I tried a new recipe today. Well, new to me. Chili is not something I ever ate. Recently, I started eating kidney beans and brown beans (pork & beans). Costco sells a mixture of beans that are pickled which I quite like. Now I buy them too. So, I thought I would make this chili recipe as it looks quick and easy. Just my style. I guess I will have to wait and see if my husband likes it to know whether it is a success or not.
We are going to a promo evening at the RV location where we bought our trailer. Personal invite to preview some new features before the RV show in February. As we are away during that time, we thought we might just check in to see what is new for trailers this year. Hey, we're new to the trailer game so have lots to learn.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Learn Something Every Day
I was at my ladies group this morning. It was a Sat brunch and as usual, there was too much food. Sweet and sour sausages, quiche, baked hash browns, another quiche, fruit, waffles, coffee & juice. It was our 'January exercise' get together. Some brought new exercises to demonstrate and do. One in particular that I might venture to get was a thing called a Body Blade. (www.bodyblade.com) It is about 40 inches long and has a rubber hold/handle in the middle of it. It vibrates as you shake it and there are 101 different positions to be in to get the best benefit while you shake it! It may look easy but it isn't. It should give a good work out, even if you just do a few reps once or twice a day. I'll see how it goes over the next day or two whether I remember about it or just forget it as another lost cause. I guess I could keep it beside our treadmill! They might like each other's company! haha
We had a devotional by one of our group who shared on being spiritually fit as well as physically fit. The process is pretty much the same (but for the inside). You feel you are out of shape, not spending enough time with it, no real plan, or the plan you have doesn't really fit your lifestyle, and thus loses your commitment to it. I guess like anything else, you have to start with something workable, and increase it. Fit it into your lifestyle, and do as much as you can - not giving up if you can't follow the exact schedule each day. i.e. don't try to read the bible in a year program, if you know you're not going to have time to read 3 chapters a day! You are defeated before you start. Same thing..don't try to do treadmill every day - try to set a 3 days a week schedule to start. Work everything around that schedule.
It's always good to get together with friends. Laughter really is the best medicine. Good relationships, support and encouragement can help you get through pretty much anything life throws at you.
We had a devotional by one of our group who shared on being spiritually fit as well as physically fit. The process is pretty much the same (but for the inside). You feel you are out of shape, not spending enough time with it, no real plan, or the plan you have doesn't really fit your lifestyle, and thus loses your commitment to it. I guess like anything else, you have to start with something workable, and increase it. Fit it into your lifestyle, and do as much as you can - not giving up if you can't follow the exact schedule each day. i.e. don't try to read the bible in a year program, if you know you're not going to have time to read 3 chapters a day! You are defeated before you start. Same thing..don't try to do treadmill every day - try to set a 3 days a week schedule to start. Work everything around that schedule.
It's always good to get together with friends. Laughter really is the best medicine. Good relationships, support and encouragement can help you get through pretty much anything life throws at you.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Suffering
I am suffering with this cold which has me coughing and holding my sides now. Thankfully, my nose does not run continuously unless I have a coughing spree (which happens too often)! My sides are killing me to cough and my head feels full which is not helping my disposition much!
I really do need to take the tree down but there's not a lot of energy in me. I think if I have a shower and get dressed, I might feel better. So far, that is only a distant thought! It is absolutely quiet in the house and my ears are ringing. Guess I will have to put on some music as I am getting tired of this same old tune!
I tried dropping in a few more pictures but it won't let me today. Not sure why and my head won't take the reading needed to check things out. I guess this will have to be enough for today. Hope your January is going good.
I really do need to take the tree down but there's not a lot of energy in me. I think if I have a shower and get dressed, I might feel better. So far, that is only a distant thought! It is absolutely quiet in the house and my ears are ringing. Guess I will have to put on some music as I am getting tired of this same old tune!
I tried dropping in a few more pictures but it won't let me today. Not sure why and my head won't take the reading needed to check things out. I guess this will have to be enough for today. Hope your January is going good.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
A New Year
Well Happy New Year to all of you. I know I have said this in many emails but just in case I missed someone, here it is again!
We had a wonderful Christmas with our kids and grandkids. Immersing ourselves in their busy lives for a week is interesting and exhausting at the same time. It's so much fun though to be there and be a part of it all.
We went over to Vancouver Island for a few days or that was our intention. We went on Dec 26 and left on Jan 1st. Ended up staying for New Years Eve and enjoyed a wonderful meal - steak prepared PERFECT!! As usual. I do have to say I put on a few pounds over the holidays so it is now time to get back to basics as we are headed to Hawaii at the end of the month. That is wonderful in so many ways and not so good in one! You guessed it - weight!
We both came home with a cold. John got his before Christmas and I got his after Christmas. It has been getting worse but I hope today I am on the bottom plateau and starting tomorrow will head UP to health!!
We had a wonderful Christmas with our kids and grandkids. Immersing ourselves in their busy lives for a week is interesting and exhausting at the same time. It's so much fun though to be there and be a part of it all.
We went over to Vancouver Island for a few days or that was our intention. We went on Dec 26 and left on Jan 1st. Ended up staying for New Years Eve and enjoyed a wonderful meal - steak prepared PERFECT!! As usual. I do have to say I put on a few pounds over the holidays so it is now time to get back to basics as we are headed to Hawaii at the end of the month. That is wonderful in so many ways and not so good in one! You guessed it - weight!
We both came home with a cold. John got his before Christmas and I got his after Christmas. It has been getting worse but I hope today I am on the bottom plateau and starting tomorrow will head UP to health!!
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| The kids at the Bloedell Conservatory Christmas Eve |
As we headed to the Island, we knew our neice had purchased an English bull dog but didn't expect two to greet us at the door when we arrived. They have a guest border who also purchased one so it was quite the housefull. The dogs are adorable (after you get to know them)!!
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| Dan with Emmett and Sharon with Winnie |
Their dog is Emmett but Winnie is with them all the time and thinks she belongs to them also. Both of them love the snow - which the Island did get quite a bit of in the upper regions. Most had melted on this particular trail but they love the puddles just as much!
Oh, of course I need to show you a picture of the grandkids. They are growing up so fast so it's nice to have a younger one around for a bit. She is adorable (as are they all)!
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| Josh & Ethan in their gift from us |
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| Grace & Alicia in the outfits we got them |
Well, surprisingly, I am able to download a few pictures this time. Not sure what I did differently, but don't want to take any chances so will get this blog off for now. Best wishes to everyone for a fabulous 2013!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Things To Do
I am enjoying my Christmas tree with all its pretty lights. We really should buy a more authentic 'artificial' tree that has all the lights on it when you set it up but I just haven't 'gone there' yet! We have had this tree for more than 12 years, more likely, 15+ (where has the time gone?) and every year I think about getting a new one, but I never do.
It's not that we need a new tree. I mean artificial is artificial. It doesn't really wear out. You really only have it up for 2-3 weeks (oh maybe 5-6) but whose counting? Once the lights and the ornaments are on it, well, it looks beautiful. It fits so nicely in the corner and out of the way. I kinda like the little 'lean' it has taken on over the years. I am sure they have 'corner' trees on the market but this one I bought in a little store which is no longer in business in a mall which is no longer there! I had the name of the store on the tip of my tongue but alas, it has disappeared. I will think of it again and share it when I remember!
Tomorrow we head out of town for Christmas. Our neighbors will watch our house and check it and our mail daily. We will be enjoying the rain instead of the snow (if you can enjoy rain)! I really am a snow person, even if it is cold. I much prefer the crunch of snow to the sopping wet of rain! However, it will be nice for a mid-winter change. Mostly, it will be nice to see our daughter and son-in-law and especially our grandkids! It has only been a few months but still....it's time!
The next thing we need is boxes. We need to put all these gifts into boxes so we can put them in the box of the truck! This year we are driving in a truck instead of our Explorer. In some ways I miss the "Ex" but our new truck has Sirius Satellite Radio which allows enjoyable music while going through the mountains! Oh I know you can have your CD's playing but we usually don't carry a lot of them around with us and this offers a variety....IF I can get John to change the station once in a while from his favourite "Ltd Engagements" of bluegrass and gospel music! I like them too but enjoy my 60's music!!! Guess I am showing my age!
Anyway, I guess I should get back to the business of packing gifts. There is always last-minute wrapping to do and things of that nature. A person needs to clean the house as well so it is neat when you return. That's a girl thing right? John doesn't understand the 'last minute' sweep of the floor and cleaning of the kitchen sink!
It's not that we need a new tree. I mean artificial is artificial. It doesn't really wear out. You really only have it up for 2-3 weeks (oh maybe 5-6) but whose counting? Once the lights and the ornaments are on it, well, it looks beautiful. It fits so nicely in the corner and out of the way. I kinda like the little 'lean' it has taken on over the years. I am sure they have 'corner' trees on the market but this one I bought in a little store which is no longer in business in a mall which is no longer there! I had the name of the store on the tip of my tongue but alas, it has disappeared. I will think of it again and share it when I remember!
Tomorrow we head out of town for Christmas. Our neighbors will watch our house and check it and our mail daily. We will be enjoying the rain instead of the snow (if you can enjoy rain)! I really am a snow person, even if it is cold. I much prefer the crunch of snow to the sopping wet of rain! However, it will be nice for a mid-winter change. Mostly, it will be nice to see our daughter and son-in-law and especially our grandkids! It has only been a few months but still....it's time!
The next thing we need is boxes. We need to put all these gifts into boxes so we can put them in the box of the truck! This year we are driving in a truck instead of our Explorer. In some ways I miss the "Ex" but our new truck has Sirius Satellite Radio which allows enjoyable music while going through the mountains! Oh I know you can have your CD's playing but we usually don't carry a lot of them around with us and this offers a variety....IF I can get John to change the station once in a while from his favourite "Ltd Engagements" of bluegrass and gospel music! I like them too but enjoy my 60's music!!! Guess I am showing my age!
Anyway, I guess I should get back to the business of packing gifts. There is always last-minute wrapping to do and things of that nature. A person needs to clean the house as well so it is neat when you return. That's a girl thing right? John doesn't understand the 'last minute' sweep of the floor and cleaning of the kitchen sink!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Slow Progress
As I typed those two words I chuckled a bit. Slow (not moving, or able to move quickly, proceeding at a slow speed) progress (forward or onward movement toward a destination). I thought at first they were opposites or going against each other but it appears they they both are 'heading in the same direction' - just at a slow speed!
But I digress. Beautiful morning out there. -16 C and a light snowfall just enough to cover any markings on the fallen snow from days before. It appears we have a bit of hoar frost as well. Very pretty. A white wonderland.
We drove out of town yesterday morning about 6:30 am to visit John's mom (103 years old). The traffic was back-to-back. It was beautiful in one way - the lights. One direction was all red and the oncoming was all white! Very christmassy! It is unreal to see the volume of traffic here now. Obviously more cars coming into town than going out - but we were not alone as we headed east. We could see the remnants of the blizzard that came through on Wed as there were cars in the ditch and I think a few of them just got there minutes before us as well as there were people IN them or standing outside them talking on their cell phones. (My...that was a long sentence.) We were able to enjoy the beautiful sunrise (all pink, orange, yellow and turquoise) as we continued east and the clouds lifted and the horizon became clear. We were able to enjoy the same view in the west as we returned in the evening as the sun set. Same colours (oh, I wish I had my camera) but the focus was on the sun itself which peered out of an opening in a bank of clouds. It was like a lazer shooting down from the heavens as this brilliant pink, orange and yellow light was funnelled through an opening in the clouds. Unbelievably beautiful! My description is extremely limited compared to its beauty. Guess that is one of those times when it is correct to say 'you had to be there' to understand what I mean.
Anyway, everyone was very busy on the farm so we made our trip a one-day event. We purchased some fun gifts while there for our life team potluck next week and paid some bills for mom, purchased some things for her and had a nice long visit as well. It is amazing what you can do in a day! Later on, in the evening, I was able to get started on Christmas cards and wrap a few gifts. The dining room table is now covered in papers, ribbons, cards and gift tags. I would love to show a picture but I still have not resolved the issue of 'no room' (at the inn!!) for pictures as my google account is full (whatever that all means). I will just have to get better at describing things and you will need to use your imagination more!
But I digress. Beautiful morning out there. -16 C and a light snowfall just enough to cover any markings on the fallen snow from days before. It appears we have a bit of hoar frost as well. Very pretty. A white wonderland.
We drove out of town yesterday morning about 6:30 am to visit John's mom (103 years old). The traffic was back-to-back. It was beautiful in one way - the lights. One direction was all red and the oncoming was all white! Very christmassy! It is unreal to see the volume of traffic here now. Obviously more cars coming into town than going out - but we were not alone as we headed east. We could see the remnants of the blizzard that came through on Wed as there were cars in the ditch and I think a few of them just got there minutes before us as well as there were people IN them or standing outside them talking on their cell phones. (My...that was a long sentence.) We were able to enjoy the beautiful sunrise (all pink, orange, yellow and turquoise) as we continued east and the clouds lifted and the horizon became clear. We were able to enjoy the same view in the west as we returned in the evening as the sun set. Same colours (oh, I wish I had my camera) but the focus was on the sun itself which peered out of an opening in a bank of clouds. It was like a lazer shooting down from the heavens as this brilliant pink, orange and yellow light was funnelled through an opening in the clouds. Unbelievably beautiful! My description is extremely limited compared to its beauty. Guess that is one of those times when it is correct to say 'you had to be there' to understand what I mean.
Anyway, everyone was very busy on the farm so we made our trip a one-day event. We purchased some fun gifts while there for our life team potluck next week and paid some bills for mom, purchased some things for her and had a nice long visit as well. It is amazing what you can do in a day! Later on, in the evening, I was able to get started on Christmas cards and wrap a few gifts. The dining room table is now covered in papers, ribbons, cards and gift tags. I would love to show a picture but I still have not resolved the issue of 'no room' (at the inn!!) for pictures as my google account is full (whatever that all means). I will just have to get better at describing things and you will need to use your imagination more!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
A Good Evening
We had a good evening last night at our Blue Christmas event. It was put on at our church by our Stephen Ministry group. Invitations were sent out to those who are hurting, feeling lonely, have lost a loved one or a relationship or friendship has gone wrong and Christmas is not a happy time. It is a time of coming together, focusing our thoughts and recognizing our hurts and allowing God to help us through these dark days. It is a time of remembering we are not alone and that we can get through it. It was a time of bonding with others who also are struggling. It may sound dismal but it was anything but!
We all go through loss and we each handle it different. It was just a time of recognizing that and moving on. It was not a large group so we were able to meet and talk with a number of people, hear their stories and even pray with them. It was also a time of introductions, listening and sharing.
It is now time to move on with my own Christmas shopping and preparedness for it. There is always lots to do at this time of the year. We all need to slow down a bit and enjoy it instead of rushing around and missing the whole meaning. I think I am mostly talking to myself! but hey, if the shoe fits...well....
We all go through loss and we each handle it different. It was just a time of recognizing that and moving on. It was not a large group so we were able to meet and talk with a number of people, hear their stories and even pray with them. It was also a time of introductions, listening and sharing.
It is now time to move on with my own Christmas shopping and preparedness for it. There is always lots to do at this time of the year. We all need to slow down a bit and enjoy it instead of rushing around and missing the whole meaning. I think I am mostly talking to myself! but hey, if the shoe fits...well....
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