My Reading Blog

My fourth year of writing Some days were easy Some days no thoughts came So many slicers So little time So many that I could relate to So few that I couldn't New ideas for writing Old ideas used Receiving comments Leaving comments Happy slices Sad slices Thought provoking slices Stories Poems Pictures The month flew by The words were written Today is the end A writing extravaganza But, it's not over Tuesday will come More words will be written More stories will be shared More comments will be left A great month of writing! Thanks to Stacey, Tara, Beth, Anna, Dana & Betsy for all your hard work.

Words that describe our week: Long ride Hugs & kisses Discovery New adventures Reading Pedi's all around Elephant & Piggie Reading Playing Celebrating Celebrating some more Easter Egg Hunt Snow Cold Spring??? Reading Sleepover New playroom at Uncle Scotty & Aunt Jen's Shopping Reading Cuddling Conversations with Michelle  Discussions Delight Long ride Missing it all

Today we celebrate the gift of a special woman, our daughter, Michelle (Literacy Zone). She is beautiful inside and out. She is intelligent and inventive. She is a devout Christian. She is an awesome wife & mother. She is a super teacher and co-worker. She is kind, caring and loving. She is thoughtful. She has a beautiful smile that makes her eyes sparkle. She is our precious daughter. Questions for M & P What do you like best about Mommy? M - She buys us new toys P - She takes to the library and other places. What does Mommy do for you? M - Plays with us P - She takes us to the park. What makes Mommy smile? M - Hugs & kisses P - Making her cards and pictures What makes Mommy happy? M - Makes cards and pictures for her birthday. P - Help set the table and carry our dishes to the sink. What do you want to tell Mommy for her birthday? M - Happy Birthday and we're giving presents to Mommy P -  I love you! Happy birthday to you, hap...

Last Saturday we celebrated our 45th anniversary with our friends in Arkansas.  Last night we celebrated with our family here in Illinois.  Michelle asked questions to the girls and wrote their responses in a little book with pictures. Grandma & Grandpa have been married for: M - 20 years P - 1000 year (G & G had to agree - some days it feels like 20 and other it feels like 1000) To be married means: M & P - to be loved P - It means love M - You love each other  To be in love means: M - You can stay together as a family P - To stay as a family and be a Mommy & Daddy How do they show love? P - Hugging and Kissing M - Kind and nice to each other - Kindful What does Grandma do for Grandpa? M - She gets him coffee P - She takes care of him when he hurts What does Grandpa do for Grandma? P - He sets the table for her. M - He brings her here! Advice for You Stay Happy & In Love Say I Love You Happy 45th Anniversary ...

Mommy & Grandma planning a pedicure Girls to go with Just to watch and play on their I-pads But wait This salon gives Kiddie Pedis So off we go Mommy & Grandma Ready to be pampered M & P excited  Not knowing what to expect Pick out your color (purple, of course) Four nail techs waiting and ready The water is hot The girls are hesitant They test the water and then the smiles begin Their feet are soaked and massaged The nails are clipped and filed They check to see  what's happening with Mommy & Grandma  Then separating of toes with tissue paper And the purple goes on. The smiles get bigger and bigger. Mommy & Grandma enjoyed watching them as much as getting a pedi. All us girls had another  delightful day together.

Today was a "Girls Only" day.  Michelle, M & P and I headed to the City (Chicago).  Michelle had purchased tickets to see "Elephant and Piggy" at the Apollo Theatre.  I'm not one for driving in Chicago, but Michelle did a fine job getting us there.  It was a little tricky finding a spot to park, but after 3 times around the block, we found a space under the "EL" tracks. The theatre is small, and we had front row seats.  The girls were delighted and couldn't wait for the show to begin.  The girls were mesmerized the whole hour and a half.  They watched the dancing and singing and followed the story line.  They laughed and clapped and were totally in awe of the actor and actresses. They watched a show on video as we drove home and then finished it during quiet time.  Grandma put on a show by cutting and sewing the fabric for their valences. And then, the "BIG" show started.  The girls put on their ballet outfits and sho...

Up at the crack of dawn One ready to go The other a sleepy head Meet for breakfast Pancakes with chocolate chips Please After adding the CC's and syrup M states "they're too sweet" Off to ice skating On go the skates Helmet and gloves Hockey stick in hand Will Coach Tony be here? Out on the ice Fall down, get up Shoot the puck On to run some errands On a fabric search so Grandma can make valences for the girls' room Match the purples or not Measure and cut Home for lunch Quiet time with Grandma reading books "Rest and dream of mermaids I'll be back up to get you". 20 minutes later, they sneak downstairs. "Grandma you didn't come to get us". Play on Grandma's Kindle Crochet a bit Run, dance, dress up Giggle and laugh Dinner - G & G are exhausted Off to Uncle Scotty's Hugs & Kisses See you in the morning Sweet dreams to all.

So this is spring in Illinois??? This was our drive in to Michelle's this morning. Hubby and I looked at each other and asked "who's idea was this to come to IL in March?"  We've lived in AR for the past 15 years and we get snow, generally in January/February.  But generally, we don't get snow in March.  We should remember, but.... still family is important and we wanted to come. So, we're here and staying inside while Momma clears the drive and the girls play and help. Hopefully by Wednesday the sun will come out, the snow will melt and it will be back to spring.  If not, we're heading SOUTH quickly.  Next year we may just invite everyone to AR for the week!

Yesterday we traveled 10 hours from Arkansas to Illinois. Yesterday I wrote about the trip Today I'll share some pictures of our trip Sunrise on our way to Rolla, MO where we picked up 44 to St. Louis Criss cross of the clouds in the sky. Arriving in St. Louis - the Arch and exit across the bridge to Illinois. Yes, we're heading in the right direction. In Springfield, IL and still heading north. Power plant in Springfield, IL Lincoln's Home Town The flat lands of Illinois.  It goes on forever. I had planned to take a picture of the traffic in the Chicagoland area, but it was not as busy as it usually is.  This is one of the reasons we moved south. And this is the reason we keep coming back!

All packed The car is full Clothes Toiletries Treats Birthday presents Early rise Cup of coffee Check the doors Unplug the electronics One last look around The sun is starting it's upward climb The deer are startled The miles go by North Further Further 1 hour 2 hours 5 hours Potty break Lunch break Trade drivers 6 hours 8 hours Almost there Excitement abounds Hugs & kisses Stretching after the long drive Relaxing Talking incessantly A whole week ahead of us to play, talk, read have fun Traveling done until the return trip all too soon.

Goodreads summary:  "A nnie Colwater's husband has just confessed that he's in love with a younger woman. Devastated, Annie retreats to the small town where she grew up. There, she is reunited with her first love, Nick Delacroix, a recent widower who is unable to cope with his silent, emotionally scarred young daughter. Together, the three of them begin to heal. But just when Annie believes she's been given a second chance at happiness, her world is turned upside down again, and she is forced to make a choice that no woman in love should ever have to make." A quick, easy read about how a woman can become content/frustrated with life.  Hannah weaves a good story even though you hoped it would end as you thought (and it did). Finished 3/20/15

Today We Celebrate 45 years of marriage 45 years of loving, caring and sharing 45 years of good times and difficult times 45 years of building a relationship 45 years of hard work and fun Today I Celebrate My one and only true love The father of my children My cook and helper, Mr. Fix It, trouble shooter, jack of all trades My confidant, encourager, best friend Today We Celebrate Our faith in God Our children and grandchildren Our joy, happiness and fulfillment Our 45 years together Our future together - sharing, caring, loving

Last night we celebrated the 50th birthday of a dear friend with a SURPRISE birthday party.  The look on his face when he walked into the restaurant was priceless.  He couldn't believe it.  Family and friends were there to help celebrate.  I think he was speechless (for at least a few minutes).  He doesn't like to be the center of attention.  Does anyone really like to have a SURPRISE party in their honor?  Hubby surprised me on my 40th birthday.  It was an awesome birthday present, but...  I can't say that I really liked the SURPRISE . Michelle & Scott tried to have a SURPRISE 25th wedding anniversary party for us, but due to me not writing an event on the calendar (I thought everyone knew without writing it down), they had to inform us ahead of time and were told we had act SURPRISED when we walked in.  The kids and I SURPRISED hubby on his 60th birthday.  Now that was a SURPRISE .  He was totally in unbeli...

Yesterday I spent the morning visiting with my special friend and learned a new craft. Like I need something else to do! Liz is a florist, a pottery maker and a creator of glass creations.  Arranging flowers and bow making is not my specialty.  I've still to try my hand at pottery - hopefully in her next class.  Yesterday, we played.  She is still learning the art of making glass creations and yesterday she taught me her newly learned craft. She brought out the glass, the cutters.  She showed me her creations and asked me what I wanted to make.  I said, "Something simple to start with" and so we made coasters - 3-1/2" squares.  Dark purple glass with some light purple and white added in along with a metal piece.  She showed me how to measure, explained why we had to leave some space on one piece of glass so there are no bubbles, we cut and pieced and layered and placed the finished pieces on the rack to go in the kiln.  The first one ...

Yesterday, the realtor's came to look at our house.  Our realtor only brings his own people thru, so it wasn't too bad.  Max slept thru most of it until they went upstairs where he was sleeping.  He barked briefly, came downstairs, got petted and pampered a little.  They walked thru the house, in the bedroom, up the stairs, down the stairs, looked things over, asked a few questions and 15 minutes later out the door they went. Our realtor told me he has had a couple of calls - one from a neighbor (being nosy) and another from a realtor who said this house is exactly what his clients are looking for, but they had just left the day before it was listed.  But could they put in an offer sight unseen?  Really???  Is this just a realtor's ploy to make us feel good or is it real?  No offer yet, but who knows.  It could happen. I breathed a sigh of relief.  Max looked at me as if to say "Is that it?  Can I go back to sleep now?". ...

Mom's been really busy lately - cleaning cabinets, boxing stuff up, decluttering, and who knows what else while I try to nap. Today, she told me that we would only have a short walk since there are people coming.  She pulled my sheet off the couch - hmmm.  She cleared the tables and counter with things that are usually out in the open - hope they don't open any cabinet doors.  While she did this, I decided it was time for my exit, up the stairs, up on the bed, for a snooze.  Now that I'm dreaming of chasing squirrels, taking a walk by myself to visit my friends, laying on the front porch in the sunshine.  Thinking, should I bark when these people come in to look at my house?  Or should I just pretend that I don't hear them and keep dreaming.  I know if I bark, Mom will yell at me to be quiet.  So I think I'll just enjoy my snooze.

Sunday was one of those days The moon waning high in the morning sky The sun - bright, orange, glowing, rising over the lake Some fog hovering in the low lands The temperature climbing higher A slight breeze coming out of the south Sitting in a chair on the front porch Reading a book Soaking up the warmth of the sun Taking an afternoon walk Seeing daffodils in bloom Could there be a tinge of green on the trees? Is it only a tease?  Only for today? Or, is this truly the beginning of SPRING?

Half with thru the month with many more slices to write, read and comment. Yesterday, I wrote about the Celebrations that I experienced last week.  Today, I'm writing about what I'm anticipating this week. ANTICIPATING Sunday - A spiritual uplifting from church.  Being with our family of friends and rejoicing in God's grace and love for each of us. Monday - A morning of cleaning out cabinets.  An afternoon at my Card Class to learn new techniques and make some fun cards. Tuesday - The walk-thru of our home by the realtors.  Scary - Comments - good/bad - The beginning of this adventure. Wednesday - Possibility of learning a new craft from a dear friend.  Meeting with my prayer sisters and care receiver. Thursday - Working at the Center of Hope and helping those in need.  Celebrating a 50th birthday of a great friend and former boss. Friday -  Cleaning house, laundry and PACKING for a trip.  A dinner and Bible study with ...

Today I was struggling for something to write about, but when I was reading a couple of slices this morning, I noticed the colorful word "CELEBRATE".  I decided that I have a lot to celebrate so I'll share some with you from this past week. Sunday - after several Sundays that we couldn't get to church due to weather, we attended and were uplifted by the message, singing and fellowship AND had a delightful breakfast with friends. Monday - making a decision after many months of pondering where we should be our house on the market AND called the realtor. Tuesday - The beginning of decluttering our house AND starting spring cleaning. Wednesday - Sunshine and 65!  AND meeting with my prayer group - sharing, caring, praying.  Meeting with my care receiver, who uplifts my spirits as much as I lift hers.  A phone call to a special friend. Thursday - Getting a check in the mail AND getting my Social Security check in my bank account (it only took 2-1/2 months to g...

Friday The end of a busy week A day to play A day to create A day to spend with a friend A day to learn something new A day to enjoy A day to try a new technique A day to make some cards To give to those I love

QUESTION:  DID YOU AND YOUR FATHER SHARE ANY INTERESTS?  TELL ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP. On March 5th, I shared a slice about my Dad in honor of his birthday.  Here's some more about my Dad and me. We had a good relationship.  Growing up, he always cared about what I did in school and extra curricular activities.  He expected me to do my best in everything and was always supportive of what I was involved in.  He taught me right and wrong, about God and helping others.  He tried to teach me about carpentry, but I never managed to get the knack of swinging a hammer!  He taught by example, but there was punishment of a spanking and a good talking to when I made mistakes.  He was an encourager and was always available to talk.  After Mom died, we became closer and talked weekly.  He was always there whenever I needed him.  He was a great inspiration and I thank him for everything he taught me. The interests we shared included...

If you've followed my Tuesday slices during the year, you might recall that last July we had a realtor do a market evaluation on our house.  We've thought long and hard.  We've tried to decide if this is the right time.  We've fixed a lot of little things that needed updating.  We've hemmed and hawed.  We've talked to others.  We prayed. Yesterday, we took the BIG step. We called the realtor and asked him to come out. We made the decision. We decluttered the counters. We made it presentable for pictures. We listed the house.  Tomorrow it will be on the market. Yikes.  Gulp.  Second thoughts.  Did we make the right decision?  What if it sells right away?  What will be do?  What if nobody likes it?

Before Christmas, our friend sent us a picture of a wreath.  It seemed simple enough to make, we had the necessary pieces, purchased a few items and quickly started to work. It was a success, so we made two.  One was given to our friend as a thank you for keeping Max.  The other was given in a Chinese gift exchange with our family. Did I say it was a SUCCESS?  Our daughter was upset, she chose the gift, but it was then stolen from her.  So she requested that we make one for her.  Then several other people who visited expressed an interest in having a similar wreath. Then our Pastor's wife suggested that we make them for the Craft Fair at church. The other day our friend was looking at hers and asked if there was a way to change the decoration on the wreath to make it more springy. And so, our crafting together has begun once again.  Hubby cut the pieces and today we started putting another wreath together.  (I know Michelle is thinking...

It started yesterday. It will take my internal body clock days to get accustomed to it. I am an early riser and it was nice that the sun would rise shortly after I did. Not yesterday.  Max & I walked in the dark.  It was eerie.  The birds weren't even awake. And it was almost 7:00 a.m. When we left for church, the moon was still bright and high in the sky. I told hubby that no one informed the moon that the time changed. Then I thought about it: God created the sun and moon Man created Daylight Savings Time  Go figure

TODAY I feel the warmth of the sun on my face. TODAY I hear the birds singing their lilting songs. TODAY I see the squirrels running and playing in the front yard. TODAY I walk on dry (no snow) pavement. TODAY I smell the aroma of a fireplace filled with embers. TODAY I sense that SPRING is in the air. TODAY I enjoy all of God's blessings in His perfect creation.

That's the question I get asked every day.  Hubby is my cook, but he relies on me to decide what I want him to cook.  All I have to do is make that decision. When the kids were young and I was doing the cooking, I would always ask the same question.  His response was usually, "Whatever you want." So, should we have fish, chicken, pork, spaghetti, stir fry, or maybe we'll have breakfast for dinner. My question back to him is "what do we have in the freezer?" Or I say "whatever you want to make". Hubby makes his creation no matter what I say I'd like.  Sometimes I'd just like to be surprised. So What Are You Having For Dinner?  I need some new ideas.

It all began with a "watch" Which quickly changed to a "WARNING" The temperature read "42" The rain started mildly And kept coming d                                    o                                          w                                                   n                   ...

Today would have been my Dad's 98th birthday.  The last three year's I've written a tribute to my Dad during this SOLSC. What more can I say - see solsc-3514-tribute-to-my-dad or 5-12-remembering-my-dad                                 My Dad was: A Christian Dedicated Loving Caring Task master Teacher Encourager Joker Teaser Helper Patriotic Proud  Humble  Grandpa & Great Grandpa My Dad, a special person, who created me to be the person I am today.  Happy Birthday, Dad!  I love you, I miss you.

When we were in Florida recently, we went to the Daytona International Speedway.  Hubby is a huge fan of NASCAR and was ecstatic that we could go on a tour of the Daytona Speedway.  I was along for the "ride", but found it to be very interesting.  I still have a hard time sitting in front of the tv on Sunday's and watch these cars go round and round the oval. The tour took us out on the track.  Of course, we weren't going 200 MPH, just a mere 10-15 MPH (maybe).  And it wasn't in a race car, but an open air tram with 50 other people.  Not quite the same as being in a race, but close (we were on the track!). We were able to get off the tram at the Start/Finish line and walk up the mere 18 degree grade of the track.  Turns 2 and 4 were at 33 degrees.  It gives you a total different perspective of where these drivers race. We drove thru the pits and into the garage area.  Sat in the drivers' meeting room and watched the video they watched...

Hubby has been taking care of our neighbor's house and cat while they are gone.  He goes over daily, checks to make sure nothing unusual is happening, no frozen pipes, and no unusual sounds from the multitude of detectors they have in the house. The other day he was gone for a longer period of time than usual.  He came home and told me that I needed to go back with him.  There was a "chirp" and he couldn't figure out where it was coming from. I went back with him and sure enough, there was a "chirp" at one minute intervals.  We stood by the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors.  It sounded like it was coming from somewhere else.  We moved to where we thought it was coming from and waited.  It sounded like it came from somewhere near the detectors.  He took the smoke detector down, changed the batteries. "Chirp".   He took the carbon monoxide detector down, changed the batteries. "Chirp" He found another monitor on the ...

I didn't think Max would be writing so early in the month, but he insisted! You know that I love going out in the snow, burying my nose and pushing.  You know that I love running in the snow and chasing those snowflakes.  You know that the cold temps seem to make my bones feel young.  But yesterday .... We've had snow on the ground for over a week and on Saturday we got another couple of inches.  But last night, instead of snow, it turned to freezing rain.  The ground was glossy, the trees were coated with a clear icy substance, but Mom & I decided to take a short walk (you know, just so I could do my duty.)  Mom told me not to pull because she didn't want to fall.  So I was being pretty cautious as I stepped out the door into the snow. It went "crunch" then "crack".  I hesitated, not sure what was happening.  I walked a little further and tried to go faster - crunch, crack and then my legs started going all different directions....

Four years ago (yikes that long),  my daughter (Michelle at Literacy Zone) challenged me to join her (and each of you) to write every day during March.  That first year, it was a daunting task, but I made it (with the help of all your comments) and have continued writing most every Tuesday during the following year (it seemed natural and I missed it when I didn't write).  And so, I've continued each year and will once again try to achieve writing each day during March. To start off, I thought I'd tell you a little about myself (for those who are new to this adventure and as a reminder to all who have followed me). I am: A Child of God - He made me who I am today A Daughter of two wonderful parents (both deceased) A Wife to a loving husband who reads what I write, encourages me, and gives me things to write about A Mother to two great kids - Scott, our oldest and Michelle, my baby.  And, we've adopted our daughter-in-law and son-in-law into our family....