It's that time of the year....

It's that time of the year....

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Childhood Doesn’t Wait

Childhood Doesn’t Wait

~ by Kathie Davis~

I was sitting on a bench

while in a nearby mall,

When I noticed a young mother

with two children who were small.

The youngest one was whining,

"Pick me up," I heard him beg

but the mother’s face grew angry

as the child clung to her leg.

"Don’t hang on to me," she shouted

as she pushed his hands away.

I wish I’d had the courage

to go up to her and say…

"The day will sneak up subtly

just as it did with me,

When you can’t recall the last time

that your child sat upon your knee.

"Like those sacred, pre-dawn feedings

when we cherished time alone,

Our babies grow and leave behind

those special times we’ve known.

"So when your child comes to you

with a book that you can share,

Or asks that you would tuck him in

and help him say his prayer…

"When he comes to sit and chat

or would like to take a walk,

Before you answer that you can’t

’cause there’s no time to talk,

"Remember what all parents learn

so many times too late,

That years go by too quickly

and that childhood doesn’t wait.

"Take every opportunity

if one should slip away

Reach hard to get it back again,

don’t wait another day."

I watched that mother walk away

her children followed near,

I hope she’ll pick them up

before her chances disappear.

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I have some good news!!  My niece in West Virginia called me a few minutes ago.  The young mother that we asked you all to pray for had another test done yesterday.  She and her husband got the results this morning.  The new diagnosis shows muscle tears in her shoulder.  My niece asked me to thank  all of you from her personally for this young mother and the prayers you said for her.  May God Bless you all.

And from me, Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

 

 

 

 

Monday, December 30, 2013

An Award

 

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award (1)

I am honored that I have been  chosen for an award by  McGuffy Ann at http://mcguffysreader.blogspot.com/

Thank you McGuffy Ann!   Now I have to answer 10 questions.  Here goes.

1. Your favorite color?I love the color Blue but think I look the best in muted shades of pink.

2. Your favorite animal? I love watching all animals

3. Your favorite non-alcoholic drink? I don’t drink alcohol. I do drink water and I love a nice hot cup of tea with honey in it.

4. Facebook or Twitter? I am on Facebook and Twitter but rarely go on either one.

5. Your favorite pattern? Just something simple as I am not fond of complicated patterns.

6. Do you prefer getting or giving presents? I love to give!

7. Your favorite number?   Probably 9 or 21.

8.  Your favorite day of the week? When I was working of course it was Friday.  Now I am retired my favorite day is any day I am able to get out of bed!

9. Your favorite flower? I love the pansy!  It is such a gorgeous little flower, but then I love all flowers!

10. What is your passion?   I have to say just being alive.  This past few months have taught me to treasure every moment I am given and be thankful for it.

 

I am nominating  Nita @http://nita-hello-frommysecondblogspace.blogspot.com/ and Nookworm @http://nookworm-connectionsmore.blogspot.com/ .  If anyone else would like to do this please fell free to accept the award and answer the questions.

 

Have a great week.  Stay safe and be happy!

Beth

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Christmas is over…

My kids have all gone home.  It was a wonderful day.  I got some more lovely gifts, money and another gift card.  I love gift cards!!

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I purchased a new calendar.  It is a beautiful Dayspring Calendar.  Here is a message written by Dayspring co-founder, Roy Lessin.  I love it. 

Just Think

You’re here not by chance, but by God’s choosing. 

His hand formed you and made you the person your are.

He compares you to no one else – you are one of a kind. 

You lack nothing His grace can’t give you.

He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Have a wonderful Sunday.  As soon as I get rested up a bit I am coming to visit you all.

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Friday, December 27, 2013

Prayer Request…

From my niece in West Virginia.

‘Aunt Beth,

I am asking you to send out a prayer request for a young mother of 2 sons. She thought she had hurt her shoulder at work. It was diagnosed yesterday as bone cancer. I know you have connections with the man upstairs. This is a precious family. Please ask everyone to lift her up in prayer.

I love you. I am praying for a healthier, calmer 2014 for all of us.’

Please all of you if you are so inclined please say a prayer for this young mother.  A kind thought is also welcome!!  Thank you!

Stay safe and be happy!

Beth

Thursday, December 26, 2013

The day after…

But wait, I haven’t had my Christmas dinner yet.  We are having our gift exchange and our big Christmas meal when we can all be together on Saturday.
 
I have received gifts so far that I have opened already.  I received an iTunes gift card from my Twin.  I am so  innocent that I had  no idea  how to use it.  After a tutoring lesson I discovered the delight of buying from iTunes.  Thanks Twin!!! From another dear blogging friend I received a beautiful photo album which is filled with photos of the lovely sights in the Boston area. Thanks Paul!  I will treasure this and get so much enjoyment from it.  I received many lovely cards from blogging friends.  Thank you all.  From my sis in West Virginia I received gift cards from Red Lobster and Amazon and several lovely wrapped gifts including a container of her lovely handmade chocolates.  Thanks Rae, I love everything.
 
I delivered the goodie trays to my neighbors on Saturday morning.  I have taken care of the mail man and the paper carrier.  I even sent a huge tray of goodies to my rental office even though I am still cooking in a dark kitchen.  I miss being in my little town at this time of the year where I knew everyone and had some very good friends.  I have made a couple of good friends here and I am thankful for them.  Thanks Sally and Debbie!!
 
The weather this morning is bright and sunshiny.  The temp is fixed right now at 20 degrees but it is to reach the 30s today.  A very nice change from below zero temps that we had a couple of days ago.  This has been a bitter winter with way too much snow and cold to suit me.  However each morning when I  get up I thank God for another day!
 
I will start food preparations today for Saturday so I will be kind of busy for the next few days.  I will stop by and visit you all as I can.
 
Stay safe and be happy!!
 
Beth

Monday, December 23, 2013

This is wonderful!!

http://www.paxtonrecord.net/news/arts-and-entertainment/community-events/2013-12-20/grand-light-display-returns-paxton.html

 

http://www.lightinguppaxton.com/

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Most of you know that I spent all of my married life and my children were born and raised in the small town of Paxton Illinois.

This display is new since I sold my home and moved from Paxton over 3 years ago.  Please visit the second link and take time to listen to the music.  The lights are synchronized with the music  and it is an awesome sight!!

 

Merry Christmas to my blogging family. I will be offline for a few days!

Beth

 

Sunday, December 22, 2013

And the winner is …

Caroldee at http://andsoitgoesonandon.blogspot.com/.  I am so happy to announce that with my eyes tightly closed I pulled Carol’s name from a big bowl of entries.  Thank you all for entering!

I won’t even mention the weather here today except to say that the power stayed on all night.  I hope you all are having a sunny day.

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Good news and a winter weather warning…

The news at the doctor’s visit yesterday was good.  I see the doctor’s again on March 7th and no CT scan or Pet scan needed for at least 6 months.  Thank you all for the  prayers for me!

Oh the weather outside is frightful!  It is freezing drizzle right now.  We have 100% chance of freezing  rain, sleet followed by rain followed by freezing rain to change to all snow tomorrow.  Needless to say I will not be going out today.  I am thinking about the ones out on the interstates heading for Christmas at home.  I will turn on the scanner in a minute to keep updated.  I have my battery operated lantern and flashlights standing by in case of a power outage.

I have a roast in the oven with carrots and potatoes hoping that it will be done before the possibility of losing power.  I can smell it cooking now.  I have laced it all with Worchester sauce and onion and the smell right now is incredible.

I will be drawing a name this evening for the cook booklet.  I will post the winner tomorrow.

I hope the sun is shining wherever you are and not freezing rain or sleeting or snow.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Friday, December 20, 2013

Beautiful but sad…

As I look out my front window I can see the second house from the corner as you turn left off my street.  The house lost its complete top half in the tornado on November 17th.  There is a lovely perfectly shaped pine tree that sits in the corner of the front yard.  The neighbors across the street have decorated the tree beautifully with lights and ornaments,  As I travel down the street I run across the heavy duty extension cord from across the street which is keeping the tree lit up.   It is so beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes.  I think of myself being upset over the fact that my kitchen window is still boarded up and then I think about the people who were displaced by the tornado that lost their homes and prized possessions.  I remind myself with tears in my eyes that God has been good to me this year.  He has held my hand through so many trials this year and I am so very thankful!  I am thankful for my family and my friends who held my hand tightly too and held me up to keep me from giving up and falling down.
 
I am off this afternoon for an appointment with the ENT surgeon and my oncologist.  Have a blessed weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!
 
I love you all!
 
Beth

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Thanks Liz…

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This tag was attached to a set of measuring cups and spoons that Liz gave each of us as a gift.  The dessert table was set beautifully with delicious punch at one end and hot cocoa at the other end.
 
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Liz has so many beautiful Christmas decorations in her home.  She gave me
permission again to take photos.
 
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She does believe in Santa, but then so do I!
 
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Just a small part of her collection.
 
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My stash that I brought home!
 
Thank you again Liz for including me in your Christmas Cookie Exchange.  I had a wonderful time.
 
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You all stay safe and be happy!!
 
Beth







Tuesday, December 17, 2013

I’m Done…

with the date rice krispie cookies for the exchange tomorrow night.  I had forgotten how time consuming they are to make BUT they are delicious.

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We had more snow night before last and it was snowing at a pretty good clip this morning.  It has stopped now and the sun is shining brightly at 33 degrees.  The snow on the roof is melting and dripping down on the sidewalk.  It is really a mess outside.  I don’t plan to go out for a couple of days now.  I am hoping the weather is good on Friday for my doctor appointment.

I hope you are all having a good day.  Remember it is not too  late to enter my giveaway.  If you are a follower you get 1 entry for each time you comment.  The drawing will be held at 5PM on Saturday Dec. 21st.

Do stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Snickerdoodles and the giveaway…

I am making Snickerdoodles today and Chex Mix.  Tomorrow I will make the date Rice Krispie Cookies for the cookie exchange Wednesday night.  I need to have 8 packages with 6 in a package.  I will get to choose 8 different packages to bring home with me.
I use the recipe on the back of the Chex cereals for the Chex mix.
Snickerdoodles

•1 & 1/2 cups sugar
•1 cup margarine or butter softened
•2 eggs
•2 & 3/4 cups flour
•2 teaspoons cream of tartar
•1 teaspoon baking soda
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•1/4 cup sugar plus 2 teaspoons cinnamon mixed together

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2.In a large bowl cream together with mixer, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the butter and eggs.
3.Stir together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
4.Add to creamed mixture.
5.Roll in balls.
6.Dip in the sugar cinnamon mixture.
7.Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
8.Bake 8 – 10 minutes until set. Will be pale brown. Don’t overcook.


Remove from cookie sheet and let cool. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
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I know that you all are wondering why I make so much stuff.  I love to give.  Last year I took a goodie tray to all of my neighbors in my 4plex plus the neighbors across the driveway in the 4plex.  Then money and goodies for my mail carrier and the newspaper carrier.  I love to do this as it makes me happy!

If you haven’t entered my giveaway yet you have through Friday of this week to enter.  Each time you leave a comment you will get another entry.  You must be a follower of my blog to enter.  Guys, you can enter too for your significant other.

Have a wonderful week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Sunday, December 15, 2013

My 1000th post and a giveaway…

Today is my 1000th post on Day by Day with Beth Marie.  With so many different things happening in my life this year I wasn’t able to post as much as I usually did.  But I finally made it.

In celebration of my 1000th post I am giving away a cook booklet that was put together and published by the Board of Directors of the C-K Autumn Fest.    My sister in West Virginia played a big role in this.  There are several of my recipes included in  this cook booklet.   http://www.ckautumnfest.com/

“The C-K Autumn Fest takes place the last weekend in October in the two quaint communities of Ceredo and Kenova. The centerpiece of the festival is the famous Pumpkin House, which has become one of the favorite tourist attractions of West Virginia. In 1978, the Pumpkin House began with only 5 pumpkins carved for a Halloween display. Since then, the number of hand-carved pumpkins has grown to 3,000. Does a house with 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins attract attention? You bet! Each year Ceredo and Kenova welcome nearly 30,000 visitors to the Pumpkin House. Over the years we have watched children that have visited the Pumpkin House grow to have children of their own that they now bring to see the display. This sense of tradition and community inspired the creation of the C-K Autumn Fest, which is on the fast track to becoming one of the favorite West Virginia fall festivals.”

pumpkin house

The Pumpkin House

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To enter this giveaway you must be a follower of my blog and state in a comment that you would like to be entered in the drawing which will take place on December 21st.  You may enter more than once by leaving a comment on my blog for each post..  This is a wonderful cook booklet with lots of tried and true recipes in it.  It is published as a money maker for the C-K Autumn Fest.

Have a lovely peaceful day.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

 

 

Saturday, December 14, 2013

And the north wind did blow…

and we did get snow and it is still snowing. I hate to be a killjoy and keep mentioning it but I do not like snow.  The main reason is you have to clean it off your car and then to get anywhere you have to drive through it.  I didn’t mind it when Jim was alive and I had help plus the car was always in a big garage.  After he was gone and until I moved my neighbors plowed my driveway behind the garage for me.  Here in my new home maintenance will come by after while and will blow the snow off the sidewalk right up on my car so that I will have even more to clean off.  And the beautiful white stuff has this nasty habit of changing to ice.

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My car and Deb and Joe’s look very Christmasy this morning.

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Next door Deb and Joes decorations and picnic table have a nice Christmasy look too.

Oh well, there is always the thought that a good fairy will come along and give me a helping hand.  LOL  And speaking of good fairies, I had 2 tickets for the lotto last night.  I had 1 number on each ticket and it was not the mega ball number.  So much for that.  I think it has rolled over $500 million now.  So I probably will buy another ticket if I can get my car cleaned off and over to the store.

One nice thing about a snow storm is that it wasn’t an ice storm.  Enjoy today as if it were your last one.  I will be busy cleaning off my car.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Friday, December 13, 2013

Sunny Friday…

at least until noon when the predicted winter weather advisory is to occur.  The winter advisory is calling for 3 – 6 inches of snow with a pretty decent wind.  It is very sunny and 20 degrees right now so I am planning to take a run to Food Depot around 10 or so and buy me a Mega Millions ticket before the big snow comes.

$400 million! Friday's Mega Millions jackpot will be 2nd biggest in lottery's history

Remember my post a week or so about what I would do with the money if I ever won the lotto??  That still holds true.

Yesterday was a busy day for me.  I woke up to –1 degree with a wind chill of 10 below.  I had decided that no matter what if my car started I would keep my dental appointment,  That went well.  Then I went to the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions and then on to Kroger where I purchased my Christmas spiral sliced ham along with way more stuff then I intended to buy.  I still have a lot of Christmas shopping to do.  Not sure when I will get that done as it is no fun shopping alone. 

Next week I have an appointment with my ENT surgeon and the radiologist.  I hope the weather holds true and I can keep that appointment.  My friend Sally is going with me.

It is finally Friday and the 13th to boot.  I have never thought much one way or the other about a Friday falling on the 13th.  I believe in destiny and a master plan.  I think  that He has determined exactly when our end will come.  So bring on Friday the 13th, I am ready for it.

Have a wonderful weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Date Rice Krispie Cookies and White Marshmallow Candy

Date Rice Krispie Cookies

 

This is more like a candy then a cookie.  Jim’s sister Phyllis gave me this recipe in the 70′s.  Phyllis didn’t cook much from scratch but she had some really great goodie recipes.  I really miss her!

 

Melt 1/2 pound margarine, then add 1 pound cut up dates.  Beat 2 eggs and add with 1 cup of sugarBoil all ingredients together for 5 minutes over medium heat stirring constantly.  Let cool.

Put mixture in a large bowl.  Add 5 cups rice krispies.  Mix together.  With buttered hands  roll into balls and coat the balls with chopped pecans or coconut.

Posted in Cookies

And if you want another recipe to use up the Rice Krispies I have another one.

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White Marshmallow Candy

Quantcast

Every year at Christmas time at home I would take a tray of goodies to my dentist’s office.  Would you believe this was their favorite   My daughter gave me this recipe a long time ago. 

  • 2 lbs. white bark  (Instead of the white bark you may use Nestlé's white chocolate chips)
  • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
  • 3 cups crisp rice cereal
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows (the colored ones make this candy look festive)

Melt bark and peanut butter together in microwave in a large bowl.  Stir every minute until melted. Add nuts and cereal to the melted mixture.  Stir in marshmallows.  Drop by teaspoonful on wax paper and let cool.  Freezes well so you can make this way ahead.

Posted in Candy

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I have decided the date cookie is what I am making for the cookie exchange next week.  Thanks Liz for inviting me again!!

Have a wonderful day.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

It is bitter cold…

on this Tuesday morning on 10 December 2013.  There is snow on the ground, the wind is gusting at 25 miles an hour.  It is 10 degrees and the wind chill is well below zero.  I am not going out today.  I called my daughter and asked if she would bring my short handled snow shovel over sometime today and a couple of things from the store.  I have a dental appointment on Thursday and I am thinking about calling and changing that appointment.  The weather forecast is for more snow tomorrow with the bitter cold temps remaining.

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Another Christmas item.  I purchased this at the Hospital Christmas Bazaar last year.

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My new tin sign I purchased at Gordmans this year.  The picture is a bit blurry but you get the general idea.

I am almost to my 1000th post on this blog.  If you were to add all of the posts from my various blogs here and on wordpress the total would be in the several thousands! 

I hope the weather is nice wherever you are and the sun is shining.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Monday, December 9, 2013

Dumpling Recipe

This recipe is for White Angel.  If you click on my profile you will see a list of my blogs that are on blogger.

Granny De's Dumplings

Oh my these were good. This is the recipe for Jim’s mom’s homemade dumplings. If she were alive she would have been 117 years old this coming July 29th, 2014.


•1 & 1/2 cups flour
•2 teaspoons baking powder
•2 teaspoons salt
•3 tablespoons shortening
•1/2 cup milk (or enough to make desired consistency)


Mix flour, baking powder and salt together. Cut in shortening. Add milk gradually. May need more or less milk. Should be just a little softer dough than a drop biscuit. Drop in boiling broth and cook covered over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
The grandkids were all wild over Granny De’s chicken & dumplings.   For some reason when I make these they don’t taste like Granny De’s.  I do better with the Bisquick.  I have my chicken cooking in  the oven right now.

Funny story about Granny’s recipe.  She would never part with her recipes when she was living.  After she was gone Jim and I were cleaning out her house and I found the recipe for the dumplings handwritten on a tiny scrap of paper tucked in an old recipe booklet.

Marcia with Grandma De and her dad in the background

Marcia with Granny De and her dad in the background…...

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It is bright and sunny here this morning at 16 degrees.  There is little wind so I walked over to the laundry room without my coat on.  We did get snow yesterday, not quite an inch or so but just enough to mess up the side roads.  I am not planning on going out today unless the UPS guy leaves me the wrong package and I have to chase him down again.  I don’t have anything coming by UPS so I guess I don’t have to think about that.

Have a great week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Happy Sunday…

It is very cold and windy here this morning in the heart of central Illinois.  The snow flurries are swirling like they might decide to cover the ground.  It is 20 degrees with a big wind chill.  How do I know this??  Simple!  I took myself out in this bitter weather this morning to Kroger for a few things I needed which amounted to a small fortune.    Each time I go to the grocery store the prices are higher.

I made homemade chili yesterday.  It was so good with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese.  I would have had some cornbread with it but I was too lazy to fix it.  So I settled for Town House crackers.  I just throw stuff together when I make chili, no set recipe.  One thing I do each time I make it is to measure the chili spice.  That is an important ingredient.  lol

I got a big fat hen at the store this morning.  Tomorrow I think will be chicken and dumplings which was my husband’s favorite dish.  He really loved that.  His mom made homemade dumplings and I do have her recipe posted on my recipe site.  I personally prefer dumplings made with Bisquick that are light and fluffy.  Gosh, now I am getting hungry.

I am trying to get back in the Christmas spirit again as I have some things to wrap.  I think I might get some gift cards to finish out. 

I hope you all have a lovely peaceful day!  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Friday, December 6, 2013

Hooray…

The storm missed us so far.  My heart goes out to the ones it didn’t miss.  My sister in West Virginia got the torrential rains and my brother near St. Louis had some icing.  Right here and now in central Illinois it is 16 degrees with a wind chill of 5 degrees.  It is cloudy and a typical winter day although winter isn’t officially here yet.

I have given up on Christmas shopping.  For some reason the spirit has left me.  The fact that the UPS man delivered the wrong package to me a couple of days ago didn’t help.  I had to hurry and put on my coat and hat and go chasing the UPS truck 3 blocks to catch him and exchange the package that he gave me for the one that belonged to me.  He tried to argue with me and did aggravate me so that I called the main UPS number to complain.  If anyone needs that number I have it.  LOL!!

To cheer me up I took some pics this morning of the decorations I have here in my little ‘house’.

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in front of my living room window.

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sitting on top of my printer

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my sister Rae gave this to me many years ago.  It still lights up Rae.

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my ceramic Christmas tree from many years ago.  Still has all of its lights.

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The light was shining wrong down on the picture of Jim but I like it anyway.  I have quite a few more Christmas music boxes other than the ones in this picture.

 

My kitchen window is still boarded up inside and out so on a cloudy day like today it is very dark in my kitchen.  I was promised my new window would be replaced within 2 weeks.  The 2 weeks is up on Saturday which is exactly 2 weeks from the time the insurance adjuster was here.  When I look out my living room window and see the devastation around me I tell myself to stand straight and thank God that I was one of the lucky ones.

Have a wonderful weekend all of you.  Do something nice for someone today.  You will feel better and so will they.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Cold and windy…

in central Illinois this afternoon at 20 degrees right now.  Snow and ice predicted for the lower half of the state this evening.  If all holds true here we should get nothing but snow flurries.  Crossing my fingers for that!

Thanks to all of you for all of the tips.  I have run the malware and virus scans until I am blue in the face and they say all clear.  I finally deleted the Google Chrome browser and am accessing my blog and gmail through other browsers.  I hope that does the trick.

I made 2 kinds of cookies yesterday towards my Christmas baking.    Cherry date cookies and oatmeal cookies with dried cherries, chocolate chips and dried pineapple.  They are in my winter freezer which is the trunk of my car.  Recipes are on my recipe blog.  I think I will try my hand at divinity this year.  It has been many years since I have made any since it really is a 2 person job.  I haven’t decided what I will make for the cookie exchange this year.  Liz, if you are reading this, I am really looking forward to that again!!

I finished the antibiotic but I still have remnants of the bug hanging on. 

I am on my way now to get caught up on reading your posts.

Beth

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Never never land…

That is where I have been for the last few days.  A good friend of mine sent me along a message with good intentions and a link to something that we had both been talking about.  Oh my, what a mess I have had on my computer.  A lot of malware which Malware Bytes cleaned up nicely for me .  I am left however with pop up adware on my blog.  To say this disturbs me very much is not quite adequate in describing the way I am feeling.  This is only when viewed on the Chrome Browser.  Everything is fine when viewed on IE or Safari.  I am thoroughly sick of GOOGLE and I can’t figure out how to stop the crap.  A thorough malware scan of all files on my computer shows clear now as does a virus scan.  Does anyone have any ideas on how to get rid of adware?????  If any of you have my gmail address please change it to exactly the same but @outlook.com instead of gmail.com.  If I can get that all changed over I will be closing out a lot of my blogger stuff.

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On the bright side…Paul asked me to thank everyone who visited his blog and wished him happy birthday.  Arlene did take him out to celebrate.

When I get this computer mess figured out I will be around to visit you all.  Please bear with me.

Beth

Monday, December 2, 2013

A birthday and an anniversary…

Happy Birthday to my friend Paul in the Boston area.  If you have a minute please stop by and wish him a happy birthday.  Paul has been my friend for most of my 8 plus blogging years.  I am sure Arlene is taking him out to a super duper place to celebrate!

It is very easy for me to remember Paul’s birthday as it falls on the date of my wedding anniversary some 50 odd years ago.  Seems like only yesterday when Jim and I were young and starting out with absolutely nothing but each other, my old ‘53 pea green Plymouth and Jim’s motorcycle.  I will never forget the day.  It was snowing so there was no honeymoon, not that we could have afforded one anyway.  I hit the jackpot when I married Jim.  He was such a caring guy and he was like my dad in that he never met a stranger.  I honestly can’t remember one person that didn’t like him.  He had a great sense of humor and loved going to country music concerts with me.  We saw all of the popular acts.  We were even sitting in the Civic Center in Champaign Illinois when Loretta Lynn did her famous passing out act on the stage.  If you have ever seen the movie, Coal Miner’s Daughter you will know what I am referring to.

beth and jim 2dec'55

So let’s all celebrate Paul’s birthday and  my wedding anniversary.  Champagne is on the house!  And thanks Jim for being my guardian angel since December 1st, 2006!  I have had great need of one this year.

Beth

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Did you ever…

dream of winning the lottery and playing over and over in your mind how you would spend the money if you won??  No reason to ask this as I rarely buy a lottery ticket.  I will buy a ticket if the Power Ball or Mega Millions gets way up there in the hundreds of millions.  I have no idea what the payout is on the lottery games right now, because as I said I don’t follow the lottery.  But it is fun to dream and since it is the holiday season I am dreaming.  What would you do?  Here is what I would do.

Number one for me is the American Cancer Research.  I have lost so many loved family members and friends to this dreaded disease.  Since I am battling it  myself now it looms ever important.  Next I would give a good portion to Mainstream Services, a center for handicapped persons (children and adults) who are mentally and physically challenged located in West Virginia  and co-founded by my niece Dee .  Dee gave up her career as a high school Special Ed teacher to do this.  And the list goes on, probably to include a house of my own again, washer and dryer, water softener and a two car garage.  LOL  I have sung that song before I do believe.

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I ran the vacuum and put out some Christmas decorations yesterday and it took a lot of Aspercreme last night to get my muscles to settle down.  While I was cleaning yesterday I found a couple more shards of glass in my living room.  All I have to do is shut my eyes and I can imagine my kitchen window breaking  and my being right there in the path of the flying glass.  I thank God each day that I was not at home.

I am still trying to fight off this bug that has grabbed hold of me.  It doesn’t seem to want to let go.

Have a lovely peaceful day.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth