Simple Woman Daybook

Outside My Window....its still cool and foggy. Just dreary and sort of depressing. I'll admit I like for the weather to be much cooler around the holidays, but this is just depressing. And weird.

I am thinking....that I am ready for the holiday break . I get December 23rd thru January 3rd off for the University break. I must say, I am in dire need....and looking forward to it.

I am thankful....that I 'think' I may have the Christmas gift shopping complete....with the exception of a few small things. But I'm much further along than I thought I was yesterday.

Someone who made me happy....my father. Because even though he's in his early 70's, he still answers the phone in funny voices and tries to make me believe I've called the wrong number. I always get a great laugh out of it....

How I made someone happy....Ted. Okay....I've made him very happy by playing hide and seek in the mornings. The twinkle in his eye from the excitement it brings is overwhelming. I love that little man!

I have created....a sparkly centerpiece. My parents will be coming over for Christmas Eve dinner of Jon's shrimp creole and I wanted to set a holiday table that would be festive. I've chosen a glass bowl containing a green sparkling tree and bright red ornaments surrounding it. Hopefully, once the table is set, I'll remember to take a photo to post.

I am going....to dinner with Pam and Sue at California Dreaming tonight. A nice night out with the girls. Hopefully we will refrain from dessert....NOT!

I am hoping and praying....that I'll get back to the gym this week. The plan is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday....and then on Saturday morning. Its amazing to me how sluggish I feel when I miss a couple of days. That's a good thing though!

On my mind....Jon's back is still bothering him from his fall. I worry that we should have gotten an x-ray done. I feel certain he will get better, I just hope it doesn't deter him from doing the things he loves to do......Hmmmm Hmmmm.....fishing.

From the kitchen....my mother and I baked like mad women this past weekend. Two batches of chocolate fudge, two batches of peanut butter fudge, chocolate covered cherries, and praline cookies. It was speed baking at its best....and I enjoyed every moment of it!

Around the house....I really DO plan to get a few of the things I've been meaning to do around the house done over my break. For one - and I mean it - finish painting the hallway and trim work!

I am reading....recipes. After baking with mom this weekend, I've decided I'd like to try my hand at making a cake for our Christmas Eve dessert. At this point, it looks like a Red Velvet Coconut cake is the front runner. Another photo I will need to post....along with the recipe.

Pondering these words....'Silent night, holy night! All is calm, All is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy Infant so Tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace.' ~ Christmas Noel by Father Josef Morh

And the Band Played on....

Photos from the Dutch Fork High School Bands Winter Concert! Thank you to Denise Stumler Reese for sharing....

The Percussion Ensemble - A Mallet Quartet

The Trumpeters!

Clarinet Section

And the performance begins....

The intensity and emotion!

The final bow....

Dutch Fork High School Winter Concert

The maestro and me: Pre-concert

The Dutch Fork High School bands held their Winter Concert on Tuesday evening. All I can say is WOW! It always amazes me to see Jon working with his concert bands. They are wonderful musicians who play beautifully and with intense emotion....I enjoy the concert setting because it is so different from the marching band arena and emphasizes that this is where they really learn to play music. Concert band is truly the focal point of music education.

This year he had a percussion ensemble made up of a mallet quartet to start....with the holiday selection of Jingle Bells. It was a great way to start the show as it really highlighted the work the percussion students have been studying. The concert and symphonic bands were combined and you could see the improvement in their playing skills. These are the two younger bands, but you would have never known it listening to them play. Lastly, the wind ensemble played. Mostly made up of juniors and seniors, they played several hard pieces - one which included the Grade six "Suite No. 2 in F" by Holst. My favorite piece of the evening. It was incredible!

The turnout for the evening was impressive too. I am noticing more students that are coming to hear their friends play and I love this because its a wonderful cultural experience. Plus....it may get more young people interested in being a part of band. Also, my parents attended and I got to sit with them in the audience. It was a pleasure to share with them and it made me incredibly proud that my husband does something so special and makes such a difference in the lives of so many children!

CONGRATS TO JON AND THE STUDENTS ON ALL OF THEIR PERFORMANCES.....VERY WELL PLAYED!!!

Wordless Wednesday....Some of my most favorite photos from the 2009 marching band season....

Thank you to Denise Stumler Reese for her fantastic photography and for sharing all of her photos with me! (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge...)

Pet Peeve

Today....driving into work...there was a woman talking on her cell phone and putting on mascara at the same time. Some people would call this multi-tasking. I just call it stupidity. Needless to say, she was driving like "poo". Terrible. Horrendous. Just darn awful. All over the road and slamming on her brakes. Due to the traffic flow, I couldn't get away from her either. Seemed every time I stopped at a light, she was right there beside me. I have come to the conclusion this is one of my biggest pet peeves....Multi-tasking while driving. Seriously, I've seen readers, eaters, talkers, child rearing (and that includes diaper changing), fighting, and most notably, the drivers who are applying their make-up....all while driving or sitting at a traffic light. I just don't understand. How can they be defensive drivers when their knees are doing all the work? How can I be a defensive driver when their knees are doing all the work? What I would give for a 5 minute commute! WHY PEOPLE? WHY?

Simple Woman Daybook....

Outside My Window.... cold and cloudy, but perfect weather for the holiday season!!! Really gets you into the Christmas spirit. Only thing better....and I cannot believe I'm saying it....would be snow....a white Christmas might be nice.

I am thinking....that I am ready for the holidays. I have a little more shopping to do and a lot of wrapping to do but feel that I might - just might - have it all under control. I hope stating this out loud won't jynx me now....

I am thankful....for dinner out this past weekend with new friends. Although I have known one half of the couple for years, we got to spend time with their spouse as well. It's always nice to get to know someone new.

Someone who made me happy....my husband. For letting me move the furniture in the bedroom around, clean like a woman gone mad, and hurriedly decorate this weekend. All the while, getting out of my 'har' by cleaning up leaves and going fishing with a friend.

How I made someone happy....I gave a 30% off EVERYTHING coupon to a lady standing in line behind me at Kohl's. I had two....why not share? She was ecstatic!

I have created....a festive home. Outdoor decorations include wreaths on all the windows and doors, lighted garland on the front porch banisters, candles in the windows, and lighted packages by the front door. The tree is up, the mantle and hearth are decorated, and packages are slowly being wrapped too. Think I may buy some live poinsettias to sit around the front entry!

We are going....to have a busy couple of weeks in the Brady house. Christmas concerts, shopping plans, lunches with colleagues, dinners with friends, baking, and holiday parties. Busy....but FUN!

I am hoping and praying....that the mice are no longer 'squatting' in our attic. Jon has been able to catch two in the traps and we have not had any others so it may be the end to our war against the mouse. I hope so anyway! I still feel bad that we had to murder them, but have come to peace with it as I am still freaked out that they somehow got in the attic 35 feet from the ground....

On my mind....Jon's Christmas concert is tomorrow night. I am really excited to hear the students in a concert setting again. And, of course, looking forward to some sounds of the season. Always beautiful!

From the kitchen....my mother and I are planning to bake this weekend. Chocolate and peanut butter fudge, chocolate covered cherries, and divinity. Of course, I need her guidance in doing so, but am also just looking forward to being in the kitchen with her.

Around the house....there have been a pair of red tailed hawks that have taken up residence near our home. Every morning they are out hunting and I get to see them as I leave for work. I have to say they are truly amazing creatures.

I am reading....tabloid magazines...or People magazine. After all, is it a tabloid? Anyway, I'll admit it. I haven't had time to read a real book, so I've been absorbed in the whole Tiger Woods transgression trauma....I know, I know.

Pondering these words....'I shall do one thing in this life - one thing for certain - that is, love you, and long for you, and keep wanting you till I die.' ~ Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy

Simple Woman Daybook...A day late...

Outside My Window.... a beautiful CRISP morning with the sun shining and frost on my car windows....Brrrrr....at least it's not raining!

I am thinking.... about how much work I have to do at work! Getting ready for an annual board meeting in January, updating a new and improved website that will go live soon, and still managing the budget! Seems that the workload before the holiday break on December 22nd really hit me today! Busy, busy, busy....

I am thankful.... that Jon wasn't seriously hurt when he accidentally slipped and fell four feet from his boat and onto the crossbar of the boat trailer. He busted his tail bone, has been in a lot of pain, but is slowly mending. I am just happy he didn't hit his head or his back....or as scary as it sounds, drown.

Someone who made me happy.... my brother....for coming home for Thanksgiving. It was an all around GREAT time.

How I made someone happy.... when my friend Pam called Monday and asked to go to lunch, I changed my plans to do so. It was good to spend quality time with my friend.

I am creating.... an exercise schedule. I recently had a horrible cold and since then I can't seem to get the daily amount of exercise that I had been getting prior to the cold and that I prefer. I am working on a new schedule for the gym. Very excited to do so, too.

We are going.... to put up the Christmas tree and outdoor lights this weekend. An annual tradition of watching National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" and having a couple of cocktails while decorating. Always a nice time.

I am hoping and praying.... that all my family will be feeling better soon.

On my mind.... my to-do list for home. I did not paint or clean carpet as planned last weekend and want to get this checked off the list soon....hint, hint Jon....

From the kitchen.... healthy cooking. Have revamped the grocery list and have gotten Jon and I back on the low fat, high protein, low carb diet that makes us feel so good. Tonight...baked chicken on a very healthy - and big - salad! I am going to attempt to keep us healthy through the holidays....BAH HUMBUG to fudge, cookies, and pie! We don't need 'em....

Around the house.... well, we have a mouse in the house. The attic actually. Jon woke me up on Monday morning around 3am to make me listen to a scratching sound in the ceiling....very creepy. So...we set some traps in the attic and - lo and behold - we caught one. Now, I fear there are others and am a little freaked out. Luckily, we have no signs of them in our living areas. Everyone says its a common occurrence when the weather turns cold, but....still. So, Jon is on a mission. Mouse hunting. I'm very happy as I want any and all of the mice out of my house, but very sad that they have to be murdered to do so. Wish Jon and the mouse (or mice) could just have a sit down and a pleasant eviction.

I am reading.... nothing new. Due to the busy schedule of Thanksgiving, I didn't get a lot of reading done. Its a shame that I can't read into the wee hours of the night like I use too. Now I just can't make it through the next day!

Pondering these words.... 'We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.' -Aristotle

Simple Woman Daybook

Outside My Window....another dreary day! Wet and cold just like yesterday....which was fine and dandy when I was home and sitting in front of the toasty fire with the boys! However, the good news is the sun is suppose to come out tomorrow and it should be pretty through the end of the week....

I am thinking....how very happy I am that we will be spending time with family and friends over this holiday week! We are very blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives.

I am thankful for....a colorful fall - the trees have been just beautiful this year. It's hard to complain about the leaves falling when they make such wonderful colors in the sky!

Someone who made me happy....my mom, who took me to Sam's Club this weekend....boy oh boy, I love that place! $85 later....

How I made someone happy.... I taught a friend of mine at work - a colleague - how to figure Facilities and Administrative costs in a simple way....rather than using the algebraic formula/equation that is considered to be the official method! Much easier and quicker too. Really people...algebra? When do you ever use equations in real life?

I am creating....wreaths for the windows this holiday season. Mom is lending me the greenery and I am adding the "bling, baubles, and bows"....and there will be a wreath on each window in the front of the house this year!

We are going....to Charleston on Thursday with Jon's family and my folks house on Friday (my brother will be home!) for two family Thanksgiving dinners....can you say extra time at the gym on Saturday and Sunday???

I am hoping and praying....that I passed the GRANT Certification Exam that I took this morning! WOOHOO....it's finally over!

On my mind....how lucky I feel to have such a wonderful husband. He puts up with me and loves me for who I am....flaws and all. Thank you my love....

From the kitchen....Jon is cooking tonight. Yippee! As I said before, he is the official chef in the house. Unfortunately, during band season, the job gets handed to me. I'm ready for him to take it over again and defer from the same old same old! Please.......

Around the house...a couple of projects for the extended weekend. Even if we do have family obligations, I plan to clean the carpet in the den and paint the trim work going up the stairs and in the upstairs hallway! Finally!!!

I am reading...."The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. It is the story of a dog and is written through the dogs eyes....just started reading, so I'll let you know how hard I cry. I can tell it already that its going to be a tear-jerker!

Pondering these words in honor of Thanksgiving.... 'As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.' ~ John F. Kennedy

The Weekend

"The rhythm of the of the weekend.....with it's birth.....it's planned gaieties.....and it's announced end.....followed by the rhythm of life and was a substitute for it. "

~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

Merry Hallowthanks....giving?

Really? Can it be true? Is it really the most wonderful time of the year? The reason I ask is that Jon and I went to Lowe's the other night to purchase the yard vacuum (which by the way....is the official name of the leaf chopper I mentioned before) to clean up the FALL leaves and they already have aisles and aisles of Christmas 'stuff' up and ready to sell.

Another thing I've noticed as I've perused through the status updates of my friends on Facebook, is that many of them are counting down daily until Christmas or posting photos of the Christmas decorations that they have already adorned their homes with....all I can say is....Are you serious?

However, the final kick in the pants was yesterday....when my neighbors (whom I adore) spent their entire day pulling out the lighted reindeers, trees, trains, and snowmen that they will proudly display over every inch of their yard throughout the month of December. I have to admit that I do love it - when the time comes - but that time is not here yet! Come on people....its not even Thanksgiving!

Now, I don't want to sound like the ultimate scrooge because in all reality....I am not. I love Christmas. I mean I really really love the whole festive holiday atmosphere! The way it feels in the air, the way it smells, shopping for the ones you love, wrapping gifts, the decorating, the cooking and baking, spending time with family....I love it all. In fact, it truly is one of my favorite times of the year.

I guess the problem I have is that when we keep extending it out over other holidays, then aren't we taking away from what makes it so special in the first place? Halloween was just a couple of weeks ago and Thanksgiving is still a week away....wasn't it nice when the holidays were individuals? Can't we wait until the day after Thanksgiving for Christmas....at the least?

Wordless Wednesday

(Reminder: Click on photo to enlarge)

Simple Woman Daybook

I was surfing the Internet the other day and came upon a blog called "The Simple Woman's Daybook". The blog invites women to use a template every Monday of the week to post their feelings, things they are doing, their dreams, etc. on their own blogs, but to share it with her via her blog as well.

So....I've decided to do this! Of course, me being me, I am a day late with my first entry. So, from this point on the Simple Woman's Daybook will be posted each and every Monday. Until then....here goes:

Outside My Window....Lots of fog this morning, but should burn off to a beautiful fall day. We are expecting more rain, so I will enjoy this while I can.

I am thinking....I would like to take a trip somewhere over the holiday break. Jon and I are both off work and a short trip to some place close would be nice.... and overdue. I can hear The Rooftop in Charleston calling my name...

I am thankful for....wonderful family and friends.

Someone who made me happy....my friend, Helen, brought her newborn baby - Elliott - in to visit us at work. He is truly one of the most beautiful babies I've ever seen.

How I made someone happy....I gave Jon a new fishing reel. It was intended to be a Christmas gift, but I decided since he had worked so hard during marching band season and reached his goal of making state finals....well, he deserved it early!

I am creating....nothing, nada, zip! Which is strange for me. I do have a hankering to start knitting. Could be due to the nip of chill in the air...

We are going....to purchase a leaf chopper. I'm sure that's not the official name of what we are looking at to buy, but basically its a machine that not only sucks up the TREMENDOUS amount of leaves that we have, but will also chop them up and condense them into such small pieces that we have less bags!

I am hoping and praying....that this horrible cold that I have will go away....soon.

On my mind....I still want to learn a foreign language. Not just the little hello's and greetings and such, but I want to be able to SPEAK it....Jon and I have discussed learning French....'Oui?

From the kitchen....this is a funny topic for me....considering my husband is a much better cook and THE cook of the house and considering that I will never be able to bake like my mother. However, I have been thinking about trying some baking for the holidays.....maybe.

Around the house...always seems that during marching band season, we put things off until marching band is over. So I guess all those things we said we are going to do, are due now! The good thing is, I cleaned the house so thoroughly last weekend, that the hardwoods will make you slip they are so clean! LOVE IT!

I am reading...."For One More Day" by Mitch Albom. It is the story of a man who gets the chance to spend one more day with his mother, who died 8 years earlier. Very full of life lessons....

Pondering these words....'Find ecstasy in life. The mere sense of living is joy enough.' ~ Emily Dickinson

Where in the world is Cindy Brady?

I haven't written in a very long time and for those of you who followed my blog entries often, I apologize for my absence. Life has been very busy and a lot of interesting things have happened since I last posted. However, the main reason I've been missing in action is simply because I wasn't sure what to write about. It seemed that all of the responsibilities of life were taking up too much of my time....and that I didn't have time to write. When in all honesty, these responsibilities were just kind of boring! So, I took a much needed break. I've pondered whether to start blogging again and - deep down - I know that I want to. I enjoy writing and sharing my thoughts. Not to mention, that I witness so many amusing, mundane, witless, and amazing things each day, I do feel the need to share. So, I've given the template a face lift - a new life - and I will attempt to blog often. I've missed you all...and I hope you will check in here and there. Its good to be back!

"Just a Dog" - Author Unknown

A friend of mine just recently sent this to me....I think it says it all:

From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it’s Just a dog” or “That’s a lot of money for Just a dog”. They don’t understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for “Just a dog”. Some of my proudest moments have come about with “Just a dog”. Many hours have passed with my only company being “Just a dog” and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by “Just a dog” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “Just a dog” provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too, think its “Just a dog”, you will probably understand phrases like “Just a friend’, “Just a sunrise”, or “Just a promise”. “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of “Just a dog” I will rise earlier, take longer walks, and look longingly into the future.

For me and folks like me, it’s not “Just a dog". Its an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that some people can understand it’s not “Just a dog”. It’s the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “Just a man or Just a woman”. So…the next time you hear the phrase “Just a dog", smile. Because they “Just don’t understand”…….

Our Stoic Little Man....

Ted hasn’t been feeling good for the past week or so. Unfortunately, it’s his back again. Most of you who know me know that Ted had cervical neck surgery in 2005.

At that time, we let him do anything he wanted…..Including jumping off the bed, chasing squirrels, jumping on and off the couch, and twisting in the air to catch balls. Then one day, he let out a little yelp when jumping on the couch and started walking like a turtle. All crouched down with his neck pulled in. Of course, we immediately took him to the vet that we were using at the time and they did x-rays and an exam….they then sent him home for rest and medication. A few days went by, but he was no better so we took him back again. This time, they kept him….for two weeks!!! In fact, they would not give him back to me and I had to fight to get him out. After talking to another vet, she suggested he needed surgery. To get the surgery we would need a referral from our vet. The problem was…our vet wanted to heal him “naturally”. Obviously, this method was not working as he had lost almost 9 pounds in two weeks because he was in so much pain, he could not eat or drink. I could literally see him wasting away at each of my daily visits. At that point, the second vet told me to pick him up ( I had to make them give him to me) and demand a surgical referral. In which I did. The very day they released him to me, he was taken to the surgeon where they did a myleogram and the cervical neck fusion. That was on a Thursday and we were able to pick him up and take him home that Saturday. And to think....if we would have gotten the referral right away, he would have had two less weeks of pain and suffering. I guess the important thing was that he got the surgery at all...however long it took to get there....

Since then….the last 3 and half years….he has healed and gotten much stronger……stronger than I think he was even before the surgery. We, of course, found a new vet….whom we interviewed to determine how much he knew about Dachshunds. We love him and trust him very much and call him Dr. Tim. Since Ted’s surgery, Jon and I do not let him do much on his own. We carry him up stairs, we pick him up and lift him off the couch, he is allowed to play ball but we don’t throw it anymore….now we roll it.

So….this past week when he started acting “funny” in the back, we both knew immediately something was wrong. And we were terribly worried because this time, the problem showed in his lower back. This can be much more serious as the dog can become paralyzed. We both were prepared for the worst…..especially since Ted is almost 9 years old. We met with our vet yesterday and the diagnosis is good. Or at least better than we thought. They do not think Ted has ruptured a disc, but instead, feels he has a touch of arthritis in his lower back near the point where his pelvic bone attaches to his spine. The doc feels this problem will fuse naturally, but that it will take time. Until then, we may have 'bouts' where he’s slow and not feeling well, but we just need to work through them with him. For now, we will do a round of anti-inflammatory medications and muscles relaxers and go from there.

That’s the thing about having a pet…..you see them grow older before your very eyes. And it is hard to watch. Ted is one of the sweetest, smartest animals I’ve known and I feel blessed that he came to us and is such a huge part of our lives. I know Jon and I, both, will do whatever it takes to make him as comfortable and loved when he doesn’t feel well and as he grows older. Our boys are our family….and we Thank God everyday that they are in our lives……..

Always Remember.....

I'll never forget the way I felt that beautiful September morning when the World Trade Center was attacked and as we found there were attacks at the Pentagon and in Pennslyvania as well. It was the first time in my life I felt "real" fear for our country, my family, and our way of life. Regardless of political party or your choice in the upcoming election, I hope you all will take a moment to reflect on those lives lost. I know I will.....

More Late Summer Blooms!

We've been lucky to have a few late summer bloomers in our garden this year! Thought I'd share a few more photos of the flowers that make me so happy!

Clematis

Limelight Hydrangea

Caladiums!

Double Ruffle Daylily-Unknown

End of Summer Blooms...

Here are some photos of the Swamp Rose and Confederate Rose that we planted in our yard this year. It seems like by the time August rolls around, plants in the yard just look tired. Even the trees look tired. It’s a wonderful surprise to look out the window and see these HUGE burst of color in the yard. The blooms are as big as dinner plates. What’s even more interesting about both plants is that Jon’s father gave us the plants in pots before we moved last year and due to our busy fall schedule and the move coinciding, we never got them in the ground. Jon trimmed them down to about ankle height for the winter and we finally got them planted in early summer. Well, they’ve both gone wild!! Both are as tall as me and have bloomed consistently throughout the summer. They are two of my favorite new plants….

Those ears.....

I just had to post this picture of Henry flopping his ears. I happened to get the shot just as he started swinging his head. As most of you know he had both ears half way chewed off when he was homeless......sad but true. Still....this photo shows exactly how lethal the flopping ear can be!

Dining Room...Take Two

I've had several people comment that they would like to see the entire set of the dining room furniture that I was lucky enough to acquire from my parents. So, here it is....up close and personal.

First, is the buffet. A large piece that has a quarter piece mirror on the back. The lovely part of this buffet is the amount of storage it actually has. There is one long drawer at the top that has sections. One of these sections even has a wood flatware bin that fits in it. Below the drawer is three doored cabinets. On each side the cabinet is just open space. Deep enough to store a platter or long baking dish. In the middle is the best storage. There are built in drawers. My mother always kept her dining room linens here and I am following suit.

The second piece of furniture is the china cabinet. If you could only see the glass up close. It is quite obvious how old the furniture is then. The nice part of cabinet is you can really see the twisted legs that highlight all of the pieces. Another bright spot.....it holds alot of dishes. As you can see!

Next, there is the server. You rarely see a server in a modern day dining room collection. Its always been one of my favorite parts of this set. Its small but its sturdy and makes a great place to store the dishes, china, or crystal that you want to display.

Lastly, I will show the base of the table and the head of the tables chair. I want to show these as you can really see the detail in the base and on the leg's of the chair. This twisted feature is just absolutely gorgeous.

Hope this show and tell gives all of you who "wanted to know" a little better insight to the beauty of the set. I feel very fortunate that its become a part of my home now. There are many memories of holiday dinners, Sunday dinners, and craft making on this table. I hope that we can make many more!