Infrequent

I am thinking I should re-title my blog, "The Occasional Post".  Life is definitely busier since Amanda has begun another year of teaching.  Dolly just watches it all with interest and participates when she can - -  like getting to ride to town in the morning to pick up Benjamin . . . . or watching Bill work in the yard.

She is the best-natured dog we have ever known.

Benjamin is now two and it is fun to take him to activities like Soccer Shots once a week.  This is an excellent program that begins with preschoolers.  It covers a lot of beginning sports skills in an extremely fun way.  Benjamin would be the child with his LEFT foot on the ball.  He is left-handed as is his dad and my husband.

Here he is waiting his turn to kick the ball with his feet.

Grammy (me) has discovered that playgrounds are virtually empty at 8 in the morning!!!

On Labor Day Weekend, my sister and I went to Blue Ridge - - not on the train - - in my car - - quicker and more economical plus we could make many stops to and from.  The best stop was at my daughter's house where her husband had grilled food for us.  Very YUMMY!

If you're ever in that area, consider a visit to this quilt shop - - - LOTS of fabric - -   beautifully displayed.

Our church's preschool director has Discovery Days once a month.  During our apple "exploration", we discovered Benjamin prefers the taste of Granny Smith apples over Delicious!

Kindermusik is a weekly class that is enjoyed by both of us.  He loves Mrs. Dee and is an activity participant during class.  Afterwards, he and many of the other children play on the playground at the church where we have just met.

At the beginning of the semester, you receive two books, a CD with all the songs, and a musical instrument.  See the stamp on Benjamin's right hand?  Both hands get stamped as the teacher sings "Good-bye" to them.  The children rush to get in line for the stamp - - so cute.

And it's obvious I didn't crop pics.  They were taken with my phone, too - - - what was quickly available at the time.  I'm impressed I got some still shots of our very active grandson.

Also - - no pics  - - but attended a library conference last week with Amanda and heard author, Nancy Rue, speak.  If you get an opportunity, go and listen to her.  She's phenomenal.  My favorite books of hers are the "Sullivan Crisp" Series and also "The Reluctant Prophet" Series.  If you have elementary age girls, get her "Lily" Series.

And - - - most of us have now had the lovely respiratory virus being passed around.  That killed a weekend!  It hits fast and hard like a sinus flare-up.  One thing I hope to avoid again this winter is the flu - - - got my immunization against it two days ago!

Will hang you up now - - - if anyone is still left reading after me trying to give you a month of information in one post!  Talk to you soon.

Better- After Ugly Lamp Contest

The link to the blog below USUALLY has make-over results of rooms or furniture but once a year she does an ugly lamp contest.  The entrees get "uglier/stranger" each year.  If you don't follow her blog, you might want to this week for fun.

http://www.betterafter.net/

The Cookie Jar Cafe

If you follow me or Betsy on FB, you will know my husband and I met her and George for the first time "in person" at The Cookie Jar Cafe in Dunlap, TN.  (George took all the pictures you see.)  For my local friends, it is a beautiful drive through the mountains to get to this farm.  The food is delicious southern cooking and very reasonably priced.

We had a WONDERFUL time visiting together.  Betsy and I even let the guys talk once or twice!  Outside the restaurant is a short walking track with a couple of children's playhouses, playground, and some penned farm animals for petting.  The website said they do hayride tours in the fall.  We are looking forward to the autumn colors on those mountains in a couple of months.

The picture below is an amazing shot.  George improvised a tripod and used his remote to take this.  You may or may not have noticed that Bill and I have lost weight since my retirement just over 18 months ago.  Mine has been about a pound a month.  He has lost 35.  We feel so much better!

George and Betsy, thanks again for making the trek over the mountain and thank your FB friend, too for the delicious location.  We will return there soon for another meal followed by more cupcakes as well as sweet fellowship!
If you don't know Betsy and George, you can find them at these locations.

http://betsyfromtennessee.blogspot.com/
http://betsyphotoblog.blogspot.com/
http://seniorhiker.wordpress.com/
http://seniorhikerphotos.blogspot.com/
http://seniorhikerphotos.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/seniorhiker
And Betsy's FB link won't copy over for some reason but she is Betsy from Tennessee.

The Comeback Kid?

 

 School is back in session so Benjamin is with us each week again while his mom teaches.  She does a great job with her students.  Of course, we have a fun, fun time with Benjamin whether it is just running errands or going to the indoor playground at our church.

 

Bill and I found time for fun, too - - a day trip here and there.  This one was at Gibbs Gardens in Ballground, GA. These cloth coyotes are moved around the area to discourage deer from eating the beautiful landscapes.  They didn't get to keep Bill - - that's my privilege.

 

We did some more outside painting.  It's amazing how paint can dress up furniture!

 

This is the current project in a hallway.  All the "popcorn" is off the ceiling now but we are still sanding and spackling.  It takes time - - - more than a person plans.

 

And the yardwork - - - never-ending.  That is why you have not heard from me since the beginning of summer.  I can't promise I'll be back on a regular basis - - - but I would like to work it into the schedule.  These pics are from my phone - - - - only mediocre on a couple cuz it was on the wrong setting.  My daughter discovered that for me.  I am still reading the majority of blogs but haven't had a lot of time for comments - - - so I am not offended if  you don't write on mine.  I really do enjoy hearing about what's happening in your lives.

Summer Time!!!

 

School was out for the summer on May 23.  That means I am not babysitting everyday again until about July 28.  Benjamin is happy, too because he gets to spend more time with Mom and Dad.

I know this pic needs cropping - - but my pics are on a different photo program than before and sometimes it's not worth the time that day to learn something else.  It's a choice between posting or playing on the computer.

We are doing fine - - - just been super busy with this overgrown yard/woods of ours.  It will be drought weather soon and the growth will slow down.

I am careful about ticks (and of course poison ivy) when chopping stuff down.  I got tick-bit a few years ago and you may remember it caused a beef/pork allergy.  It's called Alpha-gal and can be life threatening if you're not careful.  When it's aggravated enough, an outbreak of hives is the result - - no fun at all.

Anyway - - - we eat more poultry because of it.   (Better for cholesterol anyway.)  One new product that we found and LOVE is the chicken items from Aidells.  Samples were given out one day at Publix.

http://www.aidells.com/our-way/aidells-story

We haven't tried their sausage yet but have been repeat customers on the chicken meatballs.   We tried them alone but they are more delicious in a sauce - - - like spaghetti.  If you ever see them on sale (or not), try them.

Till next time - - - and it should be sooner than the last post - - - - 

Also, I am on FB some days now - - search for Lynda W Harrington, Cleveland, TN 

Easter Links

I am on my husband's computer but life is getting normal again for us in the technology world.  We are going to share Bill's machine for a while because his computer has a huge capacity.  He is gone all day at work so that will help our schedule for sharing.  The budget thought this was the wisest decision at this time since we have some appliances and A/C unit that have lived a long life.  We are just being a bit cautious.

Here are some links you might enjoy.  The first is our church's worship service.  It is music and some narration.  Our 125 member choir is phenomenal.  Listen and see if you agree.  You can see it live at 5 or 6:30 tonight and then three different times on Easter Sunday morning.           http://live.clevelandfbc.com/

Here is something fun called Easter Bunny Rap.   http://i.flowgo.com/greetings/rapeasterbunny/rapeasterbunny.swf  Theresa posted it earlier.  You can find her at this link.  http://theycallmeganky.blogspot.com/2014/04/to-make-you-smile.html

Another blogger friend, Terri, posted a link to her co-worker, Gregory.   He is a "techie", photographer, and sculptor.  I met Terri last summer.  She and her husband, Joe, are great people and feel like old friends the first time you meet them.

http://tdorsaneo.blogspot.com/2014/04/while-we-wait.html

You can get Gregory's website from her blog or go to this link.  Those interested in PHOTOGRAPHY might want to see his suggestions on camera equipment.  He has contact information there for questions, too.

http://gregorymills.com/

 - - - - praying you all have a glorious celebration of our Resurrected Savior and Lord, Precious Jesus!!!!!

Bye, Bye Computer

My old computer has Windows XP which is an internet death sentence beginning tomorrow - - - - so I have been copying pictures and files to flash drives and deleting them from my hard drive as well as uninstalling programs.  I will completely unplug the computer later today.

We still have my husband's good computer but have gotten spoiled and used to having our own machines.  He talked with his IT guy and we know what we will be ordering for me.  That will be done in the next few days and then we will have to install some software before I am back to blogging again.  My thought is my visits to you will be sporadic again for a couple of weeks and probably no posting.

It won't be too abnormal of me but wanted you to know ahead of time.

Talk to you again soon my dear friends!

Spring Break was Fun

It has been a lovely week and as vacation weeks go - - - it went by way too quickly!  Kindermusik still met though so Benjamin's mom brought him into town so she could attend, too, and see how much he enjoys his class.  We took turns interacting with him. 

 

 Bill usually comes home every day at lunch because I cook for us.  However, after Kindermusik, we meet him at Captain D's near his work.  I do NO frying of food at home so this is a 'treat'.  Benjamin LOVES eating there - - - not just the fish and fries but really likes the cole slaw and steamed broccoli.

The next day I had some appointments in Chattanooga.  Bill went with me so we could have lunch at Cheddar's.  It was our first time eating there.  We enjoyed it and plan to make a return trip or few.

 On Friday, we went to Mercier Orchard with Amanda and Benjamin.    It is always fun to go there.  Merchandise is displayed in appealing ways so just walking through is a feast for the eyes.  Of course there are many, many food items to buy as well as a sandwich/dessert restaurant if you are hungry before you leave.  Pop Pop was great to wander the store with "The Boy" so Amanda and I could get the things on our list.

The tractor inside was new since last time we were there.  Benjamin alternated with being fascinated with the vehicles and talking about all the apples that were in baskets on both sides of him.  They are one of his favorite foods.

This was a display in progress.

Today we had lunch with our older daughter at Fuji Teriyaki Express.  It is located in the small plaza across from Cooke's Grocery Store.   We had been told it's delicious and also economical and those reports are correct.  It's very clean  with themed decorations.  Once again, this was another first visit to a restaurant with plans for return visits.

With all that eating, exercise is definitely needed and Dolly is more than thrilled to lead the way.  Do you like the color we picked for her collar and leash?  I wanted something that a "girl" could pull off for fashion but didn't want it to be too feminine since Bill walks her at least half the time.

Enjoy your week.  Most likely it will be at least next weekend before I can write again.

Puppy Love

When you've been married for 37 years, do you still call it puppy love?  Some call puppy love shallow and temporary - - but it also carries the connotation of adoring, worshipful admiration given by a young dog to its owners.  Bill and I still adore each other but also have seen many stages of love and we think where we are at now is wonderful.  We appreciate each other more and recognize that you have to be thankful for each day God gives you together.

 

If you're fortunate, God gives you additional blessings and allows you to live nearby so you can see them often.

These pictures were taken in the fellowship hall of the church where Amanda and Joshua and Benjamin are members.  Josh is the youth pastor there.  That is in addition to his full-time job during the week.  This was a fund-raising luncheon on Valentine's weekend.  It was a lot of fun.  Their church is very welcoming and loving.

 

However there is a new dog in our lives.  Her name is Dolly.  She was a stray who was not claimed or reported.   Dolly is one of the best-behaved and gentle canines we have ever owned or know.  She is great with the grandson, too.  Our vet acts like we won the dog lottery when we got her!

 This critter LOVES to ride in the car and does NOT understand why she can't go every time we go.  The one ride she knows is hers though is in the morning when I go to get Benjamin from Monday - Friday.  Since we are coming right back home, she is able to take the trip downtown, too.  You will probably see more pictures of her in the future!

Spelled WRONG!!

I can't believe I spelled the name of the restaurant wrong!!!   It is Ocoee Dam Deli - - - - like structures that hold back water - - - because it is located by the TVA Dam #1 in Ocoee.

All the sandwiches are named for different dams around the United States.  I am so embarrassed for my mistake - - - because it misrepresented them - - - and because I rarely spell anything wrong.  I have fixed the previous post.

http://www.ocoeedamdeli.com/#&panel1-1 

Old(er) People

You are about to see some "old news"  The first two were taken January 4 at Amanda & Joshua's home.  We were there to celebrate a couple of birthdays.  Mine was one of them.

 

The other one was for Josh's grandmother who turned 79.  The family surprised her by inviting all her siblings to attend.  (When the cake is turned 180 degrees, the ages are correct!)  This is just one of three celebrations.  Some of my friends gave me a yummy nacho party with some really unique gifts.    Our family also had dinner at Ocoee Dam Deli on the actual date.

 

Last September, Bill had a milestone birthday.  He turned sixty!  He keeps trying to catch up to me but hasn't yet.  The Sunday before his date, we were volunteering in the church library.  Friends came in to give him cards and wish him Happy Birthday.  Amanda brought Benjamin to visit us for a surprise.  (Her husband is a youth pastor at another church and had obligations there that morning.)

Bill, too, had mulitple celebrations.  At his work, one of his bosses made him sit in a wheelchair for their weekly staff meeting.  He was rolled around the room and introduced to the others in the "Sixty-Plus Club".  Bill and Joshua shared a birthday luncheon with Joshua's Family.  A couple of days after that, we went to Ocoee Dam Deli.  They are one of the restaurants that still gives a free meal on your birthday.  We like to eat there at other times, too.

As the saying goes, "Better late than never" (for posting).  And now I have it for my Scrapbook!

Spring Break

Don't you love springtime?!! 

The time of year when beautiful colors bloom 

against the brown landscape of the leftover winter.

 

The additional beauty of it is that we did not plant any of these.

They were here before we moved in 18 years ago.

Here's another pretty thing.  When you shop at Bi-Lo, you get fuel perks.  Ours had accumulated to an eighty-seven cent discount per gallon of gas for the car.  Then Publix had another incentive - - - a $50 gas card for $40 (when you spent $50 on groceries).  We saved $26 on our last fill-up!!!

 

 The items below are favorites of ours, too.   At least they were last week - - - when we were VERY SICK with a bad coughing cold virus.  Bill, Benjamin, and I all had it.  PRAY you don't get it.  It makes you super tired while you cough with every few breaths.  Plus it took my sense of smell and taste for four days.  The interesting thing is no fever accompanied it.    We both agreed that it was about the sickest we have been in a long time.  It was a rough week but life is about back to normal.  We occasionally need "not normal" to appreciate routine.

 

Schools are on spring break this week so I may get a chance to do some blogging.  I have about decided that there is not time to post on the weeks I am babysitting our precious grandson.  So I have not made it a priority.   Life is flying by too quickly with him as it is.  We don't want to miss a minute of it.  I have read most of your posts - - even if I haven't had time to comment.  I will not be offended if you don't leave comments on mine.  Summer is right around the corner and there will be time once again to enjoy visiting with each of you!

The first step . . . .

The first step is ridding yourself of a problem is admitting you have one - - right?

Or maybe the first step in organization is using Post-its to mark articles/recipes/websites in magazines that you want to save for future use.

And the first step to decluttering is to either bookmark the websites or scan the information and put it in folders on your computer.

Long story -  - short - - - - About ninety magazines are now ready to be donated to our public library where they can be sold in the Friends of the Library Store.  That money is then used for library improvements or purchase of materials.

 

This was a good activity for me to do when "snowed in".

 

I took the pictures just before sunrise.  Snow was already beginning to fall off the branches and I wanted to remember all we had.  We were blessed in that we never lost power and all our family was safe on the days they had to travel.  Also, no trees or large limbs came down on our property.

My sister, who lives near Augusta, has been without power since Wednesday about 11 am.  They probably won't have it back before Monday because of the horrible ice storm they got.  Fortunately she has a wood fireplace - - - and a daughter 30 minutes away where she can go and enjoy electricity!!!

All in all (taking all things into account), life is sweet and what more could you want on Valentine's Day?!!!

Misc.

Has anyone else tried the Boar's Head Rosemary/Sun-dried Ham?  It is delicious - - - especially if you make it as a slider on the Hawaiian Rolls with a small slice of swiss cheese and thin slivers of pineapple between the ham.  Pop it in the microwave long enough to slightly melt the cheese.  Quite yummy!  That ham would be quite tasty on a pizza, too.

 

Benjamin and I started Kindermusik this semester.  It is quite informative regarding development and entertaining activity, too.

He got his first stomach virus last night.  It is going all around town.  You don't even want me to give you a list of those who have had it.  It's too long and you don't know the people!  We are praying his parents don't get it or Grammy either!

Our older daughter turned THIRTY-FIVE this week.  She requested a sewing party with me and her sister after we had dinner here.  Both girls have been re-fashioning "previously loved" clothing.  They can find almost new items for next to nothing at consignment stores.  I am impressed at the new designs they create.

Bill and I had not watched any Downton Abbey episodes before Christmas.  I received Season One as a requested gift.  We are now two episodes away from finishing Season Two - - recently started watching two a night!  We will be about caught up with everyone else in a couple of weeks.  We are enjoying it.

And my list of projects still is long but I got to work a bit more in the basement today - - - sorting and tossing.  I should take pictures of the bags I take to the trash or give to stores like Goodwill or ReStore!  It would be truly gratifying.  Also, I should begin counting how much I take to the recycling center.  How do two adults use so much "stuff" that can be repurposed?  Do you all have recycling centers or curbside pick-up?  The latter would be a luxury!

And I hope to have more pics next time.

Winter Fun?

It may not look like much but it took Bill three hours to get home from work when it usually only takes twenty minutes.  At most of the major intersections, there seemed to be a problem.  Bill is waiting it out at the Hardee's just past the Denny's.  There were seventeen cars involved in this.  (Pic from local news.) Just up over the hill behind these cars was a similar scene.  Long story short, Bill arrived home safely.  Praise God!  I didn't realize how concerned I was about him until I about burst into tears when he walked in the door.

 All our kids made it home safely, too - - took a little longer than usual but there were no mishaps on the way.  Another Praise God!

 

Our driveway is to the right of these trees.

I cleared it twice this afternoon - - - was able to use the leaf blower!

Our house is on the right of the below picture.  That hill will not be clear or probably even sanded.  We generally have to wait for the sunshine to do its work.  But everyone is warm in their homes tonight so we will rest well and think about the roads . . . . 

 . . . . .tomorrow . . . . .

Hope you all are warm and safe tonight, too.

P.S.  THANK YOU all for the help with my comments question!