
It was "Gotcha" Day - marking the date of
her adoption many years ago.

Today he brought me home these beautiful roses -
"Just Because", which is actually the best reason,
don't you agree?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * 

I've been a little off my game this week.
A couple of days ago I tried a new recipe which would have been great if I had put the right kind of  peppers in it.  As it was, it was so flaming HOT that we could barely eat it.

Then yesterday my errands took longer than I had anticipated so we dined on sandwiches for dinner.

Today I cooked a big pot of soup and even if I do say so myself, it-was-WONDERFUL, perfectly seasoned and well suited for a winter supper.

Flower Power!

hi.ber.nate

This is how I roll most mornings in January.

There's just something about this time of the year which makes it extra hard to get one's engine going.  Are you feeling it too?

I want to run.

I want to dance.

I want to make beautiful music.

But what I want most is to get someone else to do it for me.

Know what I mean?

*giggle* 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

hi·ber·nate

intransitive verb \ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt\

hi·ber·nat·edhi·ber·nat·ing

Definition of HIBERNATE

1

: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state

2

: to be or become inactive or dormant

— hi·ber·na·tion \ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən\ noun

— hi·ber·na·tor \ˈhī-bər-ˌnā-tər\ noun

Peek-a-Boo!

Today was such a SPECIAL day - Mister and I went with our DD for her 31 week ultrasound.  We loved the peek-a-boo the technology allowed.  We oo-ed and ahh-ed with each vision of her bald head, her brain, her kidneys, her feet and toes.  It's seems such a magical world to be given the right to view.  Everything checks out "perfect" for dd and for our granddoll.

We are thankful.
We are in love!

I couldn't have begun to imagine this last year at this time.
God is good!
I am weak, but how thankful I am that HE is strong!

"Do you see what I see?" and other ramblings.

Do you see it?

No.  Not the weeds!

Look closer.
A bud; the first of the season on my Hydrangea.
Can Spring be far away?!
(Yes.  It is a rhetorical question.)

Before.

After.
We gave everything a good "haircut".
Now we're ready for Spring whenever she comes calling.

I am so NOT a winter person
and I'm so thankful to live where Spring
usually comes early!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I bought a new can of Lysol, a BIG one.
I gave it a few sprays then the sprayer refused to work again.
I sent an email to the "Lysol" people.
I told them my situation and asked if they would
replace it.  I'll be waiting to hear back from them.
Do you ever write to the company when you're disappointed or have issues with their product?
I do.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tuesday is a big day - I'm going to the OB with DD for her final scheduled ultrasound.  Mister is gonna meet us there too.  We're excited to get to see our Granddoll in "action".  We've seen her previous ultrasound pictures, but never the actual, moving, ultrasound.
I.Can.Hardly.Wait.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I know that a few of my recent posts have been heavy reading.
Thank you for your comments and encouragement.
I DO want this Blog to be light-hearted and mostly positive, so for that reason I am beginning another blog which will be exclusively about my Mom as she navigates her way through the dementia diagnosis.  If you're interested in following along on this new Blog, I'd love to have you as a FOLLOWER.  The new Blog is called, "Dink".    You can find it HERE.
I have not set up a new blog in a while so I hope I have it fixed where you can sign on to "follow" if you wish.   If you have any problems signing up to "follow" please let me know.  If you know anyone who is dealing with dementia issues, or has an interest in such things, please invite them to join the new blog.  I'd love to have you join me there too, if you'd like; however, this Blog, "SWEET TEA", will continue on and will remain as it has always been - whatever that means!  LOL

http://dink83.blogspot.com/

It's a New World . . .

We made yet another trip to Tulsa last weekend.
My sister and I, along with our Mom, had to make a court appearance.  Mom is currently receiving "respite care" in an assisted living center while my sister and I go through the court system of being appointed as Guardians for our Mom.  Mom has been evaluated and told by doctors that she can no longer live alone. We  have been advise to seek Guardianship for her.  Mom has dementia that has began to progress very quickly since November...Mom doesn't understand what is happening and is refusing to accept her diagnosis - therein lies the rub. 

When I first arrived in Tulsa I went to see Mom at the assisted living center.  When I saw her I hugged her.  She hit my arms and told me to keep my hands off of her.  I knew she had done this to others in the family, but somehow I thought I would be different.  Wrong!

We sat and visited with her.
She was clearly agitated and angry with us at times.
We talked about court and what was going to take place.  It was not a pleasant visit, though Mom seemed healthy and reasonably "settled" into her new environment.

The next day we visited Mom again, briefly.
I knew better than to approach her with a hug this time.  We talked about when I would pick her up for court the next day and what she would wear.  She was in a pleasant mood and seemed happy to see me.  When it was time for me to leave I "asked" her if she would give me a hug.  She did.  She teared up a bit at this time and apologized for behaving as she had the day before...I was pleased she had remembered.  I was pleased this had been a good visit. I love my Mom.

We (Mister, DD, and I) picked Mom up as planned the next morning.  I had feared she might refuse to go, but she was in good spirits and we left without incident.  We had pleasant conversation on the drive to the courthouse.  Their was laughter and light conversation on the drive.  We met my sister and her husband at the courthouse and we all waited outside the courtroom door for 1+ hours, until it was our turn to see the judge.  When the judge began to explain why we were in court Mom became agitated.  She cut her eyes to look at me and made a face.  She then told the judge that she had been brought to the courthouse under false pretenses.  She also said she had no idea why she had been brought there...Dementia is an ugly disease.  The judge asked Mom if she wanted an attorney.  "Yes", she certainly did.  Court dismissed so that Mom could obtain counsel.  Bummer!

We will make another trip to Tulsa for the next court date on Jan. 28.  Oh how I hate the thought of making another road trip. The irony is that because of the dementia Mom is fighting my sister and I who are trying to follow the doctor's orders by providing the needed care for her.  We want to bring her here to live with us (Mister, DD, and I) for as long as is possible.  It is my hope that this will happen soon so Mom can get comfortable here before our new granddoll is born in March.

After court Mom told both my sister and I that she hated us and she hoped we died before she did.  There was some profanity woven into her words.  If you're not familiar with dementia you will probably find this very offensive - if you understand dementia you will recognize this as simply "the disease talking". I tried to calm her, to no avail.  We took her back to her assisted living center and we began the long, cold, drive back to Louisiana.  It was a very long day!

I waited three days (hoping she would cool down) then I called Mom.
I expected her to refuse my call, but she didn't.
She was happy and upbeat.
There was no mention of court.
She was actually in somewhat of an excited hurry to be off to her Bingo game. 
My heart soared!

It's a  new world every day when dementia calls the shots.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Let the record show that I am now reading all sorts of materials about dementia.  I see some of the mistakes I made when visiting with Mom.  Some of her behavior is directly related to mistakes I made.  I should not have approached her quickly and tried to hug her - mistake #1.  I'll do a better job next time.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Please understand that I write this to document my life.
I'm definitely not pining for sympathy.
I understand that life has seasons and I feel honored (and a little scared) to make this journey with my Mom.  When I think of all the life journeys she has made with me, I am humbled.

"It's a _____________ Life"

Here's my computer and a favorite picture/poster on the wall right beside me.  It's so true, isn't it?  It IS a "wonderful" life.  It sounds cheesy, and if we're all keepin' it real we know there are MANY other adjectives that could go right alongside  the "wonderful" in this title: crazy, fun, mixed-up, messy, funny, alarming, scary, joyful, happy, stressful, etc. etc. Even though in blogland most of prefer to write about the wonderful side of life, there are the occasional times when things are not so wonderful.  Aren't we fortunate that the wonderful usually far outweighs the not-so-wonderful?!

So, what's your word for today?
Right beside "wonderful", what would you write?
Fill in the blank - just keep it "real".  OK?
"It's a beautiful, ___________ life."

NOT REQUIRED!

I was privy to some GREAT relieving news yesterday! If you're squeamish or happen to be a needle-phob like me, you'll get this.  If not, this will seem like a "non-issue" to you, but to me it was BIG news.

I went with DD (dear daughter) to her OB/GYN appointment yesterday.  This was her first appointment with the doctor here, since she was living in TX at the beginning of her pregnancy.  The doctor was going over all the rules/requirements for the next two months.  We thought that DD (and her pregnancy coach = ME) would be required to attend "Epidural Class" that many hospitals require.  I have been dreading this class since I am a "Big Time Fainter".  How embarrassing would it be to faint during this class, especially when I'm not even the Mom-to-be"??!!  Yes.  I have done this sort of thing many times before...Imagine my relief when he said it was "NOT REQUIRED!".  *Insert Happy Dance here!

I'm from the school of thought that sometimes one can actually have too much information.  DD wants the epidural, and knows what/how it's done.  Spare us the pictures and the video of the actual procedure.  I've had them before but don't care to "see" the nitty-gritty!

Pity DD who has me for her labor coach, as I'm not very good "nursing" material.  I think I can do this.  I watched my last child being born (but I'd had some good drugs at that point), and I also saw my youngest granddoll born.  I think I can do this.

With all the adrenaline that comes with the excitement of a birth,
and a good dose of Valium,
I should be "good to go"!

Practicing my deep breathing as I type this.
"Whoo Whoo Hee Hee"

Friday Night Live!

Princess went to bed at 8:20.

Mister went to bed at 9:00.

Heck, even Boudxy is sound asleep!

I got out of the shower and yelled into the snoozing house,

"I'm clean! I'm clean!

Over, under, and in-between"

Yes, I say that every night, and every night Princess and Mister react as though they've just heard me say it for the first time.  They laugh and pretend I'm quite the comedian, which is one of the reasons I love them so!  Tonight my little shout of humor fell on sleeping ears.  Ah well, tomorrow I'll say it twice!


Actually it's kind of nice.
Everyone is snugged in and accounted for and I get some "me" time.
I've donned clean pj's and fuzzy socks.
"Beauty" rules, while the Beasts are asleep!"

Another quiet winter's night.

Happy People

I read an interesting online article about Happy People and some of the traits they all shared.  I'm hoping we are all one of the "Happy People" in the new year!

1. Happy people say YES more than they say NO.
2. Happy people laugh, joke, and have a sense of humor.
3. Happy people live with a feeling of Gratitude.
4. Happy people speak well of others more often than not.
5. Happy people Listen.
6. Happy people believe in something and they let go of control.
7. Happy people accept imperfections and are willing to forgive and move on.
8. Happy people are of service to others and have positive expectations
9. Happy people are detached from the approval of others.
10. Happy people actively focus on health, exercise and work/life balance.

For me personally, I would have to add that "Happy People need some sunshine on a regular basis".
AND
that "Happy People have a relationship with God", but perhaps that's under the umbrella of #6.

Agree with the List?
Disagree?
Can you add something to this list?

Love and Hate

Ten Things I Love About January

1. Soup
2. Lysol
3. Warm pj's
4. No need to shave my legs. (No judging allowed!)
5. Sweats and Yoga pants
6. Good TV programming
7. Kleenex
8. White sales
9. Hot Baths
10. It gives me great appreciation for the Summer months.

Ten Things I Hate About January

1. Cold Weather
2. Flu
3. Cold Weather
4. Eating dinner when it is dark outside
5. Cold Weather
6. Runny Noses
7. Cold Weather
8. Snow/Sleet
9. Cold Weather
10. It lasts for 31 days

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

I can do this,
even in January!
Everyday is truly a gift, isn't it?!

Private Space.

I love Pigpen
and I'm feeling as though I've bonded
with him in quite a personal way;

 he moves in a dirt bubble,

while I move in a germ bubble.

"Kindred Spirits" I think most would call us.

I'll spare you the details of this nasty cold I've claimed as my own, but as I move and have my being my entire household is keeping out of  "my space".

When I get out of my chair,
no one clamors to sit in it.

No one goes near my chair sidetable.

Snow?
Nope.  My private bag of used tissue.

(It can never be said that I don't keep it real!)

I've found when you cough, sneeze, and carry your own bag of used tissue, people tend to give  you lots of private space.  

That Pigpen is one smart guy!

Going through the CHANGE. . .

Change can be good.
Change can be bad.
But, mostly it often falls somewhere between the two.  We're going through a lot of "change" here on the home front.  It's initially made for a lot of work and bother, just speaking honestly.  However, I find if I pace myself, arm-twist and coerce those around me to help, it really helps with my stress level.


The office in our house has now been emptied, which was no small feat.  It's also been painted a cotton-candy shade of pink, and on it's way to becoming a nursery.  We'd like to have it all in order by the end of January and ready for the sweet granddoll who will join us by the end of March.  The carpet has been shampooed, then shampooed again with bleach water.  That was one BIG mistake.  "Live and learn".  Take it from someone who knows, you don't ever want to do this.  We're now shopping for a room size area rug.  *insert delirious laugh here*

Another big change is coming our way too.
My Mom is coming for an extended visit in late January, and possibly to live with us.  There is not much to be done to the house to prepare for her since the guest room stays pretty much "ready". . .My Mom is 83.  She has been a "rock" for me in so many ways throughout the years.  I love her so very much and there is so much I could say, but I won't for now, other than to say she has been blessed with health and strength her entire life until last October.  At that time the thieving hands of dementia began to rob her of what she has clutched tightly- her independence.  She is facing HUGE changes, none of which she is happy with. (bad sentence. Sorry.)  I want her to be able to live healthy, happy, and independently, but the doctors have said that it is no longer possible for her to live alone.  She doesn't understand the reasoning behind the (multiple) doctors findings, so now she is livid with anger towards my sister and and I.  She sees us as the "bad guys".  This is AWFUL - no way to sugarcoat this part of reality.  She's in the hospital in Tulsa at the moment and when the day comes for her to come with me to Louisiana she is going to be distraught and red-hot angry, for who knows how long.  When I think about this I cannot even imagine how this will unfold, but one thing she has told me all my adult life is she does not want to ever go into a nursing home.  My sister and I are going to try our very best to care for Mom our self.  I am totally moving into uncharted territory for me.  I admit I have no idea what I am doing, but I have been reading up on the subject of "dementia" and will give it my all.

Did I mention we're going through lots of "changes" here?

I pray for strength, wisdom, understanding, and a sweet spirit as I go forward.  I understand I am beginning a new season of life.  It always saddens me a bit to move from one life season to another because I dislike the idea of leaving a current season behind, but "God's grace is always sufficient", so on I go!

Belly Laugh

Our twelve year old Granddoll was asked what she would like for Christmas.
She replied, "I'm accepting Amazon gift cards this year".

Her parents grimaced at her reply and declared that she had seen waaaay too many TV commercials.

Doncha just love the things kids say?!!

"Afterglow"

Today was a marathon shopping day.
Daughter and I headed out the door with our list in hand and I was determined not to come home until I had everything on my list marked off.  And, by Golly, we did it, with only one exception, but that's really close enough, so I count today as a huge
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!

Along the way, Daughter asked, "Ya know what part of Christmas I like best?".

"What?" (I'm quick like that, with a witty reply.)

To which she answered, "the days right after Christmas, the ones where we go to movies, play games and eat all the snacks".

I totally agree with her.
It's a time when everyone seems to "pause" and bask in the afterglow of the hectic shopping, decorating, and time-consuming "stuff" that is pre-Christmas.

I think we've stumbled across a new family holiday, "Afterglow".

Remember, you heard it here first!  *wink

Show and Tell

Cookie Fixin' Mess!

Yield: 2 batches of Peanut Butter Blossom 

cookie dough, frozen, and ready to be baked

for Christmas.  It's been a tradition in our family for years.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

These over-sized glasses were part of
this year's Girl's Getaway.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Boudxy the Grinch Dog"
He hates wearing a hat - can you tell?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you could only have one kind of Christmas Cookie,  which kind would you choose?

Not all sweet things are fattening. YEA!

I DID IT!
I managed to get into the attic and get down some Christmas clutter decorations!  Usually Princess climbs into the attic to retrieve the Christmas stuff and she hands it off to me while I'm posed on the ladder and then I hand it off to Mister who is waiting at the bottom of the ladder to catch us if we should fall - it's our system and we do it this way every year...However, since Mister has bad knees and Princess is "with child" I just wasn't sure we'd be able to pull it off this year.  But, somehow I managed to hoist myself into the attic in search of the Christmas goods, and it went off without a hitch or a trip to the ER. 
Woo Hoo!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Oldest daughter went into Panera Bread last week and placed her lunch order "to go".  When she went to pay the cashier she was told that her order had been paid by the customer who went before her.  Daughter actually talked with her benefactor and the woman told her each December she made it a practice to do a Random-Act-Of-Kindness each week, and daughter had been the recipient for the current week.  Isn't that sweet?  Daughter was taking soup into her grandmother/my Mom for lunch.  One good deed seemed to beget another.  Doncha' just love that?!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Last night was Mister's company Christmas party.  I'd rather have stayed home in my pj's eating "shoestring soup" than go to this, but I knew he wanted to go, and being the saint that I am, I glitzzed up a bit and we went to the party.  We signed in and were given a $50 gift card (just for showing up), then later in the evening there was a drawing (one of many) and Mister won another $50 gift card.  I'm finding sainthood really pays off!.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

I've taken you down quite a rocky path with me lately,  so I wanted to be sure to tell you about some of the sweet things (and there are many) that have come along too.  I hope there are many sweet things in your life and that even more of the "sweet stuff" is in your future.

Randomly speaking. . .

I miss having time to blog and visit with my Bloggy friends, but I know things will settle down in a few months and I'll be able to play "catch up" with everyone when that happens.  Till then I'm just trying to stay afloat (is that a word?) with my blog and document a few things.  

I have been in Tulsa spending time with my Mom for 16 days out of the last 30 days.  Mom is dealing with a "new normal".  Her health issues seem to have stabilized and most days she does pretty well, with a bit of assistance from family members from time to time.  

I wish I lived closer to her but that simply isn't the case right now.

Princess is doing well and sporting an ever-growing baby bump.  The pregnancy is going well.  She is well.  She is working hard on her senior year of classes and is on target to graduate this Spring (if not even sooner).

I'm trying to Christmas shop.

There is very little order to my life at this moment

and for a gal who loves a good list

and "a place for everything
and everything in it's place",
I'm taking deep breaths and praying a lot,
and getting by quite well.

Don't even know if we'll have a Christmas Tree this year.
It will be the first Christmas EV-AH to not have a tree.

But there will definitely be family, food, fun,

and lots of presents.
I figure if we can do all of that, a Christmas

tree will barely be missed

I could probably handle

a small, sweet, tree, 

like the one below.

This would work for me!

I.Am.Totally.Serious.

*Good Night!*