Off The Chest....

So before the new year comes and we start anew, there are some things I need to get off my chest! I have discovered (ok, actually I have known for some time - I am just now ready to "own it".) that I do not like working with others! I can do work or volunteer groups fine - but when I am emotionally involved forget it!

Latest instance that made me "own it" was over the holidays dealing with family. As you know my Mother is very frail and is lucky to see 2013. I have 3 older siblings. They are much older than I am and we vary in degree of differences from each other. Well, the truth be told, I can't stand making decisions regarding my Mother and her care with them. I can't stand it! It amazes me that we are from the same parents. I am not saying that I am perfect (far from it) or that my ideas are the best (close though...smile). In co-child situations I have no authority over any of the other adult children. Ugh! So many of the decisions that are made I do not fully support - thus the foundation of my frustration - there is nothing I can do.

Which brings me to my second issue of concern - co-parenting. UGH! Though I have been divorced for "ever" this co-parenting "thing" still stinks. My children are 22 and 19. Still the girl's father is a burden as he aids the 19 year old in making poor decisions. He is 53 going on 19, thus the reason we are divorced. So while she loves to follow his advice, it is the advice of another 19 year old whose frontal lobe has yet to close :-)! This is sooooooooo frustrating for me. Again, the foundation of my frustration - there is nothing I can do, but love her and be there when things fall apart!

So, now I have made a new resolution to recognize the things I can not change and not worry about them. Everything will be ok! All I can do is my best in the areas that I am responsible for! Do you have anything to get off of your chest before the new year arrives? Are you making any new resolutions? So while I have made this resolution, I know I will make the annual "take better care of myself" resolution too!

I wish you peace, love and happiness in the new year! Bring on 2013!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Blog Friends! I hope you will enjoy a blessed Christmas day surrounded by those you love the most! Enjoy and I hope Santa is good to you! Hugs!

Happy Holidays!

Hello and Happy Holidays everyone! I apologize for being so inconsistent with my blog entries, but I honestly don't know where the time goes - especially at this time of year. I hope you are well and preparing for a wonderful holiday season surrounded by all the people you love the most!

I have finished my Christmas shopping and I even have everything wrapped. One little "issue" with the USPS, but I think that present should arrive today. I love shopping online as long as the carriers fulfill their part!

Today I am driving to pick up Daughter #2 for the holidays. She just had her wisdom teeth out, so the first few days she may be kind of "ouchy", but I can't wait to get her home. Hopefully, the weather will be OK while I make this 4 hour trip.

There is nothing better than having both of my girls home in their rooms at night, it provides such a good night sleep for me. Preparing food for the entire family is a joy and I can't wait to get started.

Well, 2012 has really been an roller coaster - such incredible highs and such painful lows. I wish you a blessed Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate. Peace and Good Will to all!

Target!

Hi everybody! Thank you so very much for your patience during my absence regarding my Mother's health. It has been a long journey and it continues. What I have learned is that I can't check out on everything. I have to keep living and doing things that I enjoy! Even though this has been an incredibly difficult journey, I have realized the amazing things that I have in my life and that I am so blessed. So I am back to writing, sharing and trying to keep things on a happy, light note! So that said.....oh my....do I have some sharing to do. I went shopping yesterday, alone, to just kind of check out. Ha ha....nice pun on "check out". Well, my favorite item that I checked out were these amazing slippers at Target. Don't you love them? Can you see the clear sequins on them? So cute and so cheap - only $19.99!
Thanks again and I will be back soon!





Supersized Mums

Wow - so on my return home I walked around the yard. Much to my surprise my Mum is super sized this fall!

This was one medium plant that spread out pr fell down from the heavy rain. I never got a chance to lift it and tie some rope around the middle to hold it up. So, it took care of it all by itself - it filled in throughout the middle. It is amazing. I don't know if you can tell in this picture, but in person it is just unbelievable!

Have a great day!

Home Again!

Hello friends! Thank you for the support and friendship you all shared during this sad time. I spent the last week with my Mother, just she and I and of course the medical staff. She is home and has decided not to do anything curative. I have accepted that and am trying to be as brave as she is. She has always fascinated me and this situation has truly highlighted what a phenomenal woman she is. She looks death in the face and smiles graciously.

The week we spent together was a week I will always remember. We laughed until we cried, we looked at new fashion magazines and old pictures. I asked questions and she gave spirited answers. Though she has a distant look in her eyes, she has a new confidence. She isn't shy anymore, she is assertive. She asked for a Mounds candy bar. I replied, "oh mom, it isn't a good idea to eat it before your dinner". To which she replied, " If I am to full, I won't eat dinner, if I miss a meal I will be fine". She laughed and devoured the candy bar. She is so tiny now, but still very concerned with her appearance. She is such a lady!

I spent time in my childhood room, looking out the window while Mom was sleeping.

How many times had I daydreamed while looking out that window. I would dream of my future and now here I am living the life I had imagined, yet looking out the window trying to comes to terms with my Mother's fate.  Pleading with fate that time will be our friend!

I am home now and I realized how much I missed my family. My Mom was anxious for me to return to my family because that "is where I should be". Even though we live in the same city and I was only spending 7 days/24 hours a day with Mom - she felt I was needed elsewhere. Oh, that Mom of mine! Of course, I will continue to see her daily. A sibling is with Mom now taking her turn.

The Doctor has prepared us that at minute she will suffer a catastrophic event. She is ready, I am not.

On a happy note, Daughter# 1 has secured post graduation employment. I am so proud of her. I guess this is truly the "circle of life".

I probably won't update as often as I had before Mom became ill. But I do want to continue to connect with you! Thanks again friends!

Thank you!

I have the best blog friends in the world. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. It is truly comforting during this difficult time! Thank you and God bless you all!

Please Remember!

I haven't posted in a while as my Mother has been in the hospital in critical condition. She is home now and continues to decline. I fear God has a plan for her that I am not ready to accept. Though you don't "really" know us, please pray for her and for our family. These are such sad times. If you are still blessed to have your parents - call them today, visit them today, kiss and hug them today as things can change so quickly. As was the case with my Mother.

I don't know when I will be on again. I honestly can't think straight to write. I was able now to just remind you if you are lucky enough to still have one or both parents - show them how much you love them today!

Proverbs 31: 10-31

It's Back!!!!!!

Yesterday, I discovered that Starbucks "Pumpkin Spice Latte" has returned! Welcome back old friend!

Happy Thursday!

Words On Wednesday!

Isn't this the truth ;-) Happy Wednesday!

Lilly!

As most of you know I am a huge Lilly Pulitzer fan! There is nothing better than an afternoon of shopping for Lilly after a dreadful day of working around people who appear to be "stuck on stupid". UGH

Shopping for Lilly restores the soul and makes me smile!

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Labor Day!

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful Labor Day. I hope you are with those you love the most and enjoying a tasty day of good food, good conversation and hey, maybe a little shopping is thrown in the mix.
So sorry I have been somewhat MIA in the past few days. Life is hectic. I have been caring for my Mom and trying to enjoy my family, while we are all together.
We did some shopping and I was lucky to find the Lilly Day Planner and matching pen that I wanted. Don't you love them too?

We found a new restaurant yesterday while traveling - yummy BBQ. It is Deet's BBQ - the ribs were delicious and the sweet tea was thirst quenching!

I guess today is the last day for my favorite white jeans. Does anyone else subscribe to the "no white after Labor Day rule"?


Well, life should get back to normal tomorrow. Again, I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Wisdom On Wednesdays!

 Happy Wednesday!

Patience

I was not blessed with Patience. Patience totally alludes me. I try to get it, I work on being more patient, but I am rarely ever successful trying to be patient. I thought it would come with age. Ha - that didn't happen. I am not just off the cuff - impatient. I am impatient when it comes to stuff that matters that I have to wait for someone else to handle. UGH! Maybe the impatience it mixed with a control issue. Oh heck, I don't know, but I do know that I need to work on being more patient. Does anyone else feel this way too?



Have a happy and patient Tuesday!

Rainy Monday!

Happy Rainy Monday!

Sayings On Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

Taking Daughter #2 Back To College!

It's time to make the annual trip to drop off a daughter at college!


Daughter #2 is going back tomorrow, so we will only have adult child at home. At least my daughter at home is a recent college grad and looking for employment. The good thing is this is #2's sophomore year, so all the emotions won't be quite so raw. Not sure who all is making the journey. I don't have lots of volunteers to help. Of course, her father, my ex husband and his wife can't help. They are just useless. My husband, her step-father is busy on a project at work so he won't be available. Looks like daughter #1 and I will get her moved in and help her get it all together. As my girls used to say, "girl power". I think that was from The Spice Girls. It will be fun to just have the three of us together again. It was just the three of us for the years in between my marriages. We usually try to take a girl trip each year to commemorate our little family!
So no posts from me tomorrow! Have a wonderful weekend and safe travels to us all!

Listen To Your Inner Voice!

One message I have taught my daughters is to listen to that "nagging" voice inside of you. That inner voice is your friend. It will not lie to you nor will it lead you astray! Certainly in my lifetime my inner voice has always been a guiding force in life and in decisions I made, both large and small.

I remember my first apartment, I was expecting a girlfriend over one night around 12am. She wanted to talk about her life. I was on the phone with another friend and there was a knock at the door. The phone cord wasn't long enough to reach to look out the peep hole. So I started to just reach and unlock the door. My inner voice started shouting at me, "NO!". I listened to that voice, I put the phone down and outside my door was one of the craziest looking, dirty men I had ever seen. Thank God I didn't open that door!

I remember when my husband came home after surgery. I watched him closely and something kept telling me that there was something wrong. I listened to that voice and called the Dr. He advised me to take him by ambulance back to the hospital. After an examination and tests, they found that he had 6 blood clots. Three in each lung and two of them were quite large. I thank God everyday that I listened to that voice and called.

I have these memories today because again today I listened to my inner voice. My Mom 88 is a Coumadin patient. She has been having some "health issues" and her Internist took her off of Coumadin until she could see a specialist on Sept. 10. I thought this is wrong, she MUST have Coumadin. He assured me she would be fine. That voice, nagged at me for about 20 minutes after returning home. So much so, that I called her Cardiologist to make sure it was OK for her to be off the Coumadin. He said, ABSOLUTELY NOT! She could have a stroke, heart attack and or .....you know, but I can't bare to write it. The Cardiologist was outraged and put her back on immediately. She had been off of it since Tuesday. I shutter to think what would have happened if I had not listened to that "nagging inner voice".

Frankly, my "Inner Voice" examples are too numerous to share. I have come to really trust it. I think the "Inner Voice" is too often ignored by people. What if others think we are pushy, or that we ask to many questions because of it. I don't care, I left the popularity contest in high school. Clearly, we must use our sound and educated judgement. But is doesn't hurt to give that little voice inside of each of us, its time to be heard!

Happy Thursday!

Wisdom On Wednesday!

Have a great Wednesday!

The Sandwich Generation!

There isn't anything as filling as a good sandwich. Unless of course, you are talking about the Sandwich Generation. The definition of the Sandwich Generation is a generation of people who are caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children. Wow, now that is a mouth full!

My mother is 88 and suffers from some dementia. She is a heart patient on coumadin and is currently suffering some kidney issues. My daughters are 21 and 19. The 21 year old just completed college in four years and with honors. She continues to seek employment with most other members of the class of 2012. My 19 year old is supposed to leave for college on Saturday to start her sophomore year. Until today.....

While I am in the hospital waiting room, while my mother is having tests on her kidneys, I was on the telephone with my 19 year old talking her "off the roof". She had decided not to return to college. What....really?????

Five hours later, my mom is home, feed, resting and waiting on test result.  My daughter has decided to go back to college. Aaaaaahhhhh......all in a days work. There is nothing like a "sandwich".....NOT! Don't get my wrong, I am not complaining. What would I be doing without them all.....nothing as important as what I do with them. Gotta love the family ;-)

Low Calorie Blueberry Muffins!

After spending time at the Yelton Manor B & B last week, I really got use to enjoying fresh baked and healthy muffins for breakfast. So I decided to make some low calorie Blueberry Muffins.

Delicious and here is the recipe!

These muffins are easy to make and are perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
• 1 cup oats
• 2 Tbsp canola oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
2. Combine the first 5 ingredients (through vanilla) in a large bowl. Allow to soak for 5 minutes. In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture, and stir well. Fold in the blueberries.
Spray 12 muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray, and fill 2/3 full with the batter.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of one of the muffins comes out clean.
Serves 12
Per Serving Calories 140
Do you have any special low calorie muffin recipes to share? Happy Monday!

Sayings On Sunday!

Sunsets – a gift from God!

Another picture from Lake Michigan. Happy Sunday!

I Am Back!

We are back from our "get-away". We didn't have enough time to go to Cape Cod, but we sure did have enough time to go to South Haven, Michigan on Lake Michigan's eastern shore. We stayed at the cutest Bed and Breakfast named "Yelton Manor and Guest House".

We had a second floor room with a balcony, where you could catch a glimpse of the lake!

They delivered breakfast to our room each morning by 7:30am. They didn't knock, you can just get it when you are ready for it. Convenient and delicious!

All this and it is only steps from the shores of Lake Michigan!

It was a wonderful trip and I will share more pics and details later. Though we did endure some rain storms, overall is was a wonderful time. Any time at Lake Michigan is a wonderful time. If you are thinking about visiting that area, you might want to check out The Yelton Manor and Guest House!
Happy Saturday!

Wisdom On Wednesdays!

Happy Wednesday!
On a side note, "Baron" and I are off for a short get away! Have a wonderful few days and I will be in touch when I return!

Check out Artist Felix Gada

Felix Gada is a fantastic artist that I learned about while visiting Miami. His website is www.iseefelix.com
This is one creative and talented artist. This picture is a small sampling of his work, I thought you could get the idea! I love his work!

Enjoy a wonderful Tuesday!

Another Great Find!

I shared my estate sale find with you on Saturday and I thought I would share another one of my estate sale finds. I wanted a bar cart so badly. I shopped and shopped and couldn't find one anywhere. I went to an estate auction one morning and there it was. It was like it was just waiting for me to come and claim it. It needed some work when I bought it, so I sanded it, painted it, cleaned the glass and voila - here it is!

I am not finished with what I have displayed on it. It is a work in progress. But the main part I wanted to share is that I paid $1 for it. That is right - $1. Too make the story even better the auctioneer had put three paintings with it. So I paid $1 for the paintings and the bar cart. A random woman asked me if I would sell her two of the paintings. I said sure and asked what she wanted to pay for them She offered $1. So I literally got the bar cart for NOTHING. "Baron" couldn't believe it. He was so proud of me and I was so proud of myself. I love a good buy!
Have a great Monday!

Sayings On Sunday!

Good Sunday morning to you!



This is so true, I always say, "you make plans and God laughs". Enjoy a wonderful day!

Estate Sale Find!

Good morning! I had not been to a garage/estate sale in ages, but this morning while running errands I saw a sign for an estate sale and I had to stop! Inside the home were some lovely things, nothing I necessarily needed, but lovely none the less. Just as I was about to exit I spied this creative dish.

It was marked $1. I picked it up immediately and went to pay for it. The lady who was collecting the money explained that her mother was into making pottery at one phase and this was one of her pieces. I asked if she wanted to keep it, she said, "no, please take it and enjoy it". I think it will be such a conversation piece at a summer party. Don't you agree? Such fun and only $1!
Have a wonderful Saturday!

Friday's Favorite Five!

This week is my list of 5 favorite exercises. Let me know if you have some exercises that you really enjoy too!
Zumba - I love it and I can't believe I hadn't started earlier. I LOVE IT and I am seeing a big difference in my body!


Water Aerobics - this is the most relaxing thing I do for myself. I feel so relaxed when I leave and yet, it is such a good work out too!


Pilates - going to the Pilates Studio is something that I am NOT willing to give up. I feel taller, leaner and more confident when I leave!


Long walks with or without my doggie - "Berk"


Bicycling - I love going for a ride alone - no conversations, no telephones, just fresh air and freedom!

With all of these exercises you would think I would be stress free. (LOL) I would hate to see what I would be like without them! Have a wonderful Friday!

Great Find!

Ok, so you know how I am always looking for a tasty, yet nutritious treat. I am thrilled when it is either sweet or salty. If it is combination of sweet and salty.....wow....watch out! My latest find is salty. I purchased some "Veggie Chips" - all natural and no preservatives. The best part is you can have 38 chips for only 130 calories. I was skeptical at first, but after tasting them - yummy!

I bought the ones that are seasoned with Sea Salt. The chips are a combination of potato with an addition of natural tomato and spinach making these chips a great tasting treat! They are made by Sensible Portions of Boulder, CO. The chips are all natural, 0g trans fat, no preservatives, kosher certified and a wonderfully delicious taste. I am hooked!
Have a wonderful Thursday!

Rare 2nd Post on Wednesday!

I am alone in these feelings or do others feel this way too? I am so very sick of people. I am sick of ungrateful bitchy kids, I am sick of rude and obnoxious people, who seem to be everywhere, I am sick of poor customer service, I am sick of being pushed back to 4 on a list of 3 by those close to me. I am sick of being forced to listen to idiots on their cellphones who carry on personal conversations in public places and who apparently don't know there is a microphone inside of the phone. I am just sick of being tired and I am tired of being sick. I am sick and tired of everyone thinking everything is ok. It is not ok, it isn't ok to be a bitch to your Mom, it isn't ok to ignore your wife, it isn't ok to talk over people in a work environment, it isn't ok to pretend not to see me when I am clearly waiting for your assistance in the store, it isn't ok to try to get a Doctor's appointment only to be put off for 60 days. It isn't ok to carry on a teleconference in a restaurant while I am just trying to eat my side salad. What the hell is wrong with people anymore. UGH - I think I need a vacation, some alone time. Oh no, I go back to work in 12 days. It is to late to go anywhere now. Plus I have an appointment to color my grays and you know she wouldn't be able to be flexible and squeeze me (a good tipping customer) in at another time. Oh heck no, I would have to wait another 5 weeks.
I try to keep my blog positive and inspiring. But as of right now, I am sick and tired of BS and I wanted someone to know! Thanks for listening, tell me how you feel if it makes you feel better!
Now, back to trying to be positive and planning a short trip, after the 14th of course ;-)

Wisdom On Wednesdays!

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday Treat!

Today my husband brought me a special treat - a bouquet of flowers. I love fresh flowers! Thanks "Baron". Someday I hope to have a lush flower garden where I can cut my own fresh flowers!

Happy Tuesday!

Pineapple Grove Gifts!

If you haven't shopped here, try it! I love it! They have the cutest, preppiest items! I purchased some monogrammed sunglasses for my daughter and they are delightful. If you "like" them on Facebook you are eligible to win a free pair of monogrammed sunglasses. Have a wonderful Monday and if you stop by Pineapple Grove Gifts than happy shopping!

Sayings On Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

Community Rib Off Competition!

Hi all! Sorry my post is late today, but it was a late evening. Our community celebrated the "Rib-Off" last night and it was fantastic. The food was delicious. So many to ribs to choose from and each of them were delicious. I didn't try them all but friends did and everyone agreed, all the entries were winners! The food was good, the music was good and the turn out was tremendous! Nothing like a "Rib Off" to remind you that it is summer time!


Have a wonderful Saturday!

Friday's Favorite Five!

I love a good bargain and here are some I am anxious to share. The following favorite five items were all purchased for less than $10. Incredible!

These three were purchased from Old Navy -
The pink workout top was $7 as was the pink/white stripped top!
The little Parisian bag was only $1. I thought it would be great to take to the farmer's market, etc.

This is wild blueberry honey. It is made here locally and it is delicious. The perfect buy for only $4!

This little goody is a "sleep mask". I wear it at night when "Baron" keeps the television on watching some late night show - of course this week the show of choice is the Olympics. I don't know about you, but I need my sleep! This was only $1 at Family Dollar! I ran in there to get some Epsom Salts and found some "neat" finds!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Day Trip!

Yesterday morning I called my Mom (age88) around 7:30am to see if she would like to go on a spontaneous road trip  with Daughter #1 and I . Of course, Daughter #1 was still sleeping and had no idea of the pending trip. My Mom agreed, I woke up my daughter and we were on the road by 10am. We didn't have a certain destination but we all three agreed we would like to go to "the water". Living in Ohio we are somewhat "land locked" but, we do have access to the Great Lakes, Lake Erie specifically. We drove to Marblehead, Oh. It is home to the Marblehead Lighthouse.


We walked around and enjoyed the beautiful scenery on the lake front!


We visited a few small stores, all with a nautical theme. I bought this adorable frame for "Baron".
The picture isn't very good, but it reads - "The Captain and His First Mate". (smile)

We ended the afternoon with a delicious lunch at "Mon Ami" Restaurant and Winery.

We enjoyed wonderful baked brie with apples and crab cakes! Yummy! I don't have any pics of the food as we started eating so quickly. (smile).

It was a wonderful day shared with three generations. I think it was the kind of day that memories are made of! Have a wonderful Thursday.

Wisdom On Wednesdays!

I saw this on "pinterest". It really touched me! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Most Beautiful Poem!

This is my favorite poem. It takes my breath away everytime I read it! I think you will enjoy it too! I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Tuesday!

Pray that your journey will be long,

full of many summer mornings

when with much pleasure and much joy

you anchor in harbors never seen before

Browse through Phoenician markets,

to purchase exquisite treasures-

mother-of-pearl and coral, ebony and amber

and sensual perfumes of all kinds-

as much as you desire.

Visit many Egyptian cities, content

to sit at the feet of sages, eager

and open to receive learning.

Keep Ithaka always in your mind.

Your arrival there is your destiny.

But do not hurry the journey at all: be patient.

Better that it lasts for many years-

longer than you can even imagine.

So that finally, when you reach this

sacred isle, you will be a wise woman,

abundantly fulfilled by all you have gained along the way:

no longer expecting Ithaka to make you wealthy,

no longer needing Ithaka to make you rich.

Ithaka offered you the profound journey,

the chance to discover the woman you have always been

Without Ithaka as your inspiration, you

never would have set out in search of Wholeness.

And should you find her poor, Ithaka did not deceive you.

Authentic as you have become, full of wisdom,

beauty and grace, enriched and enlightened

by all you have experienced

you will finally understand what all life's Ithaka truly means.

-Sarah Ban Breathnach

(Adaptation of CP Cavafy’s classic for women)

Friendships!

Good morning! I was reading a friend's Facebook posting yesterday about her road trip with three close girlfriends. They all left their families behind, flew to a meeting point, rented a car and drove across beautiful points of interest in the south. Needless to say I went to bed very envious, happy for her, but envious for me ;-) We had lost close contact over the last few years, if we hadn't I hope she would have invited me too!

Well, it made me start thinking about friends - good female friends and how lucky we are to have them. I adore getting together with a good friend and laughing like girls, share concerns as Moms, share "nothing" complaints about our spouses, chat fashion, vacation spots, diet secrets and maybe even some good ol' gossip.

Girlfriend time is relaxing, refreshing and I usually go home feeling younger, happier and more appreciative of my wonderfully authentic family! When I write about girlfriend time I am not talking about the "one ups man" conversations. No, in fact, far from it. I am talking about time where you are open, honest and vulnerable. I believe that openness is lends itself to the good old "belly laugh" which is sometimes more productive than crying! Though a good cry is sometimes refreshing too!

I am meeting a girlfriend for lunch today and I am really looking forward to it. Do you have a close friend that you haven't made time for lately? Maybe give her a call today and set something up!  If not, it is never to late to make a new friend - potential friends are all around us!

Have a wonderful Monday and a wonderful week!