I've been thinking on all the different types of homes I would ever want to live in. And, there are various ones. Naturally, this is all pure speculation and fantasizing as I type.

 

I think a medium sized home is actually the perfect size for me, IF it comes with a housekeeper as I age.

Probably traditional in furnishings while more Mediterranean in style of home. I do like the open concept in the main rooms, but not everywhere. 

Ideal bathroom would have a walk in shower with no barrier on the floor...immediately requiring some space to not mess up rest of the room, right? Maybe even one of those where it's cloak room style, taking up one side of the bathroom with a door on each end and room for a wheelchair to go through to the other end. Large shower heads, but not so high up where you can't reach them to rearrange. But...for the person that may end up in that wheel chair...a good shower system set lower too.  Hummm...option of handheld? Once you get old you don't have the strength to hold that. 

Definitely two sinks...grinning...but, who wants to clean two? Housekeeper wouldn't think of it, but prior to that!! Maybe one, with cost of the other going into making sure the shower area has tons of light instead of the common habit of one small teensy light in showers.  How do those people with small light way up high added to that dark tile ever see the hair on their legs or pits to shave?? By feel, I guess? Why worry...my hair is about gone anyway. Except for this week, where it's waving in the breeze of the ceiling fan.

 

Humm...kitchen?

How about path through where you won't get trapped when the relatives come to visit and want to talk while you're trying to cook?  Prime importance to keeping your temper intact!  Big sis is just like Momma was...comes into your personal space and just stands there...in the way! gah!

LOTS of cabinets and counter space, but not so much you're walking yourself to death getting what you need. Definitely a "room pantry" nearby. Also, so you're not walking yourself all over.

Not sure about choosing between gas or electric stoves. I've used both and liked both for different reasons. Can see where a double oven would come in handy. These newest types...not sure I could learn how to cook on one easily enough to want to mess with this. However...if I were to have a COOK/Housekeeper...or both...whoohoo! OK, not happening. Have hubs, that's sufficient for this right now.

What about main portion of home?

I'd want two things near both front and rear (or side) entrances. Coat closet and potty facilities. Many times as a senior Mom had troubles getting from car into house and then to commode in time. Plus, if you've been shopping you're going to want some sort of "dumping off" area where you can put your purse and bags and then run.

Living room....and....Family room....and...Media room....and...Library. 

Not all in one room!!

Bedrooms...well, one would be the Library, probably.

then...large enough for king beds or at least queens. I've found that even kids deal better with this size room...and, if these are bigger you can do away with one of the rooms above! Make their bedrooms the play rooms when they come visit.  

Lots of couches. You can eliminate a bedroom with this going for you.

I'm done for now....still have thoughts swirling and think I'll post more on this subject later...but, need to check the woodstove right now!

Yipes!!
Just noticed my photo...it has to be at least 12yrs old or more.  You think I should try and update?? 
um...wonder how you do that?? Guess I'll be clicking tabs trying to remember how this all works! LOL

Hey!

It's cold here, but you can't really tell by looking out the window.

 

Jeans are finally dried.

Time has come to force myself to get ready and go into the bookstore today.

 

Not washed up..not dressed...no makeup...but, am up on meds and mugs of coffee...you know..the important things! I did have an orange, too.

 

Boring myself!!

OK..here I go...sigh... 

NO...wait!

It's a gorgeous day...

I'm healthy enough, loved, and have all my needs met.

Life is good,

God is Great

All is under His control!!

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.