Moving has begun

The movers arrived early this morning to start our packing. They went into our basement and saw my stacks and stacks of boxes, bins and stuff and their eyes just about popped out. One mover asked my husband what we are going to do with all the stuff and my husband replied that his wife just likes to collect it. For some reason it has given me an uncontrollable case of the giggles everytime I think about it. If only he saw what I gave away, trashed and gave to Salvation Army. I may never get a job as unpacking all these boxes will take me years! Good thing we are moving to a bigger house!




















My surgery went well thanks to a super surgeon. I am feeling so much better than I imagined I would. Christmas was low key this year but still wonderful. Adding this bundle of joy to the celebration made it extra fun- next Christmas will be even more fun with more grandchildren!

Our House

We bought a house! Before going on this weekend's house hunting trip we had narrowed our list to two favorites of which I was sure we would end up choosing one. We had given our realtor a list of 19 other homes we looked at online and wanted to see. After a whirlwind tour on Thursday of almost all 19 homes, we found one, not on our original list, that had EVERYTHING we wanted- gas heat, gas cooking, master on main, etc. This is what we BOUGHT on Friday. Back home today with the task of cleaning out the attic and shed because we close on our old house Dec. 30 and the new one Jan. 5. To complicate matters I have a hysterectomy on Dec. 22! Fun time at our place this Christmas. Not sure if this blog will get any attention between now and the move.

Still here

Had an offer on the house that we accepted but still on pins and needles to make sure nothing causes a snag. They want us out at the end of DECEMBER! Lots of work to make that happen but we are working on it. Back to Greensboro as now we have to make a decision on a house! And it has to be a house with a quick turn around. Glad I did not finish the Christmas decorating! Had some fun this weekend as my daughter in law was the pianist for a one man show in Philly. It was very good but it was during the show that my husband was getting text messages from our realtor!

Things you never think about

I have a lot of contact with farmers and their families in my work with Cooperative Extension. Today a farmer wanted me to help him figure out the cost of each load of laundry done in hot water and then an electric dryer (just under $1). He has 450 cows and each uses 2 clean washcloths a day so they wash 900 washcloths each day. Tomorrow I want to find out how many washcloths they put in a load. I do know that they go through machines quickly as the farmhands tend to overload the machines. This expense is minor- the electric bills to keep cows is tremendous as well as the fertilizer for the corn they grow to feed the cow. Milk really is a bargain. When I see the work that goes into raising our nation's food I realize how blessed we are to buy food for as little as we are able yet we complain about the cost. At least I did as I paid 98 cents for a cucumber when I could not give them away this summer and peppers were $1.45 each this week! In August I had a ton and no time to freeze them!

Looking for a home

We have looked at so many homes in the Greensboro area- there are so many for sale. We are not making any decisions until our house sells but we keep thinking about a few of them. There is one house- older brick ranch that has been meticulously cared for, a kitchen that I LOVE with great appliances and a layout that I dream about. Our only problem is the neighborhood. At the next block there are a few homes that are not maintained well. Yet there are others that are lovely. How to know if we would be happy there or regret the choice. I guess if the house is still there when we are ready we will have some thinking to do. The selling agent actually contacted our realtor and offered us a price drop of $15,000 if we would make a commitment. We had been through the house twice so they knew we were interested but at this point we are not ready to commit to anything...yet I still dream of this house and arrange our furniture in it as I fall asleep! There are lots of new homes and this is one that we are also enamored with. We have watched the price drop on this as well as there are so many new homes out there. My husband LOVES the extra garage that is built to hold a car lift with an extra high ceiling and a fantastic room on the second floor- think craft studio!! I love the porch that is in the back that neither of these pictures show.

While we struggle with choices and worry about timing and selling a house I am assured knowing that He has it all planned out and knows why we are moving, when we are moving and where we will live. Why can't I just sit back, relax and enjoy the journey?

Birthdays.....

My mom always made birthdays special. She created fun parties for both my brother and me. I remember this party as though it were yesterday- but it was close to 50 years ago! She made a cake with a Barbie in the middle of it and decorated the layers as a skirt. What a novel and unique idea way back then! She was forced to be creative as we lived in Aruba and the shopping was meager. Catalog orders were delivered by boat!

Today is my mom's birthday. I wish I was closer and could plan a creative party for her. (Next year I will be a little bit closer!) Happy birthday to my wonderful mom. I love you so very, very much! Now don't you wish you could relive this day? I do!

Thanksgiving was wonderful- in fact the whole weekend has been. Extremely relaxing and got to spend time with some of our favorite people! After turkey we all wanted the traditional nap, that is everyone but Hannah. She taught her Uncle Tom how to use a cell phone! We did get a family photo taken. Saturday I got a haircut- wish I had done it before the picture!

We even pulled out some Christmas decorations today. That has been the great debate this year- do we or don't we decorate. Selling a house makes it so different from a home. We decided we would miss it if we didn't at least do something. We are definitely scaled back this year, though. Brought up one tree and worked on the mantle. Will have to take some pictures to share.

So much to be thankful for

Today is a day we stop to say thanks and there are so many things to give thanks and praise for. Family is at the top of the list. I am thankful to spend the day with my sons, their wives and adorable grandbaby! Distance separates other family members but not our thoughts of them. My daughter in law loves to cook and does it so well. She is our chef today and I can't wait! This is the first time in years I have not been in the kitchen cooking away for today.

Today is also a special birthday. My brother turns 50! Ironically he will probably look pretty much the same today as he and his wife are in the process of major home renovations. Happy Birthday, Mark!

This is also the day we try to take our "annual family picture." It has become a silly joke but I love every minute of it!

Still busy here and fighting off getting sick. My husband has had a really bad case of bronchitis and an eye infection for the past week and I DO NOT WANT IT! This is one of my favorite new past times- skyping. My son took this shot at his end of my grandaughter enjoying my peek-a-boo! What fun! Of course nothing beats seeing her in person but we have avoided getting her sick this week. This little tool softens the blow to moving- a very tiny bit!

Slowpoke

I am still really swamped between work and home but am going to take a few minutes to get to this.....

Vee invited me to participate in the Bookworm Award. Here is how it works: Pass this on to five blogging friends. (I'm going to change this to 3) Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56. Write out the 5th sentence, as well as two to five sentences following that...

The closest book to me is the Food Lover's Companion by Sharon Tyler Herbst. I get a lot of Consumer Calls and use this as a quick reference as well as for questions I get for my newspaper column so it is usually close by. As for page 56..."the blintz is rolled to enclose a sweet or savory filling including cottage or ricotta cheese, fruit or meat mixtures. It's then sauteed until golden brown and served with sour cream." Not including the next sentence as it is on bloaters (herring)! I do love blintzes, though!

Let's see if any of these bloggers want to play:

Kristine at These are My Words

Robin at Bittersweek Punkin

Donna at Cottage Days

21 in 3

Twenty one houses in 3 days and I am exhausted. We have a great realtor that we are working with but at this point I am getting all of the houses mixed up- except for my top 3! Gotta get this one sold first! Open house on Sunday so keeping my fingers crossed. Got home and realized that a blog I enjoy -Daisy's Little Cottage- is gone...so sad. Darly, where did you go?

I will get back to blogging this weekend.
Sue

Misinformed

OK...thought I would switch to 'homekeeping' issues but just can't seem to shake these election results. We are going away this weekend to look for our new home so perhaps next week I will have something along that line to report but for now it is just life as I see it and live it that I have to share.

I stopped at Ulta last night and ran into someone I know through my job. She is a childcare center director and commented on how they are going to miss me once I move. She asked if I had a job lined up and I joked, "Now that Mr. Obama is in I may never have to work again!" She laughed and said, "Don't get me started I am so angry right now." We stood in the middle of the store for about 20 minutes discussing the future of our country and the stupidity of Americans. She actually had an employee say, "I am so excited now that Obama is in I am going to get a pay raise!" How misinformed our youth are! From where will this raise come? Thin air? You don't manufacture money with a new president. This is why some folks voted for him. The fact is that she will probably be losing her job.

I teach at various centers in our area and every one I have been to lately is at the lowest enrollment point they have ever been at. People are out of work or are finding cheaper alternatives for childcare-neighbors and grandparents. They are not opting for center care. If Obama can put universal preschool in then these childcare providers may get raises but many will not meet the educational requirements to get the government funded jobs. I have been in the early care and education field for 30 plus years and there is NO WAY I want to see universal preschool. Children thrive best in a loving home environment with a constant caregiver who loves them and meets their every need. Yes, there are some excellent childcare facilities and caregivers but the minute the government gets involved, that loving homey feeling evaporates. It is replaced with bureaucracy and paperwork. Most funding goes to support administration of such programs. And it ain't cheap and guess who will be footing the bill...........YOU AND ME!

Obama workers want to be paid!

Did you read the story about the Obama campaign workers in Indianapolis who were upset about not being paid? I am upset about how they were told they were being paid- in prepaid VISA cards!!!!

We had a local employer try to do that to his staff. Rather than raises he gave gift cards in paychecks. This way he avoided payroll taxes and earned perks for purchasing the cards. NO, NO! I advised the staff who reported it to me to contact wage and labor and if they wanted they could forwarn him and give him a chance to mend his ways.

Interesting how Obama has figured out a path to avoid taxation while planning to stick it to the rest of us! Someone had initially commented on this article that you can't expect a paycheck right away, it takes awhile for checks to be processed. When you have never held a real job you don't understand that and I think that is why these workers did not understand the system or that the payment method is extremely questionable.

And now for a beauty break......

Just look at this innocence. She takes away my blues with her simple smile. Each day I pray that our country can straighten out for her future. I pray too for her parents and their ability to choose how she is educated. I fear that that the right to homeschool may be taken away from them.

History is made!

Hmmm...so what is everyone thinking about the biggest post election slump in history for the stock market??? Guess Obama will have a rude awakening when he has to move from campaigning to figuring out how to REALLY solve the economic woes. Oh...but what is this I hear, he is going to have a very long honeymoon period from the press?? They are not going to pressure him for a while....I don't think they ever have!

A sad day in the USA

Our country is in distress and half the population does not know it. They will. The other half of us are going to be working to pay for their entitlements. I am going to do my best to be civil and hold my thoughts in prayer. The disrespect and treatment Bush has received has been disgraceful. I am going to try and be bigger than those who publically bashed our president. But showing any sort of respect to a president who has publically bashed our country will be very difficult. I am very disappointed in my fellow Pennsylvanians. I believe we have all become too lazy and life has become too easy that people don't even know how to sit back and look at the issues with a non-partisan eye and a total brain in check. Everyone feels entitled to everything. Sacrifice is no longer the word. (When welfare recipients spend more on their hair and nails than I who works do, there is a problem.) Tears are shed for the damage that will not be undone for a life time once those new Supreme Court Judges are chosen. My grandaughter will have challenges ahead of her that I never dreamed could come to fruition in this great country.

Today is the day

I woke up this morning with nervous anticipation about today's election. I pray that those who vote do so with understanding and discernment but I fear there is not much of that left in this great country. I also have to keep reminding myself who is in ultimate control. No matter what the vote decides, my God reigns and He will be with me longer than any candidate who is selected.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

I can't believe it has been 2 years!

Happy Birthday!

Thrilled to celebrate the birth of my best friend! I love you!

Trick or Treat

And I'm not talking politics!

Guess What? I've been Boo-Ed! I just sat down here at my computer and opened up my blog to find that I had been booed....by Paula. It is just a little diversion and hope that you will play too so here are the rules: "Go to as many friends as you want and tell them they've been Boo-Ed." Have them link back to your blog to pick up their Halloween treat (picture) and tell them to Boo their friends. (Then put the picture in your side bar so everyone knows you've already been Boo-ed and to send the picture to someone else.) Are you scared yet!!?? Boo! Now I have to go as I have some tricking/treating to do....Boo!

Happy Monday

Kari has an excellent post today. Go and check it out. Why am I using this blog to discuss politics lately? Couple reasons. Primarily I am extremely concerned about this election and people casting votes when they do not fully understand the implications. Secondly, my house is so torn apart as we prepare to put it on the market that I can't think of decorating or seasonal decor. Right now I am focusing on boring beige paint and new beige carpet that is supposed to be here by now but is not!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

Someone sent me this link that I think is worth taking the time to read.

One more observation....

Why is it that ugly protestors interrupt McCain rallies? I have watched a lot of tv coverage and have never seen ugly Republicans interrupting Obama's rallies. Further confirms my belief that liberals are unhappy, angry people. Some may argue that I paint with a wide brush but I am basing it on the folks my paths have crossed. Life to the liberals I know is always viewed with "a glass half empty" outlook.

There has been a lot of talk about Joe the plumber. I happen to have Joes in my family. None of them will be making $250,000 this year and yet none of them will vote for Obama. Having someone spread their wealth around smells like socialism to the Joes I know. Our family wants to have the power to choose who we share our blessings with. Why should we be forced to have our money given to people and causes that do not match our beliefs and values?

I continue to pray that hearts might be open to seeing the truth and not be swayed by the slick words of Obama.

Anonymouse posters

Notice, I called them anonymouse- they are so brave that they can't even leave their contact information-they leave their little droppings and then crawl into a corner to hide. I had a good chuckle today as I got some really ugly comments on my posting praising McCain. Those liberal democrats are such kind, loving people....I am surprised everyone does not want to join them! (HA, HA) They know nothing more than to use ugly words and call people names- so big of them! They have further cemented my convictions to never vote for a liberal democrat.

So sad when someone uses their time to make comments against someone else. I have read plenty of blog posts I disagree with yet would never dream of leaving a negative comment on their blog. We each have the right to our own words and blogs are a great opportunity to share them but not the space to squash others' voices.

One of the great things about our country is the freedom to express our thoughts and beliefs. Unfortunately liberal democrats only think it is ok if you are in agreement with them. They are the first to yell if someone tries to silence their voice yet they never have the courtesy of their convictions to allow others the same opportunities. I think it is because they are afraid. As I look at Sarah Palin I see a woman who has done everything that I was told to do in my liberal women's college of the 70's yet now she gets so much flack from liberals. Why? I believe it is because she is not afraid to share her faith. I applaud a person who is not afraid to share her convictions

Someone accused me of not being very intelligent- ironically I have lots of letters after my name and teach for a very big University. I am used to being the minority each day at work so these attacks are nothing more than humorous to me.

If it is cathartic for you to send ugly notes, go ahead- maybe it somehow assuages your guilt at making such wrong decisions. It certainly will not sway me and it certainly will never be approved for publication on my blog.

The choice

I watched the debate last night and there is no debate about it, I DO NOT want to see Obama as our next president. He laughs off his associations with extremely evil people. You are known by the company you keep. He wants to spread the wealth around. I work too darn hard to have anybody take anymore than they already take from me! I don't want the same people who collect my taxes to be taking care of my health. Government bureaucracy and healthcare just don't go together-ask those living in countries where that is already happening. There is no such thing as free healthcare- someone is paying for it and under Obama's plan it will be you and me, the 60 % of Americans who pay taxes will be providing care for 100% of the population. Life is another extremely important issue. Our unborn deserve protection from those who would dismiss them as nothing more than a mass of bloody cells. The abortion in America is a shame on our country and a burden that women carry around after the fact. All life deserves to be born and it is not up to us as people or a government to choose otherwise.

I have had first hand experience working with those who would live off of my taxes. In my job I work with welfare clients and I am getting very tired of telling people how to set an alarm clock to get to work on time and how to keep a job once they are hired. I certainly do not want to get out of bed every morning when that alarm rings but I have a responsibility to do so and so I do it...then I pay taxes so those who can't do it get benefits! I could go on and on about these clients and the choices they make and how they have learned to play the game. Those working with them play the game too- after all if they all got jobs, there would be no need for their government supported jobs! Sounding a little hostile, well I am. Yes, there are people who are down on their luck and deserving of a hand but I don't necessarily think it is government's job to be the caretaker. There are plenty of people to help those in need other than the government. Churches do a wonderful job- in fact conservatives are the biggest charitable givers- go figure- us evil Republicans!

I have had hope in the intelligence of the American people and trust that they would never allow Obama to become our next president but now I am not so sure. I have seen neighbors sporting Obama signs on their lawns and I wonder if we are on the same planet. It will be a sad day for our country if Obama becomes our next president. All I can do is continue to pray fervently.

Scary Stuff

Darly had this on her blog and I added it to mine. I am so concerned about the future of this great country should this guy be our next president.

Little perks

I love my job and one of the perks that I take for granted is my daily stroll throught the Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens. They are spectacular. Of course, I am not one to carry my camera so never did catch them in their glory but did take a few shots the other day. Despite the fall weather, there are still a few blooms and even a butterfly!

I went to a big children's clothing sale that a local mom's group holds twice a year. I am so amazed at the crowds and at the beautiful clothing. I got 40 outfits for this beauty and only spent $92!....who is being held by my baby, her uncle Tom!

Too busy

Life has been so busy that I have not even read any blogs in weeks. I am hoping I can get back on target. We are putting our house up for sale and with that comes neutralizing. In this market we have to do all we can to get the house ready before putting on the market. Too much stress for me right now! New neutral carpet will come next week to cover my favorite painted stairs. The wallpaper in our bedroom is all gone and today a neutral beige is going up. Not my home anymore but rather a commodity I need to sell. This is a picture that my son snapped as he was taking down wallpaper. I have always left messages as I paint, paper, etc and he uncovered the one I left in the bedroom. Decluttering is now the biggest issue. Our home has 20 years of collected stuff. We have made several trips to Salvation Army. I am trying to be ruthless but am so afraid I will regret it later.

We have also been to Greensboro NC looking for a new home. Many to choose from but we will wait to see what happens at this end before doing our serious shopping. Lovely area BUT my children, granddaughter and wonderful job are all here. This house is one I really liked. The interior is already painted to my liking!

Remembering

I just caught some of the Sarah Palin interview with Charlie Gibson. God does have a plan. I commend her for sharing her convictions and I pray for those who don't understand. Also thinking of her and the other parents who have children serving our country. Watch this song and video recorded by a soldier if you have not yet seen it.

Still here

I am still here....just have not had a chance to do any posts. Life is busy in so many ways right now, but I will be back.
Sue

Yesterday was an exciting day!

Sarah Palin excites me and I am thrilled to see her running with McCain! I appreciate that her experience reaches beyond that of a lifetime politician. She lives and has lived a life just like many of us. We need that.

Distracted

I will find some time for a post this weekend. Life has been distracting the past two weeks with lots of decisions ahead. My husband's company is moving to North Carolina. He is not quite ready to retire and the job market here is not too great so we are looking at lots of options. We spent last weekend in the Greensboro, Chapel-Hill area looking it over. Nice areas but far from our children.

Wedding Weekend

We have been looking forward to this wedding celebration for awhile and now the whirlwind is over. Lumen's shower was last Sunday and the wedding yesterday. She truly did leave her mother and father (all the way in the Phillipines) to cleave to her husband. Best, wishes to both John and Lumen!

I enjoyed the chance to spend the day with my sons, their wives, my husband and of course, Miss Hannah! She was such a trooper during a very long day. She really wanted the bouquet! My niece, Carrie, caught it and offered one of the flowers from the bouquet to Hannah but Hannah wanted the whole bouquet (she is one smart girl!).

I have been on a 5 day sabbatical!

This is for all my pals in ADTED 588! We just finished our papers- the first draft, anyhow...the toughest part. YIPPEE!!!!

I put my paper to bed at 3:30 this morning, baked this cake and was at FedEx when they opened-sent the paper and the cake!

Guess who came to dinner?

Miss Hannah has started to eat solid food! When she was here last evening I got to feed her some carrots- which she loved! We went to the basement to get the highchair our sons used. It was too wobbly and although I had visions of painting it up really cute, we opted for a new one, which Joe put together tonight.


So, Miss Hannah, we are ready to have you for dinner again....real soon!

A love of dishes

I have a thing for dishes...and don't think I could ever have too many. These are my sentimental favorite as my mom got these as a young woman. I do think that the "Dainty Blue" pattern by Shelley is so pretty too!

For some reason I am always attracted to platters. My husband always jokes, "go ahead and get it, you know we have nothing to serve from." Lucky for him, I never want anything full price.

Finding a plate, platter or other sort of dish at a yard sale, Goodwill or thrift shop is so fun for me! Even if it is a bit chippy- all the more memories it brings with it. The price is a thrill too! My glassware is from an auction. A friend made the purchase of the entire set for just a few dollars. Not needing them, she passed the bargain on to me. After washing them all I ended up with a cupboard of beautiful crystal. Now if one breaks, no problem! I will have to open that cupboard for a picture- one of these days!
These Lady Carlyle plates are from a set that my mother in law has given me over the years. I never chose a pattern of china as a new bride but finally gave in after being married 20 years. My tastes change and I had other things I wanted. I do like these. I love the plate rack that Joe built for me.

Missing in Action

Writing action that is...or thinking about writing action..... this paper I am writing has me overwhelmed and I feel stuck inside looking out on my garden.



Although I did bring some of the garden in to enjoy.

I am working to wrap the paper up this week as I am getting ready to host a bridal shower for an upcoming family wedding. My husband's barong arrived this week. Here he is modeling it. His brother is marrying a Phillipine woman and they are wearing the traditional barong in the wedding.

(I posted this picture especially for you, Joe and Tom!)

In the garden

It is so hot that I feel as droopy as this sunflower looks.

I was at a conference in Pittsburgh for a few days and when I got home I was greeted by the first of our hibiscus blossoms. Even they are a bit droopy from the heat. I love hibiscus. These are not as impressive as the hibiscus hedges we had in Aruba.


I also found a bumper crop of swiss chard waiting to be picked. You can see that I did not waste any time picking it! I love it sauted with garlic and am constantly amazed at how it shrinks!

Can You Can?

Interested in canning? I have not done any in years but might try my hand at it again. Sandy at 4 Reluctant Entertainers is having a giveaway. Go to her site and leave her a comment to enter the give away! By the way, your local Cooperative Extension is a great resource for all sorts of home preservation information. Try some of these links to get you started.

National Center for Home Preservation

University of Nebraska

Penn State Let's Preserve Newsletter

Let's Preserve

USDA Complete Canning Guide

Yard Sale Find

Didn't come home with much on Saturday but did find a mirror I love. Here is the before and after. The glass has the well worn patina that I love. Wonder what stories this mirror could tell? It was originally on a dresser and the shopper before me bought the dresser and left the mirror. For $12, I'll take it!