Don't Blink

Tribute to Gladys E. Andrews

2011-04-06T10:55:00.000-04:00

2009-09-16T08:40:00.003-04:00

An except from 'A Stepmom's Say", a blog I read frequently. I cannot say this any better than this writer.

While History provides many examples of loving, involved, non-biological “parents”, the reality is that these people never get their due. To be sure, when they fail miserably at taking care of someone else’s children, this fact is paraded with as much publicity as can be mustered, but when a stepparent is truly good at what they do, we hear nothing of it.

And maybe that is as it should be.

As I try to find my place in this whole messy business, I realize that when it comes to Stepsons, I am supposed to be the shadow—the thing that is always there but rarely noticed. The thing that is so assumed to always be there that it is many times forgotten. Most days I am perfectly happy with this role, but other days I want to scream: “What about me?!!”

But it isn’t really about me, is it?

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

2009-09-05T11:49:00.002-04:00

1 package Pillsbury cresent recipe creations
1/4 plus 1/8 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 TB plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
6 TB melted butter
2 cups Confectioners Sugar
2 TB milk
1 tsp vanilla

Mix together brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, salt and butter. Pour mixture onto rolled out cresent dough. Roll up from the short end loosely (the mixture will seep out a little bit).

Cut into 10 equal pieces. Place into a 9" round cake pan and bake for 12 minutes.

While baking, make the glaze mixing the Confectioner's Sugar, Vanilla and milk to desired consistency. Add more milk or more sugar how you like it.

Spoon the glaze over the rolls when removed from the oven.

Got Kid?? Got Prayer??

2009-08-25T21:08:00.004-04:00

Either I am learning to speak 'kid' or Little One is growing up...or perhaps the answer to a much prayed prayer. Maybe it's a combination of the both of us. Loveable as he is, we just go head to head sometimes....we are both stubborn maybe. But...MAN....he is having the best time in school this year and even told me tonight "I like school." I did a double take to make sure I didn't in advertently bring home someone else's kid today from the school pick up line! He did his homework WITHOUT COMPLAINT, ate all his dinner with GOOD manners, went to karate practice and had his usual blast time, sat quietly through the HOA meeting tonight and is now sitting at the bar drawing and coloring while I finished up the dinner dishes. WOW!!! So this is what it's supposed to be like!!

I prayed really hard about 3 weeks ago and just came to tears in church that day. I HAD to let go of my aggravation and frustration on a situation and just asked God into my heart, to make me more like Him, to Love and not hold anger in my heart. Since that day, I have clicked with the boys like never before. My anger was not directed at them, toward them, in any way. I cannot control another person's actions, but I can sure control mine and my attitude. So, maybe I am learning to speak 'kid'...or just maybe I am growing up a little. Even Older One commented the other day on my new found language fluency.

Boys are getting so big...I just love them dearly.

God is good....all the time.

Last of the summer....

2009-08-22T16:36:00.003-04:00

This has been the MOST amazing summer...EVER! Between my wedding schedules, our work schedules, totally great cruise vacation to Key West, Belize and Mexico, trips to the beach, sailboat/boat charter and now the purchase of another boat....wow. Older one worked with DH all summer at the office and earned some really decent money for his bank account. I am so proud of him. Younger one spent great time with me and I think I am finally getting out of my wicked SM role (self imposed...I hope).

Younger one is happily doing his pre-assignment of drawing a picture of himself and filling out a worksheet about himself. School starts day after tomorrow and we might go out on the boat again tomorrow. So, wow....was it easy to get him to go ahead and do his 'homework' today and not wait until tomorrow! OMG....maybe it's a break through. Perhaps he has finally grown mature enough to understand timing and responsibilities. He has fought it the whole way, but gosh...he seems so much older and more mature this summer now. Older one has long since been done with his pre-work for the summer including a reading list and memorizing the periodic table of the elements. GEESH...we never had summer work to do. Oh well....We also didn't get out an hour early on Wednesdays. It's all good...

DH remains amazing...I am so blessed to live my life with him.

We took the new boat out yesterday and had 2 blowouts on the trailer. Angels were all around us. The first one blew right at the most amazing long paved circular driveway that allowed us to pull off the road. The 2nd one blew in Brooksville and we pulled into an abandoned gas station to the awning at the gas pumps....as it started to rain. We had already used the spare on the 1st blow out and were just hoping to get to Brooksville to get to a tire shop. The 2nd one blew 1.5 miles from Goodyear that had 5 tires that we needed. We bought the spare, returned to the boat to place the new spare and then limped to Goodyear the 1.5 miles hoping the remaining 2 tires would last, plus the spare. They did and we now have 4 nre tires, plus a new spare. We made it to the Gulf long enough to spend 2hours on the water and got to enjoy our first trip out on this boat. Everyone remained in good spirits while we changed 2 tires, sat in the tire shop, barely went swimming, etc. What a good family I have!!!

I will miss this summer...it's been a good one.

Friend's Funeral

2009-08-16T18:04:00.002-04:00

DH and I went to a friends funeral today...yes, a friend. He was 59 years old and just wonderful. The service today was one of the most moving I have EVER EVER been to. It was full of fun, laughter, stories, and the most amazing ceremony I had ever seen. Each person was asked to go the front and light a candle off the white 'Divine' pre-lit candle, think of a memory of friend and then place the lit candle in a container of sand. By the end, there were so many candles lit and the lights were out, and only candle light remained. Gorgeous music played .... it was a very emotional and moving service. It's how I would want mine to be...only in a church. Gosh...it was gorgeous.

He will be missed...His wife looked so exhausted....friend had been sick for so long and I imagine she is just so tired. Actually, wife is friend and then, of course husband, became friend.

Wonderful people....We will miss you, W. And, we love you, C. You are both in our prayers. We love you both.

Drink of the Day

2009-08-16T18:02:00.003-04:00

Ok - today's drink of the day....

Cindy's Woo Woo - a variation on the original...

It's kind of a take off of Sex on the Beach and it's really good.

2 parts vodka
2 parts peach schnapps
3 parts cranberry juice

Shake in shaker and strain into crushed ice. Though...martini glass ok, too.

Now...Cindy's

Spa day today....

2009-08-13T18:14:00.002-04:00

aahhh....I had a hair appt today. I HAD to get my hair cut and colored, you know? And, after all the salt water over the past month, it was just fried. So, I had to cut 4" inches off it. augh....anyway, it looks and feels so much better. My salon gave me a few hints on how to take care of my color with all the salt water we will be in from now on. Yippee......All the salt water took it's toll on my nails and so I had a mani/pedi, too. How nice...what a treat. I hardly ever do that. But, I feel so much better.

A gorgeous wedding this weekend that I have been working on for over a year. It will be really really nice. Cannot wait.

Boys are at their mom's house for the weekend. A friend passed away this past week and so we'll be at his funeral on Sunday afternoon.

Boat next weekend...MAYBE!!!!

Bust Out Another Thousand

2009-08-12T21:30:00.002-04:00

Well, DH did it. He finally bought another boat. We had a 24' Bayliner a few years ago and did sell it. We had a hard time using it..it was stored far away, hard to pull, we needed to put it in a marina, etc. So, we sold it opting to go smaller next time. I have not even seen this boat. It's a 22' Ebbtide and should be ready next week sometime. It's a one owner and DH says it just great and has touches of teak on it. It's just what I wanted...cuddy cabin, plenty of deck space, swim platform and ladder and potty. :) It's a little older, '89, but is in beautiful shape and has low hours on it.

Can't wait to see it....I see lots of fun memories on it.

Sunday on the water

2009-08-10T21:19:00.003-04:00

What a delightfully wonderful Sunday we spent yesterday. We took a pontoon boat out to Anclote Key just off New Port Richey. We had a wonderful and relaxing time. It was a beautiful day to be on the water. You know they say a bad day on the water is better than a good day on land....I think they are right. We love the water. So refreshing and just wonderful. I found some fabulous shells, but the sand dollar still eludes me. One day I will find another one...I found a beautiful one last weekend, but it broke on the way back to the boat. I'll keep looking....

Little one is doing much much better. His neck is healing nicely, though today he seems real moody and quiet. Poor guy...he hates school more than anything. His tutor came to help today and he just had the worst time of it. He hates school. I don't understand that. School was so easy for me...I had a good experience...I try to understand and be patient. I am not always successful. I hope the best for him to like school one day.

I wish I was smarter

2009-08-05T21:03:00.002-04:00

I know so many REALLY smart people. I mean REALLY REALLY smart. I cannot even begin to understand what they say very sloooowwllyy...So, I muddle along in my own way, on my own time, learning along the way and keeping to my true self. But, that doesn't mean I cannot be smarter. Maybe I need to read more. Study more...

I have other gifts that are really good. I love that about me...I still wish I was smarter.

What a pretty day

2009-08-04T20:42:00.004-04:00

I saw a rainbow on the way home from a great tasting at Reunion today. It was a full rainbow and just lovely......

Good friends lost their baby today. It's very sad....I think it's worse to have been pregnant and lost the baby than never to have been pregnant at all. I have tried for years and years to get pregnant. I had 2 surgeries to try to correct the issues, but nothing. I actually think I was pregnant about 5 years ago. But, I had the worst experience ever that Sunday morning. It was my birthday and I was at church with brother/sister in law. It never happened again.

Life is so good. There is always a reason for everything. I have spent countless hours worrying and fretting about having a child. I worry about not having anyone to care for me as I get older. But, I have 2 great stepsons and 4 great nieces and nephews. And, maybe that won't ever be a problem anyway. I will never have anyone that looks like me, is tall like me, has long legs, I will never dance the parents' dance at my child's wedding, never have anyone call me 'mom'....never have a Mother's Day gift. I don't think I was born with the mom gene anyway. I surely don't have the patience for a 2 yr old, 3 yr old, etc. I just don't. We have thought about invitro many times. I would love to have a daughter.....I know DH would. He would love to walk her down the aisle at her wedding. Have a little girl climb onto his lap. But, not to be for us.

So, I count my blessings that I have the wonderful life I have, and how great it is. I am married to a fabulous man, have 2 great kids to share my life and theirs with, have a fine roof over my head, vacations, own a business of my own, plenty of food and some left over for some fun. My parents are healthy and happy, and made good decisions so they can enjoy their retirement and not worry. My grandmother worried...I am blessed beyond anything I could imagine.

Life is good.

What I did today....

2009-08-03T18:36:00.002-04:00

Well, little one and older one came home today after the weekend of recuperating from little one's surgery. He is doing great. Met with clients at the GPR and they were wonderful. Two sisters getting married .... one in January...one in June.

Dinner was good of tilapia, yellow rice and sauteed zucchini, onions and tomatoes. Contemplating a martini.....

Andy Griffith is on the TV...life is good.

Drink of the Day

2009-08-02T18:10:00.001-04:00

Well, I am trying to get the Drink of the Day widget on here, but it's blocking everything.....

So, St. Patrick's Kiss

1/2 cup rum
3/4 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup triple sec
shake in shaker and garnish with cherry

My Salsa Recipe

2009-08-02T18:09:00.001-04:00

My salsa recipe == FINALLY!!! After weeks of trying, I think I finally have it!!

1 can diced tomatoes - drained
1/2 fresh tomato- large chop
1/4 cup onion - large chop...
1 TB chopped Garlic
1 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp hot sauce - to taste
1 tsp cilantro (I use the frozen cubes)
1/4 cup sweet salad peppers
1 TB chopped green pepper
1/4 tsp sugardash salt
1/4 tsp ancho chili powder
cayenne pepper to taste

Pulse in the blender

wow...where have I been

2009-08-02T17:50:00.004-04:00

Well, I thought for a while that Facebook might replace the option for a blog. But, I have found that I cannot write most the thoughts I have there...it's too much. I have clients that have 'friended' me and I just don't think it's appropriate. So, much has happened..

1. I lost a total of 19 pounds. I was at 20, but I finally settled in at 19. That's plenty...I feel great!!!
2. Cruise to the Caribbean, Mexico, Belize. WOW! that was wonderful. The boys had a terrific time on their first cruise. We all had a relaxing wonderful time!!
3. Younger one had surgery this past Friday to remove what we now know was a 4cm x 6cm fluid filled sac in this throat near his thyroid. It wasn't his thyroid, but close. All is good and he is running around and eating just fine today...It's 2 days later. It's all good!
4. We went to NYC in April for our 7th anniversary...what a gorgeous city.
5. We went to the beach in PC 3-4 times and had a great time at Amy and Shannon's beach house. Delightful.
6. DH went to see friend in LA last month....he had a great time.
7. We went sailing again yesterday and WOW do we have boat fever. We were thinking a sailboat, but it's still too much for what we will do with it. Power boat it is....maybe we'll find a good deal on one. We'll keep it at a marina and we'd like one short enough to trailer up to the lake house. That would be fun.
8. I read a great book..well, just finished it. Izzy Rose hosts a Stepmother blog. I follow it every now and again when I get really frustrated and tired. Her book is called My Not to Glamorous transition from Single Gal to Instant Mother. How I know how she feels. I felt like she was writing the book FOR me...I laughed and laughed. I don't feel so alone now. Don't get me wrong...I love the boys. They are really wonderful and Older One and I have gotten a lot closer this year. I love talking with him...he is so bright and positive and just an all around good person. But, I am not their mom...I never will be. For all the time I put into it and them...for all the drs visits, the money, the time, the worry, the school projects, etc. Because I am only step-mom, I get looked right over many times. It's frustrating....But, also rewarding because they are such great kids.

Well, that catches up....I need to keep at this for many reasons. I don't care if anyone reads, but if you do, let me know.

14.2 pounds

2009-02-24T20:27:00.003-05:00

WOO WEE! I have now lost 14.2 pounds...it's an excuse to go shopping! That will be my little contribution to keeping the country going...I'll spend a little bit at a way discounted department store...I cannot stand to spend retail. Seriously, though. My jeans no longer fit!!! My khaki pants barely fit me. I need a new swimsuit for the beach trip in April!! YAY! I feel so much better even though I wasn't that heavy to begin with. My skirts look ok if I wear a sweater 'outside' them (don't tuck anything in!)

My heart is stronger, which was the original goal.

YAY ME!

Family Lunches

2009-02-23T17:09:00.000-05:00

Why am I getting dumber the older I get?

2009-02-01T20:29:00.003-05:00

Why am I getting dumber? When I was in elementary and high school, I knew everything. I knew that my mom was dumb and I was much smarter. I clearly knew so much more than she did and could not possibly believe that my life consisted of living with such incompetence. I knew that when I 'told a story' to her or my dad, they believed me.

I am now older....much older than I was in high school and I am clearly getting dumber. Now, my parents aren't so dumb and they can tell me a thing or two. Now our kids think we are dumb and don't know anything...There isn't much I can say anything without an 'I know' from one of them. My parents are smarter than me....they always have been. So, that clearly means that I am getting dumber.

One of lifes greatest lessons is recognizing the wisdom of your years. Recognizing the errors we make in life and then learning from those mistakes. When you can truly recognize them, learn from them, and correct them...that's wisdom. How I love getting older....

Poor Blago . . .

2009-01-29T19:18:00.003-05:00

Talking about the Golden Rule, Blago has been slapped down from his once very powerful chair. He says he is going to keep fighting knowing that his life is like that of so many other citizens if Illinois that have lost their jobs. This is disgraceful. How can you so blatantly abuse your position and not expect to be punished? And, then to put yourself in the same league as the many wonderful people that have lost their jobs and very livelihood due to the arrogance and dishonesty of people just like him. Absolutely abominable.

I am sorry for the people of Illinois....what a terrible thing to have happened to their state.

8.6 pounds and counting

2009-01-28T21:35:00.003-05:00

WEEEE.....Well, in my effort to take better care of myself...since becoming 'that lady' and turning 40 in December, I made the effort to actually use the fabulous elliptical machine that DH bought me 2 years ago. Shameful. Anyway, I got on and did 12 minutes. My heart was pounding. I am too young for that! So, I kept going and going and going and now I am on my elliptical at least 5 times a week for 31 minutes at level 2, burning on average 350 calories. And, I watch what I eat...and drink......do you KNOW how many calories are in an apple martini? Though my dad says, "That's not a real martini." Martini's are popular in my family...that's ok. He is right...it's not a real martini, but I still like them. He does make a mean Manhattan though! I digress....So, as of this morning, I have lost 8.6 pounds and I couldn't be prouder of myself. But, more important is that my heart is stronger. My legs are stronger and I have TONS more energy than I used to have. On the days that DH, friend and the boys hit the bike trail for their 17 miles on bike, Friend, Baby and our dog and I hit the trail for our 4 mile walk! We can do it in one hour!!

I feel great! Think I am going for another 6 pounds...that might be too much though...we'll see. I was targeting 15 pounds if so...but, more important is that my heart is stronger.

Mexico is calling July 20....yippee!!

Way too long

2009-01-28T21:26:00.002-05:00

Ok - this is ridiculous..I have been away far too long. There are so many topics to chat about, I wonder where to begin.

The first I have been thinking about since the week after Christmas. I was in a store and lost my PRESCRIPTION sunglasses...argh...right after Christmas!! DARN! I was looking for them and a guest came in while I was lamenting the loss to the store clerk. This guest said, "I heard about the sunglasses and I found a pair in my cart. I wonder if they belong to that lady?" THAT LADY??? When did I become THAT LADY. That Lady was always some ambiguous older,....much older woman that was the age of my grandmother. When did this happen to me? And, then I think, you know what. She asked if the glasses belonged to a lady...not HER....not that woman....but, that Lady. There are worse things than to be called a lady. How great!

More later....maybe tonight...we'll see how my memory is later!

2008-12-26T12:55:00.000-05:00

Comes the Dawn

2008-11-16T16:37:00.004-05:00

When I first read this poem, I was about 15 or 16 I guess. I read it in an Ann Landers column in the Gainesville Sun. I was so young for these words, but somehow they made sense to me. It made such an impression on me, I cut it out of the newspaper (the only time I have EVER done that) and it still resides in my scrapbook. As I got and get older, they made and make more sense to me. And, as I continue to get older (God willing!), I am sure it will make more sense than it does today.

To this day, when I am feeling frustrated, or blue, or defeated, I just recite 'grace not grief; grace not grief' to myself. I even had it typed and stuck to my bulletin board in my office for many many years. My co-workers would often ask me what it meant, and my response was always the same...."oh, it's just something I think about." But, it was how I wanted to live my life..... with grace, not grief. I am not always successful, but I sure try hard.

I found this explanation of it on-line and I can't say it any better than this, so here it is...

I came to realize that it is about inner strength, and learning that women have to learn not to depend on a man, or anyone else, for their happiness and fulfillment. I learned that in everyone's life there are good-byes of one kind or another. We are always saying good-bye. Spouses let us down; spouses disappoint us; spouses don't keep promises. Spouses and other loved ones die. Friends move away; friendships cool, and children grow up and leave home. They begin their own lives and aren't so much a part of ours anymore. Some stay close to us, some don't. Parents do the best they can, but most of us have some scars and issues from childhood. Eventually, they leave us, also. So,we have to build our own world, plan our own lives, and learn not to depend on anyone else except God. Most of all, we realize that we can survive if we are strong. Then, anything that comes along to make us happy is just icing on the cake.

Comes the Dawn

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't mean security.

That kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises.

After awhile you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes wide open,
with the grace of a woman,
not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain
and futures have a way of falling in mid-flight.

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns
if you get too much.

So, you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone else to bring you flowers.

And you learn you really can endure...
that you really do have worth.
You learn and you learn
...with every good-bye you learn.

Author Unknown

Parents and Hymns

2008-10-27T20:48:00.005-04:00

DH and I were invited to share the anniversary dinner with my dad and stepmom. What a treat! They have been married for 27 years now...which means I was 12 when they married. How hard was that!?!?!?

Anyway, we were treated to Ipanema in Ocala, and was it a treat!! It's a Brazilian steakhouse and it was just wonderful. More than anything though, I loved seeing my parents laughing and having a good time. They have worked so hard for so so so many years and it warms my heart to know that they are happy, well taken care of, financially secure and enjoying life. We have one live to live...live it!

My mother is going to the Panama Canal tomorrow. Older one heard me on the phone today and asked me who was going where now? He said, it seems like all your parents do is travel all through their retirement! I love that! He has only known them for a short time and recognized how much they love to live. I told him they could travel all the time I would be so happy for them. They worked so hard all their lives, all my parents, and now have the resources to be able to do the things they always said they would do. I said...spend it all! He thought that was strange and asked me what that meant. He'll understand one day.

My friend "Blessed by your Name" blogged about a song at his church this past weekend. That started me thinking about my favorite....here is perhaps my favorite contemporary song. How Great Is Our God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48xf_rh2Qsg

One of my most favorite traditional hymns was always a favorite, but really became a favorite after the funeral of DH's beloved grandmother. "Because He Lives". I have many, but this one has a special meaning....

I'd love to hear your favorites.....

Take care of yourself and Don't Blink!

Why God is a Republican and Santa Claus is a Democrat

2008-10-23T08:08:00.003-04:00

DH posts on several blogs, one of which is for the diversity class he teaches at University. While most of the higher education system teaches from the left, DH teaches from the right. Here is a copy of a post from his blog, http://trulydiverse.blogspot.com/ You should check it out . .

AS TRUE TODAY AS IT WAS IN 1991

Why God is a Republican and Santa Claus is a Democrat
Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts To Explain The Entire U. S. Government | 1991 | P. J. O'Rourke

I have only one firm belief about the American political system, and that is this: God is a Republican and Santa Claus is a Democrat.

God is an elderly or, at any rate, middle aged male, a stern fellow, patriarchal rather than paternal and a great believer in rules and regulations. He holds men accountable for their actions. He has little apparent concern for the material well being of the disadvantaged. He is politically connected, socially powerful and holds the mortgage on literally everything in the world. God is difficult. God is unsentimental. It is very hard to get into God's heavenly country club.

Santa Claus is another matter. He's cute. He's nonthreatening. He's always cheerful. And he loves animals. He may know who's been naughty and who's been nice, but he never does anything about it. He gives everyone everything they want without the thought of quid pro quo. He works hard for charities, and he's famously generous to the poor. Santa Claus is preferable to God in every way but one: There is no such thing as Santa Claus.

The people you love . . .

2008-10-22T14:31:00.004-04:00

Today, I was reading the blog that Misty Lawton keeps. I just love Bill and though I do not know Misty very well, I can tell she is a good person just from the stories she tells. One of her latest entries is very similar to this blog....she talks about the to-do and life lists that we all have and our full lives. ....and watching the birds and trees and listening to the life around you. I need to tell the people I love, that I love them more often. I made that mistake 13 years ago when a friend died from liver cancer before I could tell her...before I could recognize that about me. I corrected that mistake before my first husband died. I am glad of that. Guilt is a terrible thing..... so, I need to tell the people I love, that I love them. I will do that. You can drive yourself crazy with 'what-if's. I had that conversation with someone a few years back. What if this...what if that. You can only make good decisions with the information you have at the time you make said decision. I think I talked about that before.

Anyway, their blog is http://billandmisty.blogspot.com/ You should check it out! I need to tell her I enjoy her blog because I really do.

I have jumped on the Facebook wagon. Mostly I have 'friends' that are family or friends from school. I love seeing the lives everyone is leading and how everyone has changed...mostly for the better. Some people from high school peaked in high school and then it all went so wrong. Who knows the reasons but that person. And, I don't mean how someone looks, or what they do for a living, or their family. I mean the decisions they make in their lives.

Then there are those that just blossomed after they left school and took off on their own. Kids can be so cruel in school. At what point do we outgrow that? When you see photos or hear stories of the people you knew a long time ago, do you judge their life or compare it to yours? Why? There is one girl who was just average in school...much like most of us I guess. But, to see her photo now.....she is absolutely stunning and beautiful. I never would have guessed how beautiful she would become. She is a thoughtful and successful woman. Why did I not recognize her then? And, I always liked her in school...so why didn't I notice her more?

I am rambling, but I guess my point is to not wait on your life. Take each day as it comes, be a good person, love those around you, and recognize your blessings before you lose them.

The Sum Total of Life's Decisions

2008-09-18T15:31:00.004-04:00

After a conversation with DH this morning, I thought more about this topic. We talk often about our life being the sum total of our decisions. Good, Bad, Right or Wrong....all our cumulative decisions throughout our lifetimes make up the lives we live.

Sometimes we know the turn our lives take with a specific decision. Other times, we may never know the safety that unknowingly befalls us and aren't we grateful for those times . . . Would it be better to know...or to live in blissful ignorance? I choose the ignorance. I live my life without regret and with decisions made with all the knowledge I can muster at the time I made that decision.

I am not referring to anything specific....just reflecting on a comment that lives in our house . . .

Life and Times

2008-09-14T12:08:00.004-04:00

My mother's birthday was yesterday....how I hope I look as good as she does at 63....DH says the same thing!!! We took her for dinner at Red Lobster and drank manhattan's and ate shrimp and crab and laughed and laughed. I sure wish my brother and sister lived as close as I do. It's a blessing.

We spent a very nice evening with our long time friend, Bill Lawton, last Saturday night. He is still just as funny as he ever was. He is working on finishing his bachelor's degree and I am super proud of him. It takes a LOT of guts, determination, time, effort and lots of other things to go back to school. He has a lovely family and I so happy I am still friends with him.

Now that the days are cooling down a little bit (well, if you call 96 degrees down to a high of 90 cooler!), it is nice to get outside and work in the yards again. It is just too hot in the high heat of the summer. I finally finished planting my knock out rose hedge...I ran out of mulch and so I need to finish that up. I am determined to move my hibiscus out of the front door. They are lovely, but really too big to be where they are. aaaa....such drama at the Household!

I started back with this Fall Session of my study group at church. These ladies are just a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. I am the only one with small children and they are all with grandchildren! I love to hear their stories and listen and learn from them. They are easily 20 years older than me and I just love to be with them. The study this fall is on the New Testament. The good Lord knows I need all the help I can get. DH told me one of his students asked him the other day why he believed in God. DH's reply was 'because the alternative is horrific!" Seriously, I think the student was looking for some great insight from the 'professor' and quite simply he said....really, I believe because I choose to believe. It's just that simple.

Life is good....

Sarah Palin

2008-09-01T12:58:00.003-04:00

Could we ASK for anyone better than Sarah Palin as VP nominee? She certainly believes everything I believe in. She can even hunt moose and shoot an automatic gun better than most men I have seen in some ridiculous photo-op trying to make them look manly!! This is no prissy little girl! Look, either you can shoot it or you can't. I imagine most people, men or women, wouldn't know how to shoot a weapon like this unless there is specific training or need to know how to shoot one. DH can shoot these...but he has trained for years on how to use these weapons.

She may not be the most 'experienced' out there, but isn't a fresh idea what we want? I was raised to honor a strict value system and if something is wrong, well then you do something about it or punish those involved for said 'wrong'. This is part of her attractiveness as a candidate....She hasn't been around long enough to play the game, and still manages to get a lot done, in a short amount of time. Can you believe it??? She was just city council woman 5 yrs ago and is now on a national ticket? Incredible! What a proud family she must have!!!

How can we NOT vote for her after everything we know about her. Her family, her son in Iraq (no pouting mama there!) raising a special needs baby that she JUST gave birth to and was back at work 3 days later!! She runs her state govt like a business and when there was too much $$, she gave it back to the citizens of AK. No crazy spending, no crazy projects to return favors.....

And, though John McCain wasn't the perfect candidate, he had my vote over the alternative. It took guts to nominate her....or maybe brains. Whatever the motive, and I am sure there were/are many, it was a good move. They have my vote.

Ok - I am tall enough....time to get off my soap-box. Vote for McCain/Palin.

The start of . . . "Don't Blink"

2008-08-28T09:13:00.010-04:00

I had been thinking so often about starting a blog. I was stuck on how to get my thoughts down and build a place to share ideas, topics, etc with family and friends. After a conversation with Steve a few weeks ago when we were talking about dreams and what we wanted out of life came this idea. I started thinking about all the things I wanted to do in my life and didn't want to wait....then I remembered this song by Kenny Chesney... Don't Blink. See the link to the left . . .

I hope you visit here often. I'll happily add you to posting 'status' and you can share as well...just let me know. There are so many e-mails we all send and so this is a way for me/us to share easily and keep a record, too.

My wish list is growing.....learn to play tennis and golf. I don't have to be good at either one, but I sure would like to know how to play them both. I'd like to go to the Olympics one day. Sail the Caribbean. Around the world cruise. Drive Rte 66. See the Grand Canyon. Visit the 7 wonders. So many.......

Our summer vacation this year marked one thing off my list...and then added another. To visit Yellowstone and see Mt. Rushmore. Well, we had such a wonderful time at Yellowstone, we have to go back. So, one thing off my list...and to go again is one added.

Mt. Rushmore (above) Cindy & Older one and I at the Continental Divide!!

(THE signature photo of the entire trip taken just outside Yellowstone Park at our campsite..YES campsite!!!. )

So, my wish for you is to follow your dreams, follow your heart..... and ..... don't blink.

Cindy