Thursday, August 29, 2013

What's up with you?

Hi all,

How is your week going?  I hope it's progressing nicely.  At least tomorrow is Friday, so the weekend is almost upon us.  A lot of you have just sent your children back to school.  I suppose there's a lot of different emotions going on in you.  For some of you, you've just sent a kindergartner or first grader off to school.  I know how trying that can be for you.  You're scared they may need you and you won't be there.

I remember when I dropped my oldest daughter, who's now almost 45, off for her first day of 1st. grade.  I really didn't expect there to be any problems, as she attended kindergarten at the same school, the year before.  Boy was I in for a surprise. 

I parked and she and I got out of the car.  We walked over to the play ground, where all the kids were playing, and the Nun (I'm sorry, but I don't recall her name) walked up to me.  She greeted my daughter and welcomed her to her first day of school.  My daughter started to cry and hang on to me.  She made me pick her up and then when Sister tried to pull her off me, she wrapped her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist.  She was sobbing and I was, also.  Sister peeled her off me telling me that she'd be just fine, as soon as I left. 

Needless to say, I cried almost the whole way home.  I felt so terrible.  I worried all that day about her.  She did just fine, although that was a tough year for her.  Sometimes, she'd go to the bus stop and before the bus would come, she'd walk back home (one block) and tell me she missed the bus.  So, I'd put her in the car, along with my two younger daughters, and took her to school.  She still tried that from time to time, during that year. 

I'm sure that many of you have just sent your child back to school:  grade school, high school, or perhaps off to college for the very first time.  I have two Grandsons in college this year.  They are both freshmen.  One has already left and the other starts in early October.  I worry about them.  It's their first time away from home, you know!  I know, they think they're adults and don't need their parents, much less, Grandma worrying about them. 

What can I say, it's the job of a Grandma to worry about her Grandchildren.  I have six Grandsons and I worry every day about them.  So many things can and do happen to young adults today.  In order to not drive myself crazy (oh, okay, some would say I already am!), I simply turn all six of them over to God.  No one can protect them like He can.  I know I certainly can't, that's for sure.

I've been working on my writing a lot lately.  It's moving along very nicely.  I had to do some research today on Bungee Jumping and Tightrope Walking.  NO, I am not going to be doing either one of them, myself.  But, my character in the book, as well as my friend's characters, will be doing both.  I always say that I'm living precariously through my character, Sadie.    I can dream can't I?

How about you?  What have you been up to lately?  I do hope you've been doing something to make yourself feel special, because you are special, to God.  We all are His children and He loves each and every one of us.  Please take some time this weekend for yourself.  Any little bit of time you can make for yourself, is worth it. 

Have a good last day of the work week.  Stay safe and God bless.
Susan








This is a picture of myself and my seven lady friends, who have a character in my novels.






Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Hi all,

How's everyone doing today?  Looks like we're going to have some higher than normal temperatures for the next six or seven days.  Can't say that I'm looking forward to that.  I can't wait for the temperature to start staying in the mid to upper seventies for a few weeks.  I really enjoy it when the overnight temps go down into the fifties.  I am so ready for Fall to arrive. 

Today would have been my Mother's 91st. birthday, if she had not died in 1996.  I miss her so much and I've gotten so many good traits from her and my Dad.  I have to say that my Mom was a truly wonderful Mother.  She was the emotionally strong one that I depended on for emotional issues.  She was always there for me. 

I have to admit that I'm sure I didn't always like the advice or discipline she dished out, but I know it was for my own good.  She taught me all about God and His great love for me.  She instructed me in cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, and just about every other thing that a girl has to learn when she's growing up.  But more importantly, she taught me to put my faith in God, to trust Him at all times. 

My Mom and Dad paid a great deal of money, which they didn't have, to put me and my siblings through Catholic Grade and High School.  My Dad wasn't a Catholic, but he agreed that we should go through Catholic schooling. 

When I was about eleven years old, my Mom took a full time job at a local sewing factory.  My Sister was left in charge of both me and my Brother.  I remember, back then we had a wringer washer.  I wasn't allowed to use the wringer, so my Sister put the laundry through.  My Mom was a great seamstress, long before she took the job at the sewing factory.  She used to make many of my Sister's and my clothing.   She even made my Dad some sports coats.  I was never ashamed to wear hand sewed clothing, in fact, the other girls used to envy my clothes. 

Mom was quite the creative person.  She was good at so many things, I couldn't even begin to remember them all.   In my opinion, the thing that Mom was best at, was being a Mom.  She simply excelled at it.  When I was in high school, all I ever wanted to be was a Mom.  But, not just any Mom, I wanted to be a Mom like my own Mother. 

I hope I've succeeded in being a good Mom.  I've tried my best to raise my girls with all the same values, morals, ethics, hopes, faith and traditions that I received from my Mom.  I hope she's proud of me because that would make me very happy.

So, today I say, Happy Birthday to my Mother, Dorothy (Welsh) Utterback.  You may be forever gone, but I promise you, you'll never, ever be forgotten, by any of us! 

Lots of love to both my Mom and my Dad (Harry Utterback, Jr.).  I love and miss you both.

I hope you all have a great week and make sure you tell your Mom how much you love her, while she's still on this earth.
Susan

This is a portrait of my Mother when she was in her early twenties.  She was so beautiful!

















Sunday, August 25, 2013

What's in Your Future?


Hi all,

As every weekend goes, this one is soon coming to an end, too!  All in all, it was a nice weekend weather wise.  I really wasn't outside that much, but when I was, it wasn't too hot or too humid.  My husband played at a golf tournament yesterday afternoon and he said it got a bit hot out on the course, especially when they were out in the direct sun, but it wasn't too bad.  He had a great time and it was for a defined charity.  Apparently they made a good bit of money for this charity, so that's good.  I'm glad he had fun and enjoyed the afternoon and early evening.  One of my daughters volunteered, with her friend, who helped organize the event.  She said she had a good time and they raised some money on the hole they were assigned.  All in all, it sounds like the charitable event was a success.

As for me, I made a trip to the craft store yesterday.  I was hoping that they would have some Christmas supplies available to card making, but I really didn't find any.  Apparently I found some things of interest, because I spent $58. while there.  I was stocking up on a few supplies, which I use a lot of, in making my hand made Christmas greeting cards.  It was good to get out of the house for a little bit.  During the afternoon, I worked on my current novel for about an hour and one half.  It's moving along nicely and I'm very excited about this one.  Not that I wasn't excited about the others, but I've added a bit of paranormal in this one.  I'm already on page 353, so I'm sure I'll go over 400 pages.  The book is called, "Train-Trekking" With a Capital "T".  Their trip, itself, will take 25 days.  So, I knew in the beginning, that this book would be longer.  I've set a goal for myself.   I'm hoping to have it completed by the end of the year, but I'm not putting any pressure on myself.  If it's not complete by the end of the year, then early next year will be fine for me.

How about you?  What exciting event or prospects are you looking forward to in the future?  Oh, come on, I know you have something you must be looking forward to doing.  Of course, Christmas isn't that very far away now.  The children are now back in school and in just a bit over a week, it will be Labor Day.  Then, the summer will be officially over for most folks.  I can't say I'm sad to see the summer coming to an end.  We've had our share of heat and humidity this year and I'm not sad to see it come to an end until next year. 

How about your creativity?  What have you been creating?  Perhaps it's crafting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, creating beautiful flower beds, growing and harvesting your own tomatoes, lettuce, etc, creating a different dish for your family's dinner, and many other activities.  I know creativity moves in many different circles.  Many people think it's only in drawing, writing, or something in the artsy line.  Not true!  Think about it and let me know what you do that creative.

I'm looking forward to being able to put on  a light sweater to go outside soon.  How about you?  I suppose for most of the younger generation out there, you're hating to see the summer weather come to an end.  I don't think I'd like living anywhere else, but in South Central Pennsylvania.  I so like the change of the seasons.  A few years back, my husband and I spent some time in California right after Christmas.  It just simply didn't seem like Christmas there, even with the decorations and Christmas trees.  I can only associate the Christmas Season with the cold weather and snow.  That's all I've ever known and I like it that way.  I suppose I am a creature of habit.  And, I like being that way, also.

I hope you can finish up your weekend with some fun and rest.  Take care and stay safe.
Susan






Here's s silly picture of my husband and myself.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Paying cash?

Hi all,

This will just be a short one for now.  I just wanted to get the word out there, that if you are purchasing novels of any kind for electronic reading (Kindle, Nook, laptop, PC, Ipad or any other kind of reader), you can just borrow them, not purchase them. 

You can do this by going to www.amazon.com.  Check out the books you may want to read and then make sure they are included in the Prime category.  All thirteen of my novels are up for borrowing or purchase. 

Please take the time to check this out today.  And, please check out all of my books:

Living and Loving With Divine Mercy
The Secret in the Claw Feet Box
"Crafty-Cruise" With A Capital "C"
"Sassy" With a Capital "C"
There's a Growl in My Stomach
Hubert and the Fence
The Rail Rider
Footsteps on the Pontiac
Congestive Heart Failure - Changing Lives
The Day The Flowers Died
A Mother's Love
Sleepless Nights
The Kauffman Farm

Why pay to read them, when you can borrow!
Have a super great day.
Susan

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

How would you handle a serious illness?

Hi all,

I hope your week is going well and that you are feeling good.  I had a telephone conversation today with a friend, regarding a mutual friend.  This woman had some very serious problems with her neck, back and shoulders.  She had a very serious operation and had to wear a halo for many weeks.  After all the suffering she's been through, things have not worked out very well for her.  I understand that she is now in a wheel chair, and can't move her head from side to side.  She has to move her body to move her head.  Apparently, there's not much she can do and she is in pain a lot. 

I feel for this lady very much and I'm truly sorry for the way things have worked out for her, or should I say, the way things haven't worked out for her.  Her husband has quite work so he can stay home and take care of her. 

I think it's a very sad situation.  They are in what people call, 'The Golden Years'.  Tell me, what's golden about their situation.  As far as that goes, how about all the other senior citizens out there, including myself, who have a chronic illness that has changed their everyday normal lives.  I guess we should expect some illnesses and break down with our bodies.  Like everything else, as our body ages, it starts to break down.  Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do to stop the process. 

Oh, you can take good care of yourself by exercising, eating healthy, staying involved with community events, having a social life, working well after the retirement age, and other things.  But, many times it just doesn't help.  Many of the illnesses that we develop, we cant' do anything to stop them from occurring.  They are genetically passed on to us.

I suppose my question to you is, how would you handle this situation, if it came to your door step,  either directly to you or to your spouse.  People die every day from illness.  Some are lucky and live for a good many years after being diagnosed, but there are many who only live for a short time. 

The large majority of people out there, are fairly healthy.  If that's you and your spouse, I hope you can maintain your health for many years.  But, for the rest of the people, including me, I have to wander just how you'd handle our illnesses if you were stricken with them.  Have you ever stopped to think about this?  Probably not, because that's just normal. 

The one thing I'd like all of you healthy people to know is this:  Your health can change in a day.  Please don't take good health for granted, because bad things happen to everyone, even you.

I didn't get much time today to work on my current novel, but I've set aside at least three hours tomorrow to get to work writing.  I hope the rest of your week goes well.  For all of you who are sending children back to school, give them a good long hug before they leave the house.  And for anyone sending a child off to college for the first time, make sure you tell them how very proud of them you are, hug them, kiss them, and tell them that they can always come to you with any problems they encounter.  Oh, and you are permitted to cry!  Your peeps are growing up and leaving the nest, and that's the way it's meant to be!

Take care and be safe.
Susan

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Happy Weekend!

Hi all,

How is everyone doing this fine Saturday morning?  I'm doing great!  What wonderful weather yesterday was, and today is to be.  It's so nice out there.  If you get the chance, get outside as much as you can today.  Temperatures to be only in the upper 70's today.

I don't have anything particular on my schedule for today.  But, I will definitely be keeping myself busy today.  I plan to spend some time on my wonderful porch today.  The summer has been so hot and humid, that I haven't had that luxury, very often, this summer. 

I will be spending some time today working on my novel, "Train Trekking" With A Capital "T".  It's moving right along and I'm very excited about this novel.  It's the third in a series, but any one of them can be read separately of the others.  I've decided to use a different twist on this one.  I've added some paranormal activity into this one.  I've always been interested in spirits, ghosts, apparitions, how ever you'd like to refer to them. 

(Note:  I currently have 13 books for sale for electronic reading by Kindle, Nook, PC, Ipad, laptop, or any other electronic device.  You can access them by going to www.Amazon.com and entering 'Susan Lapp Mellott' into the search block and clicking search.)

As for me, I certainly do believe in spirits, etc.  It always amazes me when people say they believe in God and Angels, but don't believe in spirits, ghosts, etc.  Particularly, since God is a spirit.  Oh well, each to his/her own beliefs. 

I am having a hard time accepting that August is now half over.  One of my daughters has been posting on Facebook, pictures of Santa, Snowmen, etc. because she loves the Christmas season.  I suppose that excitement was passed on to her and her Sisters, from me, who got it from my Mother. 

I have to say, that even though money was extremely tight when I was growing up, my Mom and Dad always gave me and my Siblings a marvelous Christmas.  I'm not merely speaking about the gifts, They made the season so full of hope, joy and marvel.  Obviously, that's what I've always tried to do with my own Daughters. 

Anyway, many of her friends have given negative comments on her Christmas photos, but I truly love them.  I so wish that feeling of love and good will to men, which exists during the holiday season, would be present all through the year.  But, sadly, it isn't! 

It has to be done, one person at a time.  I'll be happy to be the first person, and I hope some of you will get in line to help me.  Let's each of us, do just one good deed today for, at least, one person.  Give that joy to some one, it doesn't matter who it is.  Give them just one word of encouragement.  I guarantee you it will not only make them feel better, it will give you joy, as well.

On that note, I'm going to close for today.  Keep doing what you love.  Remember to do at least one thing to be creative today.  Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe.

Note:  I have two books available on Amazon for a free read today only.  They are:  The Day The Flowers Died and Footprints on the Pontiac.
Susan

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

What brings a big smile to your face?

Hi all,

I was listening to WITF last evening and just left it on for awhile.  They were showing performances by the original singers from the 1950's and a few from the 60's.  I couldn't help but think that most of them are older than me and some have even passed away. 

That music takes me back to a time in my life, not connected to any one person.  Not a boyfriend or a spouse.  Just to a time when it was me and the music and dances.  I've been hooked on dancing and music since I was about ten or eleven years old.  My Sister, Carol, was three years older than me, so I assume I started by listening to what she listened to in music. 

Both my Sister and I grew up with Dick Clark and American Bandstand.  It meant so much to me.  Sure, I did all the normal things kids did:  play with dolls, play outdoors, do homework, did chores.  But, those things weren't who I was.  Music was the thing that took me away from any problems I had.  Both my Sister and I hurried home from school, did our homework and sat down in front of the television to watch American Bandstand.  We'd get up and dance the dances, right with the teenagers on the show.  We leaned all the dances and we were very good at them, if I must say so myself. 

As I laid in bed last evening, watching all these Do-Wop performers, I couldn't stop my mind from going back in time to those carefree days of music and dancing.  I felt so free and comforted by the music.  My husband doesn't know this, but I finally couldn't stay in bed any longer, so I got up and did the Stroll, all by myself, in the privacy of my bedroom.  The only light was coming from a tree which I have in my bedroom.  It has those teeny tiny lights that don't give much light and is decorated in the colors of tropical waters.  It's a very peaceful place for me to rest at the end of a tiring day when my body needs to be stretched out and totally at rest. 

I know I'm not the only one who feels this way about the music and dances of the fifties and sixties.  On the show, they had an audience.  I didn't see anyone who was young.  They were all oldsters, like me.  They were standing and dancing in place, all the while singing their hearts out. 

Why do we feel that way?  I truly don't know.  For me, it's about those days of sheer childhood.  I probably thought I had some difficulties, but as I grew up, I knew those troubles were nothing, compared to living in the real world, as an adult. 

I have to say, that I truly miss those days.  Those feelings of just pure joy and fun.  I'd already been diagnosed with a heart condition by the age of eight, but back then, I didn't worry about it.  But, today is another story.  My heart diseases rule my life, every day of it.  I'm not complaining though, life is good for me and I am so truly blessed with a wonderful family and good friends.  But most of all, a truly loving and wonderful  husband, who cares about me all the time. 

Do you ever let your mind go back to those young years in your life?  Let me know.  I hope you are having a good day and stay safe.
Susan

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Good old Monday is right around the corner!

Hi all,

Just a few more hours and we'll be closing down yet another weekend.  They do go by so fast, don't you think?  Well, what have you been doing this weekend?  As for me, I usually don't do much on the weekends, especially anything classified as work.  But, this weekend I did.  I decided to get a little head start on this weeks cleaning., so I have half of my upstairs done.  Tomorrow I'll do laundry and finish up with the upstairs cleaning. 

I don't know about any of you, especially anyone in my age bracket, but I really don't fuss much with the cleaning anymore.  Actually the house doesn't get very dirty since it's just the two of us.  Well, it does get a bit more dusty during the winter months when the furnace is running, but there's very little dust with the air conditioner running.  Hurrah!  Cleaning is NOT one of my favorite things to do, even though I do have a Roomba, which I truly love.

This weekend, I spent a fair amount of time working on writing my novel.  I'm already up to about 280 pages and it's not quite half way finished yet.  This train trip is a very long one and a truly interesting one, to say the least.  I spent a lot of time yesterday, just working out all the details for the mystery, which I've incorporated into the story line.  Of course, that means more research and more notes to be typed up.  Yesterday when I was writing the mystery plot from start to finish, my husband said that he didn't know that I hand wrote the story before typing.  I told him I don't!  I was just making notes my hand so I could type up the plot for the mystery.  Since the mystery goes along throughout alot of the story line, it's too hard going back and constantly trying to see what and where I left off.  So, obviously, it's a heck of a lot easier to have it all planned out ahead of time. 

There is just so much more about writing a novel than I could have ever thought.  Sometimes I'm sorry that I didn't go on to college after high school, like my folks wanted me to.  I choose, instead, to get married.  I wouldn't ever change those facts, because I would never have wanted to do anything other than having my three daughters.  My daughters are my greatest accomplishment of my life, followed closely by my Grandsons, all six of them.  Of course, I'm also very proud of my Sons-in-law.

Now, my husband is in a class all of his own.  He is my second husband and the love of my life.  He is a terrific spouse and a wonderful provider.  Since I have gotten sick, back in 2006, he has stood by my side, trying to take care of me as much as he can.  He runs errands for me and is always willing to do take-out, or go and pick up our dinner, if I'm especially tired.  He just truly makes my life so much easier, always.  Now you know why I love him so much.  Oh, he's also quite a good looking oldster.

I hope you all make the best of the last few hours of your weekend.  I know everyone pretty much hates the thought of returning to work on Monday mornings, but there's a lot of good in that, also.  After all, it pays the bills and takes care of food for your stomachs.  Actually, I believe that some repetition (like going to work five days a week) is good for us.  I guess that's why I'm such a creature of habit. 

Take care and stay safe.
Susan

Friday, August 9, 2013

And the excitement is growing...

Hi all,

Well, it's finally Friday.  I'm sure that's a super good thing for all of you who work full time jobs.  But, it's nice for those of us who are retired, too.  I hope you all have some plans for the weekend, which will include some fun time for yourself.  Or maybe you'd prefer just having some alone time, time to just curl up on the sofa with a good book.  That would probably be my choice.  I love to read and I read every day.  Who are some of your favorite authors? And, what types of books do you enjoy reading?

As for me, I'm sure many of you already know who my all time favorite author is.  If not, it's Stephen King.  Being a writer myself, I can't even imagine where his ideas all come from.  I do so envy him his ability to come up with one strange thing after another.  I don't know, but I think my brain must work a lot slower than his does.

I've been working steadily on my newest novel.  It's moving along very well.  I've added some of the paranormal to this one.  I've always had an interest in that sort of thing, although I've never witnessed any apparitions myself.  Maybe someday before I die, I will.  Who knows.  I love writing. It excites me and makes me feel good about myself.

I also like Debbie MaComber, Nora Roberts, James Patterson, Harlen Coben and so many more, that I could use up this entire post naming them.  I have quite a library of my own.  Since the beginning of the year, I've donated about one hundred of them to the York Catholic High School Adult Library.  Ms. Murphy, the librarian, was so kind to me when she invited me to come to speak to some of the students about writing.  Can you imagine, me speaking to students about being an author.  To say the least, I was thrilled and so grateful for her giving me the honor.  I certainly loved being back in my almamater once again.

What have you all been up to lately?  As for me, I've been putting some craft supplies together so I can start working on my handmade Christmas cards.  I'm going to be creating some using a technique called 'Iris Folding'.  I really enjoy doing iris folding, but it sure does take a lot of time to just finish one item.  Then you still have to design and create the card.  My husband asks me if I think that the people who receive my Christmas cards appreciate all the time and effort I put into them.  My answer was, "I don't really know.  I think all of those people who do crafting, will appreciate the time and effort, as for the rest, I hope they do.  I know I've always enjoyed receiving handmade items.

Tomorrow morning my husband, Gerry will be playing golf, along with his boss and two of his sons.  He's been playing alot of golf this summer, but I'm not complaining.  I'm very happy that he gets to enjoy doing something that he loves to do, so much.  Actually, I think the summer's been going  very fast.  I can hardly believe that it will soon be the middle of August already.  I can honestly say that I won't be sorry to see the fall come.  The hot and humid weather we've had most of the summer has made it very hard for me.  I've been stuck indoors for most of the summer months. 

Well, I suppose I'm going to close for now.  I hope your weekend is a great one, as well as, a safe one.
Susan

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

I got an A-ok today!

Hi all,

How is everyone doing today?  For all of you who are working full time jobs, tomorrow is 'hump day'.  So, things are looking up for you! 


As for me, today I had an appointment with one of my cardiologist's PA's.  Everything looks good, with no big changes, so that makes me happy.  My defibrillator/pacemaker is working very well, and I'm doing about the same, where my heart is concerned.  I do know that when change occurs, it will probably not be for the good.  But, so far, so good!  She did tell me that I am still having a few PVCs, but not too many.  Hopefully it won't get any worse than it is now.  I suppose it's all in God's hands and that's the way I prefer to let it.

What have you been up too?  Have you been doing anything creative?  Perhaps you've been working in your flower beds?  That, too, is being creative.  You don't have to actually be doing drawing, painting or writing to be creating something. 

As for me, I've been steadily working on my new novel, "Train-Trekking" With A Capital "T".  It's moving along very nicely.  I've been trying to write for at least an hour and a half each day.  Although some days, it doesn't work out that way, but I do try.

I have to say that the weather for the last three days has been superb.  The temperatures have been in the mid seventies with low humidity.  This morning, when I went to my Cardiologist's appointment, I actually thought it was a bit chilly.  I felt that I should slap myself for actually thinking it was chilly outside.  Although, I understand that starting tomorrow, the temperatures are to be in the low eighties with the humidity, once again, going higher.  Ugh!  That means that we'll probably be having some storms passing through, also.    Oh well, there's not a single thing I can do about the weather. 

This summer is passing very quickly, don't you agree with me?  But then, the years have been flying by for me.  Sometimes, it seems that one or two days drag on by, but then when I turn around, the entire week has gone by.  I could understand it, if I was as busy as alot of you out there are.  But, I lead a very sedentary lifestyle because of my medical conditions.  Oh well, I'm just happy to still be alive to see how fast the times goes by.

Has anyone out there been watching America's Got Talent?  My husband and I watch it every week.  It's one of the only reality television shows that we watch.  It's on tonight, so that means I have to try to make myself stay awake until eleven o'clock tonight.  That's very hard for me, because I usually an fast asleep by ten o'clock.  Actually, I'm in bed by nine o'clock and it always makes me feel so good to stretch out in my nice comfy bed.  My body is quite tired by the time nine o'clock rolls around.

If anyone out there is interested, I have all thirteen of my books for electronic reading at www.amazon.com.  You can purchase them for a Kindle, Ipad, Ipod, laptop, PC or any other electronic reading device, including many cell phones.  You can check them out, right here on my Blog.  All the individual pages are listed a the top of my home page. 

Well, I do hope the rest of your week goes well.  Try to get some time just for yourself.  We all need and deserve time alone, once and a while.
Take care!
Susan

This is one of the books available on Amazon.


Sunday, August 4, 2013

And, once again, it's over, or is it?

Hi all,

Of course, what I'm referring to is the weekend.  Officially, it is over, but since Sunday is the first day of the new week, last week ended on Saturday night.  Anyways, I do hope your weekend held some fun times, some relaxation, and some family time.  It always seems that the week days go very fast, even if it doesn't seem that way at the time.  Most of you will be going to work every day, coming home after work, working around the house, and running kids around. 

I understand that many schools will soon be starting.  It seems that many of them are starting earlier this year than last year.  I truly don't get it!  It used to always be that all schools started after Labor Day weekend.  Then, ten or so years ago, they started returning to school the week before Labor Day weekend.  Then for a few years, many of them went back to returning after Labor Day.  And now, it's earlier than ever.  What's up with this???  I just don't understand why they can't make up their minds. The whole time I was in school, we returned right after Labor Day.  There were never any problems with starting at this time.  I wish someone could tell me why it keeps changing every couple of years.
Of course, it really doesn't affect me one way or the other, since I have no one returning to school.  My children are grown ups and four of my Grandsons have now graduated from high school.  Sorry, perhaps I have no right to complain, but I simply don't understand!

How was your weekend?  Mine was fairly good.  I got to visit, for a short time, with a few of my friends.  What great weather we had Saturday and today.  I went to an outdoor church service this morning, and the air blowing across the open space was a bit chilly on my arms.  But, I didn't complain, I felt that if I did, I would need to punch myself!  I was able to sit outside most of yesterday, which I haven't been able to do very often this summer, so far. 

I hope you got the chance to be outside this weekend, as well.  Perhaps it wasn't the most perfect pool weather, but I loved it.  It certainly would have been good weather for laying in the sun or playing outdoors.  And, for all those who were at beach areas this weekend, the weather was great:  not too hot and not too chilly.  If you haven't done anything fun this weekend, you only have a few more hours to get it done.  So, don't waste anymore time and get to it.

I can only say that I can not believe that today is August 4th already.  It seems like we just started the summer a week or so ago.  I was just thinking about Christmas.  You do know that it's only four months and twenty days away.  Personally, I can not wait!  I ordered some of my Christmas ornaments on Friday.  Every year, for many years now, my husband and I have given my children and grandchildren a Christmas ornament.  When my Grandsons grow up and move out, they will have a box full of ornaments to remind them of all the Christmases throughout their childhood.  We decorate our Christmas tree with the ornaments which my Mom and day used many, many years ago.  Some of them aren't in the best shape anymore, but I love using them on our tree.  It means so much to me.  Both my parents passed away many years ago now, and I miss them every day, but especially at Christmas.  It was from them, that I got my love of Christmas.

Okay, okay, so much for Christmas.  But, it will be here before we know it!  Have you noticed that it now is getting dark a bit earlier now?  In another month, it will be getting dusk around 7:30.  You do know what comes after that, don't you?  Of course you do, it's fall and then winter.  Then it's Christmas!  Sorry, that just flew into my head and I couldn't resist. 

I hope this week holds many good things for all of you.  Make every day count and do something creative every day, even if it's at your job.  Many of you have jobs where you have to be creative.  Stay safe and God bless you.
Susan