Instant happy

An instant happy moment.

WEEK #14

• On Saturday morning, I usually try to stay asleep without success then get up and have a cup of coffee and walk about the yard/garden.
• I feel beautiful when  my grandchildren look up into my eyes and say "I love you".
• I wake up every morning and wonder what fabulous adventure awaits me today.  It's my secret attack on boredom or lack of focus.
• A happy home is where the family wants to be together.
• When I have down time, I do whatever I want.  Now that I'm retired, that's pretty much every day! Whoo hoo.

Sunset Silhouettes

I grew up in the corner of Texas where the Red River meets the panhandle.  The skies are immense and the sunsets are spectacular.  A few days into visiting at my mom’s farm the little grands and I took in these breathtaking views.  As the sun went down, the colors changed, the air chilled and I began to see the real beauty of the night in the silhouettes under a crescent moon. 

Living life and sharing snippits.

It's okay not to celebrate my first blog anniversary the typical way.

Life is as short  as a cliche... I'm trying to make the best of it.  A year ago in February I started this blog.  I have seen lots of bloggers celebrating their anniversary with give aways and special participation that involve sponsors.  I felt a little guilty for a short time... and a do mean a short time...that I haven't taken on sponsors to make money with my blog.  At present, I don't need to.  The purpose behind my blog is enjoyment and sharing some things I enjoy with you in my retirement years.  I am still enjoying my blogging life and have avoided making it a "job".  So forgive me for not offering a give away, and instead (hopefully) giving you a short, easy to read, glimpse into my life.

I'm ok with my regular life.  Here is a glimpse into today.  One day in my life that is like many other days, full of sunshine, nature, family, friends, cooking, shopping, crafting, blogging and relaxing.

• Rise & shine.  I've been away from home for a couple of months so today I'm cleaning up the left over holiday stuff, starting with the Rosemary Wreaths I made.  Because it has dried out nicely, it was easy to lay the wreath on the counter and apply a little pressure with my hands to get the aromatic leaves off.  I simply gathered up the dry leaves and put them in a zip lock bag.  This will be yummy in spagetti or Rosemary Chicken.

• A walk in one of our city parks carrying my camera was a good way to start today.  It's still wintry and sparse but I managed to see some pretty images. I'm so inspired by the Wooly Moss Roots blog and Our Neck of the Woods  blog, I wish I could spend some days romping in their woods.

• Time for a mini make over with some fresh hair color and a trip to get it trimmed. Oh, and I need gas in my car.
• A quick stop at a local resale shop where I found a white gravy boat and a light fixture I think I can turn into a bird bath.  That doesn't read quite right, the gravy boat will hold gravy; the fixture will make a cool bird bath.
• I'm in the mood to cook something divine so a trip to the grocery store (Walmart) is necessary.  Of course I didn't restrict myself to the grocery section...
• Visited with an old friend in the Walmart isles.  I have not seen her in at least 10 years.  That was a really nice surprise.
• Back at home I cleaned out the fridge and folded laundry before putting together a pork chop dinner that included green bean bundles, baked winter vegetables and a peach salsa from the daughter in law. for me and hubs.  The recipes will be tomorrow's blog.
• Called mom, my children and e-mailed a couple of other friends & relatives because I love my family and friends... and some blogging cause I luv you guys too!
• Watching sunsets are my favorite end to any day.  I have lots of sunset captures on my Instagram feed.  

• Today was a good day, I can't wait to start tomorrow.

Hey, if you have a day in your life to share or even part of it, please leave a comment with your blog link.

Angel wings in the sky

After a particularly difficult two days at the hospital last week, this sky scape unfolded in front of us on our drive home.

I’m exceedingly grateful to those professionals that dedicate themselves to helping others.

An Ending for the Beginning

The alarm rang, I opened my eyes and smiled.  Nary a curse word passed my thoughts or lips at the intrusive sound bringing me out of sleep.  Excitement filled me and I rose, dressed and had a cup of coffee before joyfully taking the last commute to work. 

The time clock seemed to grin at me when I slid my card to mark the last work day.  The day passed quickly as a few friends called, e-mailed and texted well wishes.  The co workers I would leave behind asked pertinent questions so they can carry on when I'm gone.  I wrote a final farewell message to the faculty I wouldn't see again, gave some bye hugs, got in my car and laughed out loud.  I felt like a freed bird.  

I danced a jig and twirled about when I entered my back door and was greeted by my husband and the big girl grand.  They enjoyed the moment with me.  BG grand and I did a little shopping and spent some time walking by the lake taking fun photo's.  My daughter joined the three of us for dinner at a local restaurant by the lake. The evening breeze on the patio cooled us as we enjoyed the sunset marking my last day before retirement.  It was a good day.

Today I woke to the sound of thunder and gentle rain instead of an alarm clock.  Again, I smiled.  After a leisurely cup of coffee I drove to a spot with an Eastern view over the lake.  The rain and clouds parted long enough to give me the sunrise view I have planned to witness on the first day of my retirement.  It symbolizes for me the beginning of the best part of my life.  It was glorious.