2012

Be Thankful
A thankful heart is key to being happy, recognize 
blessings, which are many.  I have a friend who has
blogged about being thankful for each day of 2011. It
has been tremendously inspiring,  I
cannot commit to a daily post, this is my year to stretch.

Be Happy
Lament of the Grouch
I knew that in Heaven all are Happy.
But I wish I'd known the reason before.
Only to the happy
do they open the door.
-Carol Lynn Pearson
*************
At the Judgement day a man will be called to account for all the good things he might have enjoyed and did not enjoy.
-Jewish Proverb I'm thinking that a
good knock-knock joke or any kind of goofy zinger might find it's way to the pages of this blog.  You have been warned. 

Be Kind
Enough said.  I'll hold my rude comments
and give peeps the benefit of a doubt.
Save

My car, Alice, has 260,000+ miles on her odometer.  That is a lot.  She burns oil, she has a few rattles. I love her.  The drivers seat is molded to my bum, it is comfortable, I could sit and drive behind her wheel for hours.  She is 17 years old. If you know anything about me, you know I form a relationship with my vehicles, because I own them for so long. But I'm smart enough that I know she will need to be replaced, probably sooner than later.  I haven't had a car payment for years.  I don't want one.  I want to save and pay cash, this will mean pinching some pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters. . . . . who am I kidding it will entail pinching some Ben Franklin's!!! Wish me luck and if you are feeling especially generous you could donate to my car-fund- hahahahaha

Read labels and try to purchase things made in USA
This is hard, but I keep trying.

Be better at procrastination – (try not to)
I may have to put this off until next year. . . . . hahahaha
I'm sure this is too much for me to try to bite off in
a single year.  I'll consider it a success if I can
pull off the first two on the list.

Below are the books I read in 2011:
Odd Hours
Brother Odd
The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square
(this book made me want to own a shop that sells bedding)
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
(This is about a girl who can eat food and know what the person preparing the food was thinking/feeling, it was a bit weird)
Kings of the Earth
To The Rescue
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
(I counted this as a classic and not "light fluff")
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
(Very good.  Henrietta Lacks was a black woman whom the "HeLa" gene was used in gene research and is still used today, about medical "ethics") 
The Dead Lie Down
(can't rememeber much)
The Wrong Mother
(ditto, can't remember much)
The Truth tellers Lie
(ummmmm, don't remember much, there seems to be a theme)
Anna Karenina
(another book that I counted as a classic)
An Object of Beauty
(not sure I finished it, written by Steve Martin, boring. . . I think)
Freakin' Fabulous
(too funny, written by Clinton Kelly, just a fun book about fashion)
The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel
(this woman was "quite the whore" according to my mom, and I agree)
The Peach keeper
(I think I liked this)
Oh no she didn't
(another book by Clinton Kelly, very, very light fluff)
Gideon's Sword
(ummmmmm)
The Lover's Dictionary
(different)
The Illumination
(ummmmmmm, can't remember much)
The girl in the Green Raincoat
(ok, not too memorable)
Service Included
(this book is about the food service industry, just so-so)
The Postmistress
(Loved this)
Sex in the City
(pretty bad)
Nothing to Envy
(depressing, I blogged about in earlier in the year)
Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man
(Funny, light fluff by Fannie Flagg)
Little Bee
(kinda sad, kinda good)
I still Dream about You
(more fluff from Fannie Flagg)
As Husbands Go
(pretty good, about a woman trying to find out if her dead husband was what she thought he was)
Can't wait to get to Heaven
(additional fluff. . . . Fannie Flagg . . . . .again)
The Giver
(I read this when Megan was is 6th grade, it was a book her class was reading, I didn't think that a 6th grader would understand it then and I still think it is beyond a 6th grader, it was a good read)
Gathering Blue
(Same auther as The Giver, it was ok, youth fiction, but I think it had concepts beyond the 12-15 year old audience it is going after)
Peony in Love
(weird)
American Wife
(This book is based very loosely on Laura Bushs' life, it was ok)
Off Season
(ummm, can't remember)
The Hand that 1st Held Mine
(I recommended this to my book club, I liked it)
The Map of Time
(long and wordy. . . . not too good)
Let the Great World Spin
(ok)
The Dove Keepers
(excellent-loved it, blogged about it)
Brooklyn
(ok)
New York
(ok, it's basically a history lesson)

I joined a book club this summer.  Several months the book they picked was one that I had read.   I didn't re-read them, but couldn't remember enough about them to have any real discussion - yikes! I think I go for the treats and to visit.
 

Knock Knock

Who's There?

Doris

Doris Who?

Doris locked that's why I'm knocking!

Santa Kitty

Happy Santa Kitty. . . . . .  not.

Boyd purchased a Santa outfit for Fatty.  She

was not amused.

Boyd: "Oh look, she wants to be Santa"

Fatty: "I want to kill you, you crazy nut-job.... so humiliating!"

Where is the Fairy Wand when you need it?

If I could locate my magic wand I would wave it

and click my heels together (3) times

and we would get some of the

white stuff!

Sniff.............

This is Sweet Sophie. I love to smell the

sweet spot on her neck, just under the ear.

I call it the "life force" of a baby.  It adds years to my

life, but doesn't diminish anything from Sophie.  She's wonderful! But I

might be a tad bit biased.

Postcard from . . . .

This card is postmarked from 1915

This was a postcard sent to my Grandma Bushar, before she was Bushar.  The address is:

Woodruff, Arizona.  No street, no house number, just the community.  It was written to her from Dena.  I'm not sure if you can see, but about mid-way down the text of the card they used "b/4" which I thought was a more current short-hand type of use. 

The fabulous Bev give this to me on Christmas Eve.  It is my favorite gift of the year!

The Week After

Do you still have your tree up? I do. I didn't actually put my tree up, Boyd did. I placed a few of the decorations on it.  I'm waiting for Boyd to take it down. ummmmm.......not sure if that will happen. I've got a list of several things he need to do. He did get me a curtain rod hung. it was a 48" rod on my bedroom wall to hang my scarves from. It was a brilliant idea, I'm sorry I can't say it was mine. But it looks and works like a charm. Now on to more important things ........

After Christmas sales........... 

Are you going? 

What will it take for you to think it's a bargain?

Do you have returns?

Where will you spend your after Christmas time?

I sometimes purchase after Christmas wrapping paper and cards.

Usually I look for a great deal on a winter coat.

I don't need one, but if the price is right, I will purchase one.

I'm thinking this year I will look for some snow boots, since

the ones I have a pretty much ready for the trash heap.

Paxman Christmas Party

Mom & Dad above, Austin and Girlie Girl Kelly

Bev, who isn't happy to  have a picture taken. . . . . she will grin and bare it.

Brad & Boyd

Bridget and Ben

Don (above) Goldie and Jill

Goldie with some boxer shorts he took from Lexus.  The man who has been going commando since he was 12 took this bad-boys away from a 10 year old!

K-K-Katie and her peeps!

Lance & Shawna (above) Lance taking one the the final gifts.

Lexus before Goldie took them away from.

Peggi and Lance. . . . hey Leavitts why didn't I get any picture of you guys? Were you hiding?

Bridget & Ben. . . . again.  I think I still don't know how to load pics to blogger !!

Tayson & Wyatt (Lance's mini-me)

Tanner & his Girls (above)

Tanner and a Dora Snugglie . . . . so jealous!

It was a fun party. So good to see everyone. Sometimes this is the only time we see each other. Lot of peeps weren't there, they were missed. Next year I'll try to get my $Hi& together and let everyone know when it will be.

Can you say awwwwwww

Last week I had a pain in my side. I ignored it, no time for pain, only time for Advil. Thursday. . . .pain still there. . . . more Advil and with a bonus a Tylenol 4. . . . . . Friday pain increased, increase in Advil and Tylenol 4. Friday night, I complained to Mr. B. I think I shed a tear, when describing the pain. It felt like someone had kicked me, real hard in the back (lower left side) Boyd thought that because I shed a tear my pain might be sincere (?) He insisted to go to the ER. (his logic: We are going on a 4-hour road trip tomorrow, the road trip was 4-hours each way and we were going down and back. . . .same day. Also, we would be traveling with (2) of our favorite traveling companions (see blogs in February of this year to see who they are. . . they know who they are and they are fabity-fab-fab-fabulous) and it would be supremely unfair to them and to him if we had to make an emergency stop at a small-ish town because my pain was worse.) So I consented to go to the ER at our friendly neighborhood hospital, where a routine physical (you know poke, prod, thump) an ultrasound and a CT scan ruled out kidney stones, but the urine analysis (sorry if this is too much information) found blood and so the diagnosis is Kidney Infection. Yikes!! I've had bladder infections but never a Kidney infection. I need to be better at drinking water.

An Awesome Read!

I just finished this book. I L-O-V-E-D it. The author researched this for 5 years.  She took some of the writings of Josephus (not canonized text but interesting reading in ancient script) and created a story about Masada. It takes place in ancient Judea about some Jewish rebels who occupied

the fortress and fought against the Roman army. It is in 4-parts each written from the perspective of a woman and how they were brought to this fortress and how their lives intertwine. Josephus claims that 2 women and 5 children escaped the awfulness of the siege.  And it was awful.  It is written beautifully.  I love a good descriptive sentence, one that paints a picture in my mind, so I can see and smell what the author wants me to.  It made me research Masada and it made my dream to visit the Holy Land that much more intense.

I'm dreaming. . . . .

of a White Christmas

Where's The Snow?

3 Year old programs!

Not programs that are 3 years old, but 3 year olds who are going to perform in a program, they're the best.  This is Mr. Allagzanndah (I like to say his name as if I were from the Bronx) His dad calls him Alejandro (because he speaks spanish) and sometimes I call him "Mr. Mr. Twisted Sister" he answers to all, with a sweet smile.

Here he is stretching, waiting for the "Big Show" it was exactly what you would expect from sixteen 3-year olds. Fun. Funny. Funnier!  I loved it.

Gas at Guad's

This is me and my good friend and neighbor Carla and her sister, Jane. We had a lovely lunch at Guadalahonkeys. We laughed and gossiped and told stories about our lives, and cried. . . . we have all gone thru a life changing, and heartbreaking situation with a child. It is nice to be able to share with people who know exactly what you are feeling and can relate to this oh, so human condition. They are delightful. Jane has been blogging for a year. I have her link on the side. "Gratitude Project" She has blogged everyday about something she is thankful for.  I love reading her inspirational thoughts,  I look forward to it,  quite often, it is the best thing I read all day long.

A Day in Infamy

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:

Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt - December 8, 1941

BEST 4-LETTER WORD

Ahh......And the Angels sang. . . . . Sale. . . . I'm in heaven.

FAREWELL TO FLIP-FLOPS

I wore my flip-flops to work yesterday, just as I have for the last 9 months, but today I have on shoes. It is cold. My feet got cold. I even took the dog for a short jaunt around the block in my flip flops last night, bad idea!  I'm sure I will have the flip flops on again . . . . soon, but until this cold snap leaves, it's time to cover up the feet.  I'm getting a pedicure on Saturday, I will have to wear open toed shoes then.  I'm actually enjoying being a bit chilled.   

Nancy Sinatra and my friend Val

These boots are cute.  I want them.  I'm sure you've noticed the plethora of darling fashion boots out this fall/winter.  Alas, my calves are like that of Petunia Pig's, and are a bit "thick" I even blogged about them earlier.  These are the kind of boots 
I want.

This is a lovely post-operative orthopedic boot my good friend Val is sporting.  Last January she had her left foot operated on.  Bones shaved, toes straightened with pins jutting out, veins from her leg used. . . .  .someplace.  It was a long recovery. . . . poor thing.  Well, on Monday she had her right foot go under the knife. . . . . same thing, bones shaved, toes all pinned up.  It's not pretty.

Because a couple of toes from the first surgery were not behaving, they needed some additional attention. . . . . more pins. . . . . argggggg, so this is the lovely and sexy 1/2 boot to go along with the full boot above.  She is such a trend setter with all the fashion footwear. . . . NOT.

I went to her home today to have lunch with her.  She had company.  Her darling grand babies.  When I went to leave they were in her kitchen eating lunch, so I snapped some pics and I told them that I would blog about them so their Grandma could see it. 

She has twins. . . . . I think this might be William. . . . or maybe Murphy. . . . not sure, but boy do they have the biggest blue eyes and the longest eyelashes.  So Cute.

If the 1st picture is William then this is Murphy, if the 1st picture is Murphy, then this is William, you know how that goes.  They are a couple of happy campers! 

This is sweet Emma.  She said her favorite princess was Rapunzel.  When I went to leave she said: "I love you"  How darling is that.  So I said "I love you too!"  Her hair is fabity-fab-fab-fabulous and curly! She's what I call "A pip" too cute!

This is Gehrig (spelling ?)  Notice the baseball themed names?  I predict that this little guy will give his parents gray hair. . . . . . . I'm just saying!

This is Satchel (spelling again?)  I asked him what they were eating and he said Taco's.  I said "from Taco Belch?" He said, "no, Taco Bell" then he burped.   What a cleaver boy!  I predict he will find a cure for cancer.  Look and that serious face - can't you just see all those great thoughts rolling around inside his brain!

So, that wraps up my Friday Lunch, it was lovely.  I hope you get feeling better Miss Val, and have a great weekend.