I grew up in an age where it was expensive to take photos. We had to pay for the film, take it in to be developed (having no idea how any of said pictures turned out), and then wait. It is true that we are paying more for our cameras then we did back then, but the quality, the ability to choose which pictures to print, to download them and send them in to be printed, and then to be able to pick them up that same day...well, it still astounds me.
I am grateful especially for the Costco Photo Shop where I can go online, order my prints, and then pick them up soon thereafter. Or I can opt to have them delivered to my home and pay for them online. Brilliant!
I love that I can do this, and it so super easy. I also love picnik.com where I can 'fix' photos when needed.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Organizing
So I am purging paper today. Can I just say how wonderful it feels? I love getting rid of things that aren't necessary to have in our lives. I hope to do this more often because it is so refreshing.
Earlier today Linzi and I were talking about Rach being gone and my no longer having a calling (at church) (other than VT, which of course is important). She was wondering what I am going to do with my time. I have had a few minor panic attacks over that one. I figure my mom is 30 years older than I am, and she is still living and I want my life to be fulfilling so I have a long way to go, in years.
One of the things I am concentrating on is really truly getting our home organized. Not just surface organized, but deeply organized. All those papers, all those boxes that have been contentedly sitting around collecting dust for years are going to be attacked, by me. It's time to get everything in it's place.
Mind you, I do not love organizing, but I do love being organized. Rach is the one that loves organizing, not me.
Today I am grateful that I can become better organized, and keep myself busy in the process.
Monday, November 28, 2011
A lovely day
We live in a society where people are bogged down with worries - bills to pay, jobs to find or work at (if they are fortunate enough to have one), groceries to purchase, car problems, children to take care of, etc. I have always been of the mindset that we have control over how our day is going. Yes, I have been victim of not choosing to have a good day, but I try, when I am able to, "get over it", whatever 'it' might be.
That being said - on my igoogle homepage I subscribe to the 'how to' section. One of those highlighted today caught my attention. It is 'how to have a lovely day'. I love that thought. How do I make my day lovely? So, I decided to read it, and it reminded me of our daughter, Rachel. She does a LOT of these things, daily! I am now going to share with you what they said, definitely summarized. If you want to read the entire article you can go here: http://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Lovely-Day
Now, before I go any further can I just add that I am grateful for this article because sometimes we just need a little boost and their suggestions (for the most part) are definitely something that can turn our not so good day into something lovely. It's just a wonderful thought.
1. Get up early (plan ahead, don't go to bed later than midnight, but they suggest 10 PM, and I happen to agree)
2. Begin with a stretch. Don't you love it when you have time in the morning to stretch? It so beats getting up and rushing around...I am not sure why, but it does.
3. Have breakfast (they suggest an ambrosial one, with yogurt, fruit, granola)
4. Wear something that makes you feel good. Who wants to go through their day wearing something that makes them feel lousy? Not I, thank you very much!
5. Wear perfume or aftershave. You might as well smell delightful!
6. Bake. And if you can't bake, go to a bakery.
7. Make a cup of tea. I have to say, that having given up on tea, I sure do miss it. Instead you could sub with a cup of hot chocolate or spiced cider. It's all good.
8. Read the newspaper. I am not one to be doing this for several reasons, 1) We don't get the newspaper, and 2) I find it kind of boring. (I know, I am bad.)
9. Eat dessert first. Now, that is a novel idea, right? We have done this on occasion, especially when our kids were little and kind of grumpy when going out to eat; let them get dessert first, then eat their food. Worked like a charm for us! (didn't happen often though) Oh, and when you get home from a long, hot, tiring camping trip - banana splits work for dinner, at least it did in our family!
10. Go shopping for vintage clothing. It's just fun, if you like to shop! Set a budget though, you can go crazy!
11. Go for a walk - it so clears your mind and gets your body moving. So many wonderful benefits.
12. Ride a bike - one of my favorite activities. I look forward to loading our bikes up on the pathfinder and then going to a biking destination - like Monterey, Yosemite, the American River or even Bidwell Park in Chico.
13. Pick berries or fruit from your own garden. This is a huge thing at our house. We love it when our fruits are in season and we can eat them and share with others. The oranges are just beginning to turn orange...I love it!
14. Dance freely. I always loved dancing. I would dance in my car, and I love it when I see others doing the same things...though some get a little crazy, good for them! And I love that our granddaughters and Linzi have dance parties. And people think "Mormons" don't dance! We sure do!
15. Head over to your local library or book store. How fun is it to roam through books? Finding just what you want? When you find that book you are looking for you just want to shout 'Hallelujah!'
16. Write a letter --- I am stressing this because people forget that you can do this --- make it handwritten. This has so gone out of style, and it means so much to people that you would take the time to send them something you took the time to write to them.
17. Put together a movie night. I heart movie nights. My husband isn't a fan of sitting and watching a movie, but he told me the other night he would start watching movies with me. Now, that is love. :)
18. Treat and take care of your body. They recommend a spa day, but those are rather pricey. If you can't afford that simply purchase a mask or bath oils or bubble bath and treat yourself to some 'me'/pampering time. We all deserve it.
19. Make new friends. I am 56 years old, and am working on this, now that I am back in my ward and have no stake assignments keeping me away. I need friends, since most of my best ones are away living their lives.
20. Relax. So, this may be obvious, but like I said before, we all need some 'me' time. It's up to you how you choose to relax, but I can tell you that turning off sounds around you, and just being in silence is very relaxing.
I hope you enjoyed these tips. Have a lovely day!
That being said - on my igoogle homepage I subscribe to the 'how to' section. One of those highlighted today caught my attention. It is 'how to have a lovely day'. I love that thought. How do I make my day lovely? So, I decided to read it, and it reminded me of our daughter, Rachel. She does a LOT of these things, daily! I am now going to share with you what they said, definitely summarized. If you want to read the entire article you can go here: http://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Lovely-Day
Now, before I go any further can I just add that I am grateful for this article because sometimes we just need a little boost and their suggestions (for the most part) are definitely something that can turn our not so good day into something lovely. It's just a wonderful thought.
1. Get up early (plan ahead, don't go to bed later than midnight, but they suggest 10 PM, and I happen to agree)
2. Begin with a stretch. Don't you love it when you have time in the morning to stretch? It so beats getting up and rushing around...I am not sure why, but it does.
3. Have breakfast (they suggest an ambrosial one, with yogurt, fruit, granola)
4. Wear something that makes you feel good. Who wants to go through their day wearing something that makes them feel lousy? Not I, thank you very much!
5. Wear perfume or aftershave. You might as well smell delightful!
6. Bake. And if you can't bake, go to a bakery.
7. Make a cup of tea. I have to say, that having given up on tea, I sure do miss it. Instead you could sub with a cup of hot chocolate or spiced cider. It's all good.
8. Read the newspaper. I am not one to be doing this for several reasons, 1) We don't get the newspaper, and 2) I find it kind of boring. (I know, I am bad.)
9. Eat dessert first. Now, that is a novel idea, right? We have done this on occasion, especially when our kids were little and kind of grumpy when going out to eat; let them get dessert first, then eat their food. Worked like a charm for us! (didn't happen often though) Oh, and when you get home from a long, hot, tiring camping trip - banana splits work for dinner, at least it did in our family!
10. Go shopping for vintage clothing. It's just fun, if you like to shop! Set a budget though, you can go crazy!
11. Go for a walk - it so clears your mind and gets your body moving. So many wonderful benefits.
12. Ride a bike - one of my favorite activities. I look forward to loading our bikes up on the pathfinder and then going to a biking destination - like Monterey, Yosemite, the American River or even Bidwell Park in Chico.
13. Pick berries or fruit from your own garden. This is a huge thing at our house. We love it when our fruits are in season and we can eat them and share with others. The oranges are just beginning to turn orange...I love it!
14. Dance freely. I always loved dancing. I would dance in my car, and I love it when I see others doing the same things...though some get a little crazy, good for them! And I love that our granddaughters and Linzi have dance parties. And people think "Mormons" don't dance! We sure do!
15. Head over to your local library or book store. How fun is it to roam through books? Finding just what you want? When you find that book you are looking for you just want to shout 'Hallelujah!'
16. Write a letter --- I am stressing this because people forget that you can do this --- make it handwritten. This has so gone out of style, and it means so much to people that you would take the time to send them something you took the time to write to them.
17. Put together a movie night. I heart movie nights. My husband isn't a fan of sitting and watching a movie, but he told me the other night he would start watching movies with me. Now, that is love. :)
18. Treat and take care of your body. They recommend a spa day, but those are rather pricey. If you can't afford that simply purchase a mask or bath oils or bubble bath and treat yourself to some 'me'/pampering time. We all deserve it.
19. Make new friends. I am 56 years old, and am working on this, now that I am back in my ward and have no stake assignments keeping me away. I need friends, since most of my best ones are away living their lives.
20. Relax. So, this may be obvious, but like I said before, we all need some 'me' time. It's up to you how you choose to relax, but I can tell you that turning off sounds around you, and just being in silence is very relaxing.
I hope you enjoyed these tips. Have a lovely day!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Recipes
A few years ago I made all our girls cookbooks from our family recipes. They have gotten a great deal of use out of them. Some of the recipes are loved by some while others are not, and vice versa! It works, right?
I have not yet made myself such a cookbook, though I am revising the original and working on an updated one for myself. Since Rach is living with Amy they don't need to have the same cookbook, so she left hers here for me to use...Thank you Rachel!
Today I pulled that trusty little cookbook out and made cornbread - only because I had a lot of buttermilk to use up and it's the best recipe I know for that purpose! Then, with having turkey leftovers I made (from that same cookbook) chicken pillows, only in this case they are turkey pillows (and yes, I did put the mushrooms in, yum).
I love our tried and true recipes that I have collected over the years and incorporated into our family dinners, desserts, etc. I am grateful for each and everyone of them - they all have a special memory attached to them for me.
On a completely different note, I am grateful for talks given in Sacrament meeting that speak to my heart and help me to be a better person. Seriously needed today. :)
I have not yet made myself such a cookbook, though I am revising the original and working on an updated one for myself. Since Rach is living with Amy they don't need to have the same cookbook, so she left hers here for me to use...Thank you Rachel!
Today I pulled that trusty little cookbook out and made cornbread - only because I had a lot of buttermilk to use up and it's the best recipe I know for that purpose! Then, with having turkey leftovers I made (from that same cookbook) chicken pillows, only in this case they are turkey pillows (and yes, I did put the mushrooms in, yum).
I love our tried and true recipes that I have collected over the years and incorporated into our family dinners, desserts, etc. I am grateful for each and everyone of them - they all have a special memory attached to them for me.
On a completely different note, I am grateful for talks given in Sacrament meeting that speak to my heart and help me to be a better person. Seriously needed today. :)
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Old books, kitchen supplies and Christmas decor!
Pat and I spent the latter part of the morning and the early part of the afternoon today up in Jackson, CA. It's a quaint town in the foothills. We went because there is a bookstore that sells used books...and I mean first edition and beyond books. I was able to get myself a compilation of Mark Twain books - with Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer contained within. Yes! (our used bookstore in town told us that those are selling out since they are changing the words, making them pc - ridiculous - they are part of our history) So, I was happy to purchase that and A Christmas Carol, which I am embarrassed to admit that I have never actually read. We have an account with this particular bookstore because we 'sold' them some of our National Geographics (1930-1945 years).
Along with that we took a stroll along Jackson's Main Street - enjoying the Christmas decorations and the atmosphere. Apparently tonight is their Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony - so makes me think of Stars Hollow. We also ventured into many an antique shop and their little kitchen shop - which is an automatic happy on my part since I love kitchen wares. =)
However, the best part was spending time with my honey as we perused used books, antiques (they had some old civil engineering tools that he thought were awesome), kitchen stuff and just enjoyed being together. All in all it was a great day - ending with a stop at a roadside fruit stand/bakery where we both had a yummy smoky flavored tri-tip sandwich.
I am grateful for the time we spent together, enjoying the simple things in life.
Along with that we took a stroll along Jackson's Main Street - enjoying the Christmas decorations and the atmosphere. Apparently tonight is their Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony - so makes me think of Stars Hollow. We also ventured into many an antique shop and their little kitchen shop - which is an automatic happy on my part since I love kitchen wares. =)
However, the best part was spending time with my honey as we perused used books, antiques (they had some old civil engineering tools that he thought were awesome), kitchen stuff and just enjoyed being together. All in all it was a great day - ending with a stop at a roadside fruit stand/bakery where we both had a yummy smoky flavored tri-tip sandwich.
I am grateful for the time we spent together, enjoying the simple things in life.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Ability
When I was growing up my mom didn't teach me a great deal about cooking. I would get 'cooking lessons' via the phone while she was at work. She would call me around 4 PM and tell me what I was cooking and how to cook it. Eventually when I became proficient at a certain meal she would just tell me to cook that for dinner and I would.
You need to understand we didn't have a huge variety of dinners - it was mostly swiss steak, mock chow mein (i know, trust me, i know), and various other meals that I have blocked from my memory. Yes, blocked. There aren't many things I make now that I was taught to make when I was younger.
So, when I was married I ventured out and began making meals my mother never even dreamt of making. Things like chicken cordon bleu, homemade fried chicken, fettuccine alfredo, etc. My mom would tell others that I was a 'gourmet cook'. Ha! She is so funny! (and cute)
I am grateful for the ability that I have to learn new recipes and then to incorporate what we like into our meals. I am grateful for the variety of foods we eat (though there would be more if Pat's tummy could handle them).
What brought this up? Last night as Pat and I were talking about Thanksgiving I told him that our girls didn't cook the traditional turkey. He asked what they cooked instead. So, I told him - swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, stuffing (heated up from Trader Joe's, but quite delicious I am told), fresh green beans, Aunt Bev's homemade rolls (to die for, really), and for dessert - pumpkin squares and apple pie.
I guess what I should really be grateful for is that our daughters had a great deal of experience in the kitchen, so much so that they feel 'at home' there, just like I do.
You need to understand we didn't have a huge variety of dinners - it was mostly swiss steak, mock chow mein (i know, trust me, i know), and various other meals that I have blocked from my memory. Yes, blocked. There aren't many things I make now that I was taught to make when I was younger.
So, when I was married I ventured out and began making meals my mother never even dreamt of making. Things like chicken cordon bleu, homemade fried chicken, fettuccine alfredo, etc. My mom would tell others that I was a 'gourmet cook'. Ha! She is so funny! (and cute)
I am grateful for the ability that I have to learn new recipes and then to incorporate what we like into our meals. I am grateful for the variety of foods we eat (though there would be more if Pat's tummy could handle them).
What brought this up? Last night as Pat and I were talking about Thanksgiving I told him that our girls didn't cook the traditional turkey. He asked what they cooked instead. So, I told him - swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, stuffing (heated up from Trader Joe's, but quite delicious I am told), fresh green beans, Aunt Bev's homemade rolls (to die for, really), and for dessert - pumpkin squares and apple pie.
I guess what I should really be grateful for is that our daughters had a great deal of experience in the kitchen, so much so that they feel 'at home' there, just like I do.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
So grateful...
I have much to be grateful for this year. I am sure all of you do too (all 5 of you, that is!). I thought I'd share a few of those blessings with you. I am sure you are counting your blessings today as well.
1) The gospel of Jesus Christ (Priesthood, Temple, Plan of Happiness, etc.)
2) My testimony
3) My family - each and every member individually and collectively
4) Our home - all the comforts we have
5) The United States of America - and the freedoms we have
6) The leaders of the LDS church - the love and guidance they give to us
7) The Holy Ghost - my friend, comforter, etc.
8) Food storage - when ye are prepared ye shall not fear
9) Skype - love seeing our family that is so far away
10) Even though I mentioned family I am especially grateful for Pat, Sam, Craig, Amy and Rachel, kids-in-law and grandchildren
11) Pat's job - the security it gives us in these troubled times
12) Our health
13) Our surroundings - living in California isn't the greatest these days, but I do love our surroundings; Pacific Ocean, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, etc.
14) Great friends - especially those we have known for years who continue to be our friends
15) Being able to read and write. I know that sounds like a strange thing to say considering the above list - but I love to read and I love to write (which is why I have a blog) - they both make me happy.
I won't share any more blessings that I am grateful for though there are so many. I hope you enjoy your day with your family, friends, whomever you are spending it with. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
1) The gospel of Jesus Christ (Priesthood, Temple, Plan of Happiness, etc.)
2) My testimony
3) My family - each and every member individually and collectively
4) Our home - all the comforts we have
5) The United States of America - and the freedoms we have
6) The leaders of the LDS church - the love and guidance they give to us
7) The Holy Ghost - my friend, comforter, etc.
8) Food storage - when ye are prepared ye shall not fear
9) Skype - love seeing our family that is so far away
10) Even though I mentioned family I am especially grateful for Pat, Sam, Craig, Amy and Rachel, kids-in-law and grandchildren
11) Pat's job - the security it gives us in these troubled times
12) Our health
13) Our surroundings - living in California isn't the greatest these days, but I do love our surroundings; Pacific Ocean, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, etc.
14) Great friends - especially those we have known for years who continue to be our friends
15) Being able to read and write. I know that sounds like a strange thing to say considering the above list - but I love to read and I love to write (which is why I have a blog) - they both make me happy.
I won't share any more blessings that I am grateful for though there are so many. I hope you enjoy your day with your family, friends, whomever you are spending it with. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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