Good Morning Monday

Perfect sunrise, viewed from my bed.

Quote of The Day

Part of being a grown up is having to 

weigh the wants against the needs, 

the other part is knowing you can 

DO WHAT YOU WANT!

Between Sleep and Awake

You know that space between sleep and awake where you still see the dream, still hear the voices. But you are awake enough to realize it's a dream.

I dream about you, different places doing different things each time.
When I wake up I see you as you were in my dream. And I hear your voice so clearly.
I feel at peace. I feel loved. My world is right for that moment in time.
Then I realize that you are not here. That I'm dreaming. And it always makes it hard to breath.
The crying starts and so does the shaking.
They say to give it time, and it will get better. But it's only better when I dream.

I miss you. I love you. eek

Oh My Cute Kids!

Oh my goodness I love my kids!! 

Amanda and Mark sent me a Fall treat! 

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles! 

They are delightful, 
and the cookies are yummy too!!! 

Eek

BREAKOUT

I went to Breakout Games last night. https://breakoutgames.com/evansville

I can tell you that this was really fun! We did our reservations online and had to sign a waiver. We picked “Kidnapped”. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I am always up for a fun new experience. I thought we would be the only two in the room, but two more couples joined us. We all started out with blindfolds and handcuffs. It was wild. We had an hour to figure out all the clues and escape the room. I can tell you that there would have been no way two people could have worked out all the clues in one hour. I am so glad for the others that were with us. It was great fun. We all worked together (you really need to think) and with the help of Mark, our room keeper, we figured out all the clues. It took us 50:25 minutes.

I highly recommend this activity!!!

Over 100 Thousand

My blog page view history: 100,002 views as of this morning. 

I love that you like reading my stuff. 
I don't understand it, but thank you! 

Oh Yes, I'll Take One!

There is a home for sale in Austin, Texas that is way way way out side my tiny budget.
You can see it on Zillow.
I would love to have this Greenhouse/Party Barn on my piece of Kentucky dirt!
Charming!!

AGE

I have been trying to read more current events, since I don't like watching the news.

This afternoon I'm reading the latest issue of WIRED that arrived yesterday along with my latest copy of Motor Trend (there's a stack of magazines here for you that I'm not sure what to do with by the way). As I thumb through the articles there is a page with Harrison Ford's picture. 

I had to google his age. 75 ... How did that thing happen? 

Wasn't he just like 50 something? 

And it hit me... I am 50 something!

Okay, yikes! Leason in age!

Sunday in Illinois

I was headed to Kentucky today but ended

up in Illinois for the second Sunday in a row.
It's beautiful here.

The Shawneetown Old Historic Bank was
open to the public today. It was lovely! 

End of the road! Cave in The Rock town.
The ferry will take you and your
car across the Ohio River. 

Sunday in the Garden

I gathered as many tomatoes as I could find this morning. The romas are all coming from one tomato plant, it's incredible! And my yellow cherry tomatoe plant is growing clusters of perfect tomatoes like crazy! 

I also found two 6 inch cucumbers. I really thought my garden was done. 

I also have millions of mosquitos out there, and slugs! Yucky

New Things To Me

While in Hawaii I experienced some new things. 

INFINITY POOL: An infinity pool is a swimming pool where the water flows over one or more edges, producing a visual effect of water with no boundary.

I loved this. The evening temps in Maui were great, being in that pool was AMAZING! It was adult only, and we were out there from 10pm to 2 in the morning. The water was great, but ended up feeling chilly as the night went on. So we hopped into the extremely hot, as big as my living room, Hot Tub. Wow it was so hot! After my skin felt sufficiently cooked, we all hopped back into the pool. The pool water felt perfect! The stars were so visible, it was so wonderful. We talked and laughed for hours. It was so much fun acting like kids with so many other grown-ups! Relaxing in Hawaii, listening to the waives crash along the shore, having millions of stars sparkle above and being in this pool that seems to go for infinity was the perfect last evening in Maui!

TOTO TOILET:  The Toto is an innovative toilet that features an integrated bidet. The bidet feature activates at the push of a button on a wall mounted remote control. 

Okay I had always wondered about these fancy bidets. (Since I was a high schooler and my friend Bryan Bingham asked me what they were. I had no idea. So I asked Mr. Page down the street, because I knew he just put one in the new house they were building. He told me, then I had to tell Bryan. Ugh! For a teenage girl I was very embarrassed. But up until I was 50 and took a trip to Hawaii I had never experienced one!)

They also have optional heated seats. Why you would need your toilet seat heated in Hawaii I do not understand. In the Midwest in winter in the middle of the night...YES Please!

At any rate, let me just say I will own a fancy bidet potty one day, I think every girl should!

❤️ More things I wanted to share with you. eek

Something I Never Imagined

Last September, two of my Kentuckiana kids set the date for their wedding. They had been talking about it for a year or so, and finally set the date. An October wedding would be great! My inner mom was thinking "How do you get everything ready in a month?" But they are millenials and have their own way of doing things. Since both their mothers live in other states, I tried to be the supportive cheerleader of sorts. I talked about cakes and flowers and dinners and reception ideas. They showed me their thoughts and plans. And things started to pull together quickly. Which was good since there wasn't a lot of time. One day about 4 weeks to the date, the cute couple asked me to marry them. Officiate A Wedding!  

Now, I can help with the dress, and the dinner and the decorations. But I can't do that! I suggested others I felt would fill that roll better. I gave all the reasons I didn't think I was the right MAN for the job. But they hugged me and said they thought I was perfect for this job.... I drug my feet, hoping they would see the error of their thoughts and find someone more qualified. They all but signed me up themselves. So, I did go online and become an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church!!

I am official, I even got a certificate! 

I had hoped they would write their own vows. But planning and orchestrating a wedding and reception in a month didn't leave a lot of time to ponder. So I gave a great deal of thought and planning into what should be said. I love them, and even though our thoughts on marriage differ I wanted to make this perfect for them. 

When the date arrived, everything was ready. The wedding party was small, close friends and family.

These were my close friends and family too. So I took a deep breath and I said all the words I had written. We all smiled, a few of us cried, we laughed and they kissed. 

I am thankful for this experience, thankful for the opportunity to share in the history of these young people. They are my Kentuckiana kids, and I love them. 

   

Shower Curtains

I have been wanting to update my bathroom for a while. Same shower curtain for...well, a very very long time. It's still in perfect condition and I love it. However I need a little update.
So I went shopping... online. I had NO idea there were thousands and thousands of shower curtain designs. Many are boring, many are funny and many I just would not have. So I narrowed my search. I don't think that lessened the number of options.
I found several I think would go in my friends and families bathrooms. However, I may be a shower curtain snob, I did not know this thing about myself until today. So I kept looking.
Then I looked at the price for some of these water barriers! Oh my stinking heck! $99.00 for a shower curtain.... really! (I spend under $5 every year or so for a clear liner for my shower curtain and that kills me! I like to think I am frugal not cheap.)
So then I got really serious, I narrowed my search again and I gathered all the selected options I thought would be suitable. Out of the handful of eligible options, I gave them each a good look over: How would they look in my tiny bathroom? How would they look with my other feminine things? Could I stand to look at it every day? Would they match my towels and bathroom rugs?

The list got shorter and shorter. I am delighted to have chosen the perfect new shower curtain!
I think I love it! I hope I still will when it is delivered! 

Bliss

Follow your Bliss!
Do what truly makes your heart happy!
❤️

A Favorite Day

Surprise

I went to join friends for a late bite to eat and karaoke tonight. Made all the Hellos and So nice to see you agains. When across the restaurant I saw a familiar face. I spent the next hour and a half talking and laughing. Great surprise! Very nice to be thought of!

Quote of The Day

"She is addictive 
because she possesses a pure heart 
and a dirty mind."
JMSturm

ONE WORD

Answer with ONLY one word!!!

1. Where is your mobile phone? HAND

2. Your hair? GREAT

3. Your Dad? NONEXISTENT 

4. Your favorite food? FRUIT

5. Favorite color? BURGUNDY

6. Favorite drink? WATER

7. Fear? SOLO

8. Favorite shoes? NONE

9. Favorite way to relax? TALK

10. Your mood? FRIDAY!

11. Favorite Place? KENTUCKY

12. Where were you last night? BED

13. Something that you aren't? BLONDE

14. Muffins? NUT

15. Vacation spot? EVERYWHERE

16. Where you grew up? PHOENIX

17. Last thing you did? DRIVE

18. What are you wearing now? BOHEMIAN 

19. Your TV? Right now? OFF

20.Your Life? LOVELY

21. Your pets? NOPE

22. Regrets? NONE

23. Missing someone? KEITH

24. Who are you angry at? NOONE

25. Who are you proud of? KIDS

Word of The Day

Feels Like Fall?

This is the first weekend of fall, yet it's so hot here in the Midwest.
 Our temps are higher than Phoenix this weekend.
Happy for my kids...
but pouting here in the humidity!

1st Day of Autumn

Autumnal Equinox: Friday, September 22 at precisely 4:02 p.m. EDT. 🍂

I ❤️ Fall!!!!

Sketchy

This for That

Lack of sleep for months + the start of a sinus infection + allergies + major headaches

Vitamins + apple cider vinegar + decongest + tons of water + essential oils + Tylenol w/Codeine 3

Earthquake

I was in bed yesterday morning, it was pouring rain and the Thunder and Lightning were intense. Then I felt the big dog jump up on my bed. You know how your brain doses that split second thing... 

WAIT! I don't have a BIG DOG.... I don't have a dog!!

So after I calmed down a bit and came to the realization that there was not someone under my bed, I started to do some homework. Sure enough...Earthquake! Its epicenter is about 60 miles from my home. And had I been up and getting ready for work, as I should have been doing, I may not have felt it. But being in bed, still comfy, I sure did feel it. 

Awake

NKC

I'm missing you, I want to share about a million things each day. I miss every single thing about you.
I will always love you. You have my heart, you always have, and now I know, you always will. eek
❤️

SALSA

Heading to The Salsa Chalange!
Expecting it to be a fun night...fingers crossed, no pressure...let's go! 🌶





*As always that orange slushy in the chilled glad was amazing!
But the fajitas were super too! I was correct about the salsa, but all in all, it was very good!
Worth repeating another time!

Hidden Treats

Freezing more roasted tomatoes from the garden tonight....but my little freezer is full. So I did some much needed freezer organization. And the most wonderful thing happened!!!
Not only did all three new freezer bags of roasted romas and herbs fit, but I also unearthed the last tiny bit of Lemonade Pie Ice-cream! I'm so excited! Yummmmm! Perfect end to the day!
❤️eek

Sunday

This morning I worked in my garden for a bit, looked at some of my Hawaiian momentose. But, I couldn't handle being in my home anylonger, too many things remind me I'm living alone. So I pulled my hair up, grabbed a water bottle and I was out the door. I visited New Harmony, Indiana. They are having a German Festival this weekend. It is the perfect 'Americana Home Town'.  The homes there are wonderful. They even have a labyrinth! I hung out there until it started to rain. Then I drove into the pouring rain!

I love the rain!
I drove into Illinois. It's beautiful here! I have driven through woods, alongside coal cars on trains that stretch as far as I can see and over rivers.  I have driven through main streets with picture perfect architecture. I have driven past lots of small town churches. And even though I have no pull to enter any of them, I feel rather spiritual this morning. God and I have been chatting all day. I have been listening to Macklemore singing "Glorious" on repeat for about an hour now. So when I cane to a stop sign here in Midwest America, in the middle of nowhere, at an intersection that has an elementary school, a John Deer dealership and a Crossroads Church all surrounded by woods, I knew it was time to stop.
(I like the Macklemore choir pumping in my car.)

God knows my heart. I don't regret the choices I have made. I don't regret the things I have done.
I have loved without bounds, I have been willing to give everything and all. I have been honest in my dealings. I am thankful for those who have touched my life. Grateful to those who have let me love them. And I am eternally grateful for those who have loved me.

❤️

GLORIOUS

You know I'm back like I never left (I never left)
Another sprint, another step (another step)
Another day, another breath (another breath)
Been chasing dreams, but I never slept (I never slept)

I got a new attitude and a lease on life
And some peace of mind
Seek and I find I can sleep when I die
Wanna piece of the pie, grab the keys to the ride
And shit I'm straight
I'm on my wave, I'm on my wave
Get out my wake, I'm running late, what can I say?

I heard you die twice, once when they bury you in the grave
And the second time is the last time that somebody mentions your name
So when I leave here on this earth, did I take more than I gave?
Did I look out for the people or did I do it all for fame?
Legend, it's exodus searching for euphoria
Trudging through the mud to find the present, no ignoring us
Got 20,000 deep off in the street like we some warriors
My mama told me never bow your head, woo!

I feel glorious, glorious
Got a chance to start again
I was born for this, born for this
It's who I am, how could I forget?
I made it through the darkest part of the night
And now I see the sunrise
Now I feel glorious, glorious
I feel glorious, glorious

I'm feeling glorious
The crib looking Victorian (oh yes it is)
You know that we been going in (been going in)
Since we hopped out that Delorean (Delorean, yeah we win)

En garde, things are just things
They don't make you who you are
Can't pack up a U-Haul and take it with you when you're gone
We posted on the porch, my family's glasses to the stars
My grandma smiling down on me like woo, that boy got bars
Okay, okay, yes I do
I said amen and hallelujah, let me testify too
Another morning, a morning, don't let self get in my way
I got my breath, I got my faith and I remember why I came

I feel glorious, glorious
Got a chance to start again
I was born for this, born for this
It's who I am, how could I forget?
I made it through the darkest part of the night
And now I see the sunrise
Now I feel glorious, glorious

I feel glorious, glorious

We gon' be alright, put that on my life
When I open my eyes, hope I see you shine
We're planting a flag they don't understand
The world is up for grabs (Hey, hey, hey)
We gon' be alright, put that on my life
When I open my eyes, hope I see you shine
We're planting a flag they don't understand
The world is up for grabs

I feel glorious, glorious
Got a chance to start again
I was born for this, born for this
It's who I am, how could I forget?
I made it through the darkest part of the night
And now I see the sunrise
Now I feel glorious, glorious
I feel glorious, glorious

Lessons

Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.

What You Are Made Of

The Virginia's

I went to Virginia to check things off my life list.
I was overwhelmed with all I saw. 
The beauty of Virginia and West Virginia was 
so much more than I imagined. 
Monticello was magnificent! Jefferson was a
brilliant man. It exceeded my expectations!
And being able to walk into the Atlantic Ocean
just a week after I walked in the Pacific was
self rewarding. 
My trip to Virginia was the first trip I did just 
for me, no one else, just for my agenda.  
It was GREAT!

I love my Son & Technology

Coffee....

Why dose coffee smell so amazing and tastes so nasty?
It is one of those things that I just can't figure out.

Shhhh....it's a deer!

On my friends property in NC! Wow!!!!!

Friday Afternoon

View From My Bedroom

Foggy Mornings remind me of you!

Night Vision

Watch the video!
(One of the millions of things I want to share with you today. eek)

http://www.azfamily.com/story/36367135/jaguar-caught-on-trail-cam-in-chiricahua-mountains?utm_content=buffer9aa15&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Separation

Your absence has gone through me
Like a thread through a needle
Everything I do is stiched with its color
WSMerwin

Word of The Day

"Mahalo" is a Hawaiian word meaning thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, esteem, regards, or respects.

Great Read

I have read and re-read Jennifer L Scott's books recently. 
Great female reads. I highly recommend her writings. 
She has a blog and a TED talk also. 
Great stuff. 

who?

Warrior Princess from the land of phycodelic lights and Dust and spiney trees that will poke you.

CP you Totally made me laugh!

Relationship

"In a relationship, 

no amount of extra effort on your part can make up for the lack of effort on theirs."

JMGreen

Wishing

Thought of The Day

We ignore the truth and focus on the potential of the person. 
That is why we stay. 

(NKC~ I guess that's why I stayed, your potential is Amazing!)
eek

Self Realization

I did not come this far, to only come this far! 

Tomatoes by The Dozens

1971 Chevy Vega

I love this Vega! I guess I always will!

eek

9/11/2001

I won't forget.

HaPPy BiRTHDay BaBy!

A very "Happy 18th BiRTHDay" to my daughter Megan!
I love you beauty! Eek!!!!

Late Night Treat

Never Regret

"Life is short
Break the rules
Forgive quickly
Kiss slowly
Love truly
Laugh uncontrollably
and
Never regret anything that made you smile.

eek

Quote of The Day

Everyday is a job interview.
JG

Friday Night

Great game!
Seeing the moon rise over the bleachers was a treat too!
Perfect Friday night!

Does he exist?

I don't think he exists...

Quote of The Day

"How people treat other people is a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves."
Paulo Coelho