Right??? Left??? Pause???

Decisions, decisions--I want to sit here and blog; no wait, I want to go to bed; no, no I want to look at magazines. What's a gal to do??? It's 9:00 p.m., I just finished a long day at both the kitchen and at church (cooking the evening meal), and I have to get up early tomorrow cause I have 3 large events tomorrow, 3 larger events Friday, and 3 more large ones on Saturday. Chase those with 2 large events on Sunday and you have my cocktail!!! Ha ha. But there is sooooo much I want to do!!



So, is everyone finished with shopping for the season???? Please, PLEASE say no. Please let me believe I am not in the minority!! I have a few things. We are really cutting back this year. Not for the reasons most -- we do have jobs. But it's just time dang it! Why does Christmas get bigger and bigger. And why do we feel the need to spend more and more??? I'm freakin tired of it---the rat race to buy the love and adoration of those we shouldn't have to; the need to have our gifts out do our friends; so the truck stops here! It's time to go with fewer "things" and spend more quality time. And save more for the future.





Speaking of spending----I was at a women's event last week, shopping in the temporary bookstore (that was set up just so women would spend even more~~~arg), and did find a stocking stuffer I wanted. So---I ambled over to the check out area which consisted of two lines. Wasn't that neat? Two lines instead of one so that we could get out faster. The lines, of course, were still 10-15 women deep. Picked me a line and, as I became the 3rd person in line instead of #15, a cashier looked at me (sweetly, of course, this WAS a Christian event) and said "I see you're paying with debit card--this is the cash & check line". I laughed and then realized she was serious! So, being the obedient gal I am, I slunk over to the next line and became, once more, #16! Now I made it all the way to being second in line when the cashier said to her co-worker "Oh my goodness, our credit card swipe machine has just overloaded!" Then she looked at the line and asked if they wanted to "trust" them with their numbers and they would process payment the next day. No, I said, I'll just write a check. Can you guess what she replied??? Can you??? Yep! She said, "Well the check line is over there" CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT???? She actually thought I would step out of my position of #2 and go back to being a "16" for the third time!!! I looked at her, ever so demurely, and said "I'm not getting out of this line!". I guess she saw the determination (read fire) in my eyes, cause she said "Ok honey I'll take your check here, but the rest of you--if you want to pay with cash or check, will have to go to the next line" I think it was a glimpse of shopping to come, and let me tell you, I am terrified!





Never fails, if there is a new and confused checker, I have a radar for them. If they are in training, or don't speak my language, or don't like their job, I can find them in a heartbeat!!! So you see--I am sooooo looking forward to shopping!!!




Well, hubby just stopped by to say "GO TO BED", so I'd better sign off for now.





Have a restful evening!

Hooray for Friday!!!

This is one Friday I am going to ENJOY!!! Beginning next Tuesday, I am booked each and every day and weekend!!! So, today is the day to finish cleaning & decorating around the house---that plus I have a family dinner here on Sunday afternoon. And, since I am away from the house so much anymore, cleaning & decorating are actually enjoyable-how sad is that?????

Last evening was the Christmas Gathering that many of my friends and churchmates attended. It was simply wonderful, just as anticipated!!! The workshops this year included decorating tabletops & doors, new goodies for stocking stuffing, women's health, and ---drumroll please---cooking!!! It was fun and refreshing. AND--we got lots of good food to eat & the recipes too! It was ended with a devotional which reminded all of us to put an internal emphasis on the blessings we have. What a fun night! I took my camera and fully intended to share pics, but after I dropped the camera in my purse, I promptly forgot about it!!!

Hey I have an idea--wouldn't it be neat to spread all the holiday options over 12 months? There are home tours, dinners, special events, all that I won't be able to attend. Just can't fit it all in 4 weeks; but if it were spread over 12 months---wow---I could do it all. And we could do away with the presents all on one night--maybe one a month. I think the pocketbook would appreciate that too! Well, it was a good idea--- Wait! That's what the birth of Christ does for all of us. The blessings He brought and the promises He gave last each and every month! We have churches to go into and celebrate each Sunday, we have His presence (presents) in our lives each and every day, and His blessings are multiplied as we give more and more of ourselves to Him!!! Ok--there you go---Christmas all year long!!!

Well, it's time---the boxes of ornaments and decor call to me---the dust and piles of "things" are begging to be put away, so I must go quickly to the "Grime Scene" and answer the "Call of the Soiled"!!!

All of you have a great day--enjoy the blessings of the season, and each day.

December Days

Happy December 1~~~

I love this time of year, and yet, it can be the most stressful time of all! Do you feel it whirling towards you? All of the shopping, cooking, cleaning, planning, card signing, event attending, etc., etc., coming faster and faster????????

Well, take a deep breath and repeat "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will be rejoice and be glad in it" I will, I WILL!!!!! These are the days we look back to as the "good ole days" and wish we had taken them with more care!

Yesterday, hubby and I forsook all responsibilities and (after church of course!), went to eat at a neat little restaurant, The Palace Cafe in the Cherry St district. Then we went to the Festival of Trees at Philbrook Museum. And then, my favorite of all!, we went to Utica Square and shopped at Williams Sonoma and Margo's. Two really big faves on my list! And we topped it off with a visit to Target---back to reality shopping--ha ha ha. It felt sooooo good to have no plan, just take our time and eat, browse and welcome the season. We haven't done that in such a LONG time. And may not for another long while, but it made me feel so settled. So ready.

I have a couple of things scheduled for this week and then---BAM! Next week it becomes marathon cooking once again!

My son turns 30! Yes, 30!!! His birthday is Saturday, and we'll have lunch for him on Sunday. Boy! That sounds like he has an old mother---NOT! It's all a state of mind as long as one doesn't look in the mirror or shop in the Jr Dept!! I think I'm pretty agile & hip for the mom of a 30 year old. I must say---I have enjoyed nothing more than being the mom of my two children. They have brought such joy and fulfillment to my life. I just wish I saw them more these days. You know--they think they have to have these separate lives!!

Went to visit my daughter, son in law and Hank on Saturday. My mom had not seen her new home, so my niece and I took her. Then we had lunch together. I am so proud for them. They have worked hard to get to this stage of life---his two terms in Iraq, moving multiple times over 5 years, living in a little shoebox for nearly a year, his staff infection (which is fine!), her pregnancy with him overseas until the last 5 days. Well, I know there are many, MANY others with like and more dire conditions, but I'm still happy and proud for them!

Now, it's off to clean the house before I go and do major cleaning at the catering kitchen. Getting ready for that whirlwind to hit you know! Enjoy the holidays!

Thanks(ful)giving

Ok, so I waited a little too long in the evening for this photo--I'll try to take another, better one, but I wanted you to see the new city light fixtures and the Christmas wreaths that are hung in town. And this one is right outside my kitchen. I think it's quite quaint.

Thank God from whom all blessings flow

Thank Him ye people here below

Thank Him above you heavenly hosts

Thank Father, Son and Holy Ghost

Ok, so I took some creative license in the translation of that verse, but I think it actually makes it more personal. And I wanted to express just that on this Thanksgiving Evening.

I am thankful that I was able to bound out of bed this morning; that I had a house to sleep in; that I had Thanksgiving dinner with both sides of the family at the same house; that I am able to pursue my hobby as work--you know, the kitchen!!!; that my children are safe and secure; that we still have both sets of parents with us; that I live in this particular corner of the universe; that I have dear friends; that I have just enough to make life quite comfortable--not too little as to be in need and not too much as to become "haughty" about it; that I have gas in the car, bills paid, a perfect husband, ---- oh I could go on and on and on. But I am just thankful!

I think thankfulness is more a way of life, or a state of mind, than just a daily celebration. And I truly believe that as we live life being aware of all that we have been blessed with, we become more of the person God intended us to be. He allows us to choose our own state of mind--glass half empty or half full? Want to be an encourager or a discourager? Am I living 24/7 as He would have me, showing those around me each and every minute of each and every day His character, or am I plowing "full speed ahead" with my own agenda---disrupting all of His plans as I go?

I am so thankful for life in general---no, not for the trials and tragedies, but for getting up each morning, and understanding the slate is fresh and clean--that this is the day that He has made---I can rejoice & be glad in it or suffer from my own choosings.

I hope all of you reading this have had a wonderful day--that you ate too much---loved enthusiastically---appreciated humbly, and that tomorrow you have an idea of your many blessings!

Bon Nuit!

Pushing Daisies @ The Pie Hole!

Or perhaps this post should be "The Week of A Thousand Pies"!!! Well, ok, not that many--but close! ha ha ha

Yesterday I delivered lunch at three different places for 180 people. It was a Turkey Dinner Marathon. That was the last of deliveries for a week. This week will be concentrated on pies -- pumpkin pies, cream pies, pecan pies, chocolate pies, fruit pies. You name it, I'll bake it! On Wednesday I have several people picking up dinners. And some picking up dressing only. Hmmm guess people don't like making dressing!! Strikes me as funny.

When I bought this business I was determined that I would not work 12 & 14 hour days---that I would only take so many jobs each day/week, and that I would slow life down. NOT! How different when it's your own responsibility & the reputation lies on your own shoulders. Just yesterday I began work at 5:30 a.m. and ended at 8:30 p.m. I just can't seem to say no to jobs---you know, I DO have bills to pay. And I don't want to loose valuable customers. So, I am working longer and harder than I ever imagined I would, and enjoying it greatly! It's a big bonus that hubby likes the business as much as I do! He comes right after his "day" job, and stays til I go home. Sometimes I have to put aside what I need to do cause I know he's tired, and I don't want him running out of energy. We work well together (even if we do sound cranky from time to time) and he is sooooo supportive. I am blessed to have him! Just another reason I am thankful for him---there's my "thankful" post!

I'm also thankful that my son-in-law is doing better today. You remember he's in the hospital with staph--well it DID come back positive for MRSA on the second culture, but it's under control---we hope. On Thursday he had a set back; a reaction to the antibiotics. He began to run a 103 fever, and broke out in a horrendous rash all over his body. The Drs were afraid that they wouldn't be able to treat the infection, and that it had invaded his blood stream. But, as an answer to our prayers, they lessened the dosage of the antibiotic and and gave him something to counteract the effects. As of last night, the fever had broken and the rash was subsiding. They took him off the IV dosage & put him on an oral dosage and so far good. He will be in the hospital at the very least through the weekend. AND--the staph is not in the blood. Prayers answered! Please keep him in your prayers--it's not over yet.

Today I am going to do something DIFFERENT!!! At least different from the kitchen. It used to be something ordinary; funny how things take an alternate path! Anywho---I'm going to two craft shows!! Affair of the Heart is in Tulsa, and I, by golly, am taking the day off and attending. And, The Church at Battle Creek is having a craft show and I plan to stop there also!! I invited son's new girlfriend to go and she said yes---some time to get to know one another! Can't wait for the day to take off!!! You know, when the kids were small a dear friend (who deserted me for the fields of Kansas!) and I used to travel the craft show circuit peddling our wares. I got to where I didn't really like craft fairs. But now----I'm rip roarin ready!!! I'll let you know how they turn out!!

Well, gotta run---I really should straighten up the house a bit before I take off for a day of fun, fun, FUN!!!!!

Have a blessed day----

On The Menu: Turkey!

It's the calm before the storm! Today was mellow--tomorrow begins the "cooking of the turkeys"---I have 120 lbs to bake for the church dinner Wednesday, and 160 lbs to bake for lunch deliveries on Friday. Not to mention pumpkin pie for 140, along with dressing, taters & gravy, cranberry salad--all for the church dinner. Friday deliveries include ham, dressing, taters & gravy for 180! AND--the orders for pies have begun. Think perhaps I'd like to have pizza for Thanksgiving dinner???? Not going to happen--we tend to be verrry traditional when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner.

Hey--I have a request--my son in law is sitting in the ER as I write, waiting with his records to see what the verdict will be on his hand. You see, he has contracted staph infection in his hand (one of the benefits of his in hospital nursing training), and after multiple rounds of antibiotics, and having the area lanced & packed with antibiotic, his hand still isn't looking as well as they would like. So he has been sent to the ER to see if IV antibiotics are required, and to see if the infection has attacked the joint of his finger. So--all this to say--please say a prayer for him. I wish there was something I could do to help them get through this quickly, but ERs being what they are, well, he's been waiting for 6 hours now. About the time he's up for the "next room" an ambulance arrives with a priority patient! Anyway, keep him in your thoughts.

Now, about Thanksgiving--I'm thankful he isn't one of those "priority" patients; I'm thankful he's no longer in Iraq; I'm thankful for the beautiful young lady my son is seeing; I'm thankful I'm able to work at my "dream" job; I'm thankful for family close by; I'm thankful that I am living in a nation of freedom--I can write what I want, say what I choose, go where I like; I'm thankful the election is OVER!!! I'm thankful for my dear friends--you know who you are--and I treasure you!!! I'm thankful to have blessings too great to list!

And, I'm thankful that now I can go and recline on my comfy sofa, with a blanket thrown over, my cat by my side, and feel content, safe and happy!

Have a good week!

A Moment In Time

Hello blog friends!!! It's been a while since my last post--did you miss me???

Well, this morning, I decided to MAKE myself take a few moments and check in blogland.

It's been a slow week--which I desperately needed, and which makes me nervous. I loved having the "down" time--cleaning a bit, running errands, catching up on paperwork, but at the same time this thought keeps running through the back of my mind "Is the economic plunge coming to visit??" And that frightens me!!! I do have several bookings for Thanksgiving & December events, but the daily schedule looks slow. One big event in December has downsized due to layoffs. Guess I'm just thankful they didn't cancel (oh, oh there's a thankful post!!!).

In the meantime, hubby survived the first round of layoffs at his place of work. He works at a business that caters to the airline industry--both public & private--and it has affected them. There will probably be more layoffs, but we'll survive--I have a job all lined out for him--ha ha ha!!!

I really feel sorry for all those laid off -- there is no good time, but this time of year is so devastating for families. I went to one of my regular suppliers this week, and they are closing the public side of their business. Several people are loosing jobs on Nov 24. It makes me sad for them.

I think that we are suffering not only the effects of the recession, but the effects of the national greed. People have been pushed to keep up with the "Joneses" and to do it with credit. (BTW--who ARE these Joneses and why do they do so well???) Hubby & I went through the Dave Ramsey Financial course about 6 years ago--long before the recession was even mentioned, and it made such an impact on our financial security. We conditioned ourselves out of the credit card position--it galls me that credit has been crammed down our throats! It always made me irate to go to college events and see Visa & Mastercard set up ready to sign all the students. Credit had become a way of life for the American people and now we're paying the price. It's hard for me to sympathize with couples who can't make their $4000.00 monthly mortgage payment, or their $500 car payment while both working and spending like there was no end. For 4 years my car was a 93 Jimmy that had no bells or whistles, and didn't look great, but it was paid for AND it got me to my destination as well as a brand spankin new one! Sure I got some rolled eyeballs when I'd pull up into a lot of shiny cars, and when it would make funny noises, but it allowed us to save enough to make a substantial downpayment on a car when it was needed. And then, guess what!!! We DIDN'T buy a new, off the lot car! You know--the kind that drops in value the minute it rolls off the showroom floor! No, we bought a 4 year old car-and I am soooo proud of it. Not to mention that I am proud of the fact that we can make the payment even if our salary drops even more!

Ok, so much for that "moment in time". I just think the majority of Americans have confused "need" and "want".

I had to attend 2 funerals this week, and one of the preachers made a comment that caused me to think. He said something to the affect that we keep talking about the "good old days" and finally he asked someone why the "old" days were so "good". The answer came back that we had more friends, did more family things, weren't so rushed. And he said in this age of technology, where so many inventions have been added to make life easier, we still push ourselves faster and faster! It would seem that we could slow down and let the technology take over! So, I'm thinking about slowing down. Right after I get my "to do" list done! ha ha ha

Well, friends, I have written alot and said nothing, so I'm going to end this "moment in time" and go change the sheets. Then I will go to the "town kitchen" and make 16 dozen sugar cookies for the library tomorrow!

Enjoy the changing colors. Call a friend, visit family---at least have a slow cup of coffee or tea!