SHINE

 

“You can’t dim someone who learned to shine in the dark.”

– CASE KENNY

DECEMBER 2025

 

LEARNING SOMETHING NEW

We were out last night and I saw something I had never seen before. This license plate was super odd to me. So I looked it up and learned something new!

A license plate with "QQ" above the letters and numbers is a US Forces German plate, 

issued to US military personnel stationed in Germany. The "QQ" signifies a vehicle being exported from Germany, and these plates are a temporary measure allowing the individual to drive the vehicle before registering it in the US. Some of these plates may also have "USA" on them. 

Meaning: "QQ" indicates the vehicle is being exported from Germany.

Purpose: It serves as a temporary registration for US military members bringing a vehicle back from overseas, allowing them a grace period to get it officially registered in the US.

Issuing authority: These plates are part of a US military/NATO program for personnel in Germany.

STAND FOR SOMETHING

“Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground.”

​

– ROSA PARKS

HAPY THANKSGIVING

 

SNACKING

 

WOOLY WORM

 

I think his shade of black means a cold winter!

DOES THIS

 Ask yourself

“Does this support the life 

I’m trying to create?”

READY

 You’ll never feel          ready,

         Because ready       isn’t a feeling.

                It’s a decision. 

A BEAUTY

 

NORTHER LIGHT OVER THE OHIO

 In the middle of watching the UK game John asked me to put my shoes on. Here I am in my flannel nightgown and house coat, so I put my Ugg's on we headed outside. And in a couple minutes we were on the top level of riverfront parking garage. Because there in front of us was the Northern Lights! In Owensboro, Kentucky!

And here is from Jasper, Indiana

What an amazing sight!

WINTER WARDROBE

 I currently have more cloths than I have had in a very long time. I have branched out and expanded my attire farther than I think I ever have in my adult life. It all still fits in my tiny coat closet, but it’s expanded. 

In the last couple years I have lost a good amount of weight, and although I still have farther to go on that avenue, I’m loving the results as to things fitting better. 

Today on my piece of the map we got snow! The earliest snow I have yet to see. But it caused me to dress like an Eskimo to keep warm. So out came the winter wear. 

Living in the Valley of the Sun most of my life limited my need for winter clothes. But here in the MidWest, it’s totally game on for winter wear. 

Fleece lined knee socks and leggings, layering tank tops, long sleeved tops and sweaters. Fingerless gloves, scarves and boots. Yep I have them all. In lots of colors. 

After work today, I happily laid out my outfits for the rest of the week. Right down to footwear and jewelry. Normal, I stress over tomorrow’s outfit right before I go to bed. But not this week. 

Here is to winter! The best season for fashion!

A GATHERING

TG

TG

TG

TG

Thanks to Tom and Teresa Glass, and Mr Nate!!!

 

SNOW

November 10, 2025

THEN AND NOW

 Seven Years

FALL

 

THE BIG DAY

 

Just a few photos of The Riley’s Big Day!

BLUE BOOK

 This was a really good read!

https://magazine.atavist.com/2025/blue-book-burglar-art-heist

DAILY

I see the best of humanity.

I am so grateful for those who go above and beyond to support and care for others.

These people are the ones I place my gratitude and hope for the future in.

 

I see the worst of humanity. 

I am saddened and disgusted by these individuals. 

These people do not care for others and take no responsibility for their actions.

These people give me reason to question my fellow man.

A HOUSE DIVIDEND

 

EVERYTHING

 

“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.”

​

– FRIDA KAHLO

NOVEMBER 2025

 

https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar

PEANUTS

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HALLOWEEN

 I don't care how old you are, if you show up in costume, I'll give you candy.  Maybe you can't afford a costume.  I'll give you candy.  Maybe your too cool or to shy for a costume. I'll give you candy.  I don't care.  If you show up, say "trick or treat" I will give you candy.  For one night we get to be whatever we can imagine and just have a little spooky fun.  You don't have to be young to try to be young at heart for one night.  

Halloween is for everyone.

HEROS

 

“Real heroes don’t wear capes. They simply care.”

Fred Rogers once said something the world still needs to hear:

“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say, ‘It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’

Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”

He wasn’t talking about superheroes.

He was talking about ordinary people — the ones who show up, who listen, who help without asking for recognition.

The neighbor who checks in.

The teacher who stays late.

The stranger who steps forward when everyone else steps back.

In a world that often feels divided, kindness is rebellion.

And the ones who still choose to care — they’re the quiet heroes keeping everything together.

A TRAVEL COMPANION

 I love taking the road less traveled. Often they lead you to an opportunity where you get to take a leap of faith in your future. 

So many of the paths I have taken have led me to forks in the road. Some led me through uncharted territory. Some with outcomes I never imagined. 

The paths we take, each stepping stone and fork, bring us to who we are meant to be. And I’m so happy to be here. I have no regrets. I’m glad I chose each fork in the roads I have meandered down. Moving forward is so much better than standing still.  

This weekend I am taking a new fork in my road. It’s one of those forks that doesn’t take you to a new location, but this fork improves the travel and view along the journey. 

From here I won’t be taking the journey alone. For the first time in my life I have someone who has put me first, who made me his priority, and wants to be on the path with me; no matter where the road takes us and even if the path is a gravel road … I won’t be alone! 

Here is to the next fork in the road and all the adventures along the way!

FORWARD

 

EXPECTATIONS

 I read this sentence this morning…

“Let go of the expectations of others and focus on what matters to you.” 

It wasn’t the first time I read it. The first time it felt like a brick wall hit me. I realized that I had spent so much of my life waiting on others to make good on the things they said would happen. I think I was still holding onto what I expected from my childhood as well. 

But the minute you let it all go, release yourself and the others from what you thought or what you were told would happen, everything changes. 

You get to run your life the way you want, no pressures, no expectations, no more heart ache and blame. 

No regrets! 

Go try it, it’s life changing!

SUCCESSFUL

 

“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.”

– BESSIE ANDERSON STANLEY

. "Do something you really like, and hopefully it pays the rent. As far as I'm concerned, that's success." - Tom Petty "

40 YEARS…

 … of AWESOME music!

NEVER DOUBT

 

LIFE RX

 

“The land knows you, even when you 

are lost.”

​

– ROBIN WALL KIMMERER

I have read two of R.W. Kimmerer’s books ( loved them enough to buy them) and have to say, I think her writing is 

good for the soul… and the environment and a wonderful education. 

Braiding Sweetgrass 

and Gathering Moss.

PYRAMIDS

Great Video:

https://join1440.com/t/ancient-egypt?pinned-resource=how-were-the-pyramids-actually-built&utm_source=1440-share&utm_medium=web&utm_placement=email

LIKE SNOWFLAKES

 

"Like snowflakes, the human pattern is never cast twice. We are uncommonly and marvelously intricate in thought and action, our problems are most complex and, too often, silently borne."

- Alice Childress

TRUE LIFE LUXURIES

time

health

a quiet mind

slow mornings

ability to travel

rest without guilt

a good night’s sleep

home-cooked meals

calm and “boring” days

meaningful conversations

people you love

people who love you back

FULL HARVEST MOON

 This is what I wanted to see tonight.

This is what I got.

EXPECTATIONS

 

"You will never be happier than you expect. To change your happiness, change your expectation."

- Bette Davis

OFF THE BEATEN PATH