In My Backyard

Be Safe Always...

2010-11-18T10:36:00.001-07:00

This is a VERY intense and Graphic video.
I thought it worth sending out.
We are NOT invincible.....maybe young drivers could benefit from this.
Pass it on...

Double click video to enlarge to view.

Check This Out!

2009-10-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

WOW!

I'm back....sort of...hopefully. LOTS of puter problems since APRIL!!!

Anyway....

In my blog-hopping this morning, I stumbled on this! Check this link out and go get in on the drawing for this!

http://twinklesglow-glowbug.blogspot.com/

Also.....check out my STAMPIN' UP website at

http://www.sherrystampinroom.stampinup.net/

Check out the CLEARANCE RACK and the DEAL of the WEEK (last DOTW).

I hope to be back this evening for an overdue update, but, no guarantees.....I've been awake since 4 a.m. this morning....ugh

Got some major weather changes on the way....possible SNOW tonight and tomorrow! LOL I'll believe it when I see it, but, it would be nice! Except that we don't have the leaves up yet, because the trees are finished dropping them.

count your blessings...

I'm ALIVE, I promise!

2009-08-14T13:55:00.003-07:00

Well, life has been ... umm.... interesting, to say the least!

I have missed blogging, but, sometimes, you just don't wanna tell people EVERYTHING....ykwim?? You never know who is reading your 'stuff', so, sometimes, I just clam up.

I intend to 'try' to get back in the blog groove, tho!

Enjoy the last remnants of summer, wherever you are!

*Where are you anyway??? Leave me a comment*

SherryBee in AZ

RIP Michael...

2009-06-25T17:55:00.003-07:00

WOW! What a shocker!

I am so sad to hear this....

No matter what, he was GREAT!

He contributed so much to our lives, the music industry and the humanitarian things he did...

I pray that people focus on that stuff. The rest, well, I just don't know how much is true and how much was fabricated due to his fame.

He's dealing with God now, and it's not for me to judge.

His music brings back SO many memories...

Thriller was popular when my first son was young....

Rest in Peace, Michael.

count your blessings...

SherryBee

Sunday Drive

2009-06-23T09:41:00.005-07:00

Here are some pictures I took, when Hubby and I went for a drive on Father's Day. I LOVE smelling the forest! I always come home so relaxed, after a day in God's nature!
This is where we were going...up on Escuidilla Mountain.

Just me and Dozer.

I loved watching these butterflies do their 'dance'.

We saw these bull Elk on the way down. Look close! Their antlers are still in VELVET!
There were 5 of them...2 laying down under a tree, but, hubby kept moving the truck on me.

These elk are so sleek and fat! They look like a horse body! Aren't they beautiful?

count your blessings....

SherryBee in AZ

NEW ITEM added to my ESTY shop...

2009-06-19T14:58:00.002-07:00

Please check out my lil crocheted flowers on my ETSY shop!

WOW!
I can't believe how fast June is passing! May always seems like a long month to me, and then, it seems the summer just flies!
It's been VERY nice in my backyard this summer.....It started to get pretty warm in April, and then, when we got rain, it cooled off and actually hasn't gotten very warm around here. The desert has been a bit cooler this summer, too. Crazy weather, but, I am loving what I have!

I am reading the 3rd book in the TWILIGHT series....is it just me, or is it kinda boring? LOL I still wonder why I'm reading it...I am not in LOVE with it, but, what I really like about it, is that it got me into reading again. I mostly read at night before I fall asleep.

Our little scrapbooking store is closing...so sad. I worked there last Thursday for the very last time...ugh Now, maybe I will save some money, but, still... I really hated to see it go. UGH These times...

I am hoping to feel like going to Show Low in the morning for a little Stampin Up club camp that my upline is having. I have been a demo for going on 2 years and never really had any learning from her, other than the 2 retreats I went to that she put on. I need to be able to hold my own classes/clubs so, I can make a bit of money or at least earn enough to pay for my own habit! LOL

It's so quiet and peaceful here today...I think since the wind had been blowing SO BAD for the past week, that without that noise, it's kinda 'weird'. hehehe Overcast, too.

I'm fighting another UTI *last week, too*, so, I'm not feeling too spiffy. Think I'll go vacuum and then, I'll feel like I've 'earned' some crochet time!

count your blessings...
SherryBee

FREE SHIPPING w/ANY order!!

2009-06-17T06:37:00.002-07:00

WooHooo!
Shop my AVON site NOW....they are offering FREE SHIPPING on ANY size order! Delivered directly to you ANYWHERE! Skin So Soft is great this time of year, and also, the BUG GUARD products. It's always nice to have a new lip color and some fun FLIP FLOPS or a new BAG this time of year! Go LOOK!
http://www.youravon.com/sherrybeeson
SherryBee
count your blessings...

This just cracks me up!!!

2009-06-17T06:21:00.002-07:00

Hope this makes you SMILE!
It's titled....
ARE WOMEN BORN THIS WAY?
Hmmm, good question!

SherryBee
count your blessings...

Check out my new ETSY shop!

2009-05-24T18:26:00.002-07:00

I am so happy! I FINALLY got my ETSY shop up! Please, go visit it....you'll see the little gallery to the right. Hubby is out-of-work, so, hopefully, I can generate some grocery money with it.
Leave me a lil comment, please???
I'll try to get back later tonight or in the morning with a HUGE catch-up since, I got home from California visiting with #2 son, WITH pictures!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

Happy Wednesday...

2009-04-29T11:01:00.002-07:00

It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood! Blue sky, birdies singing, flowers popping up.
It feels good...
I need to get some water on the yard. It's so ugly at the moment. They will come Monday to turn the sprinkler system on. I can't wait for my beautiful, lush green grass again!
I got my arrangements all made for going to California next week to see #2 son and to enjoy his Fire Academy graduation. I am so ready for something 'different'. It will be so good to hug his neck and visit with him. I told him I'd like to go see the ocean, about 2 hours away from where he's at. He also mentioned taking me to Reno. I'm trying to keep myself from getting all worked up about getting myself to the airport, tho. I have a 4 hour drive to the airport in Phoenix, from home. I'm going to just park my van there while I'm gone. I saved a bunch of money flying out of PHX vs. Tucson, plus, I got non-stop flights both ways. I also decided just to stay in Jeffrey's room and boot him out to the couch! LOL I told him we could get a blow-up mattress for him, tho. He lives in a big house with 4 other guys, but, he said they are gone most of the time. I'm sure we'll only be there to sleep and shower, so, it won't be TOO bad! We may be going on a couple of trips, anyway, so, we may be in motel rooms for a couple nights. I'm leaving Wednesday and coming home the following Monday. I wish I could stay longer, but, he has make-up work for the Reserves 4 days in a row, starting Tuesday.
I had a very nice phone conversation with #1 son yesterday noon, also, so, I feel very content. Today, I'm going to lunch with my friend, Ruthie. I always look forward to that.
When I get home, I've got some eBay items to get packaged and ready to mail for hubby. I also want to find some time to get in my craft/crap room...I feel the need to make something! LOL
I have a question for anyone reading this....
Do you re-use coffee grounds, and how?? I let mine dry, and sprinkle them on my flowerbeds. What else could they be used for? Leave me a comment with what you do with them. Thanks!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

What's For Supper At Your House?

2009-04-28T09:09:00.001-07:00

WFSAYH

Happy Tuesday!
So, What's For Supper At Your House???

Tonight, we will have:

Bean tostados
Tamales
Side Salad
Raspberry Iced Tea
Fresh Strawberries with Angel Food Cake

Tell me what you are having!
and, don't forget to count your blessings...
SherryBee

Martha! Martha! Martha!

2009-04-26T01:49:00.001-07:00

Hey, girl! My laptop is SICK and your email address is in it...I don't have your email on my desktop...Could you email me so I can keep it on here? I miss ya!
count your blessings...
SherryBee in AZ

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

2009-04-26T01:40:00.002-07:00

Soul :: Train

Fold :: and put away

Breakup :: is hard to do

Will :: Power

Fond :: Memories

Powers :: That be

Ho-hum :: Yawn

Hustle :: Hurry up

Avenue :: Street

Tower :: Tall

can't sleep

2009-04-26T01:07:00.002-07:00

I got a phone call about 10:45, from my friend Lynne, in North Carolina. Her son had been killed this evening. 26, on duty, police officer, vehicle accident of some sort. Some of you may know her from her online presence.....Raising5Boyz.
I'm just sick. Please lift this family up in prayer.
count your blessings...
SherryBee

OH MY GOSH!!! I'm a winner...

2009-04-21T09:11:00.004-07:00

WOW! A few months ago I stumbled on this wonderful site -- THE RUBBER STAMP TAPESTRY. I LOVE this place! Well, I just found out that I won a stamp set, complete with inks! WOOHOO!!!
Click HERE to see this set in action! All you have to do is comment on the posts for entry into the giveaways. Susan does a fantastic job showing you how to create with these lil stamps. I LOVE the whole website! Let me know if you LOVE this place, too!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

well, I'm back....

2009-04-20T16:05:00.003-07:00

Time slips away from me so fast, I cannot believe it! I think Spring may be here...I thought it had been canceled or something. I've been staying around the house pretty much, the past week. I did go have lunch with Ruthie, Tuesday when she was in town. I've been 'trying' to get my craft/crap room mucked out, and that is a HUGE task! I do have a path in there now, tho! *grin* I did manage to get some cards made really fast yesterday when hubby went antler-hunting. (He did find 2) I don't think I'm done tweaking the cards yet. I LOVE using those new Stampin Up clear Printed Window Sheets. Today, I spent about 5 hours thoroughly cleaning my bedroom. It's going to be a 2-day job, tho, cause I'm BEAT! I did get the curtains, sheers, valances and windows all done. I moved over half the furniture--HEAVY!, including that big bed--ugh. I can't believe all the dust! YUCK! I wiped down all the walls, as I moved and pushed things... I also got most everything out from under the bed! I did have to put a couple boot boxes of some things under it again. But, I feel good about the accomplishment in there so far. Tomorrow, I'll finish it up. The key is to start EARLY, before I lose steam! LOL
Well, hubby gets home 1/2 hour early nowadays (5:15), so, I better get busy and finish getting his pictures of antique doll parts ready to put on eBay.
I'll let him BBQ the ribeye tonight! YUMMY Then, it's loveseat/crochet time!
What are your plans for the week? Hope you have a great week!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

Christian Panties...

2009-04-10T18:26:00.001-07:00

Yep, uh huh......
count your blessings....
SherryBee in AZ

Wednesday's Writers Workshop....even tho it's not Wednesday!

2009-04-10T08:32:00.003-07:00

Ha Ha! I found this on Mama's Losin' It, and when I read this prompt *see below*, I knew IMMEDIATELY what I could tell about! LOL She has a WEDNESDAY WRITERS WORKSHOP with some prompts. Check it out and join in!

5.) What is an unpleasant experience you had eating? Write a poem, paragraph, or something else about the experience.

This is SO easy! To set the stage a bit, let me tell you that my mom & dad ate alot of 'different' type things. Things I DO NOT eat, even as an adult. I think I was about 8 or 9, maybe younger...suppertime, I was usally a good *big* eater, so, I'm sure I came to the table hungry, after a long, hard day of outdoor playing and running all over the neighborhood til my heart's content. And, look what we have here! Sauerkraut and hotdogs! SAUERKRAUT!!! HOTDOGS!!! Well, thank goodness for the hotdogs, which I didn't particularly care for, but, at least they kept me from starving! Because....I would NOT eat that smelly, stinky, nast-ay SAUERKRAUT!!! It makes me sick to my stomach, even thinking about that stuff!
Well, at our house, growing up, we didn't leave the table until our plates were clean. *I still do this, and it bugs me to no end, when my hubby throws something away from his plate* And, yes, I did hear that speech about all those starving kids in China....more than once! (And, that brings to mind...do parents today, still tell their kids that, or do they just warn them of no computer time, if they don't clean their plates? ....never mind, I'm sure alot of parents don't even bother these days.)
I don't know how my three younger brothers (only 2 at that time, and one was probably a baby and got hot cereal) got away from the table...maybe they/he DID eat it? NOT ME! I remember sitting in the DARK *is that considered child abuse these days?* and told NOT to leave that table til it was all gone. I can barely remember sitting there for a L O N G time. I do remember happily RUNNING away from that table, upstairs, to bed!, when I called out to mom...'my plate is clean'.
hehehehe, I wonder what went through her mind when she saw that CLEAN plate? Until she picked it up to take into the kitchen! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA...yep! It was all tucked neatly under the edges of that plate!
I just wanna tell ya tho.....
That little trick didn't work so good with the oyster (eyeball) stew she used to serve us up.....BLECK....PUKE...BARF!!!
Man, my kids should be thankful that my mom, was the 'meanest mom in the world'! They had it easy! I NEVER made them eat weird food!
Oh, BTW....ever smelled LIMBURGER CHEESE???
count your blessings!
SherryBee

Good Friday

2009-04-10T08:12:00.005-07:00

Every year on my birthday, my mom will say "You were born on Good Friday". I always wonder what that means...Too deep for my head.

Last Saturday, while at moms, my cousin, Sandy, sent us her work schedule for the rest of the year. I guess it was a 'hint' for setting our 2nd Annual Train Trip to Iowa! So.....We are planning on leaving Albuquerque Tuesday, September 14! Yippee! We haven't actually bought the tickets yet...we will wait to make sure Sandy can get one of the weekends off while we are there. That's a long ways away, anyway. I get tickled thinking about my Aunt Mae getting her notebook/list started! We razzed her alot about it, but, really, it was a great help! Mom wanted to go a bit earlier this year *actually, if you said LET'S GO, she'd have her suitcase out right now! hehehe*. It won't be as cold as it was last October. One thing that I like about planning these trips, is it's a great boost for those old ladies! It gives them something to look forward to, and hopefully, stay healthy...altho both of them are doing great at the moment.
Well, time to get busy around here. I think it's gonna be a long day. Not much sleep, again, last night, ugh.
count your blessings...
SherryBee

some of my lastest crochet projects...

2009-04-09T12:12:00.005-07:00

When I went to moms, I showed her an easy potholder project, to give her something to do. I love making these potholders. Quick, easy, no-brainers! Gotta love stuff like that sometimes. The 2 dishcloths are for a swap I am mailing out. I love the fun colors of these projects.
We woke up to a bit of snow this morning! WTH? Crazy weather...I just hope this cold stuff doesn't kill off all the fruit this year. It was so windy yesterday, it blew a lil storm in. We are supposed to have something else showing up this weekend. I think hubby and I will just hang around the house this Easter weekend. He's pretty tired and wore out from working so much...thank you, Lord, that he has a job! His elbow is almost blown out and he flashed his own eyes day before yesterday. He NEVER does that, so, I think he's just been working a bit too much! Poor guy...50/60 hours a week is a bit much. The money is nice, but, at what cost?
I guess I'll finish up my 'puttering' (tell me you putter, too!) and deliver a bit of AVON, then, come home and make myself a birthday cake. WooHoo! I miss having my kids around. Jeffrey used to always surprise me with something...usually, he'd have some kind of decoration around, and he would have my coffee cup, spoon and all set out on the counter all nice for me. He did call me first thing yesterday morning...at 7:30...to wish me a Happy Birthday. It almost made me cry. #1 son probably has lost track of the days, and he doesn't have very good phone service. He'll remember when he sees me tho. Hubby called from work...at 10 minutes to 5...he wanted to know if I wanted to go out for supper, but, we decided to wait and see what the weekend brings. I'm not a huge fan of eating out, so, that's fine by me.
count your blessings...
SherryBee

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2009-04-08T22:53:00.001-07:00

And, it's almost over!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

home again.....

2009-04-06T10:22:00.009-07:00

I went AWOL for a bit there! LOL Actually, I went to stay with my mom while my brother went to Boise for a week. I was undecided when/whether to even go, but, last Tuesday, the 31st, after I had gotten all my errands done, I figured I better head out, since I didn't know when I'd have the chance again. I enjoy the 3 1/2+ hour drive, once I get on the road. I put my Beatles #1 Hits CD *GREAT ROAD SONGS! HEHEHE* in and savored the beauty of the mountains, as I left town...
I got to mom's right at 6--suppertime! LOL My brother joined us for supper and a glass of wine, then, we popped a movie in. The next day, we left for Tucson about 3:30 to get him to the airport. We had 45mph traffic for about 20 miles, because we got behind a truck hauling one of those HUGE coppermine truckbeds....it took up both lanes. If it wasn't so scary *and windy* it would have been comical watching stoopid drivers that didn't know what the holdup was! After we dropped him off, we went back towards Willcox, and stopped in Benson...had to hit Walmart, of course! LOL Then, we planned on going to eat Chinese food, but, it was closed! That whole NEW business complex is in a mess! The ground is shifting under it and the restaureant had the roof cave in! ACK! So, we settled for Wendys. Got home and settled in and watched my favoritest movie...Secret Of The Bees.
Thursday, we went back to Tucson with one of my moms friends. We went to Desert Diamond Casino first...I am not a gambler, but, thought what the heck...$20 was my limit! LOL We ate first..yummy.. then, I found a 2cent machine and spend just about the whole 3 hours on that machine, and the one next to it! LOL I ended up $69 ahead when I left....smiling all the way out the door! hehehe Then, we went to Costco *my first ever trip there* and home. Friday, we went for breakfast at the Truck Stop. I was trying to hook up with my friend, Lucille, that is the manager there, but, she was busy doing her errands.
I was on a mission after that....I had decided I wanted to take pictures of old WOODEN windmills....most are all metal, but, I did find 2 old wood ones right there on the outskirts of town. (AND a snake welcomed me at the first one! YIKES!) Next time, we'll head out towards the old town of Doz Cabezas (you can see the 'Twin Peaks' or Doz Cabezas in the next to last picture on the right side), I think I'll find some out that way. This first picture shows the two I found last! The one of the left is wooden, but, the top is gone....maybe on the one across the road. Funny, how I took all this stuff for granted while growing up around it all *and probably thought it all disgusting anyway, being a 'city' girl and all. I've come to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the desert, and the west in general.

After that, we found my friends from home, that had just gotten to the Elks Club RV park. They invited us back between 4 and 5 for drinks. I vacuumed for mom and replaced the belt on it, and then, we headed to the Elks club. That was a nice visit, but, since, I'm a lightweight when it comes to drinking, we left before the dinner that they wanted to buy for us! HA! We grabbed some tacos and headed for the house. Saturday, after I did a through dusting in the living room, mom took me out to the winery for lunch for my birthday. My friends from home were there! HA! They came in and bought wine. Then, they visited with us while we ate. They wanted us to come back to the Elks between 4-5, but, we decided not to. We made enchiladas for supper and rented Slumdog Millionaire, after our evening walk.
We also got our Iowa train trip tentatively planned! WOOHOO! Hoping to leave Albuquerque September 15!!! Ohhhh, so exciting! I'm sure my Aunt Mae has her notebook out getting things planned for us!
I loaded up and came home Sunday. The excitement for that day was the TICKET I got coming through the lil hamlet town of Glenwood, in New Mexico.....grrrrr! I even told the cop I was NOT happy about that. He got me for going 44 in a 35 as I was coming down the hill into town......Me thinks these states are all hurting for money and will getting people for everything....be alert! I don't speed in NM because I got a ticket a few years ago for going more than the 50 MPH posted.....50mph on the highway! GRRRR for over 10 miles stretch. What a joke! As soon as you hit AZ, it's 65, and it's mountain also!
I get so tired driving sometimes, that I have to pull off for a snooze, and that's what happened yesterday....it was a nice little 30 minute nap, til the sun got it too hot in my van. I got home about 3:30 and unloaded, then, decided to go to the store so, I wouldn't have to the rest of the week....that makes me happy!
Today, it's laundry and changing the bedding and general cleaning. I am glad to be home!
So....tell me what your weekly plans are.
count your blessings....
SherryBee

another snowy day!

2009-03-30T14:21:00.003-07:00

HA! I'm loving this! We have had 2 'unexpected' snowstorms, lately. Thursday, we had 8", and this morning, 4"---it snowed contiunally from 7-12 a.m. I LOVED it! I made chocolate chip cookies to celebrate! LOL

Didn't do much this weekend. We pretty much stay home, when hubby is not working. I did talk him into taking me to my friends, Ruthie, 60th birthday party in Show Low Saturday night. That was a nice change. We had BBQ hamburgers, chicken and the MOST delicious DQ ice cream birthday cake. It was fun watching her open all of her nice gifts. I can't remember the last time I've been at a birthday party....

Sunday, we stayed home. It was so windy, again! I cleaned house a bit and spent the afternoon taking pictures out of MIL's old photo albums. Those things should be OUTLAWED! They ruin the pictures...and, some of the pictures will have to be cut away from the pages. I will eventually sort them and seperate, then, send them on to the other two brothers. Going through old pictures is always such an emotional thing for me..it takes alot out of me.
My mom has several boxes of the old black/white and familly photos. You don't know how many times we drag those things out and laugh, and laugh! We are saving those historical stories in our heads, too! LOL I LOVE having pictures in boxes like that. It's so easy to pass them on to the one next to you when you bust out laughing, so, they can see! I plan on keeping hubby's side of his family's pictures in a big box, for the same reason.
I like to do 'little' scrapbooks, for certain special occassions or what not. The big scrapbooks are beautiful, but, way too intimidating for me. So, boxes for me, and I'll be happy, happy!

I have a small Stampin Up order I need to get done. (Still have to close the other workshop order yet---I'm anxious to see what she pulled off with that.)
I need to stay busy or I'm gonna be SICK of chocolate chip cookies! LOL We can't have that!
count your blessings...

my first video...

2009-03-27T12:54:00.003-07:00

This is one of the gifts my 'sis' Ruthie gave me the other day...She spoils me ROTTEN...but, I like it! hehehe I laugh everytime I push his button!

back to the real world...

2009-03-27T09:05:00.011-07:00

This week was a blur...it just seemed to buzz right by!
I don't even remember what I did Monday....isn't that terrible? It scares me! I need to take more vinegar~Bragg's Natural Apple Cider vinegar with a bit of honey in a small glass of water. That stuff REALLY helps me! I take it for what I call 'brain fog'. It's also great for your joints, your blood vessels/veins, keeps cholesterol in check, and on and on...do a search or go to Braggs' website. My youngest son, when he was facing a test in high school, would say "mom, make me some of that stuff". I love to take it the night before I need to get up early, too. It just gets me bright-eyed and busy tailed! LOL
I worked Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the scrapbook store. It's been pretty slow, so, it gave me time to get things ready for my very FIRST Stampin' Up workshop.
I had to drive 30+ miles one way (at night, which I hate!). It's not over yet, but, let's just say the hostess had 10-12 people there and when I left there was only ONE order for $15. I thought I did a really great job and had 3 fun projects for them, so, that's all I'm gonna say on that...
It's been really windy around here all week, and yesterday, about 4:00, it started SNOWING!!! By 7-ish, it was over, and we had a beautiful 8 inches of the white stuff! We have the weirdest weather! I absolutely LOVE snowy, blustery days/nights. I love the change, I guess. This is what it looked like this morning:

I'm not the best cardmaker, but, here are some cards I made this week..some are pretty basic, for the workshop.

Gotta get busy and clean house, get laundry going and deliver some AVON after the roads are a bit more clear.
I have the urge to bake something, too....hmmmmm, what will that be?
count your blessings...
SherryBee

....goodbye, dear friend

2009-03-22T17:08:00.005-07:00

*sigh* What do I say?
My dear, OLD *inside joke* friend, Chris, lost her fight with ovarian cancer Sunday, March 15th. (The day after my Mother-in-Law passed away...) She found out 3 1/2 years ago, when she was already in stage 4. Kept ignoring the pain. She had major surgery, taking out ALOT of her insides, trying to make sure they got it all and that it was all 'clean'. New meds, no more meds, new treatment, not gonna do it anymore...it finally got one lung, then, the other. She would have entered the Hospice progam the next day, Monday.
35+ years..... how many friends have you had for over 35 years?
I crocheted her a prayer shawl a year or so ago. I could not believe the memories that flooded back while I crocheted. She was a big part of my past. We worked together at my parents El Taco, we became neighbors and best friends. We played pool ALOT and got so good, that we could beat most of the local guys. We spent evenings together doing stupid stuff in the hot, summer nights...stealing peaches comes to mind! We traveled to Seattle from Arizona twice. When hubby and I got married and lived in another town, she would come visit us. We would flop a mattress out on the living room floor and laugh all night, until we pee'ed ourselves!
We hadn't seen each other in person for about 26 years, but, she was the kind of friend that when you talked to her those couple of times a year, that it was just like yesterday...and we laughed!!! Oh, how we laughed. She was always the OLDER one! HA! She was only 17 days older than me, but, I never let her forget that she was the OLD friend! She died a week before her 54th birthday...ha, fitting....she didn't want to be older than me.
I am so sad...I loved you Chris...I know that you knew it.
She lasted so much longer than they ever thought she would. Even her pastor praised her bubbly, optimistic attitude for outliving her time. She was such a lover of life. And, it came to me that she did what God intends for us to do--she 'used it up'. She was the happy, bubbly, cheerful type that sometimes you would just want to 'slap her'! ha ha...I know she would appreciate that. She would say 'gee' and 'garsh'...mostly for effect, but, she was sweet, truly sweet. Not fake sweet.
She LOVED her cats and horses! She gagged me, when she would open a can of peas...and eat just peas! She dipped everything in mustard! She always started our phone calls with 'hey, kid'. It came to me the afternoon that I found out, as I drove to get my TAXES done, (yeah, really crappy day) that I could just hear her saying, as she looked around heaven.....'gee, this isn't so bad'.
Today was her birthday. I would have called her and gave her a hard time about being OLDER. And, we would have laughed and laughed through the whole call....
...until we meet again, my friend.....
these are from 1976...on one of our trips to Seattle...

sad news...

2009-03-16T01:02:00.002-07:00

Just a brief update.
My mother-in-law passed away Saturday, March 14th. I pray she is finally at peace and smiling! I think she led a very sad life for 82 years. I try to think of times she must have had joy....
I'll post about the scrapbooking retreat a bit later. It's going to be a very hectic week.
count your blessings...
SherryBee

'a stampin' I will go....

2009-03-12T08:05:00.002-07:00

I am leaving this morning for our second 'ANNUAL' Stampin' Up Retreat! We have a HUGE cabin in the woods rented from Thursday thru Sunday! 13 of us this year, compared to 7 last year. My friend, Ruthie, is joining us. We'll be in the bedroom with bunkbeds...I made her take the top! LOL I'm so excited!!! My only problem is, I can't decide what to LEAVE AT HOME! LOL My van is gonna be FULL! We are also having a surprise baby shower for our leader and her sister-in-law *that is coming from Colorado to join us* on Friday night. Saturday, on our lunch outing, we may head back over here to the Scrapbook store for a 'special' 50% off sale the entire store for us! FUN, FUN!

I haven't heard much on the situation with MIL...her leg wound has stopped seeping, tho. She isn't wanting to eat much. Yesterday, her sister was put in the hospital after not having a very good out-patient procedure!! ACK!

I can't believe where the week has went! I know that saying about time flying the older you get....man!, is that ever true!

Better get off here and get my buns a'rollin!
count your blessings...
SherryBee in AZ

hello out there...

2009-03-07T10:48:00.004-07:00

Saturday! What a nice day we are having...lots of blue sky, and the wind has died down. There's just enough to make my chimes do their thing by the back door...I LOVE that sound!
Yesterday, my brothers, SIL and mom went out to breakfast before they headed back home...what a fast trip, but, that's my brother for you. Actually, his eye was hurting him..he has been having terrible trouble with his right eye...not good stuff at all. It was a cold, rainy day, but, you know I LOVE those kind of days! There's plenty of sunshine, so, I enjoy different weather days.
For some reason, I was tired all day, so, I did take some time to play with my new stamps from RUBBER STAMP TAPESTRY...I just love them.
The highlight of the day, was when I went to the bank and paid off the 04 Mountianeer Travel Trailer!! WOOHOO!!!! Paid it off 89 (YES! 89) payments EARLY---now, that's a great feeling!!!

I made my 'famous' ho-made Potato Soup for supper, then, watched a marathon showing on AMC of 'Breaking Bad'. They had 7 shows from last season, but, I ended up having record the last 1 and 1/2 shows...I just couldn't stay awake anymore. The new season starts Sunday. Don't ask me why I watch that show....I just do.
Well, time for me to get busy. I am hanging some sheets from the guest bed outside to dry, then, I need to start pulling some pictures together for MIL's memory board. This whole ordeal with her going into hospice is totally getting to me. Part of who I am is because of her....I met her when I was 17, and have learned so many things from her. I still do things today, that I attribute to her. Some good, some bad... I get really sad when I look back on things I wish I would have done differently. It's causing me to relect back on my entire life.
Lord, forgive me....
count your blessings...
SherryBee

busy, busy

2009-03-05T19:32:00.004-07:00

Another busy week!
I stayed home Monday and cleaned and whatnot. I should have cleaned my nasty van, the weather was beautiful...but, it turned cool and windy....you can tell Spring is a'comin here in Round Valley! THE WIND IS HERE!!! UGH I saw on Jeopardy several years ago, one of the questions was 'what is the windiest town'...they said EAGAR! I beleive it, too! We've had 105 mph winds before...the year our roof was taken down to bare wood!
S C A R E Y!!! Tuesday, I did leave the house for a bit to do some errands, and such. Wednesday, I went over to Show Low )for the 4th time in 10 days!!) to have lunch with my friend, Ruthie, and naturally, had to hit WALMART! LOL I was good, tho and didn't buy much, except Toilet Paper and a bit of food. Today, after I got my AVON order in, I cleaned house, cause my brother and mom came up for the night. Hubby went to a pool tournament and my brother is staying at my other brothers house. Mom fell asleep during the movie we were watching, 'The Secret Life of Bees', and went to bed, so, I thought I would get this post in.
It's been an emotional week with MIL stuff. Hospice is involved with her, as of today. I'm hoping to get a bit more info tomorrow....so sad. I asked hubby if he wanted to go back down and see her again this weekend, but, I don't think we will. As long as she has her sister there, that helps. It's such a 'weird' situation. I feel sad that the family wasn't that close. She was a hard one to be close to. I guess every family is different, and you all do what you have to do to survive...
I didn't find any free time to play with my new CRICUT or stamps, darn it.
Maybe tomorrow afternoon or Saturday, since hubby will be working.
My back is killing me again.....I can't stand up straight for a bit after I get out of a chair. I don't know what's up with that! I'm an OLD lady, I guess...I feel like it! LOL
I'll post some pictures I took Wednesday when I drove over the mountain to have lunch. I love driving that way...It tops out at 9410'. It's been so warm, the snow is melting fast. Seemed to have a LOT of snow this year. In the distance, you'll see Sunrise Ski Resort. It's on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. Just a peek into my world...

count your blessings....
SherryBee

I suppose I should play catch up...

2009-03-02T19:42:00.003-07:00

WOW! Another week gone by and here it is March!
My tooth mess is all better, altho, my chin is STILL a bit numb. Last Tuesday, I took #1 son over to Show Low and we spent the day doing some errands he had to take care of. We got alot accomplished. He had gotten his income tax money back, so, he came home BROKE! LOL He got to spend some money on himself for a change, too, and I could tell it made him feel good. We had a real nice lunch at a nice Mexican food place. Went to Walmart... When I took him home, he had me come in and meet the owner of the house he is staying at. We had a real nice visit, for about an hour! I'm glad I got to spend the day with him...he's such a good person..he just doesn't know it. Wednesday, at 9 p.m. I got a phone call from him. Could I bring him some gas. !!??!! So, I got the gas can, and headed to fill it. I COULDN"T OPEN IT! Had to come back home and have hubby open it...I had even asked someone at the gas station if he could open it and he couldn't. STRONG hubby! LOL So, off I go....I took the turn I was supposed to and kept going and going and going. Thank God I had phone service, because I ended up getting stuck in some snow that was deeper than I thought. Oh, man! I tried really hard not to get scared....out all alone -- in the dark -- in the forest. I guess I didn't see him pulled off a side road. I called hubby and he had to get out of bed to come help me...he got there right at 11 o'clock! I was just getting ready to call him again *my phone was almost dead, too*, I was giving him to 11..I didn't know if he was actually coming or not, cause I lost his call. #1 son had taken off walking, so, I had to give him and the dog a ride back to his place. WHAT A NIGHT.....I was soooo happy to get my butt home!

I was on a spending frenzy last week, that's for sure. Man, I gotta get some more AVON customers or get another part-time job! I NEED MONEY!
I finally made the decision to buy a CRICUT! Yippee! I think it will be here tomorrow. I bought it on EBAY, NEW, with 2 cartridges for $250 including shipping! I got a Stampin Up order in Friday. I also found the neatest stamp place online.
If you love to stamp or make cards, check out my new favorite place. Rubber Stamp Tapestry
I ordered Tuesday night and it was here Thursday!!! From North Carolina!! I love my stuff! Then, Saturday, before we left for Payson, I ordered a Mega and Giga Punch and some other things from the sale at Addicted to Scrapbooking! WHEW!!! I can't look at another thing! *altho, I have another Stampin' Up order to send in! LOL*

Saturday, hubby took off work and we went to see his mom at the care center. She'd been in the hospital for a weeping skin tear and her legs were so swollen..come to find out, she had a blot clot. They put a 'green filter' in her big thigh vein to stop any more clots that might be in there, as the blood thinner might loosen them. She spent almost a whole week in the hospital, and had gotten back to the care center Friday. We were shocked to see her in the condition she was in. Not good at all... I had to go outside for fresh air *I hate breathing the air in those places, and come to find out they have a flu epidemic on that ward...both ends!* We spoke to her nurse for quite awhile and came to the conclusion that it's time to put her on hospice....She is so tired of this fight for life...She'll be 83 in November. She's been in the care center for just about 2 years, now. We met up with hubby's aunt and her husband and a cousin and his family, for dinner at Chili's. We had a nice visit, under the circumstances. Altho, I got a call from the care center 1/2 through the meal...MIL wasn't doing well....they put her on oxygen, did a couple breathing treatments and put her on pain meds. The nurse said she seemed to be doing a bit better.
Today, we thought the Dr. was going to evaluate her for hospice, but, her sister emailed and said when she called they said the Dr. would get back with them. pfft
MIL already has all of her funeral arrangements taken care of *since 1988 when her husband died, she did all of that right after*. I have talked to the funeral home a couple of times recently to know what to do. Tomorrow, I'll go over to the little house, all of her clothes are still in the closet. I am hoping I can find a nice blouse to take when the time comes. I am also going to get some photos together to put on a board for display at the funeral home. I know none of the boys *her kids* will know what to do, so, this will be the last I will have to do...ugh
*sigh*
I need to sign off and go shower. I feel the need to crochet to unwind...
count your blessings...
SherryBee

UNCONCIOUS MUTTERINGS

2009-03-02T19:36:00.002-07:00

Pain :: Toothache

Lego :: Blocks

Trooper :: Hang in there

Flicker :: Photos

Character :: Donald Duck

Determined :: Stubborn

Wing :: Man

Control :: Freak

Automatic :: Dishwasher

Yeah :: Baby!

count your blessings...
SherryBee

...your Monday laugh...

2009-02-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

count your blessings...
SherryBee

UNCONSIOUS MUTTERINGS

2009-02-22T13:57:00.003-07:00

Carpet :: Cleaner

William :: Tell

Oh! :: Boy!

Board game :: Monopoly

Sunlight :: Sunset

Delay :: Reaction

Winner :: Loser

Concubine :: Bible

Comatose :: ACK!

Satisfy :: Content

count your blessings...
SherryBee in SUNNY AZ

toothupdate

2009-02-20T21:21:00.003-07:00

WHEW! It's almost over with...I still have some numbness in my chin and lower cheek. Weird! I ended up having a root canal on the tooth Wednesday. I decided to do the RC, since I didn't need a crown on it, only a filling. So, that saved well over $600. So instead of the intial $1502 *with 15% discount*, it will be be $683.....????!!??? I agonized over the decision of pulling vs. root canal---that was almost as bad as the pain! I still have to go back Monday for the permanent filling to be put in.
Here's a few pictures of some cards I had made before Valentines Day, and when I worked last.
I'm still on the hunt for organizing solutions to my craft room for the scrapbooking section. I may run to Walmart and Home Depot tomorrow or Tuesday and get SOMETHING that will work.
I'm off to work on the doily from hell.....this is the hardest project I've come across in a long time.

count your blessings...
SherryBee

Crochet vs. Knit

2009-02-20T17:30:00.002-07:00

ROFL --- I know I spend waaaaay too much time online..I found this and just had to post it! LOL Sometimes, we do take ourselves way too seriously, don't we?

Can you see it?

2009-02-20T14:29:00.009-07:00

Can you feel it?

I think it's Spring.....trying to sneak up on me....
count your blessings....

SherryBee

TGIF...

2009-02-20T11:39:00.001-07:00

Hope you have a great weekend!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

Hopefully, your day will be better than this.......

2009-02-17T10:12:00.001-07:00

count your blessings...

::UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS::

2009-02-15T18:00:00.002-07:00

Be mine :: Kiss Me

Ecstatic :: Happy

Orderly :: Conduct

Sebastian :: Cabot

Sore :: Loser

Don’t need :: Any

Rockstar :: Hillbilly (?)

Tinfoil :: Box

Addiction :: My Computer

Where? :: What?

count your blessings...
SherryBee

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T23:02:00.003-07:00

SherryBee

...still suffering

2009-02-13T22:21:00.003-07:00

It's not that I'm a huge baby or anything, but, geez! I am ready for this tooth business to be done with!
I had the dentist office call me in a prescription for some pain meds *Tylenol 3*, I don't like that other stuff that makes me sick to my stomach*. It was cutting it, so, I was taking that and an 800mg Ibuprofen about every 2 1/2 - 4 hours. Pain and misery! The pain was up to 9.5 (with 10 being full body pain, so, it was bad). My face looked like a baseball was in my mouth by Thursday morning. I was dreading what he might do at the appointment. Right as the assistant was looking at me, she said these kind of infections are bad. Within the past 5 years, the dental industry is seeing lots of people dying from them because they get 'SupeBugs' that the antibiotics won't work on. I was left in the room alone freaking out! I hadn't been taking my blood pressure meds for 2 days and my heart seemed to be pounding. The dentist told me the tooth had DIED! AND, that he would have to get that infection draining.....by drilling into the tooth! ACK I was afraid that was what he would want to do, but, it wasn't that bad. (Have to go back later, and I've decided I'll have it pulled. It's loose and the bone is already deteriorating. It's a small molar, and, the weird thing is that I have no fillings or cavities on that side.)
Now, the pain comes and goes and the swelling, too. It started up again a few minutes ago, so, I'm typing with a big icepack on my face!
I did go work at the scrapbook store from 2-5 today. I knew it would be a slow, easy day. I had debated about it in the morning, but, by noon, I was feeling pretty good.
I work tomorrow from 10-4. I hope it's a good day and I can make it. The owner is having a big celebration/going away for her husband and a bunch of military people. Her husband is deploying in a week or two. (They haven't even given him an acccurate date!?)
So, that's my catch-up.
count your blessings...

Toothache....

2009-02-10T14:44:00.003-07:00

WAHHHH....it hurts! I stopped at the dentist office after my PAP test (NOT fair! Two of the most YUCKY things in ONE day!!!) to see about an appointment. I have 'something' going on in my mouth and it's not going away. They called a prescription in for some antibiotics and told me of a 'concoction' for pain to get over-the-counter. I can't get in to the dentist until 9 a.m. Thursday. I think I'll be ok til then, but, not much longer than that. We don't have dental insurance, so, this will be interesting. We had planned on doing some dentist stuff in Mexico, but, I'm a bit leary of some of that stuff done there, just in case of a reaction or something... Yesterday was the day we could have added dental onto hubbys insurance, too.............CRAP!
It's a nice snowy, COLD day. I love it, it fits how I feel, too! LOL Hubby came home at noon. They shut the job down. He's in taking a nap now...awwww
I did take a few minutes to meet my friend, Ruthie, for a few minutes. I had another Valentine's giftbag for her. I love spoiling her! And, boy, did she spoil ME today! She filled my bag with some yummy chocolate cherries (primo!), some Valentine's stickers, the sweetest card, AND, a Hoops and Yoyo card---I LOVE those guys! But, the bestest part is she also got me a DVD of 'The Secret Life of Bees'!!!! What a sweetie-pie she is!!! I may curl up with my laptop and watch that later.
I'm out the door for my prescription now. I AM IN MAJOR PAIN...
count your blessings...
SherryBee

Love these colors!

2009-02-07T10:03:00.002-07:00

Wednesday, #1 son and I had to go to Globe for 'business'. When I took him back to his place, the sun was just setting over this pond. See the geese? By the time I had driven around it, it was practically covered with duck and geese!
I love it!

Hubby is working again today. I put a big ole pork roast in the crockpot with garlic and carrots. I can smell it already...yummy. He'll be happy when he walks in the door tonight. I'm also making some brownie bites for a little dessert.

I finished up a red shawl for my friend, and forgot to get a picture before I gave it to her, when we met for breakfast on Tuesday. I mailed off the little blue star baby afghan for my cousins new grandson. I also participated in a dishcloth swap. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my puffy.

The weatherman is telling us to expect rain and/or up to 20" of snow, down to 2500'.
Well, we'll see!

Have a fun day and count your blessings!
SherryBee

What I've been working on...

2009-02-07T09:32:00.004-07:00

I've been busy crocheting...and LOVE it!
Here's a few pictures.

...tiny flowers for some cards

...jar toppers

...a new doily project in #20 thread--ugh!

...a little bit of happiness!
Don'tcha love a perfect pie?
...it's apple. Wonderful with vanilla ice cream!

count your blessings...
SherryBee

I've been challenged...

2009-02-07T08:27:00.007-07:00

Ela challenged me, so, here it is!

The RULES:
1. Go to your pictures
2. Take the 6th folder
3. Choose the 6th picture
4. Show the picture on your blog and write something about it.
5. Invite 6 new people to this challenge
6. Link to them and let them know they are challenged.

I invite:

Martha
Michelle
Dru
Wendy
Lynne
Storrmey

Let me know when you post your challenge.

Here is my 6th in the 6th...

This is one of my favorite AVON watches! I started 'collecting' watches 2 years ago.
My addiction with watches started when I went to an AVON Honor Society luncheon. I admired one of the girls pearl watches and she said "That? It's AVON...I have 45 watches!" LOL I guess I thought it was OK to start my collection of watches! hehehe
They ARE a great accessory, functional and I get them at a discount, so.....
I have about 20 at this point. I try to contol it, and sometimes I do real good.....
Those are the times I have to COLLECT flipflops instead! hehehehe
Check out my AVON site for your own collection. If you don't collect....I CAN HELP! ROFL!

Boring, I know...But, I was sweating it, wondering what I would find and if I would have to CHEAT! ROFL

Have fun!
count your blesisngs...
SherryBee

I just had to do this...

2009-02-07T08:24:00.001-07:00

This is my most favoritest song...

count your blessings...
SherryBee

Unconsious Mutterings

2009-01-25T18:04:00.002-07:00

Unwanted :: Throwaway

You’d better :: Not Pout

Woman :: John Lennon

Weighed :: Deli Meat

Upright :: Vacuum

I feel :: Happy!!

Ill :: Will

It’s like :: This...

Poor man :: Begger

Great :: Job

Count Your Blessings...
SherryBee

2009-01-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

WOW is all I can say. I have so many emotions today. As I sit and devour the coverage of the inauguration of President Obama, my head swims with 'stuff'. I can only imagine how I would feel if I were black. To see something like this come to pass......amazing! What an awesome historical event in our lifetime. I pray he will get this great country back on track. God be with him...

I did not vote for him, but, he has my respect, as our leader. I just can't help but like him.

God Bless America

count your blessings...

SherryBee

How 'bout them birds???

2009-01-19T22:27:00.006-07:00

Great job, Cards! How exciting!
And, I don't even watch football! hehehe
I guess I will February 1!

star baby afghan

2009-01-19T22:04:00.002-07:00

Isn't this sweet? And, it's soooo soft!
This worked up so fast! I really enjoyed making it.

what do you see?

2009-01-19T21:19:00.005-07:00

I see:
4 star baby afghans

4 shawls

4 small doilies

a granny square afghan

6 or more star dishcloths

All on sale! WooHoo

$51.03 total!

Guess I'll stay busy for awhile, huh?

Good thing I got an Etsy shop open. I'll play around with that and upload some of the things I've already got done.

Hope you are staying warm, wherever you are.

I am...

count your blessings.....
SherryBee

well..............it's ONLY been a month!

2009-01-19T20:15:00.008-07:00

LOL! Who do I think I'm kidding? What a blogger am I! LOL Did ya miss me?
Well, I'll work on bringing everything up to day...

*We had a wonderful Christmas visit with #2 son and his GF! She's a keeper for sure! We all love her! My mom was here and she and my niece and nephew drove to Phoenix with me, on the 22nd, to pick the kids up from the airport. We got in a big snowstorm coming home and it took us 7 hours to get home..normally a 4 hour drive! ACK....skeery, but, AWESOME! We ended up having to take the kids back to Phoenix Christmas day since we weren't sure the weather would cooperate to get them there early the next morning...good thing we did, too. We ended up eating our Christmas dinner at a JB's restaurant...that was a first! I wish we would have had more time with the kids, but, they were off to Indiana to meet/visit with her family for a few days.

*Hubby and I had the house to ourselves for New Years Eve...I think I was in bed at 10:30! I guess that's a sign of old age, huh?

*Not a lot going on since the first. I've been trying to stay busy around the house. Hubby has been working 60 hours a week. I love it and I hate it. I'm very happy he has a job. They will start laying off in a few weeks, so, we know what the alternative is. I've been trying to stay home more and watch pennies as much as possible. Just trying to make 'changes'. We have SO much stuff! I'm trying to use up food *we always have so much when we combine stuff from the trailers*. I'm going through closets and 'trying' to sort and such. I have such a hard time throwing stuff away, but, I have been piling yard sale stuff together. I'm wondering if it will be worth having a yard sale with the way the money is so tight for everyone these days.

I have been crocheting alot....ha ha, what else is new. I made 36 snowflake ornaments, I wanted to see how many one ball of thread would actually make...now, I know! *wink* I finished up a beautiful white baby afghan, only to find out I was about 10 yards SHORT of a yarn I can't find anymore! I think I'll contact Red Heart yarn and see if they can help me out somehow. I just finished up a sweet blue and white 12-point ripple star baby afghan. I figured out a star dishcloth pattern and have made several of those. I found all my stash of patterns and have a folder full of things I want to make.....exciting! ROFLMAO!!!

I had a Dr. appointment today...a follow up to bloodwork drawn last week. We have insurance as of the first of the year--WOOHOO--so, I'm making use of it. (My prescriptons needed to have the yearly refill.) My blood pressure is whacko, like usual, but, the cholesterol and thyroid was all ok. She did an EKG and I had them draw blood to check my hormone levels. I will go back in 10 days for a stress test in about 10 days...oh fun! Then, when I go in for my Well Woman's checkup...BIG OF FUN!!!...in 3 weeks, we can go over all the results of everything, plus, get scheduled for a mammogram and a bone density. I don't know how long we'll have insurance *with hubby's job, altho, he's comtemplating staying with this company....I HOPE*, so, I want to do as much as I can afford. It sure is a relief to have insurance. We've been without, more than we've been with it. I went and had one prescription filled today. It cost me $1.32....compared to $30 without the insurance. I have 3 others for my rosecea that I wanted to confirm prices first before I filled them. That crap is soooo expensive! But, I'll save about $70 to $110 on EACH of them...I can handle less than $20 each! It boggles my mind the price of medicine! And, it pisses me off!

I guess I'll sign off and leave you with some pictures to look at.
Our Christmas Tree....or 'Memory' Tree. Each ornament has so many memories attached.

Me and #2 son

Dozer

Try These!

I gave these to hubby for one of his gifts. I stumbled onto them at Safeway one day, and asked to sample them *you know you can do that, right?* As the manager opened them, we got a crowd around.....we all ended up buying a bunch of the different ones. YUMMY. The pepper one is definitely something you HAVE to try! I didn't really notice the pepper until I was leaving the store parking lot! HA HA! Yeah, it did bite a bit! hehehe
count your blessings!

I love this video

2008-12-19T23:09:00.002-07:00

This is from last year, but, I still love it!

I think I've about got everything done, that I'm gonna get done, anyway. Whew! I am T I R E D! Two days left! I'll be so glad to see my son and to meet his girlfriend!
Well, I'm off to bed.
count your blessings...
SherryB

a story about fruitcake...

2008-12-15T08:10:00.002-07:00

I found this online. My mother-in-law used to always make fruitcake. I never appreciated her efforts, and, she is the only one I've ever known to actually make the stuff. I 'see' things so differently, as I age. I want 'Do-Overs'...ahhh, life...

What a Much-Maligned Baked Good Can Teach Us About Faith

A bad fruitcake is a paperweight. A doorstop. A brick. It looks homemade, but it tastes mass-mailed. Dry, heavy, dense, and vaguely ugly. And you can wrap the one you bake yourself any way you want, put it in a most lovely box and ship it off to all parts of the continent, but that does not make it good.

So why keep at it at the holidays? Are fruitcakers that obtuse? Hardly. For one thing, they're working an ancient craft: Fruitcake first appeared in ancient Rome and came back strong in 18th-century Europe, following especially large nut harvests. More important, great fruitcake, though a rarity, is sublime; moist but not sloppy wet, sweet but with a hint of salt, it features morsels of a good chef's best secrets. That's why I try a piece of every fruitcake in the holiday yard. Not because I'm fond of lousy maraschino cherries or wads of orange peels. I like tradition most when it ignores the standard obligations. I don't want a familiar fruitcake. I look for the best one, and every year that takes me to a different holiday place.

Last Christmas I stood in a friend's kitchen as wisps of snow drifted without urgency in the sky. Matt was wearing a sweatsuit. I had on a tie. I'd stopped by to drop off a bottle of Champagne. Matt's a chef, an Irishman who's always told me the crumbs of fruitcake belong on a table with the dregs of Guinness or the last sip of whiskey. "Try this," he said, sliding one slice of a particularly light-colored bread across the counter. We were two weeks from the actual day, five days from the next party, out of earshot of holiday music. "Your recipe?" I asked. "My mom taught me," he said. "I guess it's hers." I took one bite and knew I had found the best fruitcake of the year. It was a tumble-down-comfort-chew. I would have eaten it with a snifter of brandy or a glass of milk or a handful of snow. It was salty enough that you might have served it with cucumber, but sweet, absolutely a fine dessert, I could tell. "Lemon rinds cured in ouzo," he told me. "Mascarpone cheese, dried currants, a little bit of olive oil." I couldn't believe it. Good, I told him, it was good, so good. "Ah, you never know with fruitcake," he said, "how it'll turn out, who'll even eat it. But I do it every year still, just like my mother, just like my sister. I do it and hope for the best." I chewed. I told him that I knew fruitcake that way, too, that I knew it to be an act of faith.

the end of the day...

2008-12-14T22:26:00.005-07:00

Whew! Busy day! I didn't get much sleep last night, so, now, I AM POOPED! It was so windy yesterday, well, for at least 24 hours until around 6 this morning, that our woodstove was blowing smoke back into the house. It was horrible. Stoopid me, not knowing what was going on, put a piece of wood on the fire before I went to bed about 12:30 a.m. Wrong thing to do....with the wind blowing so hard...at least 55mph gusts and it was high sustained winds, too...and the chimney needing to be cleaned, the house was filling up with smoke...so thick you could see it.
I turned the ceiling fans on in both the living room and the dining room and I cracked the kitchen window to help draw it out. My throat hurt and my eyes burned...hubby slept through it all. I was almost afraid to go to bed, but, I finally did about 3:30. I could tell what was going on and the fire was starting to die down, by then, so, I figured it was safe to go to bed. All I could think of was how was all that smoke going to mess the house up....and my clean carpet!!! crap! I closed the bedroom door (which I never do at night....that bugs me to sleep behind a closed door) and put my earplugs in. When I got up at 8:30, it still smelled like smoke. UGH

Hubby got up on the roof about 2, when the snow had melted off the metal roof (we had gotten just a skiff), and cleaned the chimney. Can you see the mound of soot that came out of the pipes? That's usually what we get out of it--hubby cleans it about 3 times a season, and really, the stove hadn't been acting like it wasn't drawing right before all that wind. And, that glass door-I had cleaned it yesterday afternoon, before I built the fire. I love my woodstove, but, I would have gladly gotten rid of it last night!
I made bacon and eggs for breakfast, and did laundry all morning. Then, we went outside and picked up the things the wind had blown around. The garland and bows on my fence were all messed up, too. Later, when we came in, I started dragging out my Christmas decorations and hubby brought the tree in for me. It might be the last year for that big ole thing, altho, the kids will be unhappy about that. Jeffrey wants me to do my big decorating for Jenneva this year. I don't really mind doing it...now, that I have the majority of my housecleaning done. I just wish I could have gotten an earlier start on it, to enjoy it more/longer. I usually start taking everthing down January 1.

I'm starting to get those overwhelming holiday emotions. I just keep telling myself how I can kick back after the holidays, for awhile. Like so many others, I do have to fight off a bit of depression and anxiety over all the things to do. I hate that! I want so much to just feel the peace and joy over the real reason we are doing all of this in the first place! As a woman, there are just so many things that only you can do for your family to 'make' the holiday. (As well as all the other holidays and birthdays!) I do feel a bit of satisfaction this year, tho, that Jeffrey wants to show Jenneva a Christmas at our house. It sort of tickled me when he asked if I was going to decorate 'big' like I usually do. Sometimes, it's easy to feel like they all just take it for granted or appease me doing it.
Weatherman is still calling for back to back winter storms, so, I'm hoping we do get snow!
I told hubby I'm feeling like a pansy...then, I showed him this picture I snapped. HA! I love the snow, and so does this pansy! What a little bit of happiness right there!
I guess I'll go finish up the little bit of yarn I have left on the baby afghan and get my butt to bed.
count your blessings...

SherryBee

a few things...

2008-12-13T20:29:00.005-07:00

I forgot to post the picture of my shopping trip at the scrapbook store Tuesday, on the 30% off sale. I have wanted a Scor-Pal for quite some time, so, that was the day to get it! I also got the big magnetic workpad and ruler and 2 packs of embossed cards and envelopes---those were 40% off. I spent all of my earnings from Saturday and THEN some! hehehe

This is the Christmas cactus I splurged on for myself that day, too. I had one that was hanging in there and had bloomed a couple of times, but, I killed it by overwatering it *or letting it sit in water, I should say* when I was going back and forth to Morenci last summer. This new one was loaded with lots of tiny buds, and it started blooming Thursday. AWESOME! It needs to be cleaned, as you can see in the photo, but, I don't dare touch it til all the blooms are done. I don't want to knock them off. I hope this one will last for a LONG time!

The wind has been wicked all day! Nothing worse than WIND!!! It's been gusting to 55+mph all day long. UGH Hopefully, it will die down before bedtime. It's so nerve-wracking! We're supposed to have a storm (several of them according to the weatherman) coming in with snow. We'll see.

Well, I have one small patch left to shampoo, so, I think I'll do that now and then, I'm DONE with that mess! I've got laundry going, too, so, I guess I'll have earned some crocheting time! *smile*

count your blessings...

SherryBee

Peanut Can Alterations

2008-12-13T20:05:00.005-07:00

Here's what I did at work yesterday.
I have some crocheted star ornaments that will fit perfectly inside. That was the reason for the stars on top. These are alot of fun and easy!
count your blessings...

SherryBee

Just droppin' in...

2008-12-12T22:48:00.005-07:00

...for a few seconds. I just got out of the shower and while my hair dries I thought I would get a post in.
I worked at the scrapbook store today. It was pretty slow, so, I got to play a bit. I had been saving peanut canisters, so, I could 'alter' them. I have some gifts that will fit perfectly in them. I spent most of the afternoon decorating all 4 of them. I didn't get a picture yet, but, maybe I can in the morning in good light.
Hasn't the moom been AWESOME?! So bright and full! The elk have been out like herds of cattle! They've even been out in the front, I see, from the droppings. The dog had been barking at them alot.
Hubby is working tomorrow, so, I will try to finish up some of the projects I've been cleaning on. UGH I think I must have ADD Adult Attention Deficit...really! I NEVER get anything finished! I have so many things going at one time and it just drives me crazy. I REALLY need to work on that.
Poor hubby is soooo stinkin' tired. For several weeks they weren't doing much, since they didn't have pipe and supplies to do anything with. Now, he is paying for it. 60 hours again this week and next week. He gets home a few minutes before 6, and tonight, he was in bed before 8:00. What fun we are! LOL
Weatherman says we should be getting some snow out of these next few storms....down to 3000' elevation. WOWSER! We are 7000' so, it will interesting to see if he calls it right! I would LOVE to have a white Christmas, but, even if the mountains are covered, that would make me happy.
I can't believe our gas prices. They've been dropping pretty much every day. Today, it only dropped a penny, but, it's down to $1.47 for unleaded. Unbelieveable, I can't even remember the last time it was that low.
Well, I'm off to the loveseat to crochet a bit. I'm about 1/2 done with the border on the white baby afghan I had 1/2 done! LOL, I don't know what the deal was, but, I did all the hard part (129 rows of single crochet) and then, put it up. Oh, well, lucky me! hehehe Trying to think what to do next, but, I think I'll just work on some doilies for awhile after the baby afghan is done.
count your blessings...

This had me rollin'!

2008-12-11T00:10:00.003-07:00

hehehe
Night!
SherryB

The mystery is solved...

2008-12-10T20:41:00.003-07:00

I have a habit of looking out my bedroom window first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Well, Sunday night I looked out after dark and freaked out. I saw a light up on the hill....way up. I couldn't tell what it was....a star....a UFO, what (it's forest land, no houses). Couldn't find any binoculars...that figures....We decided it looked like a star....Then, yesterday, when hubby called me at lunch, he popped my bubble *I was having fun with the mystery* He was working with a guy that said it was his neighbor that did it...it is a star and he runs power to it. I'll have to see if I can get a picture of it. It's neat. It's so bright, too. I drove into town tonight to deliver some AVON and it was seen all over. I love it, and am thankful for someone to do something like that. It doesn't look like much in the day, but, it sure is something at night...and the picture I took at night didn't show much at all.

Here's another picture....my CLEAN china hutch! I think it took a total of 2 1/2 hours to clean the entire top portion. So many things in there. I keep wondering what in the heck I had it all for. Momentos of special pieces of life... I do have 2 sets of real nice plates--one for each of my boys. A bunch of nice leaded crystal glasses I got for Christmas one year after we got married. Lots of souvenirs of our trips, Jeffrey's graduation things, the glasses we toasted with on our wedding, our 25th anniversary vase, hubby's 50th birthday, my parents 50th wedding anniversay. I don't suppose it will mean much to anyone else, but, I guess I'll keep them all and let someone else deal with them someday when I'm gone. About 1/2 of those items in there were in storage for YEARS when we lived in the travel trailers. I remember being soooo happy when I FINALLY had a home and a china hutch for all of them. We do use the plates on holidays, and I use alot of the nice glasses pretty often, just 'cause. I'm glad the cleaning of that is over! When Jeffrey was home, I used to pay him $5 to clean it! HA! I think he was underpaid! LOL
count your blessings...
SherryBee

My snowy yard

2008-12-10T11:55:00.004-07:00

I just LOVE it when it snows! It's still cold enough that it's not melting off. I wish it would stay all winter!! The weatherman says we are 'supposed' to get more this weekend. We'll see...
I guess I better get busy and get my Avon order finished up.
I still have a ton of things I wanted to get finished up in the cleaning department, too. UGH! I'm sick of cleaning! I want to decorate for Christmas! LOL
count your blessings...
SherryBee

2 Finished Crochet Projects

2008-12-10T09:27:00.007-07:00

I started both of these during the summer. It's such a relief to have them both done and able to start something NEW! LOL
This is a sweet, soft baby afghan.

This is for a friend for Christmas. I always make them big, but, I think this one might be too big? I hope not.

I'll leave you with a laugh!

count your blessings...
Sherrybee

12 Days of Christmas with AVON

2008-12-10T08:38:00.010-07:00

FREE SHIPPING!!
through 12/19
Enter code: HOLLY
Shop online here!
Thanks for looking! I'm sure you'll find some awesome gifts or things YOU have to have!
My zip code is 85925.
count your blessings...
SherryBee

Stampin UP Retired Lists...

2008-12-09T10:40:00.003-07:00

Leave me a comment if you would like to order any of these sets.
Hurry! Before they are all gone!
10% off List
Page by Page List
Alphabetical List
If you don't have a current catalog, go here:
http://www.stampinup.com/
Have fun looking!

The 'magic' is here!

2008-12-09T08:24:00.004-07:00

It's snowing! See, I knew it was because of my decorating the fence with lights! Happens every time!
Looks like about 4-5 inches and it's snowing now. I LOVE it! I'm very thankful that I can stay in the warmth of my house and enjoy it! My poor hubby is out working in it, unless, they can get some kind of cover or do some work in a different area...
I've been waiting for a 'winter' day. I have been wanting to make some homemade bread, so, today will be the day. I can't remember if I've EVER made real homemade bread. I've used my bread machine before, but, I don't particularly care for that kind. I think some homemade potato soup will go great with the bread, too!
I'm off to get started on some more carpet cleaning and to finish the other 2 shelves in my china hutch. I'm getting anxious to get the tree set up and to get the rest of my decorations out. I love all the lights at night.
I'll probably be in and out today. I have several things I want to post.
count your blessings...
SherryBee

another busy day...

2008-12-08T23:08:00.007-07:00

but, I'm contented!
I woke up to the sound of a good rain, so, I barreled out of bed at 6:45 and ran out on the front porch to make sure my box I store the fence Christmas lights in wouldn't get wet. I came back in and went back to bed! LOL Like my little Jeffrey used to say "I'm not done sleeping yet" hehehe I think I dozed for a little while as I tried to listen to the news on the tv in the bedroom. I'm not even sure when I got up...maybe 7:30. I spent the morning puttering mostly. Believe it or not, I really do get stuff done when I'm puttering. Does anyone else do what I call puttering? LOL
I met my friend for lunch at Arby's at 12:30. She's my friend I met one day when I was working at the scrapbook store. She comes over once a week to stock the Hallmark card display. We like to trade different 'gifties' each week and chat about scrapping and cardmaking while we visit over lunch. It's always such a nice time. She's a sweetie for sure! And, I'm so glad I met her! I always remember something I read one time in bible study how we never wake up one morning and say 'I'm going to find a friend today'....God sends us those friends! Thank you, God, for my friend, Ruthie.
When I got home, I got a cleaning bug! I cleaned the ceiling fan in the living room---amazing how much dust those blades collect! And, the glass bulb covers always look so nice after they are cleaned. Then, I started shampooing the carpet in the living room *I needed a clean ceiling fan to help dry it* I also had built a fire when I got home, since, it was getting cool in the house...I knew it would help dry the carpet, too. I'm amazed at how much I actually got done! And, the carpet was pretty much dry within 3 hours, when hubby got home. I also got a load of clothes folded and made a tuna salad on a bed of different lettuces, with boiled egg, tomatoes and baby carrots on the side. A nice dinner, in my book.
After supper, I got to sit and watch one of my FAVORITEST shows of the season....Charlie Brown's Christmas! I LOVE that show!

When I got out of the shower, hubby was talking on the phone to Jeffrey. I got to talk, too. Jenneva says shes excited to come and meet us! I can't wait, either! I told Jeffrey I was gonna drag out a bunch of his baby pictures! hehehe The plan now is for me to go pick them up in Phoenix, Monday, the 22nd. I think they get in about 1:30 p.m. Then, we'll have to leave Christmas afternoon to get them to a friends in Phoenix to spend the night, since, their flight will be leaving about 10 a.m. It's too iffy driving 4 hours from home to the airport, you never know how the roads will be or what to expect, since we have to drive through Salt River Canyon. I sure hate that they will only be here for such a short time.
I just looked outside and it's snowing...and sticking! Yippee! The weatherman says we could get 3-6 inches, but, you know about those weathermen! hehehe I swear! Every year that I put up the Christmas lights on the fence, we get some form of snow the very next day! It boggles my brain. When I am a granny, I'm gonna tell grandbabies that those lights are magical! LOL
I finished up the little green baby afghan tonight...I started that this summer! About 10 days ago, I had finished up the big blue afghan I started this summer, too!
I'll get pictures of them posted tomorrow, hopefully.
Well, I guess that's all for tonight! I'll finish up my night-time tea and hit the bed. Sleep tight wherever you are and ...
count your blessings...
SherryBee

I'm Pooped!

2008-12-07T20:44:00.003-07:00

WHEW! What a day! Busy, busy! Poor hubby it was his only day off and we worked our butts off! He did get to sleep in this morning, tho, instead of getting up at his usual 4:45.
I did 3 loads of laundry, made sausage, eggs and toast for breakfast...Got the kitchen and stove all cleaned up and I hung my whites out on the line to dry. Then, I started putting the lighted garland on the fence. I had to wait til hubby got the electrical 'stuff' done to check and make sure all the lights were working on the 238 feet of fencing garland! So, while I waited for him to finish replacing the screen in the back screendoor, I made a couple boxed mixes of goodies. I love those lil boxes of Jiffy mixes. They are just right for the 2 of us. I made oatmeal muffins and used a yellow cake mix recipe on the side of the box for some chewy bar dessert. After hubby got the electical lines set up, I tested. Everything was working, so, I tied the centers of the garlands to the posts and put the red bows on each post. I had a time of it, getting the lights on the arbor just so. I found a neat ball of lights last year on clearance, I have that in the center of the arbor. It lights up really pretty. I think it would make a perfect setting to take a picture of Jeffrey and Jenneva. I'll get a picture and post it. We finally came in the house at 6, and I made tacos and heated some tamales for dinner. I wanted to watch a movie on Hallmark channel *I LOVE that channel*, but, I was off on the starting time. I guess I'll be able to catch it another time. They seem to run their shows over alot.
I guess I better sign off of here and TURN the puter OFF! *I hate it when I come out here to turn the puter off at night, and I make the mistake of sitting down to do it....I NEVER get it turned off right away....one thing leads to another and it can be an hour or two before I get away from it! YIKES I hope I'm not the ONLY one that does that?!?
I'm meeting my friend for lunch between 11 & 12 tomorrow. We always take each other 'gifties', so, I need to get my stuff together for her. What I REALLY want to do, is go sit in front of the tv and crochet, tho.....hubby's got a nice fire built in the woodstove in there and it's nice and toasty!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

Wishing for a White Christmas...

2008-12-06T00:50:00.002-07:00

I'm so excited! Jeffrey will be home for CHRISTMAS!!! AND, he's bringing his girlfriend home to meet us! Oh my gosh! I'm excited, nervous and HAPPY! I can't wait to meet Jenneva and to hug my baby boy! They will be here from the 22nd to the 27th, then, they'll fly back out of Phoenix to Indiana to spend New Years with her family.
BIG TRIP!!! So, I'm a cleaning fool! I want the house to be as perfect as I can make it! As I'm cleaning and such, I'm thinking to myself, geez! I must be a terrible housekeeper! LOL Nothing like having company to get your house cleaned!
I hope to start my decorating for the holidays this week. I think I'll go all out this year, like I used to when the kids were younger. What fun it will be to have a Christmas house this year.

I'm working from 10-4 at the scrapbook store, then, we'll have the Christmas Light Parade. Hubby has to work 10 hours tomorrow, so, I guess I'll have to have supper made before I leave for the parade, and meet hubby downtown to watch it before he comes home to eat. mmmmmmmmmm, Pizza night! I have all the fixin's for homemade pizza, so, that's what it will be! Nothing like having the menu under control.

Hubby was making fun of my 'list of things to do' before the kids get here. I said, 'yeah, and did you see the list with YOUR name on it?' hehehe

We got our Christmas presents last weekend...2 toilets and a hot water heater! pfft Guess that's what happens when you get O L D... They are much needed tho. The hot water heater is 19 years old, skerry, vewwy skerry....what a relief to get THAT done.

Our gas has dropped everyday this week! What a happy surprise each day! Today it's down to $1.61. It's about time! I hope to see it drop to $1.50. That would be awesome!

Well, I spent hours changing my blog layout around, so, I need to go get some sleep...no crochet for me tonight...

count your blessings...
Sherry Bee

OK OK I'm here...

2008-11-30T08:16:00.002-07:00

I had a mean comment that got to me. I shouldn't have let it, but, it did...
Anyway, it's gone now and I'm over it.
I'll be back...

count your blessings...
SherryBee

WINDY and RAINY!

2008-10-11T18:47:00.004-07:00

This is the sweet chocolate cake I made for hubby's birthday on the 5th...believe me, it tastes better than it looked! HA! I've been making this cake for his birthday for about 30 years...not each year, tho. Lots of memories of this cake! HA! 'old hippie days' ....'nuff said!

Wow! What a day we've had! I woke to rain just COMING DOWN!!! The kind that is so hard it comes straight down. It's been rainy off and on all day...so unusual...and when it does rain, it's that same, persisent downpour! WooHoo!When it's not raining, it's WINDY!!!! The weather man said 70-80mpg, but, I think it's gusting more to about 50 or so. We have more wind around here, than anything...and, I HATE it!
I think I'm too tired to be getting too excited about the trip yet. I've busted my butt all day long today. I'm wondering if I'm just a terrible housewife... I think I just try to do it all in one day! UGH. I'll have to try and work on that when I get home. Avon is taking such a big chunk of my time, but, I make some decent money with it, so, I'll just have to evaluate things and get a plan.
I am going to pick mom up tomorrow, so, I think the excitement will start to build once we get together! I wish I had someone else to go get her, tho. I could think of a ton of things to go with that 4 hours...like starting to pack! LOL I have 'piles' tho, so, it won't take too long once, I get started with it.
I better get off here and get my shower, I want to watch a movie on HBO at 8...Atonement. Hope I don't go to sleep.
count your blessings...
SherryBee

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

2008-10-05T10:51:00.006-07:00

Insight :: Future

Irksome :: Aggravating

Maybe :: Ummmmm

Confirmation :: 5th grade

Bib :: Drool

Stop! :: Look

Lobster :: Butter

Boys :: Underwear *HA! Top that! First thought---

Fire away :: Shoot

Give up :: Quit

count your blessings... SherryBee

Is it Fall??

2008-10-05T09:49:00.007-07:00

Well, I've been on the GO GO GO again! So, here's an update.
Wednesday, I had an Avon meeting in Show Low, 50 miles west of here, at 10 a.m. On my drive over I saw something that makes me wonder if it will become a sign of these rough economic times.....I saw 3 hitchhikers (all heading east)on that lil bit of a drive! The second bearded, rough-looking guy gave me a peace sign--HA! When is the last time someone threw you a peace sign??? LOL I loved it and prayed for him!
After the meeting, I met my new friend, Ruthie, for lunch at a restaurant that I'd never been before. It was fun! I had a Monte Crisco sandwich--never heard of it, but, Ruthie had one before, so, I tried it. It was pretty good, but, I kept thinking how I would NEVER shrink my belly before the trip to Iowa this way! It's a sandwich with ham and turkey or chicken, then dipped in egg and fried like French toast and served with blueberry sauce for a dip. Yummy! After our nice, relaxing lunch, we went to a new scrapbook store called Embellish. It was a neat store, decorated very old, victorian and they had alot of things I've never seen before. I grabbed the last Paper Purses and Totes pad of punch-out items! I LOVE IT! I also got a cute set of purse embellishments. I LOVE to give little gifts, so, these will be PERFECT!
Ruthie and I parted and I went on to do my shopping....had to hit BIG LOTS for a little bit of yarn! LOL, you never have enough, right? Went on to Penney's and found some shoes and pants and FIVE great new tops...all on sale PLUS 15% off. Actually, I should have just shopped in my closet! Oh well...
I didn't get home until 7:30 that night! WHEW! AND, I had a lil bowl of cereal for supper! hehehee
Thursday, I had to be to the lil rent house at 9 for the carpet guy to come in. We know each other, and have mutual friends from back in my hubby's rodeo days, so, we talked and reminisced for 1/2 an hour then, while he cleaned the carpet, I tackled more of the kitchen cupboards and part of the stove--for 2 hours. The carpet turned out great! I was surprised, actually. MIL was so incontinent, I had my doubts.
Friday, hubby worked 8 hours of overtime, so, I just delivered a bit of AVON and did errands and odd jobs around the house. #1 son is home again, kinda-sorta, and I just couldn't focus too well on my daily stuff. Plus, the fact that I had been so undecided about going to Willcox for Rex Allen Days. I REALLY wanted to go this year, because they were having a sort of a school reunion. *I hate it when I can't make up my mind* I knew if I did go, it would cause me to be so behind and overwhelmed when I got home with all the things I'd need to do to get ready for or train trip and being gone for 2 1/2 weeks. I put a turkey breast in the oven for supper and it was so yummy...comfort food...I also made a great little lemon dessert.
Saturday, it was a dreary, overcast sort of day...not typical around here, so, in the mood I was already in, it was a 'weird' day. I spent way too much time on the puter, messing with my music playlist. Hubby spent most of his 'day off' over at the lil house weed-eating the weeds (they were almost 3 feet tall) in the back yard and hauling them off in the truck. He also cleaned the windows where they roll open...I teased him about that! I left them, figuring if they bothered the renter she could clean them, but, hubby is so anal, he wouldn't have been able to sleep knowing they were like that! HA! Since Sunday is hubby's birthday, we went out for supper at the steakhouse. (The lights went out as we were getting ready...but, not on that side of town, thank goodness!) We THOUGHT we would have a nice steak dinner, but, their prices were a bit over-the-top for our budget, so, he had a big burger and I was very adventurous! (Usually, I always order something I've had before, because I'm so picky/finicky about what I eat in a restaurant.) I had the nightly special of Pecan-crusted Trout, with baked potato, a lil loaf of bread--wheat on one end, white on the other, and a cup of green chile stew. I was pretty proud of myself! Two different restaurant meals in one week! WooHoo, how's that for stepping outta-my-box!? When we got home, hubby went to bed, since his workweek starts on Sundays for the time being, so, I did my usual blog-hopping....I LOVE THAT!
I found The Vintage Housewife in my hopping...I had a great time there. Go visit her.

Hope you have a great day!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

Frugal Tips, please....

2008-09-30T10:38:00.002-07:00

I would appreciate any readers to leave me a comment. I would like to know any frugal tips that you might share for these uncertain times. One of the things I am doing is hanging my clothes on the line, on a regular basis....it's therapy for me, really, tho.
I also try to reuse things as much as possible.
count your blessings...

Tuesday...

2008-09-30T09:52:00.003-07:00

I gotta get my butt pried off this computer chair! LOL
I need to get over to MIL's house again today and do some more cleaning...ugh.
I spent another 3 1/2 hours there Monday...I got the utility room almost done *except the floor, need to have hubby help me pull out the washer and dryer to scrub under there*
I got the stovetop done and will do the oven today...UGH!
I also got part of the cupboards cleaned and wiped down with the dark scratch cover oil.
Oh, and I washed a load of rags for the rest of the cleaning with. Lots of little spiders that freak me out! It's such a cute little house, tho! I told hubby when we get old, we can move into it, when we can't take care of our yard and stuff anymore......happy thought, huh? wahhhhh!
The carpet cleaner guy will be there Thursday. I pity him.... I don't look forward to becoming *MORE* incontinent...dang water pills I take are giving me a taste of that! What we have to look forward to....aging. MIL refused to wear pads or protective panties....she was sooo stubborn about alot of stuff!

I can't believe our weather...it's hard to believe it's going to be October! I'm lovin' it tho! We still haven't had a freeze, so the flowers, trees and grass look beautiful!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

2008-09-29T08:29:00.005-07:00

Hearing :: Test

Aggression :: Anger

Charged :: Battery

Traveler :: Sore Butt

Hydrate :: Water

Detox :: Patches

Qualify :: For a Loan (!)

Prison :: Escape

Frontal :: Lobe

Pep talk :: Cheerleader

Have a great week!
count your blessings...

HOLY CRAP!!! I'm beat!

2008-09-28T21:12:00.009-07:00

I wish I would have taken pictures of all the antique/furniture items that we did sell. I also have a few more pictures, but, I'm not sure how blogger does with the amount of space they give you for pictures in one post. Keep in mind, these antiques are the 'tail-end' of what she had at one time. She gave some away to family and 'gave' some away, by selling them WAY TOO CHEAP! She once sold a pickup load of antiques to a man for $800..including an original OLD spinning wheel and a most amazing secretary/dresser with glasses windows in the cupboard that had wood carved to look like rope......he kept wanting to know if she had more stuff to sell...grrrrr! Her boys were VERY unhappy with her about that. She thought if she paid $20 for something back in the day, that if she doubled her money, she was doing good....
These first 3 are things, that didn't sell.

This beauty was the first thing to sell...I really wanted to keep it, but, decided it just wouldn't fit in and we really don't have the room.

Isn't this AWESOME! It didn't sell....we are NOT going to 'give' this one away. It needs some work, but, it's gorgeous! We think it may be filled with horse hair.

We had a great day Friday and got rid of ALOT of stuff! The weather was great for the sale, too. It was bittersweet, tho, seeing memories go out the door.... I need to find a quiet place to get these tears out...their building more every day.
We got home about 8 that night....beat! What a long day. We also have an older couple, here working on the power plant construction, for the same company as hubby, that are going to rent the house! What a blessing! They have their 5th wheel parked in the trailer park,directly behind her house. They don't want to winter in the trailer this year.
Saturday, we were right back at it. It was much slower, and we did end up with a few sprinkles and some wind. We ended up selling almost $1600. We left at 7, and went to the Steakhouse for a juicy hamburger. Another long day! Poor hubby was so tired! He thought about calling in sick today, but, he is such a trooper. He did go in and said it was pretty laid back..thank goodness!
Was I tired and sore when I got up this morning! I hung out two loads of laundry and then, went over to the house to clean. Dang! I was there for 4 1/2 hours and I worked on the bathroom.....icky-poo!...and the entire refrigerator. I felt so horrible about all of this. I just tried to think that if she had been like I really remembered her, that she wouldn't have let any of these things get like they were. All I can say is 'bless her heart'....
I pray when I am an old lady, that someone with a tender heart gets the job of going through my stuff..........wahhhhhhh, so sad!
I will head over again tomorrow and tackle the utility room, fold all the sheets that didn't sell *a HUGE pile of them...you have to see it to believe it* and maybe get started on the kitchen cupboards and stuff.

I talked to my cousin that lives in Albuquerque and she offered her house for mom and I to stay at when we hit ALBQ going and coming! AWESOME! She lives within 5 minutes of her mom, my aunt, too. PLUS, her youngest daughter is getting married the weekend before we get there, so, there will still be a few cousins there, plus, her dad, my mom's brother! Oh, this is going to be a wonderful trip for mom---and me! *wink*
k, I'm off of here and going to BED!
count your blessings!

...drats!

2008-09-25T22:26:00.005-07:00

Well, it doesn't surprise me, but, it just makes me sad....they 'laid me off' at the scrapbook store. Dang, I'm gonna miss that fun lil job. I hope things pick up and they'll need me again. I was so bummed out yesterday when she told me...

I spent most of yesterday, and a bit today, delivering Avon and running around. I NEED to spend more days at home. I have several MAJOR cleaning projects I need to get done before it gets too cold. I want to really clean my sofa and loveseat and have the carpet professionally cleaned. I need to have my curtains dry cleaned and wash the sheers and clean those nasty mini blinds. *which is one of my MOST dreaded jobs....I would rather clean toilets than clean mini blinds*
It's been a bit breezy around here the past few days, but, it's still warm during the day, and no freeze yet. I hate the first day you see your beautiful outdoor flowers BLACK and dead!

I made ho-made *teehee* pizza for supper tonight. I've been doing SO much blog-hopping the past few nights, but, I stumbled on The Frugal Mom Blog and found this great recipe for pizza dough. I have a recipe for pizza dough that I've used for years *it's also great to make yeast rolls with*, but, my family never really cared for it as the pizza dough. The Frugal Mom Blogs dough recipe is GREAT!!! Try it!

Hubby and I are doing the "Estate Sale" at my MIL's house tomorrow and Saturday. I'll be so glad to get it over with! It sucks the life out of me when I go over there and deal with all of her 'stuff'...how sad...it overwhelms me. I found this cute lil doily in some of her things. I have it in a little vignette, with a pair of her old glasses, 2 of her thimbles and a really old metal pin cushion she used. I don't know if she crocheted this or not, but, I'd like to think she did... I brought home 2 boxes of crochet thread the other day...it sure made me feel better about MY stash. Then, I thought...hmmmm, maybe someone gave some of it to her, like I've gotten some of mine. Made me feel better about my stash...for a minute or two! LOL
Well, it's off to shower and to bed for me...I think it's gonna be a long day tomorrow.
count your blessings...*and pray for the USA*

SherryBee

...a day late

2008-09-22T09:29:00.017-07:00

Well, I had intended to post yesterday, but, got SO stinkin' busy, that I never had time. Hubby works Sunday through Thursday, and #1 son was home, so, I tried to be 'Susie Homemaker' all afternoon. WHY do I do that??? I wear myself out!
I left the house about 1:30 to get a few things from the store for supper. When I got back I tore into #1 son's laundry for him *I think he knows mom will do it, but, that's OK* and got started in the kitchen! I made:
Chocolate Chunk Cookies *double batch with a bit of Peanut Butter added*
Apple Pie

Tamale Pie and jalapeno poppers

Yummy!

I know the apple pie wasn't really an appropriate dessert to follow Mexican food, but, I had to use up the apples.
Dang, I was BEAT by the time I got OUT of that kitchen at almost 8, after I made hubby's lunch and got the coffee pot ready.
Today, I've got lots of cleaning to get done. I also need to get out there and try to sell some of my AVON extras, for some spending money on the trip!
I'd like to share my Tamale Pie recipe with you, in case you'd like to try it. If you do, please let me know how you like it. This was a yahoo group share by Cathy, a military mom, that I've since lost contact with...
TAMALE PIE
---TIP: Read the instructions through FIRST! LOL---
Filling
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (I think I end up using more)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
16 oz Enchilada Sauce (I use the 29 oz can of Old El Paso)
1 can whole kernel corn
1 cup sliced ripe olives
1 t. salt
Cook beef, onion and garlic in large pan until beef is browned, drain any extra grease, if needed. (I use a 5 qt, just so I have plenty of room)
Stir in enchilada sauce, corn, olives and salt. Set aside and let simmer while you make the crust part.

Crust
2 1/4 C. yellow corn meal
2 C. water
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 t. salt
1 can (4 oz.) diced green chiles (I use more)
---topping---
1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
sliced jalepenos (optional)

Preheat oven to 425F, grease 9 x 13 baking dish

Combine corn meal, water, evaporated milk and salt into medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until thickened up. Stir in chiles. Spread a little more than half into your prepared baking pan/dish. Go up the sides a bit with it, also. Cover the remaining crust, so, it won't dry out while you add the filling. (I've found out that mine dries out anyway, so, I just add a little water/milk to get it a little more runny, so, I can spread it over the top.)

Once you have the bottom crust (and up the sides, don't forget!) in, bake that for about 10 minutes. (This is mostly to set it) Remove from the oven and spoon your filling into the corn meal crust. Spread the reserved corn meal mixture over the beef filling.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for an additional 5 - 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

I hope you enjoy this. Be sure to tweak it for your own tastes the next time!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERERINGS

2008-09-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

Heist :: Bank Job

Hack :: Computer Nerd

Dane :: Cook

Stings :: Bees

Monkey :: Zoo

Junkie :: Druggie

Pumped :: Jazzed

Brass :: Knuckles

Fight! :: Boxing

Vouch :: Stand up For

25 DAYS!!!

2008-09-20T12:01:00.003-07:00

TURN my music player off and play this!
Ya gotta LOVE Elvis!

Got the Train Trip booked! WOO HOO!!!! Me, Mom and Aunt Mae are SOOO excited! My cute 80-year-old aunt told me this morning when I called her, that yesterday, she was SO excited to hear the news we would be coming, and she didn't have anyone to tell it to, that she got 'nervous'! hehehe She's already got a ton of things planned to do when we get there! Yep. We'll use up EVERY second of the 2 weeks!

On another note, I'm going to the ScraPink thing down at the scrapbook store from 2-10 tonight..don't know if I'll stay that long, but, my friend, Ruthie, is coming from Show Low...Oh, so exciting!

I'm a happy girl today...I feel like jumping up and down, like my lil Jeffrey would do when he was younger (it was a joke)...he'd jump up and down, clap his hands like a girl and say "cakes and pies, cakes and pies" What a goofball, I miss him! I did get to talk to him yesterday afternoon..he's so busy with classes and reserve stuff. #1 son came home for the weekend too. What a happy time....

count your blessings...

SherryBee

wanted to show off...

2008-09-19T23:45:00.007-07:00

I just HAD to do it...then, to bed!
I took these today to send to Jeffrey. The walk to the front door smells just like honey....from the allysum. I just LOVE my yard. I feel sooooo blessed!
count your blessings...

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

2008-09-19T23:32:00.006-07:00

Cut the crap :: Knock it off
Scent :: Of a Woman
Vanishing :: Act
Wetness :: Diaper
Cheap :: Date
Badges :: Police
Puppy :: Breath
Problem solver :: costs money heheheh *where did that come from*
Gambling :: Vegas
Sophia :: Franny's grand-daughter

Holy Crap...I know I should be in bed! I'm headed there --- as soon as this magnet lets me go! I feel like that little boy on the Disney commercial!

"I'm too excited for bed!"

nighters!

count your blessings.....

going backwards....

2008-09-19T21:33:00.005-07:00

I know! I know! I'm a TERRIBLE blogger, I admit it....
So, going backwards...

I made some DELICIOUS Chicken Tortilla Soup for supper tonight! Dang, I'm a good cooker! *that's what #1 son used to tell me* I don't have a recipe to post because it was a combination of several, with my own touch, I guess. If you want to try it, go to Old El Paso and type in Chicken Tortilla soup. I can't remember the other one I found...just do some improvising. I didn't even think to take a picture! HA! I told hubby I was so proud of myself for it turning out...seems I almost forgot how to cook these days....he agreed, said he really liked it, too!

I am happy...my mom and I are planning a trip back to Iowa (to see her sister, my Aunt Mae and other family), hopefully, mid October ON A TRAIN!!! Oh my! I was SHOCKED SHOCKED I tell you at the CHEAP fare...less than $500 for both of us to go from Winslow, AZ to Galesburg, Il *about 124 miles from Dubuque where we are going* I will call her back in the morning and see if she's decided for sure! She wanted to go back after all her surgery was over with and OK. She had a DR. appointment Thursday and he was real pleased with it, but, she will need to go back in November/December for a sonogram (?) of her veins. So, she should be able to enjoy the trip and I think she'll do fine on the 28 hour ride....we leave at 6:09 am and get there the following day at 12:10. Great timing! We may rent a car for the 2 weeks, which I'm glad for. There are so many places I want to see. I grew up in Cedar Falls *we moved to AZ in '67 when I was 12*.

Nothing really exciting has went on since my last post...just daily busy-ness. *can that be a new word? hehehe* I'm only working one day a week at the scrapbooking place, it's been so slow, that they went to their winter hours a week early. Martha, here's a couple pics of the store, that you asked me to post.
3 Scrappin Sisters

My mom and brother came up for a weekend a few weeks ago. That was a nice visit and I know mom was glad to get out of town--other than for a DOCTOR visit! LOL

Hubby and I have been doing alot of stuff over at MIL's house *well, it's ours now*. That is so overwhelming. I don't know how to describe it. I know we've let it go for way too long, but, I think it's because it's just so weird going through someone elses stuff...their whole life, actually. As I find things that have so many memories attached to them, it just makes my heart so heavy. I can't find words to describe it. I know hubby didn't really want to go over there much, since she left. I understand. A part of me is happy that I am the one going through her things. Sometimes, I find myself being 'tender' with her belongings, with the hopes that anyone that gets the job of disposing of my 'stuff' will have a tender heart and dear memories...I dunno. MIL and I had a 'bad' relationship, and that plays into this. I see where I was the best choice to get this 'job' and I try to do it the right way. Anyway.....we are to the point of pricing the antique items and we've brought home the things we want or the 'good stuff'. (If I live long enough to get alot of this stuff on eBay, it will be a miracle!) We will hopefully get that house rented soon, so, we don't have to keep making a payment on an empty house. The storage shed (it's pretty big) will have to gone through later on. The renters will not have access to that. We've already had a dozen people asking about renting it.
I come home just exhausted when I've been over there...a mental exhaustion, I guess.
ugh
---
I've thought about posting so many times, and get so darn busy *or tired* that I just keep putting it off. I will TRY to be better at posting.

count your blessings...

Sherrybee

...on the road again...

2008-08-24T08:52:00.009-07:00

I came to moms Wednesday and we've been on the go again! Thursday, we took off and went to Safford. We picked up one of her OLD friends, Muriel, and then, met with Muriel's daughter, Denise, for lunch. Oh, what fun we had...laughing and carrying on. Denise showed me how to get to the scrapbook store there. What an awesome place! Then, we went to Home Depot to look for woodstoves, etc...too early in their season--lol, yeah, well, maybe cause it was 100 degrees there?!? Looked at carpet, so, mom has a good idea what she wants and how much she'll have to spend. Then, we hit Walmart for a bit. Those two old ladies wore me out! LOL
Mom and I got home right at 6, so, we ate a bite and then, we sat and crocheted while we watched Sweet Home Alabama.
Friday, we were still beat! Trying to catch up from the last day! So, we just went to a couple yard sales--I found a couple neat recipe books! One is a local ladies Emblem Club from 1987; those type of fundraiser cookbooks always have great recipes. The other cookbook is a 1942 American Woman's CookBook in GREAT shape!!! After yardsaling--too hot--we drove around, that's when I spotted those cows! We went to Stout's Cider Mill where they make those 12" high apple pies! WOW! At $22, I passed. Instead, we split an apple cobbler and visited while we ate.
Next, we drove out into the country to visit the Apple Annie's You-Pick-It farm. I am so amazed at the agriculture/industry in my hometown since I left. It always was the BORINGEST place to be, growing up. Now, I find new things to do there each time I visit! HA! We seemed to just have to drag ourselves aroung the rest of the afternoon, so, we stayed in and crocheted, watched the olympics and then, we watched Million Dollar Baby---like the 6th time for me! LOL
Saturday, we went for lunch at the Coronado Vineyards--my FAVORITEST place. It was also their 2nd annual Grape Stomping celebration. What fun!

Of course, I didn't really plan on grape-stomping myself, but, I figured you haven't lived unless you've stomped a few grapes in your life! HA! Amazing how a little wine and champagne gives you that desire! hehehe

You can tell by the look on my face, how weird it felt! LOL We also took the little vineyard tour and learned alot about that part of the industry. I am amazed at how SE Arizona is becoming such a hotspot for winery/vineyards!

We went inside and enjoyed the wine tasting and had such great visits with all the 'strangers/friends' we met. It was a busy day for the vineyard, plus they had a bus tour stop in. I love to talk to people! I bought a few goodies from the gift shop and we left about 5...good thing, too, cause I probably shouldn't have been driving! hehehe I hit the chair and slept for THREE hours straight! I couldn't belive it! Can you say wiped out??? I got up, showered, ate some leftovers and we watched RV--cute movie. I was in bed at 11 and surprised I could sleep the night through, since, I'd had a 3-hour nap!

I'm heading home in a little while. I'll be glad to get back to 'normal'....gotta work Monday. I'm looking forward to that!
count your blessings...

Random Picture...

2008-08-24T08:46:00.003-07:00

COWS!!! I remember chasing pigs that looked like this when I was growing up in Iowa! HA! I'll have to ask hubby what kind of cow these are...I'd never seen this particular breed.
count your blessings...

We finally got to go camping....

2008-08-10T16:16:00.002-07:00

Here's a slide show of our camping pics.
I'll try to get back here soon to update on things since the last time I posted.
Don't hold your breath, tho! LOL

...count your blessings

gone camping....

2008-07-31T16:44:00.005-07:00

Finally, the maiden voyage of the 2008 Jayco JayFlight! We've only had it for one WHOLE year!!!! What a nice yard decoration it is, tho.......hmmpf...
Hope you have a great weekend, wherever you are. Be back Saturday evening.
count your blessings...

sitting in a bar...

2008-07-06T13:15:00.002-07:00

I have this song stuck in my head...and THEN, I found this video....
It wakes up in my sleep...I can't explain it...
No explanation--I'm just bad! hehehe

IF YOU WANT TO WATCH THIS, CLICK OFF MY MUSIC PLAYLIST FIRST

Sherry *sick* Bee

checking in...

2008-06-25T08:53:00.003-07:00

Whew....bringing it up to speed...
Got here, at mom's Saturday about 4:30. Be BBQ'd and visited the evening away. I tried to help mom get an afghan started so she would have something to occupy her during recovery after the surgery. Sunday, my brother took mom and I out to a champagne brunch at the winery. AWESOME! We had a much better experience than when Jeffrey was with us. We went for an early birthday celebration for mom, her birthday is June 29th. *My dads birthday is the 26th of June. Mom had wanted to try to do something totally different for birthday time this year. Dad and her had celebrated them 'together' for almost SIXTY years!!! Well, I'd say she is celebrating them differently for sure, this year!*
We BBQ'd steaks that evening and just 'tried' to relax.

Monday, we left at 9 a.m., mom had to fast. Her surgery wasn't until 1:30. An old, old friend was brought here from the next town up, about 45 minutes away, so, she could ride with us to Tucson where she could spend some time with her daughter in Tucson, plus, see mom in the hospital. I went to school with her daughters, so, it was a great catchup visit. They stayed with me til after moms surgery was over at 6:30 p.m. My cousin, Kathy, that lives in Tucson spent the afternoon with us, too. I was grateful for their company, since, I had planned/thought I would be alone.

The surgery went 'well'...now, to see how the rest of it goes. I saw her scars yesterday and was shocked! I didn't think they were going to be as big as they were. She has a 4" scar around her left collarbone, where he went in to put in a stint---crossed through ALL THE SCAR TISSUE in her belly....ugh.... She has 2 6" scars on either side of the lower abdoman, then, a 6"-plus scar along the inner part of her left leg for the bypass. I haven't seen that one yet, because her legs are in some kind of pumping wrap.
!!!!!
She was very alert all day yesterday. All seemed well, but her blood pressure was dropping. They gave her 2 units of blood and she started feeling better. I left for my 1 1/2 hour drive back to her house, where my brother was. He is off for the next 6 days, so, we will head over together today. 105+ in Tucson...ugh! It's cloudy and trying to rain today....the only thing that means is it will be muggy! HA!

I called and talked to mom a few minutes ago. She's sore, but, that is to be expected. They had her up in a chair for 2 hours already. They think one more day of ICU, and then into a regular room. Once she gets on oral pain meds, they will think about letting her go home, since, I'll be here with her.
They did find out yesterday, that she still had her bladder infection. Now, to make sure no blood clots form......she's had issues (MAJOR) with them before.

....oh my! I'm just putting one foot in front of the other, for the next few days.

count your blessings...

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

2008-06-17T13:25:00.003-07:00

Purchase :: Buy

Squeaky clean :: A Baby after a bath

Blended :: Margarita

Wednesday :: Hump Day

Function :: Button

Look down :: joshin' someone

July? :: 4th

Raspberry :: Sorbet

Assertive :: Bossy

Cracker :: Jack

I needed this today...

2008-06-17T10:40:00.001-07:00

Click on ::Raised From the Dead::

I do ask for prayers for my moms surgery on Monday, the 23rd...

count your blessings...

...back to normal???

2008-06-14T07:05:00.004-07:00

Well, life will be back to 'normal' for a few days. I don't think I know what 'normal' is anymore. Life is so different, these days. But, it will be even MORE different after next week. Here's a rundown since my last post...

I headed to Willcox Wednesday, after I got some AVON delivered and errands done. I had to stop at a garage on my way out of town...low tire. It read 10 pounds when they checked it; it ended up having a nail in it! ack!!! I got to mom's at 6:00 on the nose. We visited awhile and went to Taco Bell for a crunchy taco she'd been craving. We evaluated the whole eating experience, since my parents had owned/operated an El Taco for 20 years--way before there ever was a Taco Bell! Service, cleaniness and foo prep/serving is sucky nowadays....I prefer to buy what I want at the grocery store and cook for my family most of the time. I know I am too picky, but, just take a good look around...it's kinda dangerous to eat out anymore.

My brother's eye surgery went well. Jeffrey's phone was messed up and he missed connections with my brother....but, all was well. My brother has been used to driving and working with one eye for over 6 months, anyway! He went to work for several hours after he got home! WOW! What a guy! We sat up and visited a bit when he got in. We had mom's goulash and I made a strawberry pie (thinking Jeffrey would be there for his favorite pie...too bad for him! *wink*).

Friday, I drove Mom to her 9 a.m. Dr. appointment in Tucson. The Dr. seemed OK--my brother thinks he's very arrogant--he's done surgery on her 2 other times, also. They keep calling it a 'big' surgery and that scares the hell out of me. 15% possiblility of something bad happening, she'll be 77 on her birthday while she's in the hospital, 5-7 hours in surgery and 5-10 days in the hospital. I'm trying not to, but, I'm WORRIED....

We had troubles hooking up with Jeffrey again, so, we went to eat at the TTT Truck Stop and he finally called as we were just about to leave. He had to call his phone service to get things straightened out with his new $400 phone. I couldn't wait around for 4 hours with mom waiting for them to get to Tucson, so, we left for home. We did end up having to go back later that afternoon and met him in Benson about 35 minutes from Mom's. So, we got home about 6 and BBQ'ed steaks and visited the evening away. Saturday, was a lazy day. Mom and I took Jeffrey for lunch at the winery. The service was horrible!!! Even my mom complained---right to the lady. If it had been my first time, I wouldn't have went back, and I told them that. We drank enough wine to put a smile on our face when we left, tho. *GRIN* My brother had to work all weekend, so, we took Jeffrey to his office and visited. After dinner, a friend of Jeffrey's, from home, came to visit him at my moms. We took them out to the CattleRest Bar. They had a dance (what a joke) and the boys played pool all evening. Pretty boring evening, if you'd ask me! HA! I'm so old, I would have rather been at home in bed!

We pretty much hung around the house Sunday. Jeffrey's buddy ended up staying until after supper Sunday. They had a great visit. Jeffrey got a text message from him as he was leaving town saying he had a great time and that Jeffrey's family was awesome! LOL Yeah, we had our share of laughs for sure! Got to be sure and wear depends when you are around us! hehehee That night the 4 of us sat out on the patio and laughed all night! I started asking Mom all kinds of questions from earlier life and we were rolling....ahhhhh, what fun!

Jeffrey and I left for home about 11 on Monday. He drove...why oh why didn't I remember to take Valerian Root first??? UGH We got stopped several times for road construction, so, we ended up getting home about 4. We BBQ'ed steaks with Dad that night. yummy! I worked Tuesday afternoon, but, got to visit a bit with Jeffrey before I left. Worked Wednesday morning, then, when hubby got home, we drove an hour away to have supper with #1 son in his work town. It was a nice visit. I like to sit in out the boys conversations....LOL Thursday, I had the day off, but, did have to go in from 6-9, while they had a card-making class. I worked Friday...Jeffrey was suffering a pretty bad hangover (went out and shot pool -- came in 4th -- with his dad and ran into a bunch of old friends). He was trying to recover fast, because he and his dad and the kid that had came to Willcox to visit were going out on the 4-wheelers! HA! Poor kid! I didn't get to say goodbye to him when his dad drove him 1/2 way to Phoenix to meet his buddy from Phoenix that was picking him up. It might be just as well. I don't like goodbyes, plus, being at work....not a good mix, but, still....Hubby got home at 9:30 p.m. I had been running #1 son all over after work, so, he could get all his stuff done for getting his truck running and banking and license stuff.

Today, hubby took #1 son to Show Low for a class he has to take. They were up and out the door at 6:25...so, here I am at the 'puter. I look around the house and you'd never know Jeffrey was here....he didn't forget anything! HA! I miss the brat, tho. I think he did have some good 'down time', and he REALLY needed it. I know he has people from every direction giving him advice and pointers and suggestions about what he should/could do. Hopefully, he'll feel better about having so many options and that things will come to him for the direction to start out in.

I'm working til 5 today. I've got tons of things to get done/organized. Mom found out her surgery will be on the 23. I told her I would make sure she gets to the hospital (has to be there at 10:30/surgery at 1:30) and stay with her. My brothers are working, don't know what they will be planning. The last time I was with her through surgery stuff, I was with her for 5 weeks....that was 5 years ago. The good thing is, I kinda know what to expect...the bad thing is, I kinda know what to expect...
Lord, I need grace to make it...

count your blessings...

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

2008-06-14T07:00:00.003-07:00

Rambling :: Rose
Magnetic :: Energy
Again! :: Do over!
Acoustic :: Guitar
Mahogany :: Bed
Promises :: Love
Ill fitting :: Clothes
Sublime :: WHAT???
Poop :: Duty
Disoriented :: Confused

Your Daily Laugh...

2008-06-04T09:18:00.004-07:00

Go to my Music PlayList and hit the button on the left II and it will disable the music...

This is an oldie but, a goodie!
Kids! Gotta love em!

Getting ready to pack it up and move em out!!! Going to see my Air Force son in 28 hours! WooHoo! You may not think that's a big deal, but..... Last October, when Jeffrey was getting ready to come home for his and his brothers birthdays..he said he was anxious to get 'home'. He said 'Do you realize it's been a year since I was home?' I said 'Yes, Jeffrey. And, I know that I've only seen you 23 days since you left for the Air Force!' Now, THAT sucks....you see them everyday of their life practically and then, they walk out the door.....
Motherhood sucks sometimes...

Hope you are having some sunshine today, wherever you are! If not, I've got plenty to spare...I'll just GRIN in your direction! LOL

count your blessings...

I'm so excited!!!

2008-06-03T20:32:00.003-07:00

I found out this morning that my Air Force son will be here TOMORROW morning!!! WOOHOO!! I have to call him back in a few minutes, but, it looks like he'll be in Phoenix in time to ride back with my brother on Thursday. They will go to moms and then, Jeffrey will come home with me. He said he's got 10 days of leave. He needs a break, too. He is trying to decide what to do when he gets out in August. I think he is really agonizing over the whole decision. Hopefully, he'll be able to relax and think straight and maybe come up with a solution. He said he's second guessing all the plans he had..... I'm glad I'm not in his shoes, but, I guess I'll sure feel like it this week! HA!
~~~Just talked with him, his flight lands at 11 a.m.~~~
He exasperates me so....he has very little patience with me, it seems. Guess cause I'm O L D now! hehehe But, it should be a nice visit. He's a great kid!

So, now, I'm busting my buns til the midnight hour. Cleaning, Avon, should get some laundry started, packing....ugh I might be able to accomplish alot if this dang MAGNET would leave me alone! Geesh.....don't tell me I'm the only one that is so darn attached to this little electronic box!

count your blessings...

Unconsious Mutterings...

2008-06-02T21:29:00.005-07:00

You say.....and, I think...

1. Gossiping.....Nosey
2. Misplaced.....Confused
3. Spaceship.....UFO
4. Ignore........Mean
5. Bodily........Function
6. Tweezers......Pluck
7. Good Night....Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite
8. Curls.........Perm
9. Faucet........New
10.Right.........Left

I saw this on Dru's blog and thought I would try it.

Man! I'm beat. For some reason, the days that I 'work' at the scrapbook store, I come home wore out and don't ask me why...it's usually slow. Maybe, it's because I am on my toes for when a customer does come in....I dunno.
I have my Smooth Move tea brewing...yeah, that's what it's for *cheesey grin* and as soon as I finish this post, I'm turning this puter OFF and drink my tea and head to bed.... I didn't get a good sleep last night---AGAIN. Those weird sleepless nights are back. I know part of it was because I'm been worrying about #1 son. But, today was a good day! I heard from BOTH of my boys.
I came home to hubbying mowing the areas that we can't reach with the riding lawnmower. The grass is SO green and lush. I LOVE it!
I made some lettuce wraps for dinner...yummy! I have some strawberries in the fridge, but, I was too lazy to cut them up. We had some homemade chocolate chip cookies from the other day.
K, it's nighters for me. *oh, and check out the SAUCY link*
count your blessings...

I'm SAUCY!

2008-06-02T19:48:00.003-07:00

I was blog-hopping at the scrapbook store today....let's just say it was S L O W...
I LOVE to read blogs and see how others lives are. I am so intrigued with other people, maybe I'm a voyeur or something?
Anyway, I found this new blog for putting bloggers with commenters---I guess that's how you'd describe it? I dunno...I'm tired.
Anyway, go check the site out....the link is in the right sidebar------->>
They are having a contest and giving some great prizes!
Join! It might be fun to be SAUCY *do I sound like that girl in SUPERSTAR??? LOL*

Making up for being a blog slacker...

2008-06-01T21:23:00.006-07:00

WHEW! How many posts today??? LOL
Here's a picture of what I made for supper tonight. We call them Maid-Rites, you probably call them sloppy joes. HA! My dad used to make these, and that's what they were called. ~~ My dad was a pretty good cook, from what I recall. I can remember him making creamed chipped beef on toast and I used to LOVE Saturday nights, when he made homemade pizza! Now that I am sitting here thinking about this, our family had a routine of food! LOL Fridays was steak night, Saturday was chipped beef on toast at lunch, and pizza for supper, Sunday, Mom made a big roast with mashed potatoes and all. We had those meals ALOT...in that order! LOL I remember eating mom's goulosh, mashed potatoes ALOT, and navy beans with ham over rice! LOL What a weird memory night! Two things I ABSOLUTELY HATED and would NOT eat *and this was back in the day when you cleaned your plate or else*, sauerkraut or oyster stew (looked like eyeballs floating in milk ACK!)...oh, and beets! YUCKY...nasty stuff!!! My mom loved weird stuff, too. I can remember her making radish sandwiches and she LOVES sauerkraut! EWWW. I can remember sitting at the table in the dark, because I was 'supposed' to be finishing sauerkraut! See, I told you.....clean your plate or else! HA! I think I finally finished it and went straight to bed...HA! I tucked it all under the edge of the plate and she didn't know until I was OUTTA there and in my widdle bed! I never made my kids eat something I knew they didn't like. We did try to get them to at least taste something, tho. Hubby eats more 'weird' stuff than me..HA! I think he eats a fresh jalepeno with just about every meal! ICK!!! And, the big joke in our family is when someone has to SMELL their food first! hehehehe.....Our youngest did/does that! He had to smell everything! Hubby tends to do that alot, too... My mom always kidded #2 but, said her older sister--my Aunt Mae, used to do the same thing!
WOW! Now, that was a fun blast from the past! hehehe
Well, I'm glad this day is done. I busted my butt from noon on. I got a case of the 'might-as-wells' when I started cleaning the hall bathroom....I hate it when that happens! LOL I cleaned it from TOP to bottom...I just need to use the brown oil on the sink cupboard. I decided we need to paint in there, too. Not for awhile, tho. That will be a winter job.
It got HOT today....85°. It didn't get 'too' hot in the house, but, if it had gotten much warmer, I would have thought about turning the window AC on. Thank goodness, we get a good breeze going through the house when I have both doors open. The ceiling fans in the living room and dining room are a blessing, too.
After supper, I went out and planted a few more flowers and got my arrangement done that I keep by the front door. I am doing red, white and blue in there. I just need to find some blue lobelia Tuesday. I am only working Monday, so, I'll go to the nursery Tuesday before my Avon gets here and get the rest of what I need to fill in where I need flowers yet. I'm just about done. I hope I get everything planted before I leave to go to moms Wednesday. Since, I am not working this Tuesday, I'll plan on leaving Wednesday and maybe stay til Monday or Tuesday. Depends on if they schedule surgery soon. If her surgery is soon, I'll come home and get things done, so, I can be gone again. I don't know how long I'll be helping her, but, the last time, I was gone almost 5 weeks for the most part...
Time to get my shower and crochet a bit.
count your blessings...

Check out my AVON link....

2008-06-01T17:41:00.002-07:00

Have you tried the MINERAL MAKEUP yet? AWESOME stuff!
Remember, Avon can ship directly to you!

MY AVON SITE

count your blessings...