Not a nice way…

to spend the day.  I spent almost 5 hours in the hospital emergency room yesterday.  Diagnosed as a muscle spasm in my back.  Not fun for me or my daughter who sat there with me.  I have long been plagued with back problems and had back surgery a few years ago.

It is 60 lovely degrees this morning to reach 84 degrees.  I have a hair appointment this morning.  I won’t be doing anything else today as yesterday wiped me out.  Maybe all of the furniture moving I have been doing lately has caught up with me.  I have even given up on the thought of buying a new sofa for now.

Have any of you ever heard of a Sears House?  There is one in the little town of Paxton where my children were born and Jim and I lived all of our married life.



http://www.searsarchives.com/homes/1933-1940.htm    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paxton,_Illinois

At one time there was a  very nice article on this house in the Paxton Record  newspaper.  I haven’t been able to find the article on the internet.

I took this picture in the fall several years ago.  In the summertime it has lovely flowers growing out of the barrels.

I hope you all have a good day.  I plan to enjoy the sunshine and the warm temperatures.


Beth

Another Monday morning…

and the sun is shining brightly.  It is 49 degrees now and is to reach the upper 70s today.  I am all prepared as I dug out a pair of jeans capri pants to wear today and an old Curves T-shirt. 

The Jodi Arias trial is winding down now.  Closing arguments will begin on Thursday.  After this trial is finished I have made up my mind not to watch any trials for awhile.  They are too mind-boggling.  And I need my mind to be un boggled.

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mind-bog·gling (mndbglng)

adj. Informal

Intellectually or emotionally overwhelming

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I hope you all have a peaceful week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

The first one of the season..

You can tell spring is here when the garage/church sales start popping up.  Friday was a very good garage sales day.  The weather was overcast and windy.  I had on winter coat, hat and gloves so I stayed fairly warm,  We saw lots of spring color.  There was a lovely tree all bloomed out at one garage sale.  I asked the gentleman in charge if I could take a picture and he said yes.  His wife came outside and wasn’t happy for some reason.  She did allow me to take the picture although I think she jinxed it because it didn’t turn out well.  The husband said as we were leaving that the wife said if they ever divorced that she was taking the tree.  lol

Then we saw this lovely whatever it is as we were driving by a house.  Picture below.

I have never seen anything like it before.

Then when I dropped my daughter off I started admiring her neighbors flowers.  I snuck a few pics since I knew they wouldn’t mind.

I was trying to hone in on the tulips here but I didn’t want to be so obvious.  If you will click on the pictures you will see Fred and Jeanie’s tulips.

I did get several books at a church sale and a few other things.  It was fun!!  I love garage sales!

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

Beth

5 things to know about country legend George Jones…

5 things to know about country legend George Jones

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Five things to know about country music superstar George Jones, who died Friday at 81:

1. THE VOICE: The only debate over the decades has been who has the second-best voice in country music. Or maybe just music. His voice could get your party rolling and end it by making you cry. Merle Haggard puts it best: "The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen."

2. THE SONG: Not only did he have The Voice, but Jones also recorded many archetypal country songs, including the one widely acknowledged as the best: "He Stopped Loving Her Today." Written by fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Braddock and Curly Putnam, the blue-flame weeper won a Grammy and took the Country Music Association's song of the year — twice.

3. THE PROBLEMS: Jones was almost as famous for his problems as he was his music. Stories about epic alcohol and drug binges circulate around Nashville and his marital problems were titillating folks on Music Row long before tabloids trolled for content.

4. THE HUMOR: Jones had a devilish sense of humor and he was never afraid to turn it on himself. The singer famously hopped aboard a riding lawn mower a couple of times when in search of drink and parodied the moment in not only his own music video, but in those for Hank Williams Jr., Vince Gill and John Rich, too. Punch the words "George Jones lawn mower video" into your favorite search engine.

5. THE LEGACY: Jones reflected real life in his music and lived it as well. His troubles, made public with unsparing self analysis, only made his songs seem more real. As Brad Paisley wrote Friday, Jones helped us see "that it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again."

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Sunshine and 54 degrees right now with more rain on the way. 

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

Beth

George Jones remembered…

I saw George Jones in concert many times.  I was a member of his fan club for many years.   I saw him with several new acts that became famous, one of them being Kenny Chesney.  I even was privileged enough to see him in concert with Tammy Wynette.   Below is a picture I had taken with  George on 29 October 2002 in Ashland KY.  I was 11 years younger then and over 30 lbs heavier.  I was a lot healthier then too.  lol

You can click on the picture to make it larger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA9pUFfRrJE

My favorite Jones song, I Wanna Grow Old With You on youtube.

No, I am not really in mourning, I just have a sad feeling inside that something great has come to an end.

You all stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

I am in mourning…

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/27/arts/music/george-jones-country-singer-dies-at-81.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

George Jones has been my favorite singer since the early 60s.

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/04/26/george-jones-dead-country-superstar-was-82/

RIP George!

Beth

Pekin Riverfront Park flooded…

“Pekin Riverfront Park more river than park

Apr 23, 2013 @ 12:18 PM

The Illinois River claims large sections of Pekin Riverfront Park in downtown Pekin as flood waters cover the walkways and boat docks Tuesday.”

Peoria Journal Star     http://www.pjstar.com/photos_flooding/x1431014613/Pekin-Riverfront-Park-more-river-than-park

I really hate going downtown here because of the cobbled up one way streets.  In fact, I refuse to drive downtown. 

It rained all day long yesterday, a steady moderate rain.  It is only 38 degrees right now.  The furnace is running but the sun is shining.  I have to go out in a little while for an appointment which is fortunately not downtown.

Nothing else new to report here.  The Arias trial is pushing towards the conclusion.  It moved along rather quickly yesterday. 

I hope it is sunny wherever you are.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Historic flooding of the Illinois River…

We are having flooding along the Illinois River in central Illinois that has broken records over 100 years old and to top it off we are predicted to get another inch of rain today.

 

Along the Peoria river front.  ~ photos from the Peoria Journal Star ~

We have some flooding here too located near the river.  Not anywhere near me, thank Heaven.   http://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/flooding-leads-to-evacuation-of-two-dozen-pekin-homes/article_384f1656-ab7c-11e2-b703-0019bb2963f4.html

It is dreary here at 53 degrees this morning and the rain is to start by afternoon. 

I am getting set to run a couple of errands and then to watch the Arias trial which hopefully is winding down as my mind is getting a bit scrambled from it.

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

 

Sunday morning sunshine…

It is a beautiful Sunday morning in central Illinois weather wise.  The Illinois River is at flood stage along the river front in Peoria and various other locations in this area including here.  We have more rain forecast this week  so that sounds iffy.

River Front Peoria Illinois 21 April, 2013  Flooding Update…

A concrete barrier is being constructed along Water Street from the 401 Water parking deck to Liberty Street in anticipation of record flooding.  The barrier will be sandbagged to try to prevent water from crossing Water Street.  Water Street is currently closed from Eaton to the 401 parking deck and will remain closed for several days.     

http://www.peoriariverfront.com/index.php?section=1

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I had to include this cartoon from my favorite cartoonist, Julie Larson.

copyright Julie Larson

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

Beth

Sunny Saturday…

It is very cold and frosty this morning at 31 degrees.  The sun is shining brightly and that is a beautiful thing after all of the rain this week.

******

“If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.”

Morris Westley

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I am doing laundry this morning and I plan to do a bit of cleaning.  I have finally got the furniture moved around and I know how large a sofa I can get.  If and when I get to the furniture stores to check them out.

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

Beth

Cold and…

snow flurries this morning.  Winter coat, hat and gloves back on.  The temp is 36 degrees and the wind is gusting up to 30 MPH. 

I have been to the stores this morning and a quick trip to the bank.  I purchased a roast and I will fix that with carrots and potatoes tomorrow.

My heart is with the little town of West, Texas.  I am saying a prayer for those killed and the survivors.  I am just getting caught up on the news about the Boston Marathon.  I can’t believe two such innocent looking boys could be so evil.  I hope the one brother is caught with no more blood shed. 

Nothing much happening here except for the massive amount of rain we had.  East Peoria had a mud slide across the road from the river boat casino that I donate money to once or twice a year.  A little town just a few miles from us had 7.8 inches of rain in the 24 hour period.  I am just so thankful it was rain and not snow.  That would have amounted to quite a few feet of snow.  “The ratio of snow to water can vary a great deal depending on the vertical profiles of temperature and moisture, and how they change during a storm. Typically 1 inch of rain is equal to 1 foot of snow, a 12-1 ratio.”

I hope we all have a peaceful weekend free from violence and stress.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

The sound of…

lightning and thunder and heavy rain was heard for hours yesterday and overnight.   We were under a tornado watch when I went to bed.  It is still raining here this morning with severe thunderstorm warnings out.  We are under a flash flood watch until late tonight.  I live near the Illinois River but not in the area that would be flooded.  Our total rainfall for the last 24 hours so far is somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 inches.  Because we had heavy rain last week the ground is saturated.  No more rain deficit!

The weather has put off my Thursday grocery shopping until tomorrow morning.  And there is no sense cleaning when the weather is so miserable.  So that leaves the Arias trial for me to watch unless Jodi is still suffering from a migraine headache today.  She did look awful in court yesterday.  I think she looks rather gaunt lately and is not smirking so much.  I am liking the expert witness that the prosecution has.  The defense is not having much luck getting  her to back away from her testimony.

I hope you all have a good day.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Two days after..

The last two days have been tragic for our country.  I was so upset yesterday that I found it hard to function.  I shed many tears while watching the news coverage on television.  The little boy who died, standing there frozen in time in a picture holding the sign for peace with a beatific smile on his face.  Well, it just broke my heart.  Imagine the terrible pain his father is feeling with his mother critically injured and his sister losing a leg.  So many acts of bravery I can’t count them all.  Then to read my friend Paul’s last blog about the 3rd victim was so upsetting.  http://jumpingoutthewindows.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-tragedy-hits-close-to-home.html

The one bright shining light from this tragedy is showing our country and the whole word that we are united and will always stand together in the face of adversity!

My prayer for all of you today and always, Stay safe and be happy!

Beth

With a very sad heart…

I am heartbroken over the tragedy that occurred at the Boston Marathon yesterday.  The United States of America is my home and all of its inhabitants are my family.  When something happens to one of my family it happens to me.  My prayers are with the victims and their families.  Make no mistake, the perpetrators will be caught and justly punished.

Beth

Costco…

A few months ago a new Costco opened up just down the road from me.  My daughter and I went there this morning.  It is a gigantic store.  We tried to look at most of the store but it is impossible in one trip.  The first time we went most of the time was spent waiting in line to get my card.

Before I moved here I belonged to Sam’s Club in Champaign.  Costco is set up just about the same way, even down to where the ladies room is located (which happens to be the first place I find in a new store.)

It is dreary and drizzly here this morning at 59 degrees right now.

I am not in the mood to do anything today so I don’t think I will.  I spent the weekend moving my furniture around again and I still don’t have any more room than I did.

I hope you are all having a good Monday.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Boston’s Finest…

I am not a fan of reality shows unless of course if you would count the Arias trial a reality show.  There is a fairly new reality show called Boston’s Finest which airs on Wednesday night at 8 PM CST on TNT.  It is real stories with real policemen set in Boston.  Donnie Wahlberg  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_Wahlberg is the narrator of the show.  He is a favorite of mine.  He was born in Dorchester Massachusetts so he has the perfect New England accent. 

One very interesting fact about Wahlberg is that he was a member of New Kids on the Block in the 80s.  At present he is a featured cast member on Blue Bloods which airs on Friday nights on CBS.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Kids_on_the_Block  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Bloods_(TV_series)

But, getting back to Boston’s Finest.  I am fascinated by this show.  http://www.tntdrama.com/series/bostons-finest/?SR=Boston%27s_Finest  I am enjoying viewing the scenery (houses, etc.) which is a far cry from central Illinois.  

One of my oldest blogging buddies is from near Boston and this was one of the reasons I decided to watch the show.  I realize that Boston is actually one of the safest cities in the US,  For example, not like Peoria IL where there were 3 gun related deaths in the last 2 weeks.  Now that is scary and there are parts of Peoria that I don’t want to be in during the daytime, let alone at night.

So, if you are bored and want to catch the last episode in this series, tune in TNT this coming Wednesday and give it a watch.  Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of the ‘Big Dig Bridge’ which I have seen on several of the episodes.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Dig

I feel sure my friend Paul will correct me if I have made mistakes in this post. 

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

Beth

Friday feelings…

It is 37 degrees this morning and still drizzly and dreary out.  Everything has greened up nicely because of all of the rain.  I saw tulip trees and  forsythia bushes in full bloom yesterday.  The trees are budded out and I saw crocus and daffodil in bloom.  The tulips and iris are well above the ground but not anywhere near ready to bloom yet. YES! even though it is cold and drizzly out, spring has finally arrived in central Illinois.

I was really engrossed in the Arias trial yesterday.  Alyce Laviolette was answering jury questions,  There were really some zingers.  To be quite honest I am getting tired of looking at her and I will be glad when she gets to go back to California.  I think that I will write a book about battered trial watchers and become famous.  I will then be qualified to be an expert witness in some kind of kangaroo court.

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Slang of U.S. origin.] An unfair, biased, or hasty judicial proceeding that ends in a harsh punishment; an unauthorized trial conducted by individuals who have taken the law into their own hands, such as those put on by vigilantes or prison inmates; a proceeding and its leaders who are considered sham, corrupt, and without regard for the law.

The concept of kangaroo court dates to the early nineteenth century. Scholars trace its origin to the historical practice of itinerant judges on the U.S. frontier. These roving judges were paid on the basis of how many trials they conducted, and in some instances their salary depended on the fines from the defendants they convicted. The term kangaroo court comes from the image of these judges hopping from place to place, guided less by concern for justice than by the desire to wrap up as many trials as the day allowed.

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And this the extent of my words of wisdom for you all on Friday.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Thursday aftermath…

Yesterday was filled with many thunderstorms, breaks of sunshine and copious amounts of rain.  It rained harder than it has rained since I moved here.  We were under a severe thunderstorm warning until 2 AM.  We have had over 4 inches of rain so far this month.  Our rain deficit is shrinking very nicely.  It was still pouring rain and lightning and thunder when I went to bed at 10PM.

I have been out this morning to the bank and grocery shopping.  Buying up all of the good buys.  Lots of good things to eat, strawberries, Fuji apples and chocolate pinwheel cookies, etc.  I can’t believe the price of those pinwheel cookies.  On sale for $3.97 a package.  I rarely buy them but today I gave in to temptation.

Other than the above mentioned I have done nothing.  I am settling in to watch the Arias trial

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

 

How fast it falls…

the temperature I mean.  Yesterday it was  77 degrees and this morning it is 42 with a big northwest wind and raining.  Brrr, no wonder I stayed in bed way late this morning.  I had the window open and I couldn’t seem to get warm enough.

That was lot of food yesterday.  I didn’t eat nearly all of it.  I don’t like to bring leftover breakfast food home from a restaurant.  My daughter and I split the skillet breakfast and the pancakes.

Wild Berries Restaurant in Peoria…

I am still in the process of pondering how to increase my 2 bedroom house into my old home without much luck.  I am going to start looking in the furniture stores to see if I can find what I want.  Maybe nothing.  lol  I am getting ready to start moving things around again.

I am still hung up on the Arias trial.  I am getting tired of watching Martinez grill Laviolette though.  I wish she would just admit that she believed the lies that Arias told her so they could move on.  It seems the trial is never ending.  When it is finally finished, what will I do for entertainment. 

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

Beth

 

Just look…

at the size of those pancakes.

and this 1/2 serving of the breakfast skillet…

and a real cup off coffee (decaf) with Irish creamer…

My daughter and I stopped by Wild Berries to eat after my doctor appointment yesterday.  They are known for their gigantic proportions.  I had coffee which I lightened with Irish creamer.  I don’t drink coffee as it is a no no for me per my doctors.  In fact I rarely drink anything with caffeine in it.  I enjoyed the coffee more than the food.

It is a dreary day at 60 degrees right now.  We have more rain on the way and a cold front to go through tomorrow evening.

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

Beth

Even though…

we celebrated on Thursday, today is actually my son’s birthday.  Happy Birthday Jim!! 

Yesterday afternoon I changed furniture all around.  My daughter and son in law came on Saturday afternoon and got the bed I was getting  rid of.  If any of you come to visit me now you will have to sleep on my exercise bike.  I am trying to decide about a small sofa or love seat.  Anyway, no matter how many times I change the furniture around I still don’t have any more room here.  lol

I have a doctor appointment that I am leaving for in a few minutes.  I will be by to see you all when I get back. Get the tea pot ready!  And I will be hungry by then too.

It is raining and 58 degrees right now.  Yesterday the temp reached the low 70s.

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

Beth.

I took leave…

of my senses today and took down and washed the curtains in both bedrooms and the front and back doors.  I also washed the windows inside.  I still have the living room curtains along with the kitchen and bathroom to do.  Not today though as I was already tired when I started.  It is a beginning on the Spring cleaning though.   I will be getting rid of the bed in my spare bedroom and I am thinking about buying a loveseat or a small sofa.

It is a warm 65 degrees right now and mostly cloudy.  It is very windy,  In fact when I was bringing in a basket of clothes this morning the screen blew shut on my finger and I have a nice little cut to show for it.

I said I wasn’t cooking anymore for a few days but I fixed a chicken casserole for my lunch and had enough left for 3 portions for the freezer.  I do love chicken casserole.

I hope you are all having a great weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

 

The day after…

and no cooking of any kind for a few days.  I had a lovely visit with my son.  There were a lot of leftovers which I sent home with my kids. 

After we ate my daughter took us to the boat where I proceeded to donate $30 which was $10 above my limit.  We had the  birthday cake after we got back from the boat.  I have been trying to remember the last time that my son had a birthday cake with his name on it.  Sorry I didn’t get a picture of it.

I was so tired after they all went home that I sat down in my chair with the heating pad on my back and fell asleep.  I love cooking for my kids but I am afraid I am just about as far as I can go with that,  I will treat everyone to a meal out the next time we get together.

I am sorry I missed visiting with you all yesterday.  I will try and get around to visit later this morning.  I am doing laundry and then I am needing bananas and milk from the store.

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

Beth

Terrific Thursday…

and I am looking forward to a visit from my son today.  The visit changed from Saturday to  today because of schedule.

I have the ham cooked.  Yesterday I made potato salad and Mandarin Orange Salad.  This morning I have to finish with requested items which include mac ‘ n ‘ cheese, green bean casserole, (instead of baked beans) and 3 corn casserole.  I love 3 corn casserole.  This is an old recipe which I have been fixing for 30 or more years.

3 Corn Casserole

Just about everybody I know makes this. The recipe was given to me by my daughter quite a few years ago. I love it. The original recipe called for a stick of margarine. I cut it down to 1/2 stick and it tasted just as good to me.

•1 can whole kernel corn
•1 can cream style corn
•1 pkg Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
•1 egg
•1/2 stick of margarine (sliced)
•1 cup sour cream (may use fat free)

Mix all ingredients together and pour into a 13 X 9 greased baking dish. Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 45 min to 1 hour. The top should be golden brown.

And I think this will be all of the recipes I am printing for awhile.  I saved out a small dish of the orange salad when I fixed it yesterday.  That stuff is scrumptious.

The weather is warming up a bit each day.  It is sunny and 32 degrees to reach the upper 50s today.  Upper 60s forecast for Saturday.

I need to close now and get back to the kitchen.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

No fooling…

It is cold this morning at 23 degrees and the sun is shining brightly.  I am up early and have already made the lemon cream cheese bars to freeze for my son who is coming to see me this week.  I have posted this recipe just about each time my son comes to visit.  These are his very favorite.  I have also arranged a personalized birthday cake for him.

Posting the recipe again for the 100th time..

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

These lemon bars are a great favorite of my son. Easy to make too!

Step 1.
Mix 1 box yellow cake mix with
1/3 cup oil and
1 egg
Mix until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup. Pat remaining mixture into a 13X9 ungreased pan. Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile do
Step 2.

Beat 8 ounce package of softened cream cheese with
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar and
1 egg until light and fluffy.

Spread over baked crumb mixture. Sprinkle remaining crumbly mixture over top. Bake 15 minutes longer. Do NOT overbake. Chill completely and cut into squares.

I have an appointment this morning for a haircut so I will cut this short.

Do stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Good morning everyone…

It is a beautiful warm day today.  The sun is shining brightly and it is 80 degrees right now.  It is supposed to get up to 82 degrees today.   The trees are all budded out and the forsythia bushes are in bloom.  I have put away my jeans and sweatshirts and have dug out my shorts and T-shirts.  

Today I have a luncheon date with a very handsome older gentleman.  He looks somewhat like John Sandford and a bit like Mark Harmon.  We are eating at some ritzy  place in downtown Peoria.  I guess this means I will have to dress up a little bit.

And Happy April Fool’s Day to you all!  It is actually 29 degrees and supposed to reach the low 40s today.The sun is shining, so that is a plus.  I haven’t seen any budding trees or forsythia bushes in bloom.  And if I had a luncheon date with a handsome man do you think I would tell you all??  Well!  Of course I would.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, in the mid 60s.  I hope you all had a lovely Easter and the new week is a good one.

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth