Transportation Blessings

Blog Prompt: What modes of transportation are you thankful for?

1. Since I am "loonyhiker", I guess you can guess what my #1 thing would be...You got it! MY FEET. I don't have to change flat tires or buy gasoline for it so I try to take good care of them. We hope to hike down the Grand Canyon in the spring and people ask me why I don't ride a mule or take a boat. I don't trust those mules at all but know I can depend on my feet and I don't have any control over a boat (You don't ever want to get in a boat with me! It's not pretty!). I guess I'm just a control freak and like to have control which I do when I'm counting on my own feet.
2. Since gas prices have skyrocketed, I'm really thankful for my Toyoto Prius. We have had it for 9 months and still averaging around 50 miles to the gallon. We have put 21,000 miles on it already.
3. Of course I have to say cruise ships. We have 3 cruises booked before Christmas so I'm pretty excited. I'm already tired of being cold so I'm heading to the fun and the sun of the Caribbean!

Cleaning Supply Blessings

Blog Prompt: Think of all the new things on the market since our parents were young and what they had to work with. What cleaning supplies are you thankful for?

1. Swiffer Dusters - I feel like they pick up a lot more dust instead of just spreading it through the air.
2. Vacuum - I sweep my floors and then I just run the vacuum over them too because I don't always get all the "stuff" up with the broom.
3. Plastic scrubbies - I don't know what I did without these. They sure make getting the gunk off my dishes easier when I'm doing dishes.
4. Lysol - I feel like this leaves things cleaner than just soap and water. I'm not sure it is true but my mind says so and that is good enough for me. LOL
5. Magic Erasers - they have worked wonders on marks on my wall, cleaning the white board in my classroom, and just great to use for basic cleaning.

Furman Homecoming 2007

This past weekend was homecoming at my alma mater. I helped in the alumni office a few days before and had a great time working with them. I never realized how hard they have to work to make this event go so smoothly.

credits: Ride A Dream Page Kit by Irene Alexeeva; Club Digital Sept 07 Quick Click by Lisa Carter

Jobs I Couldn't Imagine Doing!

Blog Prompt: What jobs do other people hold are you thankful for?

When I was thinking of which jobs other people do that I'm thankful for, the first ones that came to mind were all the ones that I would not do. I'm truly thankful for all the people who do these things to make my life comfortable and safe.
1. Firemen: I've had a few house fires and the firemen who have responded were professional and truly caring. They risk their lives to save people they don't even know. For that reason, twice a year I try to bake our local firemen a loaf of banana nut bread to show my appreciation.
2. Policemen: When I see the crime on the news, I'm thankful for these people who try to keep order in our semi chaotic world. They are truly underpaid for all that they go through each day. They also get a loaf of my banana nut bread twice a year (which doesn't really show how much I appreciate them!)
3. Sanitation workers: Can you imagine what the cities would be like if no one picked up garbage? Some rural places near us do not have city pick up and I watch the trash pile up in their yard until the county makes them clean it up.
4. Plumbers: I have been without water for 10 days and I hope that never happens again. I would rather be without power than water. Plumbers are worth their weight in gold!
5. Construction workers: I have tried to use a saw and it was not a pretty sight! I can't even drive a nail in straight. I guess without these people, I wouldn't have a house to live in!

Autumn Blessings

Blog Prompt: Give 3 or more reasons why you are thankful it is Autumn.

1. I'm tired of hot weather so I get to pull out my cold weather clothes. You can always add on clothes when you are cold but when it is hot and you are down to the skin, there is nothing else to take off.
2. I love the different colors of leaves and how beautiful everything looks when we are hiking.
3. Most of the weeds in my flower beds are dead and I don't have to worry about weeding every day!
4. The lawn doesn't need mowing as often which means I don't have to pay the lawn man as much.
5. Our electric bill is really lower. We don't run the air condition and my hubby won't turn on the heat unless he is freezing which isn't until January usually. He just tells me to put on more clothes!

Cruisin' on the Volendam

I've been so busy being retired that I've hardly had a chance to scrap anything. Finally made myself sit down and do something because I was afraid I might be getting a little rusty. Hope you enjoyed my scrapbook page!

credit: Newsprint Dreams Page Kit by Lauren Bavin

Kitchen Item Blessings

Blog Prompt: What kitchen items are you thankful for?

Since I have retired I have actually enjoyed doing some cooking in the kitchen. For the first time I'm not rushed and tired from a long day at work. So here are the major things I can't live without.

1. Microwave - It is the greatest invention. Now that my sister is sharing some microwave recipes with me, I'm REALLY enjoying it for cooking and not just reheating or boiling water.
2. Gas stove - It is like the stove I grew up with. Since I got married we always had an electric stove until this. I like regulating the heat instantly.
3. Refrigerator - One winter we were without power for 10 days and everything in my refrigerator went bad. I don't know how the early pioneers did without refrigeration.

Family

Blog Prompts: What family members are you thankful for and why?

1. My husband - He is my best friend and soul mate and I am not complete without him. We spend all of our free time together and enjoy it totally. After 25 years it gets better and better.
2. My father - I have always been a daddy's girl and guess I always will. Even at 88 years old, he still thinks I'm his little girl and worries about me. He is so stubborn and independent but I guess I will be like him when I get older.
3. My stepmother - she is so wonderful and understanding. Whenever I get frustrated with my dad, she steps in and makes things alright. She has never treated me like a "step" and has the same values as my mother did so she fits right into our family.
4. My sister - even though we live so far apart and grew apart when I went to college, we have gotten close again. She still treats me like I'm a baby because I'm her baby sister but I guess that goes with the territory.
5. My sister-in-law - she has always been wonderful to me. When my mother passed away and my sister couldn't be there, she offered to fly down to FL to help me. I know I could always count on her if I ever needed her.

Asparagus

Blog Prompt: What's your favorite vegetable and how do you like to eat it? Or do you have a favorite dish that hides a vegetable that you don't like?

My favorite vegetable is asparagus. I love to eat it but it is so expensive. I love to steam them and just sprinkle salt on it. But I found out that after you eat it, it makes your urine smell funky!

Passing on Knowledge

Blog Prompt: In what areas do you feel you have knowledge you can pass on to others?

I feel I have a lot of knowledge in the field of teaching. Now that I've retired, I've decided to be an educational consultant. Next week I will be doing a professional development seminar for the county literacy association. I was also asked by the school district to evaluate 3 new teachers so I'm excited about that. Plus tonight I had a parent of a former student call me and ask me for advice. I'm also writing a blog called Successful Teaching which gives strategies and ideas for teachers to use in their classroom. I hope I'm able to help someone out there who is new to teaching or frustrated with their current situation.

DSP prompts week of 10/22/07

Monday 10/22 blog prompt: What is the first thing you'd go out and buy if someone handed you one million dollars?

I would buy an huge RV and a driver to take us all around the United States.

Tuesday 10/23 blog prompt: Tell us--in glorious detail--about something you're embarrassed to admit you like...

I like to swing on the swings in the playground. Of course I only do that if no one is around and can see me (other than my husband). I love to feel the air go by my face and freedom that surrounds me. I love feeling like a kid again.

Wednesday 10/24 blog prompt: Fill in the blank to make this old quote fit you: 'I _____; therefore I am.'

I hike, therefore I am. I know that doesn’t surprise many of you but it is true. I love to walk and hike. Hiking keeps me physically and emotionally fit so it is an important thing in my life. While I’m hiking I think about many things that are going on in my life and helps me sort out my priorities. I also feel very close to God when I’m out in nature and I feel that all is right with the world.

Thursday 10/25 blog prompt: What books have you abandoned (without finishing) and why?

I have to admit that I haven’t abandoned any book that I was reading, no matter how bad it is. I usually think that surely the book will get better. It must have some redeeming quality and I never give up hope until I’ve read the last page. Usually I end up complaining about how I wasted my time reading that book but I never give up on it.

Friday 10/26 blog prompt: Is there something that you dream about doing? Being a dancer? Traveling around the world? Learning a new skill? Have you taken any steps toward achieving that goal?

Since I’ve recently retired, I’m in the process of fulfilling my dream of traveling. I think my short term goal is to learn how to roller blade. Two years ago I bought roller blades, pads, and a helmet. I tried it once and thought I looked ridiculous. Then I gave the excuse that I would do it when I retired because it won’t be good to teach with broken bones. Now I say it wouldn’t be great to travel with broken bones. I’m trying to get enough courage to try again. I may try it in my backyard on the grass.

DSP prompts week of 10/16/07

Monday 10/15 blog prompt: In NO MORE than 30 words, describe your favorite food.
I love baked ziti filled with cheese and covered in meat sauce. It is served piping hot and the aroma can be smelled from far away.

Tuesday 10/16/07 blog prompt: Describe in detail an object you use every day, but don't tell us what it is.
It is rectangular in shape and sometimes provides a night light in a dark room. It is my closest companion next in line to my husband. It knows my deepest desires and fears. It may be an object but I really think it is alive and we just don’t know it.

Wednesday 10/17 blog prompt: Write one or more meaningful sentences where each consecutive word starts with the same letter as the word before it ends with.
Our respite ends soon now we enter real life! (Our cruise is ending today!)

Thursday 10/18 blog prompt: Creatively describe the weather in your area right now.
As I look at the sunny sky and feel the warmth upon my skin, I prepare for the little beads of sweat as they begin to form on my skin. My clothes begin to stick to my body and my skin begins to glow in the sunshine.

Friday, 10/19 blog prompt: Write your own tongue twister.
Pat plans on playing poorly.

7 Wonders of the World

Blog Prompt: The Seven Wonders of the World were recently agreed upon. Have you been to any of them? Which one would you most like to visit?

I have been to the Great Wall of China, Rome's Colosseum, and Mexico's Chichen Itza. All of those were great! I was in awe of standing where so many people in history have stood.

I would really like to see Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal. I remember studying about the Taj Mahal when I was in grade school and the colors and the history always fascinated me. I want to hike up to Machu Picchu because the whole story of the architecture and history amaze me. Hopefully now that I'm retired, we will get there in the near future.

Traveling Companion

Blog Prompt: Who is your favorite traveling companion? Or is there some historical figure or fictional character with whom you would like to share a trip?

My favorite traveling companion is my husband. He is so much fun to be with because when things get messed up, he always makes it into a fun adventure. Never losing his temper about stuff, whenever there is a change in our schedule or I get us lost (which is a common thing), he just finds something good about what is happening. Also when we get stranded or something terrible happens, he always has a level head and doesn't get hysterical (which I tend to do). He is firm and insistent to whomever is in charge but never nasty or threatening. This usually works in our favor.

We were stranded in Jackson Hole, WY when our luggage didn't arrive when we did. We were supposed to camp in Yellowstone so our tent, backpack, and gear was all missing. This means we had no place to stay and no clothes other than the shorts and tshirts we were wearing. We were told that if our luggage appeared they would send it to our hotel but we had no hotel because our tent was our hotel and the airport closes for the night. After talking to the airline personnel, we ended up getting a room (a pilot was kicked out and had to share a room with someone else), we had our rental car and went to a local outfitter to rent new gear. The outfitters rented us all new stuff and before we left the next day, we checked with the airport and there was our backpacks! The wonderful outfitters took back all of their stuff and refunded all of our money! It is so nice to know that there are such nice people in the world!

We showed up in Paris, France without a hotel reservation, not knowing that it was Pentecost - the busiest time there. Walking around with our rolling luggage, we hunted for a hotel. One wonderful hotel was full but got us a room at their other location. I tried to give them my credit card number to hold the room but they insisted they didn't need it and the room would be waiting on us when we got there.

God takes care of drunks and fools so since I'm the fool, my hubby must be the drunk! LOL

Mode of Travel Preference

Blog Prompt: Planes, trains, autos or boats -- which is your preferred method of travel?

I love all of them because I love to travel. Of course, all of them have their own perks.

We travel mostly by car because our new car (7 months old) gets 50 mpg. We visit my parents alot in Palm Beach, FL and my sister on Long Island, NY. I also have to go to Washington DC three times a year for meetings. Once a year our annual convention is in different places so last year was Louisville, KY and this coming year is in Boston. The best part of traveling by car is that I can pack whatever I want and not worry about weight or having to cart it from transportation to hotel and back.

We haven't done any long distance traveling by train but my hubby loves trains and we hope to go across Canada someday on a train. I have taken Amtrak from SC to FL when I was in college and it was not a good experience for a young girl who has never traveled alone before.

Boats are fantastic. We are getting ready to go on our 14th cruise so does that tell you how we feel about them? I love the all you can eat food the best!

Planes are fun because they get you from one place to the other and fast. My problem is that your bags can only way a certain weight. Since my hubby is into public transportation, we usually take a subway or metro to our hotel and wheel our suitcase behind us. I also have a backpack with my laptop, junk food, digital camera etc. so I can't pull anything else except the suitcase and backpack. I love to read or listen to my IPOD and my hubby loves to look out the window so we both enjoy the trip.

As you can tell, I'm happy with any of them as long as they take me somewhere else.

Travel Horror Story

Blog Prompt: Everyone has at least one travel 'horror' story. Share your worst experience(s) with us.

Gee, I have so many I don't know which one to pick but this is the one that comes to mind first.

Years ago, my hubby and I drove to Orlando to go to Disney World and of course we are watching our finances closely. I'm not saying my hubby is cheap but we were being frugal. This meant that we did not stay in a 5 star hotel of course but we did get a room on the second floor. I also have to mention that my hubby does not sleep with any clothes on, which has never been a problem before. (No, you really don't know where this is going so read on...)

In the middle of the night, I wake up to hear him saying in the dark, "Call the front desk and tell them we need help!" I look towards his voice and can see in the shadows that he is pushing on the door. Of course, something outside is pushing the door back towards him. Now, the wonderful wife that I am, I immediately scrunch down in the bed and pull the covers over my head.

By now, my hubby is very angry with me and whispers again to me to get my butt up and call the front desk for help because someone is trying to break in. I turn on the light and see the whole situation. I also have to warn you that when I get nervous I start to giggle and can't help it. This only makes the naked man INSIDE my room angrier so I finally call the front desk and tell them that someone is breaking in my room.

Within minutes, we hear a commotion outside and the door stays shut. My enraged hubby turns towards me and commences to fuss at me and now I really can't stop laughing. Finally, when I stop laughing and he stops yelling, I call the front desk to find out what happens.

Apparently the hotel doesn't change the card keys and this thief knew it. He uses his key to rob people while they are asleep. Luckily my hubby had put the chain on the door and heard him. The hotel had the thief in custody and was waiting for the police to arrive. Now wherever we go (even if it is a 5 star hotel), the chair goes in front of the door!

On the Road Again

I'm still in Washington DC in meetings but had time to go through the 300 photos I took and made a scrapbook page. (This helped my stress level!). On the way here, we started out on the Blue Ridge Parkway. One night we stayed at Doughton Park and another night at Peaks of Otter.

Lupus Foundation of America

"Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. Normally the body's immune system makes proteins called antibodies, to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens.

In an autoimmune disorder like lupus, the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against itself. These antibodies -- called "auto-antibodies" (auto means 'self') -- cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) estimates between 1.5 - 2 million Americans have a form of lupus, but the actual number may be higher. More than 90 percent of people with lupus are women. Symptoms and diagnosis occur most often when women are in their child-bearing years, between the ages of 15 and 45."

My oldest sister died from lupus in 1974 at 27 years old and my mother passed away in 1989 from lupus. My middle sister has been diagnosed with lupus and is in and out of the hospital often. Many of my cousins also have it so I see more and more people being diagnosed with this and hope that in the near future a cure can be found. It scares me every day that I might end up with this.

October 1-5 DSP prompts

I'm sorry that I've been MIA this week, but I've been hiking and camping on my way from SC to Washington DC. To make up for it, I've done all of the prompts at once.

Mon. prompt: You can tell a lot about a person by the keys they carry. What do yours say about you?

You would be able to tell that I’m retired because the only keys I carry are my car keys, my house key, and my post office box key. I hate to be in control of anything more than that.

Tues. prompt: You can tell a lot about a woman by how she grooms her fingernails. Tell us how yours look today.

I used to bite my nails until after I was married and then finally decided to stop. My nails tend to break easily though so they are not very long. I like nail polish but I don’t have the patience to put it on as much as I would like. I have never had a manicure.

Wed. prompt: You can tell a lot about a person by the state of their desk/workspace. What does your say about you?

My workspace is very cluttered because I’m lazy and like everything I need at my fingertips. I have my printer, a scanner, my laptop, my digital camera, and my external hard drive all around me. My big screen TV is in front of me and my cordless phone is behind me. Ah, isn’t life grand!

Thurs. prompt: I think you can tell a lot about a person by their laugh. Do you agree?

I only know that some people have this phony laugh that makes me not trust them. I usually like most people who know how to laugh and have a good time, but not at the expense of other people or their feelings.

Fri. prompt: You can tell a lot about a woman by her purse (and its contents). What do you think?

You would be able to tell that I would be a winner on the “Let’s Make a Deal” game show. I don’t know if it is on or if they ever show reruns of it, but Monty Hall (the emcee) would ask someone to show him a specific item, usually an odd one and he would pick someone who had it. They, in turn, would have chance to win a prize.

Quiz: Which Disney Character is your Alter Ego?

You scored as a Cinderella

Your alter ego is Cinderella! You often find yourself doing a lot of housework, but if you are patient, your hard work usually pays off. You are prone to losing things, so dont rush through everything.

Quiz: Which Disney Character is your Alter Ego?

Favorite Designer

Blog Prompt: What designer do you think best represents your current fashion stye? (You can find a list and look at some of the designers at Fashion Net)

I have to admit that I have no idea who the famous designers are so I had to go to Fashion Net. After looking at some of the designers, the closest I could get is DKNY. The clothes looked comfortable to me. Of course I'm the big WalMart or Tanger Outlet shopper so I don't really buy things according to the designer. First of all it has to look great, colorful, and jump out at me from the rack. Then when I try it on, it has to fit me (which is not easy when you are short!)and last, it has to make me look good. I don't care who the designer is if it meets these 3 criteria.

Pajamas

Blog Prompt: Cotton or silk? Pajamas or nightgown or nothing at all? How does your night time fashion affect your day?

In my younger days, I used to wear nightgowns but I can't stand the thought of them bunching at my waist now. In the summer I wear big ol' cotton tie dyed t-shirts (hooray for color!) and in the winter I wear big ol' cotton tie dyed tshirts with sweat pants. And if my hubby keeps turning the heat down (to save money and he is always complaining the house is too hot), I add my hiking socks to the outfit. I have to admit that I'm no sex goddess in this outfit but at least I'm warm! It's all about comfort!

Bring Back the Oldies

Blog Prompt: Bring back the oldies. What fashion would you like to see make a comeback?

I really don't have a favorite fashion that I want to come back. I guess it is because my clothes are so old that they are already back in style! Right now I'm in the basic tshirt and blue jean stage of my life and really enjoying it. I enjoyed the tie dyed shirts and bell bottom pants but not the clunky shoes which are all being worn by teens now as if they are new fashions.

Treasure Chest

Blog Prompt: Treasure Chest. Which piece of jewelry that you own, do feel is indispensible?

I actually have 2 pieces of jewelry that I do not take off (unless I have surgery which has only happened 3 times in my life). I never take off my wedding ring, or my cross necklace. I got my cross necklace when I recieved communion for the first time around 5th grade (which is many many years ago!). When I went to China many years ago I was told that I couldn't have my cross with me so I left it at home. I felt so lost without it!

Dinner Cruise Fashion

Blog Prompt: Fashion Guru. What is the proper attire for a dinner cruise? High heels? Flats? What kind of jewelry, if any? Colors?

I like to dress up for a dinner cruise but I also like to wear comfortable shoes because I don't want to walk around like I am drunk. I like to wear jewelry at this time also because normally I don't wear a lot of jewelry and this makes it a special occasion. As for colors, I would wear colors that flatter my body. I want to look slender and taller and if I feel like the clothes make me look that way, then I feel that way too. Nothing beats going out on the town and feeling sexy!

Missing Ingredient

Blog Prompt: I'm going to deviate from the Fashion theme today and ask if you have ever been in the middle of cooking when if you realized you were missing a key ingredient and couldn't make a dash to the store? What did you do?

I am such a terrible cook that if I was missing an ingredient and couldn't go to the store, I would just have to do without making it. I wouldn't even dare to try to substitute anything. I think years ago I remember my mother in law didn't have brown sugar and mixed molasses with regular sugar but I would be afraid to even try that.

I do remember around Christmas time, one evening I decided to bake banana bread for the fire dept. and police dept. I had everything in the mixing bowl and reached for the flour. Luckily I looked in the bag and it was full of little black bugs. I was so disgusted. My hubby had just finished drinking a beer so he wouldn't drive anywhere which means I had to go out in the cold dark (don't you feel sorry for me!). I had my pajamas on which consist of sweat pants and a sweat shirt so I put on my tennis shoes and threw on a coat since it was about 11pm and I didn't think I would see anyone I knew. I know the WalMart in the next town was open 24 hours so out to the car I go. Luckily my neighbor was getting something out of her car and said hi and asked where I was going. I told her of my dilemma and immediately she offered me the flour that she had. I gladly took it and replaced it with a new bag the next day. I love having wonderful neighbors!

Fashion Baron

Blog Prompt: Fashion Baron. You are the up and coming fashion designer of the age. What kind of fashions and fabrics can we expect?

Of course I will focus on comfort such as pants that are a little stretchy and not to tight. Tops will be made of soft material also. But my main focus will be on color. After years of teaching and wearing conservative colors, I realize that we need to bring more color into people's lives. There will be more mixing of bright colors like orange, purple and green. Maybe more blues with yellows and reds. These will be worn by people of all sizes and shapes and ages. Maybe that is why a lot of people feel depressed in the winter, because there is not enough color in their world!

Fashion Personality Quiz

Blog Prompt: Since we seemed to have a good time with the little fashion quiz yesterday I found another: Fashion Personality Quiz. Let's see what kind of fashion personality you have.

Woo hoo! I wanted to be a casual cutie and it was nice to find out that I am one!

You're more of Casual Cutie
Comfort is your middle name. If you're not comfortable, then why bother? You'd choose cotton and spandex over tight clothing and itchy fabric any day. You understand that to look good, you must feel good on the inside and outside. You also believe that fashion isn't necessarily the best reflection of who you are - it's what's on the inside that counts. Maybe you are in a fashion rut or just aren't sure how to spice up your look while still feeling like you're YOU underneath. Whatever it is, don't be afraid to experiment. Add bolder choices gradually, but always choose something you feel at ease in.

Paperdoll Psychology Test

Blog Prompt: Since most of this month has been about fashion, I thought it would be fun to take and post our results of the Paperdoll Psychology test.



Pure Victoria! Not bad.Though some people think of Queen Victoria's reign as repressive and prudish, it was also a time of progress. Tonight, rent "Mrs. Brown" and relax with a nice cup of tea.

Stressed or Prepared?

Blog Prompt: You have an important meeting this morning. Are you running around rushed and stressed or are you prepared?

I would like to imagine that I would be prepared because I'm retired now and should have plenty of time for this. I usually like to have things ready for a meeting at least a week in advance in case I hit any snags.

Now, on the other hand, I have an important meeting scheduled for Nov. 7 and I'm starting to stress out about it. I feel like a procrastinator because I don't have anything solidly done yet but I have lots of ideas floating in my mind. I will be doing 2 hour professional development seminar for 30 people who work at the Literacy Association. I was asked to share my knowledge of teaching disabled students to the staff so they can be more effective. I have all these great thoughts but I just need to sit down and start putting in altogether.

Today's prompt was like a kick in the butt and reminded me that I need to get busy so that I will be prepared and not rushed and stressed!

Meme from ArcaneFaery

I have been tagged by ArcaneFaery. I have to list seven things about me you probably don't know.


1. Who was your first prom date?
I can't remember his name (I mean, it was a LONG time ago!) but he looked so much like John Denver and he played a guitar. At the time I loooooooved John Denver.

2. Who was your first roommate?
Marlena Davis. I had never roomed with anyone until I came to college so this was a hard adjustment for me. She wore these bangle bracelets to bed and all night long I heard them jingle jangle (until I got used to them and then I never heard them again.)

3. Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?
Home to NY from college in SC.


4. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?
I never snuck out of the house because I was too afraid my parents would kill me!


5. Whose wedding were you in the first time?
My sister's wedding as a junior bridesmaid.


6. What was the first concert you ever went to?
Alabama when they played at the Bowery in Myrtle Beach before they ever became famous.


7. First tattoo or piercing?
Earrings when I was a child and didn't even walk. No tattoos.


And I'm supposed to tag 7 other people but here is the best I can do:
Katrina from Bits and Bobs
Mom2Triplets04 of Creative Triplet Mom
Joan of Ebears West Oz
Beachcomber of Lunar Tides

Makeup Blog Prompts for the week

I've been in the Smokies all week camping and hiking (here is a picture I took), so I played catch-up in today's post:

Tuesday blog prompt: Real Finds. Have you ever bought anything on the spur of the moment, something you weren't sure you would ever use, then realized you came home with a gem?
We go to flea markets as much as possible and my hubby believes that every piece of junk (I mean treasure) will be useful one day. He collects postcards and buys them if they are a dollar or less and then he comes home to usually find out they are worth more than that. I usually buy things that look pretty or unique so we can hang it up in our playroom. The last big thing we bought on the spur of the moment was our car. We were supposed to just go shopping to look at the Prius but within hours drove it off the car lot. We weren’t sure that we made the right decision but now 6 months later, we are really happy with our choice because it has saved us lots of gas money which means we get to travel more!

Thursday blog prompt: Self-motivation. Ever get in a rut and didn't feel like you would ever get out? What did you do to pull yourself up and out?
Most of the time I tell my hubby my problem and he tries to give me suggestions on how to get out of it. Usually he comes up with something that works. A lot of times I get online and try to read inspiration emails or websites to find out about new things. I also read the paper to see if there are any new things happening locally and then talk my hubby into doing it with me. Sometimes I suggest we call some friends that we haven’t seen in awhile and invite them out to dinner.

Friday blog prompt: Beauty Secrets. What beauty secrets do you use (no matter how unusual)?
I have never been and will never be any great beauty hence, there are no beauty secrets from me. The only things I can even think of suggesting are:
• When I feel bloated or fat, I wear my shirts outside my pants or a sweatshirt.
• I heard that vertical stripes make you look thinner.
• If I’m having a bad hair day, I wear a ball cap.
• I have used Listerine in the winter to help with my dandruff because I have eczema.

Attention to Detail

Blog Prompt: Attention to Detail. When people come to your home what is the first thing you want them to see and why?

The first thing I like them to see is how big it is. My home is a very old house right downtown that was built around the 1920s. It used to be a 2 story house but the elderly couple couldn't get upstairs so they chopped off the top story. The house had one of those huge entryways with a staircase so they took out the staircase and made 30 percent of it into the foyer and the rest became the master bedroom. This means my bedroom has 3 doors: one goes to a small hallway to my hubby's bathroom and one goes out to the livingroom and another to the kitchen. I have front porch and a side porch and a back deck also. We added on a huge playroom for my hot tub, pool table, bathroom, and big screen TV. My hubby has an office for his postcards, trains, and junk he collects from flea markets and I have an office filled with books, my accordion, and school stuff. My office is also the guest room with a bathroom. We have a huge livingroom and diningroom with a bow window that I love but unfortunately we never spend any time in those 2 rooms. I really enjoy living in my house.

Fashion Facts

Blog Prompt: Fashion Facts. Over the centuries, fashions have taken dramatic changes. Do you know of any obscure fashion facts to add to our knowledge?

Footbinding was a custom practised on young females for approximately one thousand years in China, beginning in the 10th century and ending in the early 20th century. In Chinese foot binding, young girls' feet, usually at age 6 but often earlier, were wrapped in tight bandages so that they could not grow and develop normally; they would, instead, break and become highly deformed, not growing past 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). As the girl reached adulthood, her feet would remain small and dysfunctional, prone to infection, paralysis, and muscular atrophy. This was initially a common practice only in the wealthiest parts of China, particularly in areas around northern China. However, by the late Qing Dynasty, foot binding had become popular among people of all social classes except the poorest, who needed able-bodied women to work the fields. Today, it is a prominent cause of disability among some elderly Chinese women.

I couldn't resist this since I have heard that many of my ancestors had this done. I'm so glad that this has stopped being done!

Now for beach fashion facts that I've learned since I've been here at Myrtle Beach (I truly hope I don't offend anyone but these are really just my opinion and not true facts!)
The fatter a woman is, the more reason for her NOT to wear a bikini.
The fatter a man is, the more reason for him NOT to wear a tiny speedo.
If you already have a man, it doesn't matter what you wear or what you look like, they think you are sexy no matter what (ask my hubby!).
Young girls of today do not know what it is like to have flat tummies because they all have poochy tummies and aren't the least bit embarrassed about it (as seen at Hooters restaurant).
Bathing suits for women have not really changed in the past 30 years.
If you are wearing a bikini and get in the ocean with a rough surf, make sure your top is tied on tight.
If you are comfortable with what you are wearing, you will have fun on the beach!

Shoes

I am not a big shoes expert. I have one pair of black shoes with a heel that I wear with dress pants. Then I have a pair of black pumps to wear with my dresses when it is cold and a pair of black sandals with a low heel to wear with my dresses when it is warmer. I have a pair of reebok tennis shoes I wear all other times when it is cold and a pair of Teva sandals (my sister calls them Jesus sandals) that I wear when it is warmer. The only other thing I own are a pair of black rubber clogs I wear when we are camping or wading in the rivers because they are comfortable, fast drying, and lightweight. Of course I have other shoes that I haven't worn in years but I hang onto for sentimental reasons or I might someday want to wear them again. I'm kicking myself for getting rid of my 20 year old Dr. Scholl wooden sandals that I bought at Walmart for about $7 and now I want another pair and I can't find them locally (but they are on the internet for $35 plus shipping). I also used to have a pair of black stylish boots that I had for 20 years and finally threw out when we moved. Of course, here they are back in style and I don't have them anymore. Oh well, that's the way life goes.

Hats

Blog Prompt: Fashionably Correct. In years past one would not be seen without a hat to complete your ensemble. Not so much these days. When and where do you think it is fashionably correct to wear a hat?

Down here in the south, it seems like it is fashionably correct to wear a hat anytime! Most people take it off inside buildings and during prayers though! Most men around here wear ball caps and now that my hair is longer, I like to wear one when I'm hiking with my pony tail sticking out. (I think it makes me look skinnier! LOL) When I taught, it was a rule that the kids had to take them off in the building and you wouldn't believe how many hats I took away! I usually warned them by asking them to take it off and of course, some would back talk and refuse to take it off so of course I would be stubborn and finally take away the hat which involved calling parents, detentions, loud voices etc. - all over a stupid ball cap!

There is one lady at church that wears the neatest biggest brightest fancy hats to match her dress outfits (I love her to death because I think it takes a really brave and self-secure woman to do this!) and I keep thinking that I wish more people would wear them so I could and not feel uncomfortable! Lots of women wear fancy hats during the football homecoming games. I have been to an outdoor anniversary party where all women had to wear hats and gloves (I really thought this was a neat idea and enjoyed it tremendously!).

Simplify Life

Blog Prompt: Simplify life. We all have them, those household items that we purchase for one thing and then end up using them for another. What items do you have that serve double duty?

I guess the one thing I use the most are Hefty ziplock bags. I use them for the following:
1. store food of course
2. ice packs
3. funnel when I'm camping
4. packing clothes (I put all my underwear in one, tops in another etc. and punch a few holes in them to let the air out. When they search the bags in the airport, all of my things stay together.)
5. store credit card receipts for tax purposes
6. hold cuttings of plants that I get from other gardeners
7. hold seashells when I go to the beach
8. protect camera in my backpack from rain

I'm sure I use them for other things too but I can't think of anymore right now.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment

Blog Prompt: Fashion Woes. What, in your opinion, is your most embarrassing fashion moment.

Gee I have so many and I have to pick the most embarrassing? I guess I was in college at the time of hip hugger bell bottoms. On the day of anyone's birthday, it was common to see them grabbed in the dining hall and thrown in the man made lake so I knew what to expect. Sure enough, that night at dinner on my birthday, a group of guys approached me and carried me out to the lake for a toss. I fought courageously and took 2 of the 4 guys in with me. (Now you ask, how heavy was I that it took 4 guys to carry me out?! I was only 100 pounds but I was scared so I fought like a tiger!) Now comes the embarrassing part. The water was around chest level and there was a wall all along the edge so when it was time to haul me out of the lake the guys took my arms to pull me out. Unfortunately all the water soaked in my blue jeans plus the duck muck was pretty deep and the guys couldn't pull me out. It took 4 guys to pull me out and there was a huge sucking sound as they pulled me out and I almost lost my pants. They had a hold of my arms so I couldn't grab my pants. It was not a pretty sight!

I did this quiz that I saw on Tink's blog. I thought it was intriguing!

How will I die? Your Result: You will die in your sleep.   A peaceful departure into the next life. You are blessed with the good fortune of passing from sleep into eternity. Do not fear sleep. To dream into the next life is a rare gift.
You will die while saving someone's life.
You will die while having sex.
You will die from a terminal illness.
You will die of boredom.
You will die in a car accident.
You will be murdered.
You will die in a nuclear holocaust.
How will I die? Create a Quiz

Dress Code

Blog Prompt: Now that school has started back here, the big issue is the dress code. Do you agree with having a dress code and if so, who should determine what it should be? Should it be the principal, the school board, the students, the parents, the state dept. of ed or someone else?

After teaching all these years, I'm all in favor of a dress code. We are in the business of teaching children, so shouldn't we teach them how to dress appropriately? I am not in favor of uniforms because I don't think that necessarily teaches kids how to dress appropriately, just the same. I am so sick and tired of seeing pants falling off of boy's backsides and showing 4 or 5 pairs of boxers they have on, girls showing their tummies with pierced things sticking out and more than likely many of these young girls are overweight and they roll over the waistband of their stretch pants to show even more skin...oh sorry, I'm getting agitated just thinking about it! Little girls are dressing like hoochie mamas (that's what my students called girls who were loose!). I always wondered if that was Jon Benet Ramsey's downfall. It disgusts me to watch the boys holding on to the front of their pants with one hand, while they talk on a cell phone on the other. What kind of jobs do these kids plan on getting? Even construction workers don't wear sagging pants because of the safety issue!

I think there should be a committee of students, parents, school personnel, and business people who decide what the dress code should be. This way everyone can have input into what and why. I don't think there is any way to please all of the people all of the time, but I think it is time for someone to do something!

Blog Prompt: Just call me nosy Rosy! I had to defrost my freezer this month in hopes of repairing it, which we did. It amazed me to find stuff in there that I had forgotten about! Name 5 things in your freezer right now.

1. brown and serve sausage
2. wine glasses
3. pork marinated in special bbq sauce
4. chicken thighs
5. blue plastic block filled with water for my small cooler

(I told my hubby about the prompt and he said I should have also asked how many people had to go look first! LOL He couldn't name 5 things. His list was more like ice cubes, sausage, and air)

More Herbs, Less Salt Day

Blog Prompt: Today is More Herbs, Less Salt Day. What herb(s) do you like in your food?

I like to cook with garlic and ginger root. I do a lot of stir fry stuff so this really flavors my food. They are the main things that I use but sometimes in my meat loaf I will add basil and oregano. Of course I don't really like cooking much but since I've retired, I've been cooking more at home. Maybe I will learn to be a better cook from reading other people's blogs about the herbs they use.

Now it is time to get ready for a day of hiking. I'm going to the Blue Ridge Parkway with a group to pick blueberries. I hate blueberries but my hubby loves them, so... the things you do for love!

Serious Illness

Blog Prompt: Describe the most serious illness you have ever had.

I have been very lucky in my life (knock on wood!). The most serious illness I've ever had was the food poisoning episode from last week. It hit me so suddenly and involved so much blood and dehydration that it scared me pretty bad. I felt like I was going to die! I know it scared my husband pretty bad also because he didn't leave my side for 2 days. After going to the emergency room (the first time I've ever been there because I was sick), the doctors told me that there was nothing they could do for me and that it had to "run its course" and I needed to stay hydrated. They considered admitting me but I talked them out of it since they couldn't give me anything, I was too cheap to pay the high expenses for them to watch me!

Thank goodness my hubby is such a wonderful caregiver whenever I am sick because I know as long as he is there, I will be taken care of. I had no appetite and didn't want to drink anything but he badgered and nagged me so that I would eat and drink in order to get well. I've been very tired this week and not up to par so I didn't even get to do any hiking for the past week. I have been taking a little nap before lunch and after lunch. Now that I'm feeling so much better, we have started back walking our 3 miles in the evening (at a slower pace than usual) and I will go hiking tomorrow.

10 Favorite Words

Blog Prompt: What are your 10 favorite words.

These are not in order of favorite-ness though:
1. retirement
2. health
3. love
4. chocolate
5. salt
6. hiking
7. sunny
8. internet
9. camera
10. family

Food I Could Never Give up!

Blog Prompt: One food you would never give up is salt.

At first I thought this would be easy but after I started thinking about items, I realized that I would probably be able to give it up. I finally narrowed it down to salt. I love salt! I love food with salt on it and I put salt on practically everything. I can't imagine life without salt. When I was younger, I loved to pour salt in the palm of my hand and lick it off. (Hope that doesn't gross anyone out!) In fact, have you ever baked a cake and forgotten to put salt in it? It is horrible! Salt is probably the most important food in the world! Thank goodness I don't have high blood pressure because I can't imagine what I would do if they told me I couldn't have salt.

Hoodie Hoo Day

Blog Prompt: Thurs. Aug. 23 is Southern Hemisphere Hoodie-Hoo Day -- Long awaited by our Southern-half friends, this is the day to go outdoors at high noon and yell "Hoodie-Hoo" to chase winter and make ready for spring. Do you do something traditional during a specific season (like spring cleaning for example)? If so, what do you do?

When I was growing up my mother made us do spring and fall cleaning (watching drapes, windows, carpets, and all the heavy duty yucky stuff) so out of rebellion, I don't do any of that stuff. My drapes probably have cobwebs all over them and when I get in the mood, I vacuum them. The windows get washed when they are so dirty, I can't see out of them. I call a professional carpet cleaner to do the carpet every other year whether it needs it or not. All other stuff is ignored!

The only thing I really do is switch clothes. I have a clothes closet and in the fall, my spring clothes go in there and vice versa. Also every spring, I go and buy loads of plants even though I know I will kill half of them before summer is over. Every fall I buy truckloads of mulch and pine needles and complain about why in the world I ever considered this endeavor and if I ever think of this again I hope someone kicks me in the butt!

What Book Are You?

You're To Kill a Mockingbird!

by Harper Lee

Perceived as a revolutionary and groundbreaking person, you have
changed the minds of many people. While questioning the authority around you, you've
also taken a significant amount of flack. But you've had the admirable guts to
persevere. There's a weird guy in the neighborhood using dubious means to protect you,
but you're pretty sure it's worth it in the end. In the end, it remains unclear to you
whether finches and mockingbirds get along in real life.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

This was great because this is one of my all time favorite book and movie!

Be an Angel Day

Blog Prompt: Wed. Aug 22 is Be an Angel Day. Tell something nice you could do for someone today.

My neighbor just had a mastectomy and a hysterectomy so she is left with little energy and going through chemo. If she would let me, I would go to her house and do all those little chores you put off every day. I would clean her bathrooms, vacuum, dust, empty trash, wash dishes (all those chores that are actually waiting for me here at home!) I would even run to the grocery store to get things she needed (I hate going grocery shopping).

3 People I Emailed

Blog Prompt: Name three people you last e-mailed, and why.

1. Group email to the Turtles (hiking group): our leader is away in NY so I am the back up leader. An email goes out every Sunday evening reminding them where our Wed. hike is and what we will be doing. This Wed. we are doing trail maintenance at a state park which is our way of "giving back" for all the wonderful trails we hike on.
2. The teacher who took my place: she wanted some things I developed on the computer to use in the classroom so the transition to a new teacher wouldn't be so bad. I miss the kids already but I don't miss the actual paperwork!
3. Glynis: to give her a blogger award. She is really on the ball with the blogger prompts and leads this the month before I do. I was thrilled to get this award from Tink who lead the prompts the month after me. What a trio we are!

Weekend Happenings

I want to start off by thanking Tink for this blogger award! I'm so honored! What a great email to get when I got home this weekend!

I also want to give 2 others this award who have been very diligent in doing the daily blog prompts and I find really interesting to read:

Glynis's Ordinary Days

Tammy's Personalized Creations

Now I have to go and do the laundry from this weekend's camping trip. We went to the lake to visit my sister in law and her husband. They have this magnificent large motor home and they go all out (it was wonderful having breakfast and dinner cooked for me!) but I think they had a hard time understanding that we like our tent! LOL

5 Things Around My Computer

Blog Prompt: Name five things lying around your computer.

1. TV remote control
2. Can of Diet Pepsi (It is 100 degrees outside!)
3. Book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Read a chapter, take a break, play on computer and then go back to reading)
4. Printer
5. External Hard Drive

What can I say, I'm a geek!

Elvis

Blog Prompt: Aug 16 is the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Do you know who Elvis is? If so, what was your favorite movie? Are you a big fan of his? Why or why not?

I grew up watching Elvis movies because my oldest sister loved Elvis! My favorite movie was Blue Hawaii and I could watch it over and over. I love the songs and the sweet romance and the fact that it takes place in Hawaii (where I've never been before). I'm not a big fan of his other than I like to watch his movies. I remember near the end of his life that I had thought he was just a big fat drug addict. It was such a waste that he abused his body so much when he seemed to have so much so I don't think I would still be a fan if he was alive today.

Relaxation

Blog Prompt: Aug 15 is National Relaxation Day. Tell what things you see, hear or do that relaxes you.

1. Reading: I love to read when I'm eating (which sometimes drives my hubby crazy!) but I find it very relaxing.
2. Music: especially when I'm driving (which tends to stress me out a little).
3. Hiking: I makes me glad to be alive. It puts any problems I have into perspective and I'm not stressed out anymore.
4. Browing layouts in DSP Gallery: I love to look at the techniques used, the stories told, the photos used, the colors used.

A Childhood Sound

Blog Prompt: Describe a 'sound' from your childhood. What was it? When did you hear it? What does it bring to mind?

Yesterday as my hubby and I walked in the park for our evening exercise, I heard the music of an ice cream truck. Immediately that brought back some memories of childhood. I didn't get to buy ice cream much from the ice cream truck (called Mr. Softee) but when I did, it was a big deal! I used to get a cone that was called Mickey Mouse (nonpareils were used as the ears, and a cherry for the nose).

Another time I remember staying at my aunt's house during the summer one time when I was about 8 years old. There were 6 kids much older than I was and when they went to work, I was left alone with my aunt and uncle, who did not speak any English. Of course, I didn't speak any Chinese so this was a challenging time for me. I was a little lonely, bored, and scared but I had my books with me so I knew I would be alright. My aunt brought me in this huge tray full of hard candy that tasted like coconut so I was happy as I read the morning away. In the afternoon, she came and took my hand and made me go outside. I was a little confused until I heard the ice cream truck. With a huge smile on her face, she handed me some money and let me buy ice cream. When everyone came home from work, I realized that I had a wonderful day and it didn't matter that we couldn't speak each other's language, we still communicated!

Scary Movies

Blog Prompt: August 13 is Alfred Hitchcock’s birthday. In honor of his birthday, name the movie(s) that scare you the most.

I refuse to watch horror movies that are filled with blood and gore but the suspenseful scary movies really get to me (and I try to avoid them too). The movies that have scared me the most are Halloween because of the suspense of waiting for something horrible happen. There is one scene where they are walking towards a tall hedge and you just know something evil is waiting on the other side. The music is building and they are walking closer, closer, and then...nothing happens. It is like the downhill side of a roller coaster. The other movie is When a Stranger Calls which has recently been remade. I saw that at a drive in movie theater with my boyfriend (who is now my hubby) over 25 years ago. It deals with a babysitter who gets creepy calls from a killer telling her to check the children. The next day I had to babysit and I made the kids sleep on the couch and my boyfriend stayed on the phone with me the entire evening until the parents returned home. That was the end of my babysitting days.

A Rough Day in the Woods

(This photo was taken with my new camera!)

In order to get out of the heat, my hubby and I fled to the mountains. We decided to go up to Mt. Mitchell, NC and do some hiking. First we got up and went to the flea market so my hubby could buy some "treasures". We arrived at Mt. Mitchell in time to look at some beautiful views and have lunch. After lunch we decided to hike the 2 mile Commissary Ridge Trail (rated easy) and back. Well, the trail was an old logging road full of rocks and in full sun. I decided that we needed to get on the Camp Alice trail and hike the .5 mile strenuous uphill to get out of the sun. I thought when we got to the top, we could take the Old Mitchell trail back down to the car because I was worried that my hubby was not drinking enough and he was dripping with sweat. After a few minutes he let me know that he was pretty nauseous so I assumed he was experiencing some difficulty due to the heat and tried to encourage him to drink more. This made him a little grumpy but we continued slowly up the trail. Finally we reached the top only to find out that the trail kind of went up and down instead of all down like I had hoped. At least we were in the shade and hubby was drinking more. I noticed he was even looking better as we traveled down the trail. Thank goodness because thoughts of having to drag his butt out of the mountain was not thrilling me! When we were about 10 minutes from the car, I was attacked by yellow jackets behind my knee and above the ankle on the back of my leg. The bee got stuck in my sock and kept stinging me or there was more than one but whatever happened, there is a pretty big bite on the back of my leg. Of course I was worried about my allergies and having an allergic reaction so I immediately took the Allegra D that was in my pocket (I had forgotten to take it this morning) and when we got to the car, I took a benedryl too. Don even chewed up an aspirin into a paste and put it on the stings. Boy, was I sleepy all the way home. I could barely keep my eyes open at McDonalds for dinner. Of course by the time we got to our town, I was awake enough to eat freshly baked hot doughnuts! Now I am recuperating at home but I can't believe after 5 hours it still stings. All I can say is Ouch!

Smithsonian Item

Blog Prompt: Friday Aug. 10 is the anniversary of the Smithsonian Institute. If you could put one item in the Smithsonian (national Museums in Washington DC), what would you want preserved for future generations?

After careful thinking, I believe I would like to see my accordion put in the Smithsonian. I only know one other person personally who plays the accordion and he is in his 70s. I recently started to play my accordion once a week during lunch at a local nursing home. I played some sacred songs and was thrilled when I heard some of the residents singing the songs while I played. It gave me such a wonderful feeling! You always hear of people playing the piano or an organ or a band or symphony instrument but not many accordion players. I remember growing up watching the Lawrence Welk show and my parents hoping that I would someday be as good as the one on TV. I also remember wishing that I wasn't the only one in my age group (I started when I was 4) who played an accordion because all of my other teenage friends were playing the "cool" instruments. I eventually taught myself the guitar and I took organ lessons but after all these years I have come back in a full circle to the accordion. I'm not worried about what other people think anymore and can really enjoy playing my accordion. In the past few years I have been asked to play in different homes during the Christmas Tour of Homes and I have played for friends who were very sick. I realize that this instrument is easier to bring along than a piano or an organ and now I am proud of playing a different instrument than most people. I imagine that playing the accordion will become a lost art.

Favorite Day/Gas and Weather

I'm a little behind because yesterday I bought a new camera (took half the day to buy it and the other half to read the directions!). I got a new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K. I'm so excited and I can't decide what to photograph!

Wednesday's prompt:
What is your favorite day of the week?

Now that I'm retired, my perspective on this question has changed immensely! My favorite day of the week is now Wednesday. It is the day I go hiking with my hiking buddies. We all come from different walks of life and are all different ages. I love to talk with them and find out what they have done all week, their opinions on books, movies, and life in general. I love being around them because of their love for life! Many of them are over 75 and don't want to waste a minute of living. I hope I will be like that at that age.

Thursday's prompt:
Blog Prompt: I'm in the mood for some "current events" today and would love to hear what the weather is like in your part of the world. Also, how much did you pay for gas the last time you filled up your car?

This morning I filled my car up with gas that was $2. 48 per gallon which is the cheapest it has been in a long time. I don't understand how the same store could have it 10 cents more across town. Is that not an example of price gouging? Oh well, I won't get started on that. As for the weather, it is supposed to get up to 103 today with a heat index of 110. My hubby uses this as an excuse not to walk our 3 miles. Can you believe that?!

My Hands

Blog Prompt: Look at your hands. Why are you grateful for them?

I'm so grateful to have hands to:

• Hug others.
• Use the computer.
• Garden.
• Care for myself.
• Take pictures.
• Feed myself.
• Help others.
• Play the accordion

After I typed these, I wondered if it was just off the top of my head or whether my brain made me put them down in order of importance. Hmm....

Joke for Monday

Blog Prompt: Aug. 6 is Lucille Ball’s birthday. I thought she was a great comedienne so in honor of her birthday, I thought we could tell a joke. Since it is also Monday, I think many of us need a joke to make us smile today!

Q: Two yellow jackets were flying through the air. One of them had his legs crossed. What were they looking for?

A: A BP station

If I found $20...

Blog Prompt: How would you spend a found $20 bill?

I would probably use it to buy more DSP kits. Now that I'm retired I'm really trying not to spend so much money but I can't help it. I have limited myself to $12 a week and it is really hard to choose what to get. And of course, I don't count Club Digital! I can only hope that the ones I don't get will be on sale some day.

Ideal Picnic

Blog Prompt: If you could plan the ideal picnic for your family, what would it look like? Be sure to include the following: Food, Location , Activities

My hubby and I've gone on more picnics this year than we have in probably 10 years. We are not picky about the food as much as the location. One time we just had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, one time we had Kentucky Fried Chicken, and another time we made sausage dogs. But all of the times, we were near a mountain river and it was just the 2 of us. We usually have a picnic when we are hiking too because we are usually miles into the forest and we bring our lunch. Around lunchtime we try to find a nice spot along a river or if there isn't any river, we try to find a place with a nice view. For some reason I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when I'm hiking. I usually bring fruit for us to eat, and cookies for desert. If we are near the water, we usually play in the river after we are done eating (in the summer, not the winter).

The Internet

(Decided to scrap yesterday's photo last night!)

Blog Prompt: Tell how the internet has made an impact on your life.

1. It has made doing research on places we plan to go much easier. I don't have to run to the library only to find out the book I want is already checked out and the book store has the book but it costs a gazillion dollars!


2. I also love emailing vs. snail mail! I save on money, time (because I get quicker responses), and it is soooo much easier! I hate talking on the phone so this is much better for me.


3. I have reconnected with relatives around the country through AOL Instant Messenger. I have a cousin in California that I haven't seen in 35 years and I hope to see him next summer. I have also gotten much closer to my sister because we talk every day on the computer which has led to both of us getting Verizon so we also talk on the cell phone more frequently.


4. I have learned how to do digital scrapbooking because of DSP! If I hadn't been searching for answers on why my first attempt at paper scrapping was so bad, I would never have found DSP. I was so disappointed and frustrated, that I was delighted to know there was an easier way. I've been hooked ever since.

Photo - not scrapped yet

Blog Prompt: Take a photo you've been meaning to scrap and write your journaling for it here.

I've been meaning to take a photo of this since the momma bird started to build the next on my side porch. Then I watched her sitting there and took a photo of that. I decided to wait and get a photo of the eggs but I never saw her leave the nest to get a photo of the eggs. I noticed lately that she wasn't sitting on the nest much and wondered if she gave up. My hubby says that I probably scared her away because I showed so much interest in her. Today I brought my tall ladder over to the nest and thought I would see unopened eggs. Was I surprised when I saw the baby birds! I hope she doesn't mind that I took a picture of her babies!

Different "Hats"

Blog Prompt: How many different 'hats' will you wear today? Will you be mom, grandma, employee, employer..etc. How do you balance all of it?

1. Wife: My favorite hat to wear. I enjoyed having breakfast and lunch with my honey! I will be cooking him dinner tonight also and we will enjoy our 3 mile walk after dinner.
2. Retired teacher: I went by my old school to pick up my last pay stubs and arrange to get the last of my materials from my classroom.
3. Boss's Wife: When I go to my hubby's office, his staff treat me like I'm a queen! (which I don't expect them to do since I'm usually wearing these dirty blue jean shorts from gardening and a sweaty ol' tshirt!)
4. Volunteer: I went by the nursing home and arranged to play my accordion once a week during their lunch. (Just like a fine dining restaurant!).
5. Library User: I use the public library a lot and I'm in the middle of re-reading the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix book.
6. Gardener: I did go out and weed some of the flowerbeds this morning before going out to breakfast.
7. Web designer: I designed a web page for our rental property (My hubby has been asking me to do this for about 2 years).
8. Aunt: I keep in touch with niece and nephew through email and AIM.
9. Scrapbooker: I am trying to do a page a day and learn new skills through DSP and Digital Scrapbooking magazine.
10. Relaxed and Lazy retired person: I'm thinking about laying down and possibly taking a nap (if it happens, it happens) while I watch whatever strikes my fancy on TV.

Exercise

Blog Prompt: What do you do for exercise?? And if you don't exercise, why don't you? And if you do, what is your motivation to keep going???

My hubby and I go walking for exercise. About 20 years ago, I lost all of my hair due to stress. Even now I find small bald spots on my head, which keeps me motivated to walk. Every evening, after my husband gets off work, we eat dinner and then walk 3 miles. For one thing, I am off the computer (which I'm on all of the time) and he is not in front of the TV (which is watches all of the time!). We spend the time talking about the future and what our plans are going to be. He also shares with me about his work and I used to share with him about my class (when I worked). We both look forward to that now and it has become a good habit.

I have read a lot of books on health and exercise but I think we get in a rut. My hubby has been complaining that with all of our walking and watching what we eat, he doesn't feel like he is losing weight. I just read that we need to do interval walking which would increase our losing weight. Of course, I knew this but just forgot about it. So, we are walking for 5 min. and then the next 5 min. we walk much faster. Then alternate every 5 min. I hope this helps and will let you know in the future.

We are also watching the calories we eat and try to eat healthy (but not to the point we are on a diet.) On the weekends, we eat whatever we want to and during the week, we cut out all sugar and junk food. I plan to increase the number of times I eat also (I can do that now that I have retired!). I plan to have a snack at 10 and 2 and 7. That will mean I'll be eating 6 times a day. The book says this will help kick in my metablolism. The jury is still out on that one too.

Movie that made me laugh

Blog Prompt: What was the last movie that made you really laugh? Or do you have one you've seen over and over and still makes you laugh?

I guess I'm easily amused so if we go see a comedy, I'm going to laugh. But something that makes me laugh is watching my hubby watch Ice Age. He loves that movie! I think it is all the body sounds that he can relate to but he really enjoys this. He doesn't usually let himself enjoy movies and says that some funny movies we see are "okay" but he really doesn't think many of them are as funny as advertised. But he has watched Ice Age about 3 different times and he really gets a kick out of it. I usually laugh at funny movies because I feel they are entertaining and funny and I don't try to analzye the funniness of the move! But I REALLY laugh just watching him laugh as he watches Ice Age!

Excuse Not To Work

Blog Prompt: Make up a great excuse why you can't work today.

First let me start off by telling you what has to be done today. I have to wash a load of clothes, which can only be done if I'm home. Usually I start a load even if I'm leaving the house but now we think the vent came off the dryer and has blown lint all behind the washer, dryer, and stove. I have to vaccuum all of that up but can't unless hubby is home to move the appliances since 2 of them are hooked to a gas line. So, I'm stuck babysitting the washer and dryer. I also have tons of boxes to sort through that I've brought home from work when I retired which has taken over my dining room. I also have vaccuuming to do since I've seen some dirt that I either need to sweep up or vaccuum up. It's also about time to clean the bathrooms (yuck!). I also have to make 2 phone calls that I am dreading to make since I hate talking on the phone. I also have to read a couple of library books since they are only loaned out for 14 days as new books.

Well, the main reason that I can't work today is...I'm retired! I shouldn't have to do anything that I don't want to if I don't want to! There is always tomorrow. I also checked out 3 DVDs of old movies to watch and my hubby doesn't like old movies so I have to watch them while he is at work. I also have a couple of layouts to do because the deadline for the challenges are coming up. I also have to "feed the hungry layouts" because I hate to get behind since everyone is so great about leaving nice comments on mine. I guess my main excuse is that I'm just too busy to do any work!

Favorite Spot

Blog Prompt: Stand in a favorite spot in your house, garden, wherever and describe it for us in detail.

I am actually sitting in my favorite spot in the house but it is my favorite spot only in the summer because it is so hot outside right now. I am at the table with my laptop which is located in my "playroom". Since there is just my hubby and myself, both of our laptops are plugged in and left on this table. This is also the table where we eat dinner and lay mail down on and have printers and a scanner on. In front of me, against the wall is our big screen TV which we took out of bedroom to make room for the new HDTV. In the middle of the room is the pool table (which we hardly ever use unless we are entertaining). Against the wall near where I am sitting is our treadmill which I use every morning. On the other side of the room is our hot tub,which my hubby uses every morning. There are big windows behind me that look out into our deck and huge backyard. I can see my water garden (in a huge flower pot) on the deck and watch the birds come in for a drink. I really enjoy this room.

Words of Wisdom

Blog Prompt: Find a proverb or saying that you think is true.

I think the saying that has most influenced me is any versions of "What goes around comes around!" or as my mother used to say "If you pee in the air, it will come back on you!" Of course it has to do with "Do unto others as you want them to do unto you."

I try to be nice and helpful to others because at some point in time, I may need help. We have gone out of our way to drive Appalachian Trail hikers to the doctor and even given them care packages of food. People who do this are considered "trail angels" and I am banking trail angel hours so when I'm on a hike and need help, someone may be there for me. I have helped elderly neighbors when they needed to go somewhere. We have even helped strangers when it is possible and safe to do so. All of this has come back around to us so many times!

For example, a few years ago we were on a trip to Chattanooga, TN one weekend when we had a flat tire. Since my husband's back is in bad shape, we really dreaded changing this tire so we called AAA. Within minutes, this nice young couple stopped and the husband changed our tire quickly before we knew it. They even refused to let us pay them! Then we stopped at a WalMart to try to buy a new tire, but they didn't have it in stock so they called another store about 20 miles away. Luckily that store had it but it was getting late on a Saturday evening so we were very worried they would close. When we drove up to this store, we knew it was past the tire dept. closing time but went there anyway. We couldn't believe our eyes when the 2 men were waiting on us. They had stayed open just for us and changed our tire so we could be on our way. We paid for the tire but the 2 men would not take any extra money from us for their troubles. People complain about all the bad in the world but its times like this when I realize how much good there is all around us!

Advice to my younger self

Blog Prompt: What advice would you give to your younger self?

If I could go back in time to talk to myself, here is the advice that I would give:

1. Enjoy the present instead of wishing for the future.
2. Be a better friend than you think you already are.
3. Don't be afraid to be yourself and be proud of what you are.
4. Be more outgoing. Other people are as shy as you are so take the first step.
5. Get outdoors more.
6. Be adventuresome and don't be afraid to try new things.
7. Appreciate your parents more because they won't be around forever.
8. Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
9. Don't be afraid to tell people that you don't want to do something that you aren't comfortable doing.
10. Stop thinking that everything has to always be about you. There are other people in this world!

Books

Blog Prompt: How many books do you have started, but not finished? Or do you only read one book at a time?

I usually read one book at a time. Even if I do not like the book, once I start reading it, I've got to finish it. I keep thinking that if I just read a little more, it will start to make sense or it will start to get better. Usually, it never does and I'm disappointed by the time I reach the ending because then I feel like I wasted my time.

Trivia for the Day

Blog prompt: Share a piece of useless/interesting information with the rest of us today.

I confess that I used the internet. I really like trivia so this was fun. Of course I had to search for something that sounded interesting because all of it was very useless! So here is my bit of trivia for today. I always knew there was a great reason to eat chocolate besides the normal reasons!

"Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural substance that is reputed to stimulate the same reaction in the body as falling in love."

Future Discovery

Blog Prompt: What future discovery do you eagerly await? Why?

I hope in the near future they will find a cure for lupus. My oldest sister died from it in 1974 and my mother had it when she died. My middle sister has it and suffers from it every day. Even my cousins have it on my mother's side but I'm the only one I know that doesn't have it. I've given my blood in hopes of finding a cure. I don't know if its the exercise or eating habits or what that has kept it from me, but I hope I will continue to avoid getting lupus so they can use my blood to find a cure. I hear of many friends and acquaintances who are being diagnosed with it and I also hope that new ways will be found to treat it until they find the cure.

Creative Juices

Blog Prompt: What helps stir your creative juices? When you're feeling like you need some inspiration, where do you go? What do you do? Who do you talk with?

First of all, I'm the least creative in my family so it takes a whole lot to stir any creative juices I might have. My mother was an expert seamstress, knitter, crafts person. My oldest sister was an excellent artist. My middle sister can sew, crochet, weave and bake fantastic stuff! Then there is me. I used to do a lot of cross stitch but the designs were already made so I didn't feel very creative at that. Other than that, digital scrapbooking is the first creative thing I've done. When I can't figure out what to do, I usually go to my Favorites folder and see what layouts I really liked and try to copy the design. I alter them a little bit to make them my own, but I feel really good about it when I'm done. I haven't gotten the design rules down yet, so I just go with what makes me feel good. That is why I save the layouts that really seem to call out to me. I figure if I like them, they must have the right design so I'll use them as a pattern. Another thing that may inspire me is when I'm out hiking and have a photographic moment. Then as I hike, I start thinking about how I want to scrap it and with what color papers and so on. My poor hubby has to listen to this conversation and of course we argue about it because he thinks he knows everything! (and I let him think that sometimes!)

Lucky Number

Blog Prompt: Do you have a lucky number? Why is it lucky?

13 is actually my lucky number. I don't know why 13 is lucky for me other than people think it is unlucky and I like being the opposite of most people.

Today for instance is the first day in 3 weeks that I have actually felt better. I've had this stupid sinus infection that has lingered and made me feel miserable for every day except today, the 13th. Now I can't guarantee that tomorrow I will feel better but I'm happy for today.

I also went to Walmart at 7am to get my oil changed. Last week, I went at 8:30am and they told me it would be a 3 hour wait so I left. This morning I was the first one there and was out in 30 min. While I was there, I found 2 pairs of skorts (skirt + shorts) that I have been looking for. I wanted them to be under $10 and actually fit me (which is really hard for me to find). I had hoped to find some to bring on my cruises but I haven't been able to find any. I can't believe I found 2 that I liked today for only $9.77! Today is my lucky day!

As soon as I got home I went out to do some gardening and the weeds were very cooperative. They came right out without much pulling. My yard man was mowing my neighbor's yard and I forgot to ask him yesterday when he mowed my yard, to check out my weed eater. My hubby and I tried to start it even by putting new gas and oil in it but couldn't do it so my hubby said we would have to get it repaired. Well, after fiddling with it a little, it started right up for my yard man so we won't have to take it for repairs! It is only 10:15 and already it has been my lucky day!

Falling Creek Fantasy!

Blog Prompt: According to some, today is Pecan Pie Day. What food would you like today to celebrate?

I'm not a big sweet eater but since it is summer and hot, I would love this double scoop ice cream cone filled with Falling Creek Fantasy. That is the name of this ice cream mixture at a place called Dolly's in Brevard, NC. It is right at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and after a hike, it is "required" that we go there for ice cream. Falling Creek Fantasy consists of cherry ice cream, chunks of maraschino cherries, and chunks of chocolate. I used to be a single scoop butter pecan fan until I ate this and love the mixture of cherries and chocolate. Yumm, now I really crave one but it is about a 90 min. drive for this and I haven't been hiking so I'll just dream about it for today.

TV Families

Blog prompt: Was your family like the Brady Bunch, the Partridge Family or the Happy Days gang? If not, who was your family like?

My family was nothing like any of them and I hated that we weren't! I watched all 3 shows and wished that my family could be just like them. My father was the one who cooked dinner every day and then went to work. My mom sewed my clothes and never wore cute dresses like the TV moms did. My parents were much older when they had me than most parents so they didn't "pal" around with my friends like the TV parents did. The TV kids always were popular and had friends but I was more shy and quiet. I wanted so much to be like them!

Moving On Up

Blog Prompt: Just like the old tv show the Jeffersons...when was the last time you felt like you were 'moving on up'?

I thought I was 'moving on up' when people outside my department starting coming to me for advice. I felt like my opinion and knowledge really meant something and I was quite honored. This past year of teaching I became a mentor to a few new teachers and it really does something to your self esteem when people come to you for advice. Hopefully people will still keep in touch with me and think I still know things even though I'm not in the classroom anymore.

Everyone Knows Me!

Blog Prompt: Is there a place you go where 'everybody knows your name'?

We eat at a local restaurant called Coach House pretty regularly. When we arrive, they usually have our unsweet teas ready for us and the waitress asks us if we want our regular stuff. If we have dinner there, sometimes the owner sends free desserts to us (and they are all homemade and to die for!). My department knows that this is my favorite restaurant so they threw me a surprise retirement party there and the restaurant staff even joined in and other customers clapped for me. It almost feels like home!

Makeup

Blog Prompt: Do you wear makeup? Love it or hate it? If you do wear it, is it for you or other people?

I only wear mascara and eyeliner and if I ever remember (about 5 days out of the year) I will put on a little lipstick. Because of my allergies, I can't wear foundations or lotions on my face because my skin is so sensitive. I used to wear eye shadow, but I always thought it made me look like a clown. I didn't start wearing mascara and eyeliner until about 21 years ago when I had lost all my hair except my eyebrows and eyelashes. Being Chinese, I feel my eyes look so little and I like to make them look bigger with the eyeliner. Of course if I'm going hiking or working around the house, I don't put anything on. When I started dating my hubby, I never wore any kind of makeup and he still fell in love with me.

Beauty seen as a child vs. adult

Blog Prompt: How have your ideas of what is beautiful changed since you were a child?

When I was a child, I thought only store bought clothes were beautiful. At the time, my mother made most of my clothes. Other kids had name brand fancy clothes but not me. I used to tell my mother about some of them and she would try her best to make the same things for me. I even used to cut out pictures from magazines or store flyers to show her. Even though the home made clothes were close, they were not the same. Now that I look back as an adult, I see beauty in the love of my mother in trying to give me what I wanted. I realize now that we couldn't afford all of those clothes and how much time and sacrifices my parents made so that I could have what I did have. That love for me is what I think beautiful is now.

I also thought curly hair was the most beautiful hair ever, especially hair that was as dark as mine. I was the only Chinese girl in any of my classes and since I was the oddball, I was made fun of most of the time. Now as an adult, I see things much differently. Years ago I lost all of my hair and told it would never grow back (but they were wrong). Now I just appreciate having hair and I don't care if it is curly or straight or even what color it is. I don't mind now that I'm the different one in a crowd because I am proud of my heritage.

Favorite Patriotic Song

Blog Prompt: Do you have a favorite patriotic song? Share it with us...we'd love to hear it!

I think my favorite patriotic song is Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA. When we went to China 7 years ago for a month tour, I really missed the US and that song ran through my head a lot. China was a great place to visit but there was no place like home. We take so much for granted in our country while people in other countries don't have the freedoms and quality of life that we have. It made me look at my own country with different eyes and I truly feel lucky to live here. I have tried to share this with my students and hope that someday they will come to appreciate the US the way that I do. So whenever I hear this song, I get kind of misty eyed and choked up but it is my favorite patriotic song.

Definition of Beauty

Blog Prompt: Define the idea of beauty -- physical, artistic, natural, whatever...just talk about what you think is beautiful.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." This saying first appeared in the 3rd century BC in Greek.The person who is widely credited with coining the saying in its current form is Margaret Wolfe Hungerford (née Hamilton), who wrote many books, often under the pseudonym of 'The Duchess'. In Molly Bawn, 1878, there's the line "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

This is definitely true in my house because my hubby and I have the hardest time agreeing on what would look beautiful in our home. You can count the decorations in our house and know how many times we've agreed on that. Nothing goes up that we both don't agree on so this can cause some heated discussion on the definition of beauty.

I love to see the natural beauty of our earth when I go hiking. It seems like everything around me is a miracle and I have such a small part in the big scheme of things. Sometimes when I hike I will come upon a magnificent view that will just take my breath away. It might be a mountain, or a blooming flower or a waterfall. I think even watching a bee at work is beautiful. I love to see the earth after a soft warm rain. Everything looks so shiny and fresh. We have so much beauty that surrounds us and many people don't take the time to look around them and enjoy life.

UFOs

Blog Prompt: Today is World UFO day. What do you think UFOs are? Do you believe in little green men?

I'm not sure that I know or that anyone knows. I'm sure there are unidentified flying objects but it could be atmospheric or government stuff. I don't think I believe in little green men but I like to wonder if there are other universes out there with living beings. Are they bigger or smaller than us? Are they like us or strange creatures like in the movies? I remember seeing movies back when I was young about the future and thought many things were impossible. I can't believe how much of that future has happened in my lifetime. Surely the people who make up this stuff have a foundation somewhere like a hint of the truth or knowledge of things in the wroks. Who would have thought computers would be in almost every household? Who would have imagined that cars would be able to park themselves? Who would have thought phones could be cell phones and show pictures? But then again, I even wonder what insects think about us or what do birds think when they watch us? I know, I'm just loony! I don't have any answers but I sure do have lots of questions!