Happy Halloween!

Hi all,

I want to wish each of you a happy Halloween.  That being said, I want to say that I hope you all are ready for a cold and windy weekend ahead.  But, as you all know, we have absolutely no control over the weather at all.  We never have and I don't believe we ever will!

I'm sitting here listening to the Solid Gold Oldies on Comcast television.  Whenever my husband isn't home for awhile in the evening, I love listening to those old memories.  My husband thinks it's weird for me to do that, but I don't think it's weird at all.  The late 1950's and most of the 1960's were the decades of the music and dance I grew up with. 

I grew up watching the television show, "American Bandstand" hosted by Dick Clark.  My sister and I knew a lot of the teenagers names and who was dating who on it.  I'm not at all surprised that music and dance was a big part of my childhood years, as my Mom and Dad loved to dance to the songs of the big band music, as well as, rock and roll music. 

I can still remember being in awe at how great my parents were on the dance floor, or perhaps just kicking it up in the living room.  I loved watching them dance.  They were great at doing the Swing, which is similar to what we called the Jitterbug.  I can't tell you what I'd give to be able to see them dance, just one more time.  Sometimes when the song, "Mack the Knife" by Bobby Darren is playing, I can close my eyes and see Mom and Dad dancing to it.  Bobby Darren was my Dad's favorite rock and roll artist.  When I do that, it brings me to tears. 

I miss those carefree days of my youth.  I am sure that at that time, I thought things were tough, but once I became an adult, I realized what "tough living" really was all about.  When I was growing up, my folks didn't have much money, but we kids had everything we needed in life.  Maybe we didn't have everything we wanted, but I believe it taught us to be frugal and how to accept life as it really is. 

One of the important lessons I learned was that if you wanted to be truly happy, you needed to look inside yourself.  True happiness comes from being happy with who you are; being honest and loving to everyone; being satisfied with what God gives to you.  I can truly say that at this point in my life, even though I live every single day with chronic illness, I am truly content and happy with my life.  I have everything I need to survive and then more.  I have been very blessed by God in so many ways during my entire lifetime.  I have no regrets!

Do any of you remember the song, "You're the One" by The Vogues.  It came out in 1965.  It was a jitterbug dance song.  There were four members in the group.  If you don't remember them, how about "Brown Eyed Girl" from 1967, performed by Van Marrison.  He travelled to New York in 1967 to record his first solo album.  I don't believe I ever purchased either one of these two songs, but I do remember them very well. 

I used to save my allowance and then I'd purchase 45 records.  I must have had well over one hundred and fifty of them.  Actually, I still have them.  They're packed away in a carton in our basement.  My husband and I were just talking about having his nephew put them on CD's for me.  I do still have a record player that will play them, but I mostly listen to oldies on disc.

Here's another song for you:  "Since I Fell For You" from 1963.  It was performed by Lenny Welch.  I loved this song so much.  He was born May 15, 1938 in Asbury Park, NJ.  It was a terrific slow dance number.  "Well it's too bad, and it's too sad, but I'm in love with you...."

Well, I'll let you all go for tonight.  I do hope you stay warm over the weekend and do something fun, even if it's indoors.  Stay safe and God bless each one of you.
Susan

What's Shaking?

Hi all,

How's everyone doing this fine Tuesday evening?  Well, the weather was certainly nice today.  It got up into the 70"s, but it's not going to stay that way for long.  Tomorrow it is to be back into the sixties, with dropping temperatures each day after that.  This weekend it's only to be in the 40's and down into the low 30's overnight.  Not exactly weather I like very much!

How's the weather where you live?  Whatever your temperatures are, I hope all is well with each one of you.

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas is getting so close.  The Christmas movies start on Saturday of this week.  I can't wait.  I love watching them, even if I've seen them over and over again.  They let me with a feeling of love and contentment.  I hope to catch a few of them next week.

I've been working diligently on my hand-made Christmas cards.  I still have at least twenty five to create yet, but I'll do the very best that I can to get them finished.  I'd hate to disappoint anyone by sending them a ready made card if they are expecting a hand-made one from us. 

I am also working on putting together a book of poems.  I currently have 26 poems and I've entered about nineteen of them into the book.  I'd like to print a copy for each of my daughters to give them as a Christmas gift.  I just need to get myself on a schedule so I can finish everything without rushing to completion.

Does anyone out there have any Christmas Cactus plants in your home?  I have five of them, but only one is on the sun porch, where the temperature is cooler.  The one there, has so many buds on it, I can't believe it.  I can't help but wander if it will bloom again over Christmas.  It usually blooms three times a year:  Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas time.

I went to the eye doctor's last week and tonight they called to let me know that my glasses are ready for pick up.  I think I'm going to try to go over there tomorrow after getting my hair cut.  Both places are very close together.  We'll see how things work out tomorrow morning.

I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping, but to be honest with you, we give money along with one or two wrapped gifts.  Of course, I haven't done any wrapping as of yet, because I wrap the gifts in my craft room, where I am currently creating my cards.  As soon as I'm finished with the cards, Ill start on my wrapping of gifts. 

Well, tomorrow is, once again, "Hump Day".  So, all of your workers who work the Monday through Friday shifts, after tomorrow, you'll be on the short end of the week.  Yippy for you!

Take care and stay safe.
Susan

Just my thoughts!

Hi all

How's everyone doing this Thursday evening?  Well, for all you still working out there, tomorrow is Friday and then you can relax over the weekend.  Well, maybe not relax, especially if you have children to run all over the place.  But, at least you won't have to go to work and that's a good thing.

I've been hearing all these ads for the governor election; as well as the other local elections.  I have to say that it irritates me to no end how they all have to cut down their opponent in all their ads.  If they're so great, why can't they win on their own merits?  Any ideas???  I am so sick to death of all the "put downs" that I could scream.  It's the same way during an election for a new president. 

Another thing that blows my mind, is how after an election, if a republican gets into office, all the democrats don't even give that person a chance.  It also is exactly the same thing if a democrat gets into office.  I believe that after an election, everyone should try to support whomever is elected. 

These are just my opinions on this particular subject.  We are all entitled to our own opinions!

We have been having trouble with our internet and telephone provider for well over a week now.  Hopefully, we now have our service back once again.  It's been very irritating to both my husband and myself.  You get so used to just picking up the telephone and using it or pulling up the internet on your computer and when you can't get on, it's frustrating.  Besides the fact that you're paying for the service.  Hopefully we are good to go now.

A few months ago, I started writing some poetry.  I found out that I truly enjoy writing poems.  I now have completed twenty six of them and today I started writing a book entitled:  My Soothing Poems from the Heart.  All the poems I have written, are written from my heart.  I guess that is how I usually write all my novels, books and booklets.  I hope to have this book finished so I can give each of my daughters a copy for Christmas.  Wish me luck.

I need to get back to my Christmas greeting cards.  I started a few more, but didn't have the time today to do anything with them.  I plan on working on them tomorrow and perhaps on Saturday.  I still have about forty to go yet. 

I believe we only have about nine weeks left until Christmas.  So, if you haven't done any shopping as of yet, now is the time to get started.  I am about finished with my purchasing, as we mostly give the grownup children and grandchildren money.  But, I do like each of them to have one or two gifts to open up, before the presentation of their monetary gift.  What do you do for Christmas gift giving?

I do hope you have a wonderful Friday and a safe one.  Have fun this weekend!
Susan

I'm back...finally!

Hi all,

I'm sorry that I haven't bee in touh with all of you for the past week, but we were having trouble with our Internet hook up, including our telephones.  But, now we're back in business once again.  I have to tell you that one does not realize how much you depend on the internet, until you no longer have service.  We were told that we needed some new equipment because our's was outdated. 

Well, how was your weekend?  Our was quite busy, but good.  It was a bit on the cool side and a little too windy for me, but I was able to be outside for a while.  That is, with my sweatshirt and hood on.  Too bad I didn't have my gloves with me, because I wold have put them on.

If you haven't already realized it, it's almost the end of October.  I really don't do much for the celebration of Halloween anymore.  I did sit my hand-made pumpkins on my dining room table.  They'll remain there until we decorate for Christmas.  Which, by the way, I can't wait for the Christmas Season to arrive, starting with Thanksgiving.

Have you started getting ready for Christmas?  I have already done a good bit of my shopping, mainly because I can't wait until the last minute.  Since I've become chronically ill, I need to get a good start on things.  That way, I can truly enjoy the season when it approaches.  Actually, I started on gifts back in January for this year.  Oh, I haven't wrapped anything as of yet, but I will, eventually get that started. 

I have a good start on my hand-made Christmas cards.  So far I have 28 completely finished.  Now I only have about 45 to go!!!!   I worked a little while today, but I had three loads of laundry to complete, so I was busy most of the morning. 

I truly love creating things.  I am currently crocheting scarves for each member of my family, as a Christmas gift.  Winter is coming and I want them all to stay warm while outside.  Actually, it gives me something to work on in the evenings.  It's good to keep busy and I love crocheting and hand embroidery work.  How about you?  Do you crochet, knit or do any handembroidery work?  I know it's not as popular today as it was years ago, but it's very satisfying to make something by hand.  I don't suppose many woman do any actual sewing these days.  I have to confess, that I don't use my sewing machine like I used to.  When my daughters were young, I would make them new outfits for Easter and Christmas.  I also made them little shorts and tops to wear during the summer.  I suppose that very few women, in their 30's and 40's, even have a sewing machine today.  That's so sad to me as it is extrememly satisfying for a woman to be able to create something for themselves and/or their chldren.  I wander some times if they even fix any torn out seams or hems???  I suppose a lot of men and woman just throw the piece of clothing away if it tears.  What a shame that is!

Oh well, it certainly is a different world out there today then when I was a young wife and mother.  I guess that's just the way things change from generation to generation.  But, I still think it's sad.

Do any of you out there do any crafting of Christmas gifts or decorations?  I used to love making my own decorations, but because of my illness, I do very little anymore.  I used to have my own craft business.  My husband and I would register for craft shows.  Then he'd haul all our props to the show and help me to get setup.  I did alright, but I didn't make a whole lot of money, but I did enjoy it.  Do you go to any craft shows?

Well, I do hope your week goes well for you and that things progress smoothly at work.  Be safe and God bless each of you.  I'd love hearing from you

Are you a Halloween buff?

Hi all,

I was just wandering if everyone out there gets all excited about Halloween or not.  I have to admit that I don't really do much of anything anymore, certainly no decorating.  Although I did bring down three pumpkins, which I made many years ago, and used them as my dining room table centerpiece.  I also have a candle on either side of them.  That's about the extent of my Halloween decorating. 

My husband and I choose not to do the "trick or treat" thing anymore.  Although we do hand out some candy to a few young children that we know.  How about you?  Are you still into the trick or treat thing?  I think that as we age, it becomes more of a bother than anything else.  I guess it's only fun when you have young children who really get into the whole Halloween thing.

I was just watching the weather and they are calling for temperatures into the low seventies for the next two days.  I can't say I'm very happy about that.  We turned the furnace on about a week ago, although we only have it set at sixty-five degrees.  Over the weekend, the temperature was down into the forties, so we needed the furnace.  I suppose I shouldn't complain, because probably in a short period of time, it will get really cold.  Ugh!  Why can't we just have fall temperatures like we used to many years ago.  I hate this going from summer almost directly into winter.  Oh well, there is absolutely nothing any of us can do about the weather, so I might as well not complain!

My husband recently had some surgery and is now recovering very well.  The problem is that he is having a problem not lifting anything that weighs more than fifteen pounds.  Men!  The older they get, the more pig-headed they become.  I don't know why men just can't accept that as the body ages, it starts to break down.  That's just the way it is and there's nothing any of us can do about it.  Oh, of course you can have face lifts and other cosmetic surgery, but I'm not interested in any of that.  If God had wanted our bodies to stay the way they are at age forty, then He would have made us that way.  Aging is just a part of life, and I for one, will not die my hair, have a face lift, or any of those things. 

Right now I'm watching "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" on the Inspiration Channel on television.  I watch that channel quite often.  They have "Saddle Up Saturday" on Saturdays and I love watching the westerns.  The other channels are running so many recent reruns, so it's kind of nice to watch the programs that I used to love, once again.  "Jag" is another show that they run, as well as many other ones.  You should check your cable carrier to see if they include the "Inspiration" Channel in their lineup.

I am trying to finish my downstairs cleaning this week so that I can really get moving on my hand made Christmas cards.  I believe I've only finished twenty so far, so I have a lot to go yet.  I also need to get back into writing poetry.  I intend to publish a book of poems as soon as I have enough of them finished.  I have to say that I am truly enjoying writing poetry, even though it's a new venue for me.

How about you?  What have you been up to lately?  Are you a person who starts planning ahead for the holidays?  I am.  Since I've become ill, I really need to start early, so I don't feel rushed or stressed.  The Christmas Season is my favorite time of the year.  I so love the good will that people show at that time.  It's too bad that those feelings don't exist all year long.  Do you agree with me?  I hope so and it's too bad everyone doesn't feel that way.

I still have this Christening Gown available if anyone knows of someone who is getting their baby christened and can't afford a gown.  I will gladly give it to them.

Have a great day tomorrow and stay safe.
Susan

Today's three quarters over!

Hi everyone,

Tonight's topic will be:  The Kindness of others!

While at the grocery store this morning, I overheard three women talking about all the crime and unkindness in our area.  But, of course, it's not just in our area.  It's everywhere and that's what is so frustrating to me.

But, that isn't what I want to address tonight.  Instead I'd like to talk about the hundreds of kind things that people do every single day of the week.  Why is it that you never read about these kindnesses in the newspaper, only the bad things. 

There are many people in the US who do kind acts for others all the time.  Last year, about this time, my youngest daughter organized a drive asking all her friends to help her to reach out to the homeless.  She proposed that they make up "goody" bags to hand out to the poor people in their own areas.  The response was unbelievable.  They made up dozens of those bags and then they divided them up and every volunteer took an equal amount to hand out.  Another one of my daughters and her husband, joined in with this activity. 

So a few days ago my daughter, once again, reached out to supply mittens, gloves, scarves and socks for the homeless people.  Since I am chronically ill and not able to go and hand out bags, I donated money to purchase any additional supplies.  I've already done the same for this year.

I'm not telling you this to toot my family's horn, but rather to point out that there are many drives like this going on here in York county and surrounding cities.  We just never hear about them. 

There is always something that you can do to help someone else who is more unfortunate than you are.  I promise you that it will leave you with a good feeling inside.  It doesn't have to be an organized "drive".  It can simply be dropping a donation of a few bucks into a Salvation Army Bucket. 

Why don't you reach out to someone who is terminally ill.  I'm sure there are so many little ways that you can help out.  Or just a generous donation to help them as they go through this terrible time in their lives.  Can you even imagine how scared and helpless they, and their families, are feeling? 

Wherever you are, look at someone and smile.  You just never know, that smile maybe the only pleasant response they have that day.  If you're shopping and you are at the check out counter, please remember to smile and say "thank you" when you are handed your change.  You never know, that person who waited on you, may be contemplating suicide and your comment may change their life forever.

If God has truly blessed you in any way, then please "pay it forward."  Because, in the blink of an eye, that homeless, depressed or sick person, could be you.  Please look into your heart and make an effort to reach out to someone else today.  The rewards are mighty, because God will bless you in return.

Have a great evening and stay safe.
Susan

How's your day going?

HI all,

I do hope that everyone out there is having a great day.  I know it's only Tuesday but just try to make the best out of each and every day.  As you get older, you begin to realize how important it is to live one day at a time.  Don't rush your life away!  You all know the old saying, "Stop and smell the roses!"  Well, that's what we all need to do. 

Each day that we wake up in the morning, is another day that God has given to us.  Of course, everyday won't be a "great" day, but it's only one twenty four hour period.  As I aged, I realized how important each day of my life is.  I've learned to live each day giving gratitude and acceptance to God.

Well, I now have approximately eighteen of my handmade greeting cards finished.  I've started another eight, but haven't gotten very far, as of yet.  I'm trying to get a little house cleaning done this week and that really tires me out.  I'm sure most of you are saying, "Well, it's only the seventh of October.   She has plenty of time left to make Christmas cards."  My answer to that would be, "I need to have them finished around the 5th of December.  Believe me, that's not that far away."  I can only work on them, at the most, about two hours a day, because of being chronically ill.

Even though it takes me so long to create all of my cards, I do so enjoy working on them.  It gives me a sense of self-esteem and we all need self-esteem in our lives.  I am very happy when I'm creating something.  How about you?  Are you creative and if you are, in what way?  I'd really like to know what you enjoy doing creatively.

Well, I suppose winter is on it's way, whether we want it to come or not.  I do like the change of the seasons, but the extreme cold and heat are hard for me physically.  If I can stay inside during those times, it's okay with me.  I do love to see the first snow of the season.  It makes everything so beautiful outside.  It gives me a sense of peace and calmness.  I don't think I'd ever want to live in a place where the climate remains pretty much the same all year round. 

I'm preparing a big pot of home made chili for dinner tonight.  My husband and I both love chili, but especially the way I prepare it.  We use "Scoops" tortilla chips as a spoon to eat it.  I also love the fact that I make a large pot of it, therefore, giving us enough for two or three meals.  I love not having to cook dinner every evening.  How about you?

I wish I had more energy than I do, but that's just the way it is with me.  I have a few things that I do, which are very important to me, but I have to tell you, that cleaning my home is not one of them.  I did finish upstairs today so maybe I'll wait until next week to tackle the downstairs.  We'll see. 

How are all your children getting along in school this year.  I hope your answer is "good".  I only have two Grandsons who are still in high school.  It seems things are going good for them.  I also have two Grandsons who are in their second year f college.  I believe things are going well for them, also.  My two oldest Grandsons work full time jobs,  I am so proud of all six of my "boys."  Do you have grandchildren?  I do hope so, because they are an extension of you. 

Well, I hope you have a great day.  Be safe and God bless each of you.
Sue

Happy Thursday!

Hi all,
How's everyones week going?  And, remember, your work week is almost over so that's a good thing.  I hope you have a job that, for the most part, you enjoy doing; and that you get along well with your co-workers.  It's hard enough getting up every day and going to work, but it's so much worse, if you hate your job.  If that's the case, look for another job, even if it means your earning less money.  You can live on whatever you make, if you put your mind to it.

It feels like we're back into the summer time here in South Central PA, but we only get one more day of this weather and then we're back to mid sixties once again.  That makes me happy!  Honestly, I'd just like to have a normal fall again.  It seems like we've being going from summer directly into winter.  I'm not liking that one little bit.  How about you?

My husband had some outpatient surgery yesterday.  He's doing well, with just some mild pain.  I'm so thankful for that.  He's been in pain for the past five weeks and he's glad to finally have the problem surgically fixed.  So am I!  I am sorry that he will not be able to golf or play disc golf anymore this year, but at least he will be healthy once again.  That's all that's important to me.

My daughter delivered the Tastefully Simple that I purchased from her, today.  She is watching an adorable little boy, named Jackson, who is about 14 months old now.  Obviously, he was with her.  I so enjoyed their visit.  I rarely get to spend time with babies or toddlers anymore, so I love it when she brings him along to visit with me.  He is now walking, so as soon as he became comfortable in my home, he had to check everything out.  I so love babies!

I'm still missing my visions of the ocean, sand and sky, but I'll get over it soon enough.  Before you know it, Halloween will be upon us.  We really don't do much for Halloween anymore.  We don't even do trick or treat anymore.  I may put some fall decorations out, but that will be about all the decorating I do until the Christmas season approaches.  Which, by the way, I can't wait for it's arrival!

Christmas is my very favorite time of year, it always has been and always will be!  How about you?  What's your favorite time of year?  Why?  I'd love to hear from you all.

Well, Friday is fast approaching and you all know what that means.  The weekend is almost here.  I hope you have some fun things planned for your weekend and make sure that you set aside a little time just for yourself.  You deserve it!

Be safe and God bless you all.
Susan

Here's a few pictures to relax you: