For Today ... Jan 26

Howdy.... Jan 26

Jerry was laid off last Friday and so the job hunt has begun again. He expected it to happen and I had hoped that it wouldn't have until at least the first of the February. Ah well, it is what it is. He's put in a few applications but no word on any of them just yet.

 

Jerry's been taking the dogs out most of the time and doing most of the cooking. I've let him take over the TV while he's off work. The shows that I watch are being recorded and I can watch them later.

 

Yesterday was a nice enough day, weather wise. It was sunny and warm enough that the heater only came on a few times. I woke up to rain this morning. I think it's suppose to stop this afternoon and if it does we should go get the rest of the laundry done. It's not far from our camper but we do have to carry it a little way from the car to the laundry room. I have no idea why there isn't a way to park closer to it.  I will sort the laundry we still have in the camper after breakfast and then straighten up the bedroom while I'm in there.

 

Our high today is to be close to 50 with lots of rain, and the over night low just a bit below freezing. The weatherman is saying that our weekend is going to be even nicer with a high close to 60.

 

The dogs prefer that Jerry take them out and indicate that by, when it's time to go out, they sit in front of him and stare at him until he gets the message. From time to time they will look over at me as if to suggest that I speak up and let him know that they are asking to go out. Macon has been staying very close to him the last couple of days. He and Rocky compete for the space on the couch by Jerry's side. But Rocky will sleep in Jerry's place at the table if he can't get on the couch. Barney usually Stays near me. 

 

For dinner tonight, I'm going to  cook in the crock pot. I'll cut up a large potatoes and put it in the bottom of the pot, then open a can of green beans and pour that in, then I'll cut up a smoked beef sausage and lay that on top of everything and let it cook on low for a few hours.  I picked up some Sugar Free Puddings and will fix one of those for our dessert tonight

 

 

I am hearing...  Jerry stirring about in the bedroom. Getting dressed for the day, I'm guessing. Rain on the roof of the camper. The fan of the heater, from time to time.   my phone clicking from it picking up a facebook posting or from an email that has been delivered into my mail box. 

 

I am wearing...  Dark Blue sweat pants and a tan top. I need to pick out some earrings to wear for the day.

 

   

I am thinking...  about what to try to get done today. I want to make something but everything takes up a lot of room to work on.  I have many projects and not one has been worked on this month. The month has gotten away from me, again.

 

I am thankful for...  Jerry not having to work in this messy rain and that he didn't have to work when it snowed last weekend. As much as we need the paycheck, it's nice that he was home. I am also thankful that today it's rain and not snow, because it would be close to 12 inches of snow if it wasn't rain.

 

 

I am hoping...  That the Weather stays on the warm side and that it will dry up soon. I am also hoping that Jerry finds another job this week. Jerry needs the rest, to be sure, but he is never completely comfortable at home when he knows we have things to take care of.

 

 

I am creating...  I have been working on just getting something started again. I finished coloring a stylized tree and put it in my crafts book. I need to print off a couple of pictures to go into my book and get it caught up.

 

 

 

     

 

  

 

A few plans for today... sort the laundry, do the dishes, start dinner, clean off all the table tops, work on a craft

 

A few plans for the rest of the week...  support Jerry on his job hunt.

 

 

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.

For Today ... Jan 19

 

For Today ...  Jan 19

 

 

Hello and Good Afternoon
Yesterday, Jerry and I had appointments with our PCP. Just our quartely routine visit. but I did tell him that my left back is still hurting and that it's getting worse and worse. It has gone from a 4 or 5 to a 7 or 8 over the last few weeks. I will have another ultrasound, just to see if it's still a kidney stone or something else is going on. Jerry is still working on trying to get us signed up for insurance. 
We had the grandkids over te weekend and took them home yesterday. (No school due to MLK day) and they behaved very well, until their mom showed up.  (figures) We picked them up on Saturday instead of having their mom bring them to us, because I needed a hair cut and her friend who does that, could work me in.  It was fun watching her tint my daughter's hair and then cut the grand kids hair as well.
Sunday, I had hoped to do laundry but going shooting took much longer than I thought it would. The kids had a blast and we all got good and cold. It was fun. I helped Corbin with his BB Gun. Making him understand that, although it's BB's, it's still a gun. The men who were on the Rifle side were very kind to him, and helped him understand that it is a Gun and not a Toy. His armes got tired of pumping it three or four times each time he went to fire it.  He was hitting all around a cola bottle that was floating in some water about 15 to 20 foot out from the set up area.  Every time one of the men needed to go check their targets, they made sure I had control of his rifle. Showing him that it was being respected. He also got to shoot about  30 rounds through a .22, under Grandpa's supervision. Bailey put about 150 rounds through it as well. We were all pistol shooting at the same target so I can't say how many times she hit the target but we do know she caught the target several times. I shot the .40 and the 9mm and the .22. I think I'll stick with the .22. it doesn't have the kick the other two have. but I will shoot them again, next time we go target shooting, just to get use to how they handle.

 

Outside my door ... Today is Sunny but Cold. There is ice near the driveway and I can't get Barney to play in it. I'm guessing he's forgotten how to slid on ice since it's been so very long.  We are suppose to get snow and rain early tomorrow and all day long. I sure hope I have an afternoon appointment so that the worst is over with before we leave to go back to Dunlap. 

 

The Dogs ...  I tried to show Barney some Ice along the driveway so he could go sliding, he didn't want to do that. but then again maybe it wasn't frozen hard enough.  There's a chance he will want to play in it later. Barney has gotten in trouble by jumping out and  running off before he's on a line. He's had to spend the morning in a kennel and I made good and sure he was clipped before I opened the door for him this afternoon. He's not going to like that he will be clipped before the door is opened over the next few days. While I had Barney out, I cleaned up the yard.

 

Look who is peeking out from under the door in hopes that the kids will let them out again.

 

From the kitchen... I'm making dinner in the Crock Pot today. First I opened a can of green beans and rinsed before I put them in the bottom of our larger Crock Pot. I then washed up two smallish potatoes and put them on top of the green beans. I then laid 5 Brats on top of the potatoes. I'll fix a salad after Jerry texts me that he's on his way home. I don't think we will have dessert tonight. I'm sure he's going to want to head to bed as soon as he eats if he gets cold.

 

I am hearing... I'm catching up with the shows I DVR's over the last few days. Right now I'm on Monday's Y&R.  I'll be caught up soon on most of my shows. We watched NCIS with the kids over the weekend and I will not remove those after we watch them until the kids get to come visit again to get a chance to see them.

 

I am wearing... Black Sweat pants, with a white with black pipping top. I put in yellowish flower earrings this morning.

 

 

 

 

I am reading...  I haven't pick out the next book yet.

 

I am hoping... That the weather isn't too bad tomorrow.

 

I am creating... I got 5 more Cricut Carts in the mail over the weekend. I had two of them already so I am in hopes of selling them. I want to get out the Cricut and cut some paper after a little while.

I need to finish the card I started for baby Heather.

 

   

 

One of my favorite things...  Having the Grandkids over for a while.. and taking them back home again, as well.

 

A few plans for the rest of today... Sweep and vacuum the middle parts of the camper,then getting out my Cricut for a little bit

 

A few plans for the rest of the week... After my Appointment, I want to start a dress for Bailey and maybe one for me, as well.

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.

For Today ... Jan 13

For Today ...  Jan 13
Good Afternoon.  I've been busy after two days of not feeling so good. I'm still not "good, but I'm better than what I was. I've gotten the kitchen and the bathroom do so far and the Dinning room is next.
The sun is shining and making the camper very warm. I kinda wish Merry was here to enjoy the natural heat with me. He's at work and today he's working 12 hours. Oh bummer and him not feeling well either. I expect that he will come home, eat dinner, shower then go to bed and hope to feel better in the morning.
I plan on letting each dog spend as much time as each wants outside. I may even use all three leads and let them all out at the same time. I need to pick up the poop out of the yard anyway and that is going to take me a few extra minutes.  I'll then toss the ball for Barney. I have to be careful to not throw it too far so he gets to the end of the longest lead we have (after it's un-tied) or he will bark and whin for me to hurry up and go get it for him. He's not spoiled much now is he.  He's such and cute little thing that really thinks he's a very large dog.  He's full of energy, when he's not sleeping that is.

 

From the kitchen...
I'm going to bread some pork chops and cook in a skillet, I'm not sure just yet if I'm going to fix rice or Mac and Cheese as our starch and I have a salad makings in the fridge to fix up for our greens. I may also steam some Broccolie and carrots for me. Jerry is not a fan of either.

 

 What's for breakfast?
1/2 c Oatmeal, 2 T peanut butter, 1/4 cup raisins, 2 T Sugar Free Maple syrup, 1/4 t cinnamon, dash salt, 1 cup water

 

I am hearing... Y&R is on right now. I've been watching the shows I missed while Jerry was home.. There isn't a lot of them and most are repeats anyway.  I want to start playing a CD a day so that I can do something else that just watch the tv each day.
I am wearing...  Black Sweat pants and a purple t-shirt. I had on a blue sweat shirt but it got too hot to wear in here. I found a tub of coats while looking for Jerry's bib  Carhart over-all  and need to pick out only two coats each and put the rest back ou out of the way. They are all tossed on the couch and are in the way.
I am reading... Marion Zimmer-Bradely's Bride Price (finished it, it's a very short story) and her Dark-over, First Contact.  I've read it before but have forgotten most of the story.
I am thinking...  How grateful I am that we are not having snow right now. It's bad enough that it's been so cold, but we have been lucky to not have snow on top of it. 
I am thankful for... Living in Tennessee right now. Iowa was cold enough last year. I really do not want to get that cold again. This camper is really nice and, although we are having a few issues, over-all it's in very good shape and is comfortable for us.
I am hoping... That the rest of winter is this mild. Last year, Tennesse had a lot of snow last year and I know that they are not  use to dealing with it. The kids loved being out of school but yet they had to go to school way late in the year and then had to go back in early August to make up for some of their snow days from last year. 
I am creating... Space to work in. that is, I'm cleaning up the camper so I don't feel guilty for crafting while there's housework to be done.
One of my favorite things... Playing and watching the dogs play outside. Barney ha the most fun, chasing his ball and chasing Macon when he can. 
A few plans for today... Finish my daily list and then find a project to finish up.  I may work on decorating a sweat shirt. I do that so I can tell mine from Jerry's since I'm much more comfortable in a man's sweat shirt than those made for a woman.
A few plans for the rest of the week... I need to do laundry but the car battery is dead and I didn't want Jerry working on it last night in the dark, after we had dinner out then went and got more propane so we don't run out and not have a spare tank to put on. that we we are cold only for as long as it takes to switch tanks. The man laughed when I asked if we could get our tanks refilled cause I told him  "we are here on oour by weekly propane tank refill. He said he knows what that's like.

 

Mike came by, at his grandmother insistance to make sure it was okay to keep our light for another couple of days.  He knew it was okay but she wanted to make sure it was okay with us. That haligen light can put out some heat.

 

 

 

 

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.

For Today ... Jan 7

For Today ... Jan 7

I learned last Wednesday that, around 8pm, My Friend Donna had passed away earlier in the day. Her service was on Friday at 1:30. I know she is no longer in pain and that she is at peace. I will miss her a lot.

Outside my door ...
It's a bit cloudy this morning, and not as warm as it was yesterday morning at this time.  We have a chance of rain later this afternoon into the night and tomorrow morning. While I was taking the dogs out, one at a time, I saw some birds gathering in a tree. They were noisy, as well.

The Dogs ...
Are back in their room. They got into the trash and spread it around the kitchen area so now they will spend most of the day in there.

From the kitchen...
I bought some pork patties the other day. I don't think they are "Sausage" but just all meat patties. They are pre cooked so all I have to do is warm them up. I have some potatoes in the Freezer that I'll put in the crock pot this afternoon, and will mash them up just before serving. I will have to check the canned goods tub to see what vegetables.

I am hearing...
The heater fan, Morning news on the TV. the dogs moving around in their room

I am wearing...
The Flannel Nightgown that Donna gave me the first time I went over to her home three years ago. After I get my shower, Black sweat pants Blue top. Red Earrings

 

I am thinking...
About how quickly Donna and I, Her Hubby and mine, and her sister and brother in la, all became great friends in such a short amount of time. We would meet up at an auction, or go eat out, or just hang out at her home from time to time when we first met. Then we had to move but Donna and I kept in touch and she was a moderator for one of my Yahoo groups (Teri's crafts Newsletter) I knew she was scared of dying, but when the news came, she was much braver than she knew. She shed her tears, but she also faced it straight on and fought her battle with cancer with a vengeance. She loved life, cooking, sewing and playing the piano for her Church.

I am thankful for... Having Donna as my friend, even though it was only for a short amount of time. We packed a lot in these years and had a blast. I was there for her to talk to when she couldn't talk to her family. She didn't want them to know how scared she was. She didn't want Larry to know how afraid she was of leaving him alone once she passed. Larry died back in November and I find that a comfort because it would have been too hard on him to have watched her these past few weeks.

I am hoping... That Kenny and Sister, know comfort and will be at peace, knowing that Donna is no longer in pain and is so well thought of by all of her friends.

A few plans for today... Straighten up the camper, make dinner, take care of the dogs. work on a craft... not in that order

A few plans for the rest of the week... Go to the class tomorrow. I can not reschedule it because I have no way to get to it. Keep the camper cleaned up. work on sewing or crafting.

 

 

 

 

 

Billie C.

Decorating the handles of wooden spoons

Decorating the handles of wooden spoons

 

I saw this and posted it in the Teri's Crafts Newsletter last month.  I had planned on doing these for my Daughter, Heather for her Christmas but could not find my wood burning tool. I knew I had it, the grand kids had used it over summer.  Of course it would be after Christmas before I found it, behind a box on the lower bunk bed in the front of the camper. I swear I looked for it there two weeks before Christmas.

I try not to give things that you have to work with such as pans, dishes or vacuum cleaners but she had a setback with her Ex cleaning out the kitchen of not only his stuff but hers as well, when he moved out right before Christmas. She's still finding out things that he took with him. I was able to help with some kitchen things but not everything she needed or wanted. Her daughter mentioned that there were not wooden spoons left in the house. I found two packs left at Wal-mart for 98 cents a pack. I will do the second pack in a different pattern some other time.

 

My Friend, Donna, passed away the day before I did these. I needed a craft to do that I could sink into and concentrate on and not worry about anything else for the day. This craft, for all 4 items, took me about 3 hours. I took a few breaks. I took my time.

 

 

 

I forgot to take a "before I start anything" picture. This is the first picture I took. I tried to hand draw some squiggly lines, circles and such but quickly figured out that "I" was not going to be able to do that. You might be able to, but not me, not this day. The marks at the top half of the spoon are part of the lines I drew and are not part of the pattern I ended up with.

 

To protect my table, I placed this block of wood under the spoon. It's much harder to use the wood burning tool on. This tool came with several tips but I chose the chisel tip because I can get both lines and shading out of it.

 

 

I took a rest when I got this far on the first spoon. Yes, it has a flat tip and looks more like a scraping spoon than a stirring spoon.

 

 

 

Here it is, almost finished. I added a couple of lines after another spoon, much shorter ended up with lines, so they would all look alike. I used the tip to put an "H" on the end of the handle.

 

 Here is a good comparison of all 4 spoons, laid side by side

 

I have an idea of trying this shading next time I am making this craft instead of keeping all the edges even.

 

 

 

Here is the finished spoons, ready to wrap and give to our daughter, with many happy meals ahead.

Billie C.

For Today ... Jan 11

For Today ... Jan 11
Howdy, and Good Morning. Jerry is home not feeling well. I think he got chilled yesterday and has gotten chilled more than once this past week which is not helping him to feel any better.. I'm not doing much better myself. I have a headache that just does not want to go away.

Outside my door ...  It's Sunny but cold. Predicted high is around 40 but it's going to be a struggle to get that high and tomorrow morning is to be much colder than the 27 we were this morning. For this area of the country that's very cold.  The weather forecast is calling for even more colder days next week. I am not looking forward to that at all.

The Dogs ... Are worried about Jerry being home. They all checked on him after they got their early morning outing. Rocky gets to sleep with us most nights. When he gets grumpy at one of us for making him get out of the bed in the middle of the night because we have to get up out of the bed, he gets to spend the next night in the kennel in the room with the other dogs.. he doesn't like that at all so he's been much better about getting out of the way of our getting out of bed at 2 am. Macon has been very lovy dovy on both of us the last few days. He doesn't want to get too far from either one of us. Barney got to play ball outside for a little bit. He snuck it out when he was last to potty and so I allowed him to have time chasing the ball. When he refused to give it back to me to toss again the game was over and back into the camper we went.
Yesterday, on the second outing, Barney and Macon has a surprise when I opened the door. There was a small flock of Canadian Geese just outside the door. Macon was not on his line and I'm surprised that he didn't jump out anyway... Barney came out and gave a little chase but he didn't hit the end of the lead.  Of course the Geese were all aflutter and noisy and upset... but once they realized that the dog was Not chasing them turned around and were all like 'What the... and looking and honking and smoothing down their feathers. When it was Macon's turn to come out, he hiked his leg but kept watching them to see if they were going to move or not.  He has always had a fascination with birds.

From the kitchen... I really don't know what I'll be making for our dinner tonight. a lot will depend on how Jerry feels and what he wants. I'm guessing nothing to spicy or heavy right now.

I am hearing... CBS Morning news. I DVR the news so I can catch it when ever I get up if I go back to bed once Jerry leaves for work. Which happens more and more in winter than is summer. I hear birds outside from time to time, as well.

I am wearing... Black Sweat pants and a purple sweater with butterflies on it. I haven't put in any earrings just yet.

 

 

I decided on wearing purple earrings.

 

I am thankful for... Today's Sunshine as it will help warm the camper. Running water and indoor plumbing.

I am hoping... That Jerry just needs a days' rest to feel better. When he gets up this afternoon I am going to ask that we go refill the empty propane tanks so we are not trying to find propane in the middle of the night if we run out during this or the next cold spell we are having. It is winter so we must expect to run out from time to time.

I am creating...  I finished the wooden spoons and now will have to find another unfinished project to work on.

 

One of my favorite things... watching Barney playing outside.

A few plans for today... Cleaning up the main area of the camper and still looking for some papers we have mis-placed

A few plans for the rest of the week... keeping up the camper, finding those papers, keeping warm.

 

Billie C.

For Today ... Jan 6, 2016

 

For Today ... Jan 6, 2016
Howdy....
It's just after mid-day and I'm barley through half of my daily cleaning list I'm just going slower and slower these days. I know I should be getting more done but don't know how to get to that.  I've been doing some checking up on Thyroid abd the more I read the more I think that is my over-all problem and want to be able to correct it as soon as we get some insurance. Jerry is still looking into that for us. I've let him know it's got to be sooner  rather than later.  At least with the camper not being  full sized house I don't have a lot of rooms to clean up. I've cleaned the Kitchen and Bathroom so far and next is the dinning area which is simply clearing off and wiping off the table and straightening off the benches around the table and taking care of the floor under the table.

 

 

Outside my door ...
It's about 44 outside. A bit cold but not button up your coat and put on a hat cold. The Sun is shining enough to keep the camper warm and the heater has come on only a few times. I have a box heater pointed at me at the corner of the table I keep my laptop at.  This morning I had to fix the neckline of a nightgown that Donna gave me the first time I went to her house. I haven't heard how she's doing in the past couple of days. I do hope to hear back soon. I'll call her sister this evening, if I remember, and see how Sister and family are doing.

The Dogs ...
Barney had a blast during his turn outside this morning. After potty, he was jumping and running and looked like he was dancing as well.  He was just so full of energy that I let him stay outside until he was ready to come to the door on his own to come back inside.  Now he's sleeping at my feet.

 

Rocky has had an upset tummy and has thrown up a couple of times. (on the carpet) He has a habit of licking on the other dogs and he had a hair ball that had to come back up. I am constantly looking for something to spray on Macon, who Rocky licks the most, that will make Rocky stop licking his back. Anyway... Rocky is now okay and has returned to his usual routine.

Macon got in trouble by pushing some things off the couch to make room for him to lay on it. I really do need to put that stuff away, but I will need Jerry to help me with it.  Macon is now sleeping on the floor and is snoring from time to time.

 

 

From the kitchen...
 Well, we ended up eating out last night after filling our propane tanks. I had  small cheese and shared some of Jerry's nacho's. Jerry ate a large burger, Tater Babies and the rest of the nacho's.
Today I'm going to make the spaghetti I had planned on yesterday.  I will brown the burger here in a bit and add it to the crock pot along with the pasta sauce to simmer this afternoon.

I am hearing...
The heater fan. The TV. and Macon snoring.

I am wearing...
Black sweat pants and a light tan T-shirt. Teal Earrings

 

 

I am reading...
I downloaded a few books but haven't started reading any of them yet.

I am thankful for...
That Jerry is working.

I'm also thankful tha he can take care of the heavy things like taking care of putting in the propane tanks. 
The sunshine that helps keep the camper warm during the day
The dogs and the company that they are for me.

I am hoping...
That we both pass our class on Friday.  That Rocky feels better soon.

I am creating...
I'm going to work on a paper craft this afternoon

One of my favorite things...
Talking to our daughters

A few plans for today...
Finish up the basics and make a couple of cards or start on that dress for Bailey I keep writing about.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Cooking, Cleaning, Watching TV. taking a class on Friday with Jerry and Heather.

 

 

 

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.

English Country Casserole

English Country Casserole

4 large potatoes
2 Tablespoons butter
14 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 large onions, sliced
2 Tablespoon salad oil
1 cup cooked ham, diced
10 ounces Cheddar cheese

 

Preheat oven to 400-degrees F.
Pare and quarter potatoes.
Cook until tender in large saucepan. Drain potatoes and return to pan.
Toss pan gently over heat to fluff-dry potatoes.
Add butter and milk to saucepan. Heat to boiling. Remove from heat.
Mash and then beat potatoes until very smooth, season with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, saute onion rings in oil until soft.
Add ham and saute several minutes.
Cut cheese into thin slices.
In a 6 -cup baking dish, spread half of potato mixture in bottom.
Spoon onion and ham mixture over potato mixture.
Layer with half cheese slices.
Top with remaining mashed potatoes.
Arrange remaining cheese sliced on top.
Bake for 20 minutes or until piping hot.

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.

Jan 5

For Today ... 01 05 16

(7am)
Good Morning From a cold Tennessee Morning. The sun is still hiding behind the hill so it's going to be a while before I see it and it starts to warm up the camper. Living by a lake is beautiful but the wind blowing across the water makes it a cold wind, as well.But even though it's winter, the grass is still mostly green and still trying to grow. The Sun finally made it over the top of the hill about 8:15 and started to warm up the camper. We ran out of propane at 9. I texted Jerry that we are out and I hope to hear from him to find out when he plans to refill the tanks.

 

Mike came over and asked to borrow our large light to thaw his waterlines under the camper he's in. Worked well because he brought it back in less that 15 minutes

The dogs don't much care for this colder weather at all. Unless I'm tossing a ball for Barney, even he just wants to get out, potty then run back inside. They all forget that I need to take the lead off before they can leave the doorway, but they are getting much better at jumping into the camper, turning around and letting me get it off.  They don't want to lay on the floor.  I know it's colder on the floor but I really don't want them on the bench or the couch either. I will have to lay some blankets on both and take them off for company or everyone will be covered in dog hair. The grand kids love the dogs but don't like all the left over dog hair that gets on their clothes.

Today, I'm going to cook in the crock pot. I'll brown some burger and add a jar of Pasta Sauce to it and let it simmer for a couple of hours before Jerry gets home tonight. Dessert will be Chocolate covered Peanut Butter Crackers. It's been a while since I made those and it's a special treat to have from time to time. Well, So much for planning out dinner... Ran out of Propane so I can't cook the noodles.  I may still do the burger in a foreman grill, and put it in a crock pot with pasta sauce, but I don't know how I'm going to get noodles cooked.

 

 

I am hearing... CBS Morning news, the blower for the heater and the dogs snoring.Soon as it gets light enough, the dogs will get even noisier because I'll be putting on my coat and taking each out for their first morning potty. I need to check in the storage space for a couple of heavy coats for Jerry. He said that the long range forecast is calling for colder weather next week.

 

Well, I did look while I was looking for the light for Mike, they are not there so they have to be in the storage in Dunlap.

 

I am wearing... Sweats this morning. Black Sweat pants and a Maroon sweat top.  If I stay cold(ish) I'll go find a cap to put on. I'll get either a knitted one or one I made years ago to  wear while we were doing Re-enacting events. I want to make a couple more of them.

 

I am reading... Hum... instructions on how to reset the pass code for my IPad.  I'm bummed in that I will have to reload everything because I can't recall the  four number code for it. I've been trying to load ITunes but even that is not working as it should and keeps saying I need to download the one for 64 bit. When I do that, nothing happens. I'll have to have Jerry try it cause I'm sure it's some small stupid thing that I'm missing.

 

I am thinking... about what I need to get done today.  I need to find Jerry's coats if they are here with us. I need to take the trash to the bin and I need to put away the rest of Christmas

 

*** update ***

Coats are not in the storage

All of Christmas has been put in a box

Still need to take the trash to the bin. A walk later.

 

I am thankful for... The good weather we have had so far. Not having to walk through snow or on ice is a blessing.

 

I am hoping... That Jerry gets at least one day off this weekend.

I am creating...  I want to work on Bailey's Dress some time today. I may have to get the small table out of the basement (back storage of the camper)

 

One of my favorite things... Staying here by the lake in the off season where it's nice and quiet. I hardly see anyone, but yet I know there are people close by if I need help.

 

A few plans for today... house chores,Take down and put away the rest of Christmas decorations and  sewing or at least cutting out the dress.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week... Keeping the camper cleaned, cooking dinners and on Friday, enjoying the day with Jerry and Heather.

 

I painted my fingernails yesterday late afternoon. I used the magnifier I bought after Christmas so I could see what I was doing. I do need to paint earlier in the day so I have better light to see by. I painted them Black and put a sparkly silver glitter coat on top of that. It looks like the night sky with stars.

 

 

I have lots and lots of errings. I am trying to wear a different pair each day.

 

 

Todays' earrings are black and purple and match what I am wearing

 

 

 

I wore these owl earrings yesterday. I bought them just before Christmas

 

 

Wore these on the third. I put one my dragon earring in the afternoon but kept the matching earring in my left ear.

 

Even though my hair is still short, I feel like I need to get it cut soon.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

 

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

 

I know it's early, but I want to start planning for treats for Valentines day to share with my Hubby.

Ingredients
⦁ 24-30 strawberries, fresh
⦁ 6 ounces of white chocolate
⦁ 8 ounces of dark chocolate
Method
1 Wash and dry the strawberries, making sure the berries are fully dry as water will cause chocolate to seize up.
2 Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Follow the melting directions on the package.
3 Dip the strawberry in the white chocolate, holding onto the stem or the "shoulders" of the strawberry. Give it a quick little twist and shake with your fingers to shake off the excess and then point it at the ceiling for a second or two to ensure that the chocolate adheres. Place on a piece of wax paper to let dry.
4 Melt the dark chocolate according to the instructions on the package. Dip the strawberry in at a 45 degree angle from both sides to make the "jacket". Let the excess drip off. Place on wax paper to dry.
5 Place some melted dark chocolate into a piping bag with a very small tip, or in a ziplock bag with the little corner snipped off and pipe on buttons and bow tie.
6 Allow to dry and cool. (If drying seems to go too slowly, place them in the freezer for about 3-5 minutes.)
Best eaten the day they are made.

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.

Good Morning, Jan 4, 2016

 

 

 

 

Good Morning,

 

I hope your day is going well so far. Have you had to write "2016" yet? Did you first write 2015 then had to change it? I know it will take me a little while to get it right.  Our weather is great for this time of the year. We are a bit cloudy right now and our high is suppose to be close to 40F. Even with the sun out that will be coldish.  I am wearing a sweat shirt for the first time this season. I love to wear sweats when it's cool outside. This one is maroon and I have on brown sweat pants to go with it.  We should be back into the mid 50's by the end of the week.

 

The Grand kids spent two nights with us this past weekend. The dogs loved it. WE took a walk down to the lake side on Saturday and Barney went right in. He just loves to swim. Macon got wet as well but not his whole body. just his lower legs.. Rocky just got his toes wet and that was all he was going to do. Barney kept trying to get Macon to go on into the water and get more wet. On Sunday, the kids took the dogs for another walk and when they came back, Macon smelled awful. It seems that he rolled in the grass in several places and one of those places was where someone emptied their fish holding tank and Macon was very happy with himself to have found it. He wasn't so happy that I took him back outside and rinsed him off. At least I used warm water and not just tap water to get the stink off of him. Pee U did he smell bad. The girls laughed at watching him try to avoid getting his shower.

 

We are eating out tonight since I need to do some food shopping. We put it off for too long and the kids being here emptied my larder even more. I told Jerry that we can go to the Piggly wiggly instead of Wal-mart since it's closer and the prices are about the same and I only need to buy for the rest of the work week since he's going to take Friday off and I can shop again then.  

 

Anymore, I DVR the morning news so I can go through an hours worth of program and hear only the things I'm interested in. Right now is a morning story on a new diet book. The premis isn't new, just a new way to look at what is eaten and which to eat first (Proteins) and what to eat last (Carbs) Next I'll watch the first of the "700 Club" for their take on the news. Then will erase the rest of it and watch the early morning news for the stories from the weekend and over night that I may have missed.

 

I got to watch the first episode of "Downtown Abby" last night and want to watch it again here in a bit to catch what I missed last night. IThe dogs distracted me a couple of times.

 

 

Have you got all your Christmas down and put away yet? I took down our tree yesterday, It only took a few seconds because it was a sticker on the wall.  The kids got a kick out of my sticker tree and all agreed it was the perfect place to put it. Today I need to clean up the camper and take down the rest of the Christmas but leave up the "New Year" decorations until the end of the week.

 

 

 

I found where I had put my tablet and picked up where I had left off in a book I was reading from the Kindle app. Now I can't remember my pass code and will have to lose everything on it to restart it. Oh bummer... I will have to see if Jerry can retrieve the pass code before I do that.

 

After I get the major parts of the camper cleaned up, I want to start working on a new dress for Bailey. She picked out the material for this one and I want to get it done before her birthday. She picked out a material with colored zigzag stripes in it. I bought what was left on the bolt and hope to have enough to also make Little Heather a dress or skirt as well.

 

 I need to replace my tart warmer. Macon hit the able I was on and spilt some of he wax onto the Dish Receiver and some of the wax dripped around to the underside of the warmer and I don't trust it any more. They are cheap enough that I think it is safer to replace than worry about it catching fire from the wax being too close to the element. I need to change the scent anyway. I'm getting tired of the Cinnamon Candy sent nd want something new for the New Year.

 

Well, I really need to get up from this computer and get the dishes done and the kitchen cleaned up so I can get to the rest of the camper s well.   It's not "Dirt" just that there is a lot of things out of place so it's cluttered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.