it's amazing to me that so many years can pass by with not much change going on in a person's life. Same general things happening.

same thoughts running through that same head.

However...

one main thing is different.

The bookstore where I've worked for 28yrs is closed and now we're just facing packing up, clearing out and cleaning up before handing over the keys.

Lisa will be searching for a new place of employment.

I'll be retiring.

hum..

Not sure I'm ready for this, however...I've basically been retired for years now anyway!

I might be back again later on....don't hold your breath.

4yrs is a long time to do that!

I've been reading a lot of different blogs lately. Then it dawned on me today, I've not been taking time to post on my own. 

I never began my blog with any ideas of generating a large group of followers. Actually, I originally used it to vent, while hiding from those that did know me.  I'm not too sure if that's changed for me or not. I've lost most of my grammar skills and I tend to be self conscious over my abilities in this respect to the point of losing the initial enjoyment of just free thinking.

However...today it is not hitting me this same way. So, here we go...nothing profound, just a few thoughts...

Gardening is frustrating me, while at the same time it's fulfilling a need to grub in the dirt. I do not like that I no longer have the strength in my fingers and wrists that I used to have....tried using a small hand spade last night and it was like I was attempting to dig in concrete!! arghhh!!! now, for many years my intentions were to switch out the dirt in this plot....but, always had perennials I was afraid to lose in the process. That's going to change this week when I get Scott to flip this around for me. Going to dig up and pitch some of this concrete and add some decent soil into this small garden area. I pulled out those perennials and have some new flowers ready to go in. Also, having some troubles with locating plants I want. Part of this is just moving my butt out of this chair to go look...but, the other is not finding them when I do manage to go looking. Today just might be that day for me to get on with the hunt.

I have 3 b'days looming. One present I know what I want, but out of what I've found, I'm not in love with any of those. But, the time for the giving is soon upon me! yikes!!  the other two...I just decided about 30min ago on one...pricier than I'd planned, but a guaranteed hit. The final one...clueless!!  too many years of gift giving gone by...."been there, done that, don't want another" syndrome raising it's ugly head!!

One of my sweetest blessings this last year has been the discovery of so many really good Christian bloggers for me to explore. I grew up handicapped with the idea that being blase about life, cynical about motives..untrusting of most....was the way to live. Even after coming to know Christ. It, by then, had become a very bad habit. Coming to the realization that there are true hearted people out here...honestly attempting to live in a way that only honors God with their witness of Him in their lives and wanting to share this with like minded people. And, actively being sweet in their speech and in their responses to others was not something faked. Now, I do realize that there are fake spirits...these, though, just go about their business without having time or need to be untrue. I've also realized that many of my experiences throughout my walk have only been superficial. I had a need to stay on the surface. Which went directly against my desires to come to know my Lord in a deeper and more honest way. So, I'm studying, trusting more and fighting old habits more, too. Attempting to not take back burdens I've turned over...learning lessons I've taught to others of letting the Spirit control the attitudes and the results.

'K...I need to get some things done here other than just meditating...If there is anyone on here reading along with this...well, bless your heart!! Give a little prayer for the two of us and let's go away from here and get some other things accomplished  for now! ;0)

January??

The last post I made was in January?? Wow! That must be a record for me.

Not much has been going on in my life this year, while at the same time there has been many cool things happening.

1)learned that Nathan and Kelly are expecting again...November this time and it's a BOY!! Xander will finally get another boy on this side of the family. Might even things out a bit.

2)Scott and I went through our 1st B&B experience. I loved it....hope we can indulge frequently....or at least more often than every 40 years or so...

3)I'm losing track of all that did happen...bound to forget some things....hummm...

4) oh yeah...we just got back from our driving vacation. We took the fast roads out to Nebraska and then wandered our way through the Lincoln Highway corridor until we were midway through Illinois, then we hit the fast roads again before meeting back up with the Lincoln Hwy again. Then...I-75 homeward. Met two of my favorite online buds which for me was the highlight of the trip. Saw a lot of this country that I'd never thought to see....it was lovely!

OK...that's all for now...need to run.

Tad Irritated, but That's All Right....I'll Live!

A little frustrated! I can't find a 1st Birthday present for Avery that satisfies me.
It can't be huge and us manage to get it loaded into the car with our other luggage. And, though she has enough toys and clothes that she really, honestly doesn't need anything...the smaller choices of toys I'm coming across just aren't seeming to make a hit with my Grandmother's presents scale. And, while a savings bond or savings account would probably make more sense...blaaahhh...boring! Toys are more exciting for the kid...
And, yes...I realize that this is sounding materialistic...but...this is her 1st birthday, after all!!
I wasn't too impressed with Marie's first b'day present, either...
Must have used up all my presents buying ideas on Xander, Grace and Greta earlier on....also, Kelsey and Malia haven't fared well with my ideas these last few years either!!
This is stupid! of all things to write a blog about!!
Good Grief!!
I could at least post a recipe or something useful!!
LOL
Here's one to serve at your Super Bowl Party...or whatever...it's tried, true and yummy!! EASY to make and while it's not healthful in the respect of low-fat...it is a winner for a hot dip with crackers!! I even caught people eating it like a veggie dish...it worked!!

Baked Cheddar Bacon Spread

2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
2 cups (16 oz) sour cream
1 medium onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons mayo
1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 cups (16 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Assorted crackers

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, onion, and mayo until smooth. Fold in bacon and 3 cups of the cheddar cheese. Transfer to a 2-qt baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375 for 30 min or until lightly browned. Serve with crackers.

Important Decision

WooooHoooo!!
Just found out that my only grandson has asked Jesus into his heart! Very happy for him!
Now...why did I have to hear this through a blog??
hummmm...
maybe it was more exciting this way...for him to wait for responses??
**Grinning**
Whatever!! I'm just really happy for him.
Am eager to find out what our Lord has in store for him as a way to help.
Am also eager for the other grandkids to want to make this same decision once they're mature enough to know what they want to do.
Pretty sure Kelsey already has, too...but, waiting on the others.
Now, I'm asking myself...what have I done to help them know more about Jesus?
I just don't think I've shared enough. To quote that old hymn....

More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love Who died for me.

snow and work

The two do not go well together. I'm scheduled for the next 13 days in a row...er, um...minus the two Sundays. Thank you for those two Sundays!! Anyway, with the Boss being out of town this Thursday through Saturday, the opening and running of the store falls to me. This means...I have to be responsible for trying to determine IF the roads will be safe enough to work my way over to the store...which just happens to be on a side street. Side street here equals no road crews cleaning it up for me or customers.

Lovely!!

I don't believe tomorrow will prove to be much of a problem. Thursday through Friday may very well be very bad. It's at times like this that I wish I'd insisted upon that 4wheel drive vehicle we didn't purchase!! argh!

So...join in with me on my prayers for safe traveling conditions. The store really needs lots of customers and no hassles the entire time the Boss is gone!!

On another note...Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all went by without us being with our family. Very strange. Melanie and Jon brought the kids here between Christmas and New Years and that was fun. I've been getting a kick out of Xander's bemoaning the travel time....I'm right there with him!!

No Avery for Christmas or New Years....no photos of her opening presents, either....I think I need to check and see if they took any!! Maybe with Tina...surely she wouldn't have let this 1st Christmas go by without some sort of photo!!

OK...guess that's it for right now...don't forget...prayers for good traveling conditions...if we have to have snow...let us have it be the type that doesn't come along with ice, too!!

Aftermath

We've been home from our vacation with Melanie and crew for a week now. Scott began coming down with a cold on the ride home...I waited until Thursday before succumbing to it. Bleaaaa!!
I've not heard otherwise, so I'm assuming their part of the vacationers escaped getting sick?
I'm tired of coughing and hacking!!

I've enjoyed seeing the photos that Jon uploaded to the Flickr site. I have been waiting for Scott to do ours, but I might have to do it myself as he's busy with a bunch of other little tasks that have been needing attention. I'd hate to divert him!
I got a kick out of Xander's blog showing some of the photos and video while on vacation, too. He's got a lot of stories he could choose to tell if he just would!

On another note...today is the perfect Indian Summer Day here in Ky. Sun is shining, the skies are blue...temps are up. Too bad I'm inside with my hot tea and tissues!! Maybe this wasn't another note...sure sounds like I'm still feeling sorry for myself!
OK...I'm done for now!