Determined December

[dill]

Cyn, I just finished listening to the reading. I was able to understand it without printed lyrics by wearing earbuds which seemed to help. I listened twice tho and understood more easily on the second go 'round. Thanks again! I enjoyed it.

While googling under milk wood I found lots of stuff including a trailer to a movie from 1972 with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. I also found a youtube of Richard Burton being interviewed by Dick Cavet, re: his alcoholism. I thought it was really good and might be of interest to many of us, so I will include a link here. I found it fascinating that on the one hand he didn't know that he was truly and "alcoholic" yet on the other hand he later describes it as a dreadful disease and says, "I can't say that I've beaten it,". That struggle of definition that we all face at some time, or forever; the dreaded label, the scarlet letter A. LOL! Here's the link: https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=m...nder+milk+wood

Star, I've finished the J.K. Rowling book and enjoyed it as a listening experience. Not sure if it would be to your taste tho. It's a modern detective novel set in England. Good writing and characters. Good narration. I'm glad you are moving on in your house search. I'm quite certain you would have been unhappy in a living space with no windows. I agree heartily that lights are important at this time of year! In recent years I have sometimes not even bothered with ornaments on my tree, but only had lights.

Lav, Hope you enjoy your time with your friends. My spirit is bolstered by time with my girlfriends too. Especially when we laugh together. I am sure YB is having some difficulty processing his bro's death. How could he not? I wish he would reach out to someone and talk about it. But as you say, it doesn't seem to be his way.

Papmom, greetings.

I'm off to my son's to pick up my granddaughter for an overnight. My life will be a whirlwind for the next 24 hours! LOL!

[treegirl]

Morning all!

Glad to hear that we are all bringing light into our lives! Dill, I had privately thought that you wanted the white lights also. Glad that you have your own tree with lights - and your own room to enjoy in the morning. I am dealing with learning to have another person in the house in the early mornings...I was used to having calm, candle-lit mornings with the dogs, but no more with my tornado of a HB around. But it's worth it to have him home.

Good luck with all the kid-sitting, Dill and Lav. That would seriously wear me out. Star - glad that you are feeling good about the house search. When I was a Realtor (briefly) I also loved seeing all the houses, how people lived and had their 'things'. There are so many historic homes here where I live (from the 1700's) that I have toyed with the idea of working with Estate Sale companies on their sales. I'd have to check my cash at the door, though!

Lav - have fun with your friends. Pap - hope all is going well for you -

Wishing all a great day!

[Lavande]

Had a nice lunch with my friends - they always help to set me straight :hug:

Dill, I'm going to check your link when I'm done here, thanks.
I just purchased an e book that I already know is going to be good. I've been reading about this book & waiting for it's release. It's written by Gregg Krech from my favorite website ToDo Institute.

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Taking-Action-Japanese-Psychology-ebook/dp/B00PR814K0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1417744854&sr=1-1&keywords=the+art+of+taking+action

You can download a free sample from Amazon right on to your iPads, tablets, computers, Kindle.
Have fun with your graddaughter Dill - mine will be here tomorrow!

Cyn, I think you could have an interesting & successful future in Estate Sales. You would really get the buyers mesmerized - I just know you would

Have a nice night all!

[papmom3]

Evening all. Been a busy week so far.
Cyn-what luck you had getting those tunnels!! Definitely set up what you can in the basement. Milk crates and broom sticks make great jumps. A 1X10 or 12 on the floor can be a psuedo dog walk that you can gradually raise up as they get used to walking on a narrow board. For nose work I've saved up a bunch of boxes. All 3 of my dogs are naturals at this and I would love to be able to afford a class or two. another activity you can set up in your basement is Rally-O or Shadow games from the Wag It Games repertoire. Mentally, not physically demanding for the dog, not physically or mentally demanding for you!
Star-I'm loving your outlook lately!! You sound so grateful and happy and willing to let things happen naturally. You will find the perfect house and all the decluttering has already been done so the move will be easy peasy!! But it mush have windows!! I have a feeling it won't happen too quickly which I think is good.

Dill-how was your day with your GD? Fun but exhausting I bet!!

Lav-You are one busy mimom!! Did you have a nice time with your friends today?

Things have been rough financially this week. Out of money to buy food so I've been scraping up innovative things to eat from my pantry and fridge. I overdrew my checking account because it looks like there is a fraudulent charge to my debit card from a gas station I went to on Monday. I've opened a complaint with my bank so it will be interesting to see how this all shakes out. Then I got home to a bill from my oil company for over $700!! I'm on a budget plan so I'm not sure how they came up with charging me for the oil delivery on Monday PLUS my budget payment. It was too late to call them so I'll have to do it tomorrow at lunch. On the bright side its payday tomorrow!! And, I got so frustrated trying to find all my oil company statements and communications on my desk amidst the mountain of papers that I grabbed it all and weeded through it in less than an hour. I've been putting off this task for months!! Another bright light this week was my personal training appointment last nite. I get 1 every 6 months with my membership. He's transitioning me from the machines to body work and free weights. I never knew crunches could be so hard!! I'm excited about this new routine tho. If anything can get rid of my tummy pouch, this will!
Today was an off campus meeting about Transfer articulation-something near and dear to my heart. We had lots of animated discussions, got some good information and had a great lunch. Got to see some colleagues again but no real chance to chat. it was nice to be out of the office for sure.
LM still doesn't like his jammies LOL!! I'm going to put them on tonite when I give him his dinner. maybe then he'll stop shaking!!
My agility friend is going in for her breast cancer surgery tomorrow. Would you all mind sending out some positive vibes and thoughts? Her name is Trish. I'll be thinking of her and her hubby and dogs all day tomorrow. thanks!!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Lav, I am thinking of buying that book. Because of you sharing your knowledge of ToDo Institute, I spent a week there, a very interesting week. He does good work with his wife. Let us know how you like he book.

Dill, Cyn and Pap, have a great day.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends & happy Friday to all!

Dark & damp is the call for today but I'm expecting a visit from my girls later so the weather will become less of an issue.
I need to get a trip to Curves & a stop at the supermarket done before they get here.

Star, I'm only a few pages into that book but I know I won't be disappointed. I've always loved their philosophy of being mindful & observant. It has helped me thru a lot over the years.

Papmom, I think you need to buy a lottery ticket lady! I hope you can straighten things out without much hassle :hug:

Greetings to Dill & Cyn!
I need to get moving so I'll wish everyone a great AF Friday!

Lav

[dill]

Whew! What a day! I love bein a grandma but it does wear me out at times. Little g-daughter slept fitfully and I was awake much of the night. She was up at the same time as I was this morning, so I didn't even have time to have my wake-up cup of coffee in peace!

I'm sorry I don't have time for a proper post today. I'll try to do better tomorrow.

Peaceful AF evening one and all.

[Lavande]

Grandmothering is not easy Dill - I totally get it, LOL
Tired or not I know you are enjoying your guest

My daughter postponed today's visit, that's OK. They are busy gathering all the necessary documents for the loan officer in addition to work, school & getting ready for the holidays. I'll probably see them in a few days. I'll be keeping my grandsons next Friday until Sunday. I know I will be tired - oh so tired, Ha ha.

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Lots of stuff to do today as we are traveling to my daughter's for another holiday meal. My brother is coming from about 3 hours away so it will be a celebration. He is fun and loud, we always have a good time together. It reminds me of when my mother was alive and the family came together often, because that is what she wanted. I had another good day at work yesterday, told I was doing a great job and who does not like to hear that! So, already doing laundry and it is not even 7 am. I have a phone appointment with my aunt this morning, so we can really talk. Otherwise, it just doesn't happen.

Lav, I really believe mindfulness is the key to happiness in alot of ways. Not worrying about this or that but living in the moment and doing your finest work. Making this moment count. Taking action, accepting your feelings and taking care of business.

Dill, fun you can take care of your granddaughter, but I too feel tired just visiting my grandson. He is cute, loveable and alot of work. Worth every effort.

Pap, I hate having money problems, they are so difficult.

Hello Cyn, have a great Saturday.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends!

Clouds & rain on today's menu - better than snow

Star, nice to receive positive comments at work, makes you feel appreciated!
Enjoy your family day & time with the little one. This time next year he will be controlling the family like a real boss, LOL

Papmom, thinking about you & your current stressors :hug:

Greetings Dill & Cyn, hope you are both well.

I have to go pick up my farm share then try to get some special orders done for customers. All I can think about at the moment is everything I don't have done for my own holiday, Ha ha.
Have a great AF day everyone!

Lav

[treegirl]

Morning all -

Yesterday got away from me - HB had gone into the city, and missed the train back that came to where he parked, so I drove to get him at a further station; that took a few hours. One good thing was that there was a Michael's and Home Depot close to the station - we don't have those kinds of stores close by. I wanted to get materials to make 'window bunting' gifts for my 3 great-nieces that I'll be seeing in 2 weeks. Michael's had some stuff - I had to get origami paper, I hope it will be substantial enough. Everything this year is totally DIY holiday gifts for all - I may do a favorite Mango Chutney for the adults.

Lav - I will take a look at that link (I have a 'Lav's Links' on my desktop so that I can 'capture' all the recipes and links that everyone shares here.) I haven't delved too deeply into the To Do site - I'll revisit it. Glad that you have an extra day to yourself!

Star - wishing you a good time with family - I didn't even know you had a brother! Have fun laughing -

Dill - good luck and take care of you! It's hard when you don't have that first cuppa by yourself...

Pap - sending good thoughts your way and for your friend as well.

Hope everyone has a good Saturday. We'll be driving in the rain to SD's - seeing her for lunch, so that she doesn't have to come to us this weekend. The 3 hr RT will be good knitting time for me! Almost done with the front, only the sleeves to go, xing fingers I can finish it, and do a bias-knit scarf for SD as well. We'll see --

Gorgeous full moon out there -

[dill]

Oh My, Papmom! What a lot of upset in the financial area! That kind of stuff puts me over the edge really fast and in the past, straight into the bottle. Breathe, as Cyn would say. I had a recent shock when I opened my verizon bill and it was 2 times what it should have been. I was on the phone for near an hour getting that straightened out, but fortunately it was straightened out in the end. I hope the same happens for you with your oil bill. What a headache with the debit card, too. Thinking of you.

Cyn, I am sitting here drinking a cup of the instant Italian Roast by Starbucks that you recommended to me a couple of years back. Good stuff! Also, I was thinking about your problem with getting logged off before being done posting. Have you ever clicked the "Remember Me" box next to your log in? That would probably fix your problem. The only thing is you have to be sure to remember to log off, otherwise you are continuously signed in. I like home-made Christmas gifts! Are you going to take a picture of the sweater you are knitting for us?

Star, I'm glad you get to visit with your brother as well as daughter and grandbaby. What fun! In our little family my daughter is the one that is easy to laugh and gets us all going. It's good to have at least one like that! My MIL was like that too. I am a quiet person by nature so I have to make an effort to create a lively get-together but I try. I got The Red Tent from the library yesterday. I am going to delve into it as far as I can before I watch the mini series. I'll probably record that because Mr. D likes to watch Sunday night football as well as Monday night football.

Lav, what's a farm share? I am totally with you on being focused on all the stuff I have yet to do and buy for Christmas. We both need to breathe and prioritize.

Gray and rainy here and in the mid thirties. YUCK! Makes me grateful for the wood stove!! Contented and calm AF Saturday wishes to all.

[Lavande]

Dark, raining & 41 here Dill - yuck. Hoping for a drier day tomorrow! I think I'm supposed to go to a craft show somewhere with my daughter tomorrow.

Here's another link for your Lav's Links folder Cyn (Ha Ha)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community-supported_agriculture

It's fun every week to lift the lid on the box & see what's inside
Today's box included a humongous head of red leaf lettuce, 2 red onions & a large yellow onion, bag of spinach, bag of mixed greens (salad type), a bunch of tender young carrots with the tops still attached & a butternut squash.
I love supporting the local growers (lot of them are Amish), love the freshness of nutrient dense veggies.

Cyn, good luck with your knitting (something I cannot do).
I have some ideas for making embroidered holiday buntings - may have to wait until next year though.

Dill, I always get so busy taking care of customer's wishes & needs I put off getting my own holiday prep done. I have to just cut them off at some point. I've actually had people at my door on Christmas eve wanting me to do things for them - no can do

Have a nice night all!

[Lavande]

Good morning all!

Another crappy night for me - it's been a long week. I think I have found an explanation....

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16460/tonights-full-moon-in-gemini-says-its-time-to-party.html

Last night was particularly bad because while I was awake between 1:30 & 4:30 this morning my mind went into overdrive. I was flooded with nasty, negative thoughts. I haven't done that in a very long time
Here's hoping the moon business is over now!!!! GEEZ!!!

I have lots to do today so I'll get started. Greetings Dill, Star, Papmom & Cyn!
Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Sunday!

Lav

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Had a great time yesterday, and ate too much. Today I will really take it easy.

Dill, I am enjoying the Red Tent, hope you like it.

Lav, it is a nicer day day here today, at least no snow.

Cyn, really great of you to make the presents. Wow, alot of work but really nice.

Pap, hope your weekend is going well.

Have a great Sunday.