It was wonderful !

It was a wonderful Christmas! It was without the stress that I often experience. I guess we do get wiser as we get older. I still have my decorations up and I am enjoying them! I will probably take them down over the weekend and be ready for the New year to begin! One of the things I will do this year is think about another move. I think that we are ready to downsize again. We really do not need 3 bedrooms and I am ready to let someone else take care of the maintenance and yard work,so we shall see! I am looking forward to what the New year brings!

Merry Christmas !!!

The big day has arrived ! My youngest daughter is on her way from Louisiana, brother and sister-law from South Fl. Daughter and her family from Tallahassee, brothers from the coast and neighbors from across the street and my 4 grandchildren will be here soon. As my mother always said, I love having all my loved ones under the same roof at the same time! Merry Christmas !

It is all going well !

The house is decorated, the shopping is done, the gifts are wrapped and under the tree,cards are mailed, cookies are baked and it has all been stress free so far! I have been able to make time for myself and do a little at the time. I am at my happiest when I am doing things for my family, that gives me so much joy! There will be a lot of cooking going on the next few days and on Christmas Eve I will have about 20 family members and friends here. Hope all of you are having a wonderful Christmas!

Enjoying all the "Simple Pleasures" of Christmas !

It is the 9th day of December already! It is flying by as I expected! My decorations are out and tree put up, most of my shopping done. Grandaughter did not like the idea of me cutting back this year so she came and helped with the decorating. I went to a local store in my little down last night and found a few items that were just perfect! I plan to go to the Mall tomorrow and hopefully finish the shopping!We also drove around the neighborhood last night and enjoyed all the beautifully decorated homes! I am watching a lot of Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music. Taking time to enjoy it all, soon the baking will start !

December 1st

It is the 1st of December ! November did go very fast and I imagine December will do the same ! I still have my Thanksgiving decorations up but will begin to put them away and get out the Christmas things this week. I did get most of my shopping done on-line over the weekend. I plan to take things slowly and enjoy each day of the season !

Feeling thankful and blessed !

It was a wonderful day of Thanksgiving yesterday. We had dinner at 5:00 in the afternoon, rather than noon as we usually do, since my daughter, a police officer was on duty until 4:00. There were 14 of us including my twin brothers,ones girlfriend, daughter, son-in law ( also a police officer) my 4 grandchildren and neighbors who are like family. I had thought of going shopping this morning but since it is 30 degrees and I am a little tired from all the cooking and cleaning this past week, I decided to stay home. There will be more sales! So I am staying home warm and cozy reflecting on the wonderful day of yesterday. I love having my loved ones together under the same roof. I am so thankful for them!

Thanksgiving week ! ! !

It is Thanksgivings week and like many of you, I am as busy as can be! I start making pies today and getting out the dishes I will be using. I like to do as much as possible before the big day but there is just so much you can do early. It is in the 70's here this morning and I am ready for the cold weather to come back. It was stormy all weekend and still rainy today,perfect for baking and looking forward to having my family together in a few days. I do believe that the days leading up to a holiday are the best. I love the excitement and preparing my family's favorite foods.

cold and simple pleasures !

We are having record cold tonight, maybe the teens! Grandson is playing soccer in it! We had a great weekend, went to a farm in a very rural town nearby and came homewith cane syrup, sweet potatoes,greens and peas. The first thing I did was make bbuttered biscuits and sausage to go with that syrup, it was sooo good! Last night I made a bread pudding with a rum sauce and used the syrup instead of sugar, it was so good hubby wants another one tonight! The greens, peas and sweet potatoes will be for Thanksgiving! I loved that ride in the country and visiting the farm with all the vegetables and things, more of my simple pleasures !

A 4 day weekend !!!

We spent 4 days down the state with friends and our boating club and stopped by and spent a few hours with Jim's brother on our way home, it was a wonderful long weekend!

It cannot get any better !

We are having the most beautiful weather! The mornings are nice and cool high 40's and low 50's with beautiful skies, the afternoons are in the 80's with lots of sunshine and light breezes. I do not think it can get much better!

A scary day but a silver lining !

We had tornados and severe thunderstorms yesterday. It was scary! Thank goodness no one was hurt,that I know of. We have lots of limbs down and part of our privacy fence but no serious damage. My Granddaughter told me this morning " Grandma, you would have been proud of me, my friends at school were crying and screaming, I got them in a circle and started praying and the tornado went over my school With out touching down. I am proud of her and that she knows that she can turn to God when troubles come!

A Beautiful October !

I do love the weather we are having! Today is sunny with a high in the 80's. We have had several days when the high only reached the 60's. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets!

October 1st and Boating weekend !

It is the 1st day of October and I am so excited, it is my favorite month of the year! We are suppose to be in the 50's this weekend, pumpkins are already everywhere, festivals will be all month! A fun time! This past weekend was a boating event for our classic boat club. We were in Central Fl. at a small lake. It was a great time with boating, skiing, steamed crabs one night, Barbeque ribs and chicken the next, live music,dancing and ending Sunday morning with a breakfast buffet!

13 years ago today

My Granddaughter came into this world, into my life 13 years ago today! She is my only Granddaughter, I have 3 Grandsons and as special as they are, there is something about a Granddaughter! As have my Grandsons,she has brought so much joy to my life, as I have said many times, there is not anything else like being a Grandma!

It is almost here !

I have my gold plates on the plate racks, my autumn centerpiece on the table, I filled a fruit bowl with little pumpkins, gourds & acorns for the bar, I have my autumn candles out, added some gold ribbons to my cut-glass candle sticks on the buffet. This weekend we are suppose to have lows in the 60's and highs only in the 80's! I plan on making my pork

roast with apples and cabbage in the crockpot. I am in the mood for fall!

Getting ready for Fall !

My neighbor surprised me with this beautiful wreath she made. I love it and as if I was not already in the mood for fall decorating I am now for sure!

I will be busy today pulling out my other fall decorations and putting away the summer things. It does not feel much like fall yet but I know it is coming. I also plan to fill my pantry with the fixins for making chili and stews and of course pumpkin flavored coffees and hot chocolate! When the cool weather gets here, I will be ready!

Another Celebration !

Yesterday we celebrated Jim's 76th birthday, it was a wonderful time with the children and grandchildren. I feel so blessed to have such a loving family and so happy that we live so near each other that we can get together so often and especially spend all the special times together!

Day with my Granddaughter !

My Granddaughter and I went shopping yesterday, she needed some more clothes for school and a new swimsuit for Labor day! I got a new haircut with a new stylist it is much shorter than what I wanted but it will grow back and hubby thinks it cute! We had lunch at a Mexican restaurant and even though Mexican is not my favorite food, I had a very nice time with my Granddaughter and enjoyed the meal and especially the time spent with her!

A bit of Fall this week !

This week has been delightful in N. Florida. The temps have been in the 60s in the mornings. I have enjoyed sitting on my porch with my 1st cup of coffee in the cool air. It does not take long to warm up into the 90s. Our weather man says this was just a tease this week, it is still summer after all!

fall is in the air !

It is cooler today and with the lower humidity and breeze blowing it feels like the beginning of fall. I am so ready for it! We took our granddaughter and a friend to the beautiful springs near us yesterday and even though the temps were in the 90's, it was nice with a breeze blowing. As summer comes to an end I am looking forward to the new season and all the fun activities it brings!

A busy August !

August has been a very busy month! My birthday on the 4th, our Anniversary on the 17th and school started on the 18th! A lot of celebrating and getting in the last of the summer activities and shopping for school. I am again this year getting up at 6:00 am to drive to my Granddaughters home to pick her up for school, she lives in a rural area and I cannot stand the thought of her waiting in the dark for a school bus. I also enjoy this time with her every morning. She will be turning 13 next month and I know it will not be long before she is too busy to have a lot of time with her Grandma!

Summer is almost over !

I have not been on blogger for several months. I thought the 1st day of August would be a good time to post and catch up with everyone. It has been a busy summer. My house has been full of children enjoying the things of summer and a few weekend trips. I have enjoyed it but I am ready now for school to start and all the fun things of fall to begin! I am off now to see what all of you have been up to!

Easter is on it's way !

I am just as busy as I can be, doing what I love the best, getting ready for Easter at my house! The menu is made: Baked Ham,& chicken dressing, fresh Peas, fresh corn on cob, sweet potato soufflé, pineapple soufflé, stewed squash, potato salad, fruit salad, Mac & cheese yeast rolls, Tea and coffee. The groceries are bought, house is decorated! Today I just have to wash and iron all the tablecloths and scarfs and put them back on. I actually cooked the chicken for the dressing last night and chopped the celery and onion. Today I have a Chocolate cake to bake ( My Grandchildren's favorite) and the prepping to do. I will be up bright and early in the morning getting it all completed. I so enjoy doing things for my family. I enjoy every minute of it. We also have neighbors joining us this year, the more the merrier! After we eat tomorrow the children will have a Easter egg hunt.It will be a wonderful day As we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus ! Happy Easter !

St. George Island

This past weekend we actually got to sit on the beach and enjoy the sunshine,it was a wonderful 80 degrees! Then Monday morning on the national morning show I hear that St. George Island is voted # 3 for the most beautiful beach! I have to agree it is beautiful with the white sand dunes and emerald water! I guess I am dating myself but I can remember when it was only sand dunes and water. It is now a State Park, fishing piers, condos, beach houses,restaurants and stores,I look forward to spending a lot of time there this year!

It is a busy and beautiful Spring !

This is a busy month at my house. I am cleaning and decorating for Spring and Easter,planning the menu for Easter dinner, it is basically the same each year but I always like to change it up a little bit! I also have a wedding reception to plan and guest coming at the end of the month and a college graduation. The weather has been beautiful, a little cool in the mornings and warming up into the 70's with lots of sunshine!

Weekend at boat show,visiting and antique mall !

This past weekend was our annual boat club show at Tavarre's Fl. It was storming this year at the show but it was still enjoyable, getting together there with friends we have not seen in a year or so. We were also able to visit with my husbands brother and his wife who are only an hour drive from the show and we also went to Rennigger's antique mall where I found a beautiful trio teacup set that I had to bring home with me! We are now back home and the weather is wonderful sunny skies and highs in the 80's with lows in the 40's at night, does not get much better than that!

Spring break and new computer !

Spring has finally arrived with sunshine and 80 degrees yesterday! I have a new computer, so far I do not like it as much as the other one I had but guess I will adjust to it. It has been Spring break this week and I have had a house full of little ones. It has been fun. We have made Strawberry jam, baked cookies and planted flowers. I am looking forward to the weekend to rest!

A lovely weekend !

Another beautiful weekend in N.Florida, after a few days of wet and cold weather the sun came out and temperatures rose to near 80 degrees. Saturday we had another grandmother/granddaughter day. I do enjoy these so much! We shopped at the mall, went to the spa and had lunch at Olive Garden! Today it was a day spent with my hubby. We had brunch at Cracker Barrel and took about a 100 mile drive enjoying the beautiful sunshine and came home and he cooked us steaks on the grill,as I baked potatoes, cooked carrots and made sweet tea for him and coffee for myself. It was wonderful!

Another wonderful weekend,enjoying simple pleasures !

It was a beautiful Weekend in N. Florida,the sun was shinning,temps in the 70s, birds singing, flowers blooming and I spent time with my 4 Grandchildren! It just doesn,t get much better than this!

A cold morning and computer problem!

It was 25 degrees at my house this morning. I had to scrape ice off the windshield before I took Brittney to school. That does not happen very often. The sun is shinning and should warm up to 60 today and back to the 70s this weekend. I am trying this post from my tablet,the computer crashed. I still cannot comment on most blogs but I am reading those that I can and keeping up with you all. I hope to have the computers issues fixed soon.

Valentine weekend and my comments!

A very nice weekend! Friday night we went out to eat at a new restaurant in town. Their "Sweetheart" special was ribeye steak and choice of seafood with salad,baked potato and pie. Saturday was Grandmother-Granddaughter Day. Brittney and I went shopping,out to brunch and yogurt mountain! Sunday was lunch with oldest daughter,son-in-law and the 2 youngest grandsons then visiting some old cemeteries as we research ancestors. We topped the weekend off by going to Steak"n"Shake on the way home! I am having some computer problems,I can read the post but I am unable to comment on some of them 2 of them are Jack 69 and Diane at lavender dreams so please know that I am reading your post and hope to be able to comment soon!

What do you think ?

Oh my, yesterday was a terrible day for me. I went 8 hours without cable,internet or telephone. My husband had the car, my neighbors were all at work. I did not know what to do with myself. I could not watch my favorite t.v. show, check facebook, blog, play games on my tablet or talk on the telephone. I then realized something is very wrong with this. I had no idea that I was so dependent on these things. What did people do 100 years ago? Is life better now with these things,I am not really sure. I am considering taking a break from it all and see what happens.

2 Snow Days ! !

We had 2 snow days but we only had sleet in our neighborhood. Some of the neighborhood children had never seen snow and thought it was snowing,they were so excited and even made "snowmen" out of the sleet. I was sick with a stomach virus but managed to wrap a blanket around me and watch them from the porch. School is back in today and the ice and sleet has melted and we are supposed to be back in the 70's tomorrow. Our winter storm was exciting and short. I know that a lot of those in the North are having a hard time and my prayers go out to them. I am very thankful that we do not have it as bad.

We are having a " Snow Day" tomorrow in Florida

We may not get much snow but sleet and ice are in our forecast. Our schools are closed and emergency workers are called in. We are not accustomed to weather like this! This is a rare winter storm!

Snowing in Florida ?

Just heard from a friend that it is snowing in Pensacola, about 200 hundred miles from here. Our weather man says we have a chance to get some here next week. The neighborhood children are excited as well as some adults. I do remember it snowing in 1957. I was 4 years old, My Daddy and I made a snowman! The next time I remember was 1977 when my oldest daughter was a year old,I bundled her up and took her out to play in it. The next time was in 1990. We were in Dothan Alabama shopping about 100 miles from us. We heard on the radio that it was snowing at our house,so we hurried home,by the time we got home it had stopped but our lawn and porch were covered in a white blanket of snow,it was beautiful! It does not happen very often so I am hopeing that we do get some!

The Christmas decorations are down and I am ready for the New Year! I took things slowly putting things away,as I dd putting them up this year and it did make it all more enjoyable! We have had very cold weather for us in North Florida, as has everyone. We did not get any snow but we did have lots of icicles thanks to my hubby,the grandchildren,grandma and neighbors sure enjoyed it.The local newspaper even came out and photographed it!