Greetings, All: Well, here it is August already. Where has the summer gone? It seems that the older I get, the quicker times flies by.
It has been a great summer here in the Mid Atlantic region, although it's been the hottest summer I can remember. Some days when you step out the door, it feels like stepping into a wet oven. The humidity has been unbearable. It was pretty dry the first part of the summer, but now we're having some nice thunderstorms several times a week. Thank the Lord, this nice rain keeps me from having to water all of the plants in my yard, which takes several hours, and since I can't do it anymore, I have to pay someone to do it. Oh well, that's what happens when one grows older. Someone else has to take over and do what you used to do and you have to pay them for it.
I've been under the weather for a few days with throat and sinus congestion. I really am surprised, as I take enough vitamins to sink a battleship. It's been nearly a year since I've had something like this and it really hasn't been too bad this time. I got it Friday, and today, Monday, I seem to be a lot better. One thing that came along with this is inflammation of the upper and lower eyelids. I thought, at first, I had pink eye and that I'd gotten it from my great-granddaughter. If it doesn't get a lot better by Tuesday, I'll go and see the eye doctor; it could be pink eye.
I'm planning a bracelet project. I haven't done any serious beading for a month now; I just haven't wanted to. The bracelet I'm going to make will have an oval-shaped, lime green and aqua, lamp worked bead in the center. On each side of the bead will be a herringbone-stitched tube in two shades of lime green. This will be something new for me and I'm eager to see what the bracelet will look like. I hope it works out, as I have tons of lamp worked beads I bought on E-bay and need to do something with them.
I ordered two shirts from Eddie Bauer that will be here Wednesday. One is lime green and the other is lavender. I hope they fit so I can wear the lime green bracelet with one, and the lavender bracelet I'm planning to make with the other.
My grandson-in-law is in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and will be there for one year. This is something that he absolutely wanted to do. He'll make enough money that he and my granddaughter can pay off everything that they owe and have a lot of dough left over. I think it takes a very strong person to be able to do this. I know I couldn't do it. I just couldn't be away from my children for one whole year. While he's gone, another daughter will be born but he'll be able to come home when that happens. He gets to come home for a couple of weeks every three months. I pray for his safety every day; he's in a very dangerous region of the world.
In January I'll be welcoming my third great-grandchild into the world. It's a girl and her name is going to be Emma Paige. I just love that name; it sounds so old fashioned. I hope she's as sweet and as good as
my other great- granddaughter, Maddie. Maddie is one of the sweetest children I've ever seen. She's always going up to someone, grabbing them around the legs, and giving them a hug. How cute is that! She's fifteen months old now and will be twenty-two months old when the baby is born. I also have a great-grandson who's seven. Ethan is a beautiful child. He has white hair and big, blue-green eyes and is very precocious. He loves to come to my house and "rummage" through my "stuff". I have lots of things he likes to look at and always wants to know if he can take something home, which, of course, I let him do. My grand and great-grandchildren have been a great source of joy in my life and I thank God for them.
Well, I've got to go and do some cleaning, which I really don't want to do, but needs to be done. I'll just take my time and not try to wear myself out. Eventually, I guess I'll have to hire someone to do this for me as well.
I pray for blessings for all of you. Until next time, Nana
Monday, August 23, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Summertime, and the livin' is easy
Greetings, All: It's been a while since we've talked, but that's the way it goes during the summer. I, like everyone else, have been busy doing, doing, doing, since it got a lot warmer; hotter, I should say.
It's been one of the hottest summers I can remember. The temperature today is over 100 degrees, and the humidity is probably eighty percent. I've been in the house, exclusively, for over a week now. I only venture out to go to the bank, the grocery store or the post office. My life sounds real exciting, doesn't it?
I've become interested in Indian cooking. I happened to see a cooking show on the cooking channel, entitled Spice Goddess, and watched as the hostess cooked Indian cuisine. I was totally amazed at how easy she made it seem. I was also very interested in all of the spices she used. I have two turntables in my kitchen cabinets, full of spices. I know some of them are probably years old, but they still have a pungent smell, so I'll keep them for a few more years. Spices are very expensive, especially the ones that are used in Indian cooking.
After looking at my spices, I found I have most of those that are used in Indian cooking. I found one spice, Garam Masala, at Food Lion, much to my surprise and delight. I also ordered two Indian cuisine cookbooks from Amazon.com today, one with meat, and one vegetarian. I can't wait until they arrive so I can try some of the recipes. Being a vegetarian, it will be nice to eat something that's entirely different from what I've been eating.
When I got home from the grocery store, it was time for lunch. I fixed a rice pilaf, Uncle Ben's, that you put in the microwave for ninety-seconds. The rice used is brown rice and it's absolutely delicious; I was pleasantly surprised. I also opened a can of Progresso Lentil soup to which I added garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, a dash of tabasco, a dash of dill weed, a dash of Italian seasoning and a dash of Garam Masala. This tasted awesome! Garam Masala is a combination of spices containing coriander, black pepper, cumin, cardamon and cinnamon. It has a very unusual taste and smell that I like, although some might not.
I've really gotten into cooking now that I have to be on the alkaline/acid balance diet for the rest of my life. I'm beginning to feel a lot better than I have been feeling. Food makes all of the difference in ones sense of well being and is the absolute key to good health.
I also ordered a gluten-free cookbook that uses almond flour, agave nectar with grapeseed and coconut oil. My grandson and I both have problems with gluten. When I get all of my ingredients together, I'm going to make a BIG CHOCOLATE CAKE. I've been craving chocolate cake for months. It will be wonderful to finally be able to indulge my taste buds and I know my grandson will be happy.
I'm still beading, of course. I haven't been doing much lately, as I've been busy trying to get three meals on the table every day. Believe me, when you're on a special diet, this takes some planning, but it's well worth it. I feel good eating "live" food that's not processed and so acidic.
I've started going to church again. I've been out of church for a while and it is so nice to go to church again and praise the Lord. I go to a church that is free in the "Spirit" and that allows you to raise your hands, move around, clap, say Amen, etc. Once you start praising God this way, you can't ever go back to a conventional church service. Being free to express yourself in worship is one of the most satisfying experiences I know. The Word says..."God inhabits the praises of his people."
Well, it's time to eat din din. I don't know what I'll have, but I'm sure I can whip up something delectable in a short amount of time. (?)
Au Revoir, Nana
It's been one of the hottest summers I can remember. The temperature today is over 100 degrees, and the humidity is probably eighty percent. I've been in the house, exclusively, for over a week now. I only venture out to go to the bank, the grocery store or the post office. My life sounds real exciting, doesn't it?
I've become interested in Indian cooking. I happened to see a cooking show on the cooking channel, entitled Spice Goddess, and watched as the hostess cooked Indian cuisine. I was totally amazed at how easy she made it seem. I was also very interested in all of the spices she used. I have two turntables in my kitchen cabinets, full of spices. I know some of them are probably years old, but they still have a pungent smell, so I'll keep them for a few more years. Spices are very expensive, especially the ones that are used in Indian cooking.
After looking at my spices, I found I have most of those that are used in Indian cooking. I found one spice, Garam Masala, at Food Lion, much to my surprise and delight. I also ordered two Indian cuisine cookbooks from Amazon.com today, one with meat, and one vegetarian. I can't wait until they arrive so I can try some of the recipes. Being a vegetarian, it will be nice to eat something that's entirely different from what I've been eating.
When I got home from the grocery store, it was time for lunch. I fixed a rice pilaf, Uncle Ben's, that you put in the microwave for ninety-seconds. The rice used is brown rice and it's absolutely delicious; I was pleasantly surprised. I also opened a can of Progresso Lentil soup to which I added garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, a dash of tabasco, a dash of dill weed, a dash of Italian seasoning and a dash of Garam Masala. This tasted awesome! Garam Masala is a combination of spices containing coriander, black pepper, cumin, cardamon and cinnamon. It has a very unusual taste and smell that I like, although some might not.
I've really gotten into cooking now that I have to be on the alkaline/acid balance diet for the rest of my life. I'm beginning to feel a lot better than I have been feeling. Food makes all of the difference in ones sense of well being and is the absolute key to good health.
I also ordered a gluten-free cookbook that uses almond flour, agave nectar with grapeseed and coconut oil. My grandson and I both have problems with gluten. When I get all of my ingredients together, I'm going to make a BIG CHOCOLATE CAKE. I've been craving chocolate cake for months. It will be wonderful to finally be able to indulge my taste buds and I know my grandson will be happy.
I'm still beading, of course. I haven't been doing much lately, as I've been busy trying to get three meals on the table every day. Believe me, when you're on a special diet, this takes some planning, but it's well worth it. I feel good eating "live" food that's not processed and so acidic.
I've started going to church again. I've been out of church for a while and it is so nice to go to church again and praise the Lord. I go to a church that is free in the "Spirit" and that allows you to raise your hands, move around, clap, say Amen, etc. Once you start praising God this way, you can't ever go back to a conventional church service. Being free to express yourself in worship is one of the most satisfying experiences I know. The Word says..."God inhabits the praises of his people."
Well, it's time to eat din din. I don't know what I'll have, but I'm sure I can whip up something delectable in a short amount of time. (?)
Au Revoir, Nana
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Summertine
Greetings, All: It's been a while, and a lot has been going on in my life.
My father passed away April 8th at the ripe old age of 90. He would have been 91 on 5/7/10. He lived a long and happy life. He worked at the Norfolk Naval Base until he retired when he was fifty-five, or there about. He was retired longer than he worked.
We have a garage behind my parents home where my father customized cars, welded, painted and did general body work on cars. He was a very talented man who could do and fix anything. He also was an inventor; he invented lots of things to help around the yard and house, one being an Okra- seed planter. He made several things for me: a wrought iron etagere with glass shelves, a wrought iron gate with the letter S in the middle, a very small coal shuttle, etc. On my mother's mantle sits a pair of solid brass candlesticks that he made; they're beautiful. He was an artist.
My father also loved the yard and his garden, which he tended faithfully until the last few years of his life. He was especially proud of his collards and gave away lots of them to the neighbors. My mother froze and canned most of the garden's bounty. One of the things I remember most about my childhood is the wonderful food my mother always had on the table. She was, and still is, a great cook.
My dad was cremated and there was a memorial service at the funeral home in Norfolk. Many of his friends and family were there. After it was over, Mama said "...your Daddy would have loved this." It was very nice to see people I hadn't seen in years and years and to reconnect with family members who live out of state.
My son had a hip replacement yesterday and is doing well. I called him this morning but he was too groggy to talk. He should be home in a couple of days. He has rheumatoid arthritis and will eventually have to have to other hip replaced. I know he's going to have a much better quality of life with his new hips.
I found out yesterday that I'm going to be a great-grandmother again next February. This will be the third great-grandchild. We're all very excited about the news; grand and great grands are truly a blessing from God.
I'm still beading, making rings and bracelets like crazy. I'll never be able to make all of the ideas I have, but I'll give it my best shot.
I'm still selling books on Amazon.com. I'm up to over $2,000.00 now. I still can't believe my success.
I hope I keep selling until I get rid of all of the books I have listed. The money I'm making each week is paying my grocery bill.
Well, it's time to eat lunch. Today I'm having stewed potatoes and onions with Texas Pete and Italian Seasonings - YUM!!!
Until the next time, Nana
My father passed away April 8th at the ripe old age of 90. He would have been 91 on 5/7/10. He lived a long and happy life. He worked at the Norfolk Naval Base until he retired when he was fifty-five, or there about. He was retired longer than he worked.
We have a garage behind my parents home where my father customized cars, welded, painted and did general body work on cars. He was a very talented man who could do and fix anything. He also was an inventor; he invented lots of things to help around the yard and house, one being an Okra- seed planter. He made several things for me: a wrought iron etagere with glass shelves, a wrought iron gate with the letter S in the middle, a very small coal shuttle, etc. On my mother's mantle sits a pair of solid brass candlesticks that he made; they're beautiful. He was an artist.
My father also loved the yard and his garden, which he tended faithfully until the last few years of his life. He was especially proud of his collards and gave away lots of them to the neighbors. My mother froze and canned most of the garden's bounty. One of the things I remember most about my childhood is the wonderful food my mother always had on the table. She was, and still is, a great cook.
My dad was cremated and there was a memorial service at the funeral home in Norfolk. Many of his friends and family were there. After it was over, Mama said "...your Daddy would have loved this." It was very nice to see people I hadn't seen in years and years and to reconnect with family members who live out of state.
My son had a hip replacement yesterday and is doing well. I called him this morning but he was too groggy to talk. He should be home in a couple of days. He has rheumatoid arthritis and will eventually have to have to other hip replaced. I know he's going to have a much better quality of life with his new hips.
I found out yesterday that I'm going to be a great-grandmother again next February. This will be the third great-grandchild. We're all very excited about the news; grand and great grands are truly a blessing from God.
I'm still beading, making rings and bracelets like crazy. I'll never be able to make all of the ideas I have, but I'll give it my best shot.
I'm still selling books on Amazon.com. I'm up to over $2,000.00 now. I still can't believe my success.
I hope I keep selling until I get rid of all of the books I have listed. The money I'm making each week is paying my grocery bill.
Well, it's time to eat lunch. Today I'm having stewed potatoes and onions with Texas Pete and Italian Seasonings - YUM!!!
Until the next time, Nana
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Spring Has Sprung
Greeting Readers: Well, it looks like spring has finally arrived. It's obvious by the daffodils, tulips and saucer magnolia trees blooming everywhere. My weeping cherry tree is absolutely gorgeous this year. Maybe all of the cold weather we had affected its bloom. If we could only get rid of the wind. It's blowing now like crazy and it's blown all winter. It would be really warm if not for the wind.
I've had seven family birthdays this month, including aunts, cousins, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter and great-grandson. Whew! I've spent the whole month eating birthday cake; consequently, tomorrow is D-Day - diet day. I've put on at least six pounds since Christmas and must get it off before summer so I can get into my summer clothes.
My niece, my sister's daughter, came down for the weekend and we had a very nice visit. She was really interested in my jewelry. She bought five rings and gave me orders for some other things, as well. We had fun looking at beads and seeing what looked good with what. She's on her way home now and the last of the birthday parties is over. I'm looking forward to some peace and quiet and relaxation next week.
I've sold a lot of books on Amazon.Com. I'm close to the $1,000.00 mark now. I can't believe I've sold this many books, and I've still got a lot to sell. I finally got them all listed and it took quite a while. Hopefully, I will sell most of them; it's just going to take some time.
I keep wondering where all of the money I've made has gone and I've decided that most of it has gone for groceries. I can't believe how many times I have to go to the grocery store now that my grandson is living with me. He's just turned eighteen and only likes certain foods so my trips to the grocery store have become more frequent. But, I am very thankful that I have had this extra money to spend on food as the cost of food has skyrocketed. I don't know how large families can feed themselves. What's it going to be like a year from now?
Hopefully, the American people, who are very resourceful, can hang on until Obama is out of office and the newly- elected Republicans can make the changes needed to turn things around.
I haven't had much time to do any beading lately and I've really missed it. I'm going to try to bead some tomorrow. I have a few orders to get ready. I'll get these out of the way and then I can concentrate on doing something that I really want to do - design.
I've got to rest for a while now; I'm totally exhausted. Later, Nana
I've had seven family birthdays this month, including aunts, cousins, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter and great-grandson. Whew! I've spent the whole month eating birthday cake; consequently, tomorrow is D-Day - diet day. I've put on at least six pounds since Christmas and must get it off before summer so I can get into my summer clothes.
My niece, my sister's daughter, came down for the weekend and we had a very nice visit. She was really interested in my jewelry. She bought five rings and gave me orders for some other things, as well. We had fun looking at beads and seeing what looked good with what. She's on her way home now and the last of the birthday parties is over. I'm looking forward to some peace and quiet and relaxation next week.
I've sold a lot of books on Amazon.Com. I'm close to the $1,000.00 mark now. I can't believe I've sold this many books, and I've still got a lot to sell. I finally got them all listed and it took quite a while. Hopefully, I will sell most of them; it's just going to take some time.
I keep wondering where all of the money I've made has gone and I've decided that most of it has gone for groceries. I can't believe how many times I have to go to the grocery store now that my grandson is living with me. He's just turned eighteen and only likes certain foods so my trips to the grocery store have become more frequent. But, I am very thankful that I have had this extra money to spend on food as the cost of food has skyrocketed. I don't know how large families can feed themselves. What's it going to be like a year from now?
Hopefully, the American people, who are very resourceful, can hang on until Obama is out of office and the newly- elected Republicans can make the changes needed to turn things around.
I haven't had much time to do any beading lately and I've really missed it. I'm going to try to bead some tomorrow. I have a few orders to get ready. I'll get these out of the way and then I can concentrate on doing something that I really want to do - design.
I've got to rest for a while now; I'm totally exhausted. Later, Nana
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A Change of Seasons
Greetings, readers: Well, spring is in the air; the temperature approached fifty-five degrees the other day. This has been one of the coldest, windiest, wettest winter that I can remember in my sixty-nine years of life.
The wind has been blowing here in the coastal region of North Carolina for months. I wonder what March is going to be like? It certainly can't be any worse than January or February.
I just heard on the news that an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Chili early this morning and that the force of it was five hundred times that of the one that struck Haiti. That's very hard to believe and amazing. Now, they're warning the entire Pacific Coast of an impending Tsunami, especially the Hawaiian Islands. I pray that, even though conditions are perfect for a tsunami, no tsunamis strike any inhabited islands or coastlines.
It seems that earthquakes are becoming commonplace these days. It reminds me of what the Bible says about earthquakes and floods becoming numerous in the latter days. I do believe that we are in the latter days and that Christ's return is not far away. I just want to be ready when that day arrives.
As usual, I've been beading, beading, beading. I've found a few beading blogs and have seen some of the beading done by others and know, without a doubt, that I will NEVER be that good; I don't have that much time left to practice. I wish I'd started beading when I was younger, but I didn't have as much patience then and with children to rear, beading would definitely have been put on the back burner. Oh well, I don't have to be the very best; I'll just do the best I can and enjoy the beading process, which definitely relaxes me and when I make up my own designs, I'm using the right side of my brain, which is supposed to make one smarter.
It is a beautiful day here in North Carolina; sunny and still windy but not too cold. I can't wait for some spring-like weather. I can remember, in years past, that in February we would have a couple of days that were warm enough to sun bathe; not so this year. My gas bill has been stupendous this year. I got my propane tank filled up the other day and I haven't even looked at the bill, for fear of it being too high. If I didn't have to pay gas bills, or grocery bills, I would have lots of money to buy more beads. Ha.
I'm waiting for my granddaughter and great-granddaughter to arrive. They're coming over for a little visit. My great-granddaughter is walking now; so cute. I can't believe that next month she'll be one year old. Time really flys by, doesn't it? It seems like it used to take a long time for Christmas and summertime to come around, but now it seems as though all we have is Christmas and summer. The days are going by too fast for me. It seems as though as soon as I get up in the morning that it's time to go to bed again.
Well, readers, it's time to close for now. My grand and great-grands are here and I want to spend as much time with them as I can. Later - Nana
The wind has been blowing here in the coastal region of North Carolina for months. I wonder what March is going to be like? It certainly can't be any worse than January or February.
I just heard on the news that an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Chili early this morning and that the force of it was five hundred times that of the one that struck Haiti. That's very hard to believe and amazing. Now, they're warning the entire Pacific Coast of an impending Tsunami, especially the Hawaiian Islands. I pray that, even though conditions are perfect for a tsunami, no tsunamis strike any inhabited islands or coastlines.
It seems that earthquakes are becoming commonplace these days. It reminds me of what the Bible says about earthquakes and floods becoming numerous in the latter days. I do believe that we are in the latter days and that Christ's return is not far away. I just want to be ready when that day arrives.
As usual, I've been beading, beading, beading. I've found a few beading blogs and have seen some of the beading done by others and know, without a doubt, that I will NEVER be that good; I don't have that much time left to practice. I wish I'd started beading when I was younger, but I didn't have as much patience then and with children to rear, beading would definitely have been put on the back burner. Oh well, I don't have to be the very best; I'll just do the best I can and enjoy the beading process, which definitely relaxes me and when I make up my own designs, I'm using the right side of my brain, which is supposed to make one smarter.
It is a beautiful day here in North Carolina; sunny and still windy but not too cold. I can't wait for some spring-like weather. I can remember, in years past, that in February we would have a couple of days that were warm enough to sun bathe; not so this year. My gas bill has been stupendous this year. I got my propane tank filled up the other day and I haven't even looked at the bill, for fear of it being too high. If I didn't have to pay gas bills, or grocery bills, I would have lots of money to buy more beads. Ha.
I'm waiting for my granddaughter and great-granddaughter to arrive. They're coming over for a little visit. My great-granddaughter is walking now; so cute. I can't believe that next month she'll be one year old. Time really flys by, doesn't it? It seems like it used to take a long time for Christmas and summertime to come around, but now it seems as though all we have is Christmas and summer. The days are going by too fast for me. It seems as though as soon as I get up in the morning that it's time to go to bed again.
Well, readers, it's time to close for now. My grand and great-grands are here and I want to spend as much time with them as I can. Later - Nana
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
What's New?
Greetings readers (or reader), It's been a while since I wrote on my blog. There's been a lot going on in my life.
The new year is here and I haven't kept one resolution - yet. I still plan to exercise every day, eat better, lift weights, read my bible every day, etc. Actually, I forget to do these things. I get so involved in everyday events that my resolutions completely slip my mind.
I used to be very disciplined - when I was younger. I can remember getting up at 5:00 AM every morning to do Joanie Greggins who had an exercise show on TV. She's probably dead now; she was pretty old when she was doing her show and it's been at least 25 years since I did the exercises. Consequently, everything on my body is either sagging, bagging or dragging. And, you know the sad thing is, I don't really care. I never thought I would reach this point - not care about how my body looks. I used to be a fanatic about my looks. Oh well, I guess that's what age does to ones mind and determination, etc.
Since I last wrote, my grandson has moved in with me. He'll be eighteen Sunday. He needed a change, so he decided he wanted to live with Nana and Poppa. He's a dear boy. He has Asperger's' Syndrome, which is a type of Autism. He's had it since he was eighteen months, when he was diagnosed. He was fine up until that time when he started making lots of hand motions and wanted to play with cooking utensils instead of toys. I have to get up at 6 AM to get ready and to get my grandson's lunch fixed, take him to my granddaughter's house by 7:15AM and she takes him to school, as she's headed that way for work. I, in turn, take my great-grandson to school five minutes from her house, as he has to be at school later than my grandson. Can you figure that out? I also have to pick my grandson up every day at school, which is thirty minutes from my house. It sounds crazy, but I actually am enjoying getting up and out that early. I hope my attitude doesn't change.
I am a reader so, of course, I had to read everything I could find on the subject. We chose to implement several unorthodox treatments for my grandson, one being Auditory Integration Training. This involved going to another town, two hours away, every day for two weeks. While there, my grandson had to put headphones on his ears and listen to music - different kinds of music. These sessions were supposed to help my grandson sort out different sounds, so he could learn to communicate. He really didn't like this, at first, but eventually he adjusted. We had an hour session in the morning, had to wait four hours and have another session the same day. It was very trying to have to find something to fill up those four hours. I even resorted to renting a motel room so we could eat lunch and rest a bit. Eventually, we went to my mother's house, an hour away, after the afternoon sessions, and spent the night there. This was a lot easier than having to drive two hours home every afternoon.
Anyway, the sessions were completed and after the first session, my grandson said a whole sentence. It was incredible. We were driving home and he said, "I see a deer". We started screaming and crying; it was wonderful. I do believe that this "unorthodox" treatment for Aspergers started my grandson off in the right direction. Today, he is a caring, loving, Christian, sweet young man; we all adore him.
I'm still beading. I've made a lot of " bling-bling" rings. They're really big rings that truly make a statement. I love making these. I start out with the base beads I like and just wing it from there. I don't have a plan, I just let the design ideas come as they will. I love to design; this is my passion. I've said many times to my husband..."I wish I had a passion like your fishing passion." He does love to fish.
Well, now I have a passion. The problem is, I don't want to sell any of my rings. Everyone says, make two of each ring and sell one of them. If I make two, that means I'll be making two of the same thing when I could be designing something entirely different. Does that make sense?
I just got through eating my "no-no" breakfast - a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit with a diet coke. I only eat one of these about once a month, if that often, as they're chock full of calories and all kinds of bad stuff, mainly fat. But, they're soooo good, and I was soooo hungry.
I'm sitting here typing this blog trying to decide if I'm going out of town today, or not. They're having a big bead, trunk show an hour from here and I'd like to go, just to get out of the house. We've been pretty housebound in the mid-atlantic lately because of all of the snow, sleet and wind we've had. I can't remember a winter that has been so crazy. We usually have pretty mild weather here in NC, but this year has taken the cake. It's not supposed to get above 45 degrees today. Yesterday afternoon, it was 60 degrees and 32 degrees last night. Is that crazy, or what?
Well, I guess it's time to close down this blog; I've got a lot of things to do today. I hope all of you have a blessed day. Ciao, Nana
The new year is here and I haven't kept one resolution - yet. I still plan to exercise every day, eat better, lift weights, read my bible every day, etc. Actually, I forget to do these things. I get so involved in everyday events that my resolutions completely slip my mind.
I used to be very disciplined - when I was younger. I can remember getting up at 5:00 AM every morning to do Joanie Greggins who had an exercise show on TV. She's probably dead now; she was pretty old when she was doing her show and it's been at least 25 years since I did the exercises. Consequently, everything on my body is either sagging, bagging or dragging. And, you know the sad thing is, I don't really care. I never thought I would reach this point - not care about how my body looks. I used to be a fanatic about my looks. Oh well, I guess that's what age does to ones mind and determination, etc.
Since I last wrote, my grandson has moved in with me. He'll be eighteen Sunday. He needed a change, so he decided he wanted to live with Nana and Poppa. He's a dear boy. He has Asperger's' Syndrome, which is a type of Autism. He's had it since he was eighteen months, when he was diagnosed. He was fine up until that time when he started making lots of hand motions and wanted to play with cooking utensils instead of toys. I have to get up at 6 AM to get ready and to get my grandson's lunch fixed, take him to my granddaughter's house by 7:15AM and she takes him to school, as she's headed that way for work. I, in turn, take my great-grandson to school five minutes from her house, as he has to be at school later than my grandson. Can you figure that out? I also have to pick my grandson up every day at school, which is thirty minutes from my house. It sounds crazy, but I actually am enjoying getting up and out that early. I hope my attitude doesn't change.
I am a reader so, of course, I had to read everything I could find on the subject. We chose to implement several unorthodox treatments for my grandson, one being Auditory Integration Training. This involved going to another town, two hours away, every day for two weeks. While there, my grandson had to put headphones on his ears and listen to music - different kinds of music. These sessions were supposed to help my grandson sort out different sounds, so he could learn to communicate. He really didn't like this, at first, but eventually he adjusted. We had an hour session in the morning, had to wait four hours and have another session the same day. It was very trying to have to find something to fill up those four hours. I even resorted to renting a motel room so we could eat lunch and rest a bit. Eventually, we went to my mother's house, an hour away, after the afternoon sessions, and spent the night there. This was a lot easier than having to drive two hours home every afternoon.
Anyway, the sessions were completed and after the first session, my grandson said a whole sentence. It was incredible. We were driving home and he said, "I see a deer". We started screaming and crying; it was wonderful. I do believe that this "unorthodox" treatment for Aspergers started my grandson off in the right direction. Today, he is a caring, loving, Christian, sweet young man; we all adore him.
I'm still beading. I've made a lot of " bling-bling" rings. They're really big rings that truly make a statement. I love making these. I start out with the base beads I like and just wing it from there. I don't have a plan, I just let the design ideas come as they will. I love to design; this is my passion. I've said many times to my husband..."I wish I had a passion like your fishing passion." He does love to fish.
Well, now I have a passion. The problem is, I don't want to sell any of my rings. Everyone says, make two of each ring and sell one of them. If I make two, that means I'll be making two of the same thing when I could be designing something entirely different. Does that make sense?
I just got through eating my "no-no" breakfast - a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit with a diet coke. I only eat one of these about once a month, if that often, as they're chock full of calories and all kinds of bad stuff, mainly fat. But, they're soooo good, and I was soooo hungry.
I'm sitting here typing this blog trying to decide if I'm going out of town today, or not. They're having a big bead, trunk show an hour from here and I'd like to go, just to get out of the house. We've been pretty housebound in the mid-atlantic lately because of all of the snow, sleet and wind we've had. I can't remember a winter that has been so crazy. We usually have pretty mild weather here in NC, but this year has taken the cake. It's not supposed to get above 45 degrees today. Yesterday afternoon, it was 60 degrees and 32 degrees last night. Is that crazy, or what?
Well, I guess it's time to close down this blog; I've got a lot of things to do today. I hope all of you have a blessed day. Ciao, Nana
Monday, January 4, 2010
The New Year
Greetings All - Well, a new year is here and I've already broken some of my New Year's resolutions; I broke one the very first day. What else is new? This, of course, is an ongoing habit of mine. Talk is cheap.
I'm glad the holidays are over. It was nice, but there's too much temptation concerning food. I gave in this year; I succumbed to my taste buds and, consequently, ate a whole pecan pie. God, it was good! It's been years since I've baked a pecan pie, mainly because of the calories. Of course, I could have ignored it, but that was just about impossible to do when it was sitting there, staring me in the face, daring me to partake.
I also indulged in dark, chocolate-covered peanuts, which were absolutely wonderful. I ate so many I thought I was going to be sick.
I'm back on my acid/alkaline balanced diet, which takes a lot of determination and a lot of cooking. I made some Cannellini- bean soup yesterday which was delicious. I added chicken broth, orgainc, tomatoes, tomato paste, celery, onion, carrot, bellpepper and one-half can of mild chilies, plus salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. It's one of my favorite soups.
I was going to have some for lunch today, but my granddaughter wants me to ride with her to take my great-grandson to the doctor for a checkup. I'll sit in the car with my great-granddaughter so she won't have to be exposed to all the germs, and sick children, in the doctor's office.
It's very cold here in the mid-atlantic region. Last night it was below twenty degrees. I really don't mind the cold weather, but it's a little too cold. I'm actually looking forward to spring, when I'll be able to view my lovely Iris once again; my favorite flower. I planted some new ones last year, one of which was a beautiful pink one. I hope it does well this year. The only problem with Iris is that they don't bloom very long.
I've been reading voraciously lately. I have spells when I read a lot and then slack off and do some beading. I'm rereading some of my John Grisham books. I think he is a great writer and I do love a good mystery. I've recently heard of an author that I want to read; her name is Margaret Atwood. I think she writes books that are about the end of the world, survivors, etc. I do like this kind of story. Did any of you ever read Stephen King's The Stand? This was one of the best books, ever; I've read most of King's books.
Speaking of beading, I haven't done too much lately, but I'm gearing up to do so; the urge to create is becoming very strong as of late. I want to learn as many beading techniques as I can. I love it when I put the needle into the beads and create something beautiful. Now, if I could just part with some of my creations.
Well, I've got to run some errands. Have a good one. Nana
I'm glad the holidays are over. It was nice, but there's too much temptation concerning food. I gave in this year; I succumbed to my taste buds and, consequently, ate a whole pecan pie. God, it was good! It's been years since I've baked a pecan pie, mainly because of the calories. Of course, I could have ignored it, but that was just about impossible to do when it was sitting there, staring me in the face, daring me to partake.
I also indulged in dark, chocolate-covered peanuts, which were absolutely wonderful. I ate so many I thought I was going to be sick.
I'm back on my acid/alkaline balanced diet, which takes a lot of determination and a lot of cooking. I made some Cannellini- bean soup yesterday which was delicious. I added chicken broth, orgainc, tomatoes, tomato paste, celery, onion, carrot, bellpepper and one-half can of mild chilies, plus salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. It's one of my favorite soups.
I was going to have some for lunch today, but my granddaughter wants me to ride with her to take my great-grandson to the doctor for a checkup. I'll sit in the car with my great-granddaughter so she won't have to be exposed to all the germs, and sick children, in the doctor's office.
It's very cold here in the mid-atlantic region. Last night it was below twenty degrees. I really don't mind the cold weather, but it's a little too cold. I'm actually looking forward to spring, when I'll be able to view my lovely Iris once again; my favorite flower. I planted some new ones last year, one of which was a beautiful pink one. I hope it does well this year. The only problem with Iris is that they don't bloom very long.
I've been reading voraciously lately. I have spells when I read a lot and then slack off and do some beading. I'm rereading some of my John Grisham books. I think he is a great writer and I do love a good mystery. I've recently heard of an author that I want to read; her name is Margaret Atwood. I think she writes books that are about the end of the world, survivors, etc. I do like this kind of story. Did any of you ever read Stephen King's The Stand? This was one of the best books, ever; I've read most of King's books.
Speaking of beading, I haven't done too much lately, but I'm gearing up to do so; the urge to create is becoming very strong as of late. I want to learn as many beading techniques as I can. I love it when I put the needle into the beads and create something beautiful. Now, if I could just part with some of my creations.
Well, I've got to run some errands. Have a good one. Nana
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