My 1st Blogoversary

I just realized that today marks my first blogoversary. My first blog post recounted a humorous, true Christmas story that happened a few years ago. The incident occured about this time in December and was a story that begged to be told.

Though I haven't blogged nearly as much as I had intended to, I have already met some wonderful people and made some lasting friendships through blogging.

I've started thinking about my list of goals for 2010. Let's see, I think I shall begin with:
1) Get back to blogging...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your families.

Fall Fun

Yesterday, my Mom, Aunt and Sister attended a local fall event. The event took place in Pioneer Village, which is located in a wooded area. We really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere as well as the sights and smells of the outdoors.

As we entered, we were greeted with these lovely mums.

We saw several primitive cabins, all decorated for fall.

We enjoyed the live music

More music...I wonder if these instruments were hand made.

Many craftsmen were demonstrating their skills.

These folks seem to be enjoying the open campfire. I see an extra chair--maybe I could join them for a spell. We had a good time. I love this time of year!

Skyline Drive

This past summer, Sunshine & I took a road trip which included a visit to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. These photos are from the "Skyline Drive" we took through the park.

The route is aptly named, for it almost seems as if you are driving into the sky.

One of the many beautiful views on this scenic drive.

Another lovely sight.

Sunshine and I both love the rock formations.

This bare tree stands proud and erect against the beautiful background.

More beautiful summer sky--what an enjoyable drive.

Watch your balance!

It was indeed a long and winding road.

How green were the valleys.

We had a great time and are already looking forward to our next trip, wherever it might be!

Hello...

Just dropping by to say "hello." It has been a busy summer, and I have been away from blogland way too long. But now that fall has arrived, I am hoping to get back to blogging. I have missed all of you and hope you have had a good summer.

Wedding Rehearsal Party

I can't believe how quickly the summer is passing! Here are some pictures from my niece's wedding rehearsal party, which was held last Friday. We all had a great time!


The weather was beautiful and we all enjoyed this lovely sunset as we finished our meal.

Next came the breaking of the pinata, starting with the youngest first.

Just look at all that candy!

What a cutie! I think he's trying to figure out how to pick up some more candy.

All "decked" out

Pretty lights

Playing with sparklers

The grand finale!

The fireworks were much more impressive than I was able to capture with my point and shoot camera.

For more Summer Stock Sunday fun, visit Robin at Around the Island

Ten Things I've Never Bought...

My cousin BJ has tagged me for a meme: Ten Things I've Never Bought. Why seems to be irrelevant. Here's my list:

1. A pack of cigarettes. I have only smoked one cigarette in my entire life. Actually, I have only taken one puff of a cigarette in my entire life. I coughed and sputtered and couldn't stand the taste. I've never been tempted by another.

2. A new car. My mother-in-law buys a new car every couple of years or so and we are able to purchase her well-maintained, pre-owned vehicle at a bargain price. I'm more interested in dependability than in keeping up with the Joneses, so I won't feel cheated if I go through life never having owned a new car. However, should I someday win the lottery and decide to buy a new car, it would be a cute little sports car and yes, BJ, mine would also be bright red.

3. A horse. When Sunshine was about seven or eight years old, she begged for a horse. I told her that when she turned sixteen, she could have either a horse or a car, her choice. On her sixteenth birthday, Grandma P gave her a 1966 Mustang, so I guess she got both the horse and the car!

4. A motorhome. Cousin BJ and I are alike in a lot of ways, but we differ on this one. I would love to take off across country in a motor home with no schedules to meet, just going wherever I felt like going and staying as long as I wanted to. What freedom. Of course, since I sometimes have trouble navigating a shopping cart, I might be quite dangerous trying to drive a motor home!

5. A motorcycle. I grew up with motorcycles--my Dad owned one even before I was born. They're fun, but I've heard of too many fatal accidents involving motorcycles to be interested in owning one.

6. Contact lenses. I've worn glasses since the early grades and think I would feel naked without them.

7. DVR. I don't really know why I've never bought a digital recorder. Maybe because we don't watch very much T.V. We tend to watch old T.V. shows on dvd. (Oh, no! Is this a sign I'm getting old)?

8. Ipod. I have an MP3 player that I really enjoy. It doesn't bother me that it is not an Ipod brand.

9. DSLR. I'm not a very good photographer so I don't feel I can justify one at this time. But, if I ever "outgrow" my present camera, my next purchase will be a DSLR.

10. A biscotti pan. I haven't bought one yet, but intend to buy one soon. Sunshine made some really tasty biscotti not too long ago, but she had to spread the dough/batter out on a cooky sheet. I want to buy the proper pan so it will be easier to make the biscotti the right size and shape the next time. (Hint, hint, Sunshine)!

There you have it--10 things I've never bought. Some I'll probably never buy, others I hope to buy sometime. I'm not going to tag anyone in particular, but please feel free to play if you would like--it's a lot of fun!

True Colours Thursday--Cobalt!

This week's colour was a difficult one for me, but I found this pretty gato that I bought in Mexico when Sunshine & I visited there early last month.

True Colours Thursday is hosted by my friend Blue.
Happy Thursday to all.

Two Awards!

Several weeks ago, I accepted an invitation from Samantha, to pick up these lovely friendship awards. Then on Sunday, I was honored to receive the awards from BJ.

I have only recently become acquainted with Samantha and enjoy sharing in the adventures of her delightful Border Collies, Holly and Zac through her blog. I've known BJ a bit longer (all my life--she's my cousin)! She is one talented lady and a wonderful person. I am proud to call both these ladies my FRIEND.

And now, for the unveiling of the awards...........

Thank you, Samantha & BJ!

I would like to pass this award on to anyone reading my blog who does not already have it. I would especially like to mention Margaret at MargaretPANpipes. She has some awesome pictures and haikus on her blog and she always has such kind words for me. Please accept this with my thanks for your friendship, Margaret.

Sunday Scribblings #164 -- Worry!

"...do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'[...] do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things." Matt. 6:31 & 34 (NKJV) (italics mine)

When I read this week's prompt was worry, I immediately thought of my mother, the consummate worrier. I think her name is synonomous with worry. Now, my mom is a good Christian lady who faithfully reads her Bible each day. However, I am concerned her Bible must be missing the above scriptures, for she certainly has not heeded these words.

I will admit that some worry can be good, but only in small doses and only when used to produce positive behavior changes. But most worry is unhealthy, both emotionally and physically, and unproductive.

Worry causes self-induced pain and robs one of happiness. Dictionary.com defines the verb worry as "to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; to fret." I can't imagine why anyone, masochists excluded, would want to torment oneself.

Anyway, back to my dear mother. She worries about some of the most minor things.

"Do you think this corn is ok? The can has a dent. Are you sure it's ok?"

"I was supposed to take my calcium pill 15 minutes ago. Do you think it will be alright to take it now?"

"I shouldn't have eaten that second piece of cake. Do you think I've had too many trans fats today?" (This coming from a 102 pound lady who has low cholesterol, low blood pressure and excellent blood counts).

And every Christmas she feels compelled to announce, "I spent the same on everyone even tho' some of you don't have as many packages." She worries that someone might feel slighted.

I once bought her the book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, but it didn't seem to help much. She continues to sweat. Meanwhile I am searching for some extra-strength anti-perspirant formulated to protect against the "small stuff."

Me--I try not to worry so much. I'm enjoying a waffle for breakfast as I write this post. It's a homemade waffle, covered with sweetned strawberries and topped with a mountain of flully white whipped cream! Sometimes I worry that I don't worry enough!

Visit Sunday Scribblings to see what others have to say about WORRY

True Colours Thursday--Grey!

A little birdie told me...this week's True Colours Thursday features GREY

Sunshine & I spotted this little fellow last night as we were walking. She took the picture for me, as I am quite frightened of birds, even small ones.

This is my dearest feline friend, Snuggles. Shh! I think she is napping--her favourite pastime. I don't think the little birdie is in much danger from Snuggles, do you?

"Aw, Mom...you took my picture when I wasn't expecting it. I'm so embarrassed!"

"Here, let me pose if you want a picture of me to post on your blog."

"Oh, an empty basket. Looks like it is just my size!"

True Colours Thursday is hosted by my friend, Blue. Be sure to visit her site to see more GREY pictures. Happy Thursday to all.

Sunday Scribblings #163 -- Disconnected

This week's Sunday Scribblings prompt is disconnected

I awaken
disconnected
from the outside world

My mind
unfettered
from temporal things

I call
You answer

We walk together
in the secret garden
of my soul

My spirit
naked and unashamed
before You

Your arms
Strong and Mighty
around me

I bask
in Your love

You smile
at my innocence

I emerge

strengthened, refreshed...

Connected

True Colours Thursday--Cerise!

Cerise flowers from a beautiful bouquet



A lovely pink sky. This picture was taken last January. The sky was so beautiful, I had to slip away from my desk for a moment to capture the splendid sunset.



True Colours Thursday is hosted by friend Blue

Sunday Scribblings #161 -- Confession

This week's Sunday Scribblings prompt is "confession."

Secret sins confessed
The naked soul emerges
Humbled by the truth

Sunday Scribblings #160 -- Follow!

I had a little fun with this week's Sunday Scribblings promt: FOLLOW.

To my Blogger friends:

There are so many great blogs to FOLLOW;
Without them my life would be HOLLOW.

Your friendship indeed I do HALLOW,
And in your companionship WALLOW.

I sit in the shade of a WILLOW,
Resting my head on a PILLOW.

The joy within starts to BILLOW
Forming words which my heart would BELLOW,

"Mr. Blogspot, you're such a dear FELLOW.
You've brought me so many good friends to FOLLOW!"

True Colours Thursday-Rust!

RUST was a difficult color for me....

Until I remembered the RUST colored rocks we had seen in Sedona, Arizona.

More rocks from the Arizona trip Sunshine & I took last October.

Still more awesome Arizona rocks.


Another RUST rock. This picture taken from the parking lot of my workplace.

True Colours Thursday is hosted by my friend Blue. Be sure & visit her blog to see RUST pictures others have posted.

True Colours Thursday-Lime!

Late again...can't believe how quickly the weeks pass!


I love spring, when everything comes alive after a long winter.


This is my One Year Bible, a gift from my husband. I try to read it every day.


We love Monty Python. This is from Sunshine's collection.


A pencil pouch with pretty LIME designs.

True Colours Thursday is hosted by my friend Blue

Sunday Scribblings #158...Scary!

I’ve never considered myself a very brave person. I have many fears--some common, some unusual. I am frightened of birds, mice, grasshoppers and feathers. I’m also afraid of needles, blood, closed-in places and darkness.

A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting at the computer creating a Mafia Wars character for myself. Several Facebook friends had invited me to play the game, and I finally gave in. Normally a quiet, peace-loving person, I suddenly felt empowered at the thought of being a mobster.

I was ready to become a completely different person. I wanted to be a big, brawny man, and needed a name to fit my character. Let’s see…maybe I would be Guido. I would be mean, tough, feared by all, intimidated by none. I was flexing my Mafia muscles and feeling fearless when all of a sudden, I heard a blood curdling scream!

I was scared!

Then I realized the scream had come from me—not me the mobster, but me the little girl who was terrified of darkness.

The lights had gone out!

Immediately, the macho mobster melted away as I whimpered, “Help. Sunshine, give me my flashlight. Help me, please.”

Soon the lights came back on, and my heartbeat returned to normal. As quickly as he had disappeared, Guido materialized--this time wearing a sheepish grin.

Click on Sunday Scribblings to read more scary things.

True Colours Thursday - Black & White!

Hello everyone. I am a little late, but here are my black & white pics.

This is a lighthouse we visited in Port Isabel, Texas. Sunshine actually took this picture, but was kind enough to let me use it.

A "Sisters" coffee mug

A cute black & white kitty

The back of the "Sister" mug

True Colours Thursday is hosted by my friend Blue at My True Colours. Play along...It's fun!

Next weeks colour is LIME.

Sunday Scribblings #156...Aging

Aging
Is inevitable, or so they say,
But not for me today.

Today
I shall procrastinate
The aging process

Today
I shall indulge
My inner child

We shall laugh and play
And frolic in the sheer pleasure
Of life

Today
We have no time
For growing older

We have no time
To think of aging, as we plan
Our next adventure

Aging
Is it inevitable?
Not for me today.

Visit Sunday Scribblings to read more on aging.

True Colours Thursday on Sunday

I missed True Colours on Thursday, but thought this BEIGE bunny was so cute I decided to post anyway.


True Colours Thursday is hosted by my friend Blue.
Next week's colour is SCARLET.

Sunday Scribblings #155 - " I Come From..."

I come from
The fertile darkness
Of earth’s womb--
A miniscule sprout,
Securely wrapped
In amniotic soil,
Protected
From battering winds
And pounding rains,
But ever growing
Stretching
Reaching
For the rays of sunlight.
Emerging finally
Bursting forth--
A tiny seedling.

To read more, visit Sunday Scribblings

True Colours Thursday-Green!

I'm a little late again. Having celebrated St. Patrick's Day earlier this week, I decided to use some St. Paddy's decorations for my GREEN.

Next week's colour is BEIGE.
Stop and visit my friend, Blue to see more GREENS.