As the Season Changes

The leaves turn from green to yellow, orange, and red. There's a nip in the air and it's just right for those comfy sweaters. And having any little excuse to light the fireplace.

I love Autumn! My favorite colors: oranges, reds, browns, golds and the deep greens of the evergreen trees. It brings to mind cozy country evenings, rich with colors and smells! Cinnamon, nutmeg, baking, and the smells of nature - pine. If I close my eyes I can smell it now.

I love the feelings of thankfulness, warmth, and love that comes along with it all too! I wish my world was enclosed in the pages of the autumn design magazines - who really has their houses decorated so fantastically? - sipping warm cider and enjoying the company of friends. I think that would be my heaven!

And the Winner Is...

What a great opportunity we've had this year to be a part of the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure! Our family supports this cause because we are affected by this disease daily through two children with Type 1, and hope that a cure can be found so they can lead a more normal life.



Already, the scientific advances have made life much easier for our boys but they still have to deal with pricks and shots and long-term effects which come with the disease.

To gain support this year, I chose to raffle an American Flag afghan which I crocheted. I was able to raise over $260 for this charity! Thanks to all those who helped in any way!



And our winner of the afghan is - Kristine Anderson! Thanks again to everyone!

The Inside Workings of My Mind

I'm going to open the door and tell you about the inner workings of my mind for a moment. If you get bored, I understand. Just thought I would lay it out there.

I'm always trying to think of ways to earn some money but not have to go to work. So, of course, this makes me think, "what are your talents?" Hmmmm... reading, crocheting, sometimes crafty items. And my mind starts turning and churning.

Book store? Maybe it would be a used book store. But how many people would really come to a little place like that to buy their books when the big stores have so much?

Crochet? It would have to be some sort of booth situation or online thing but my poor hands don't create fast enough to have a good supply. Then when I am done with a project, can I really get out of it what I've put into it to make it all worth the time and effort?

And the crafty? I like it but just not enough to make it work.

At times I have braided all three ideas together and created a nook and cranny-type store in my mind. Walls filled with books, over-stuffed chairs, hand-made afghans and shawls, and hot-cocoa. Knicknacks all around. Just a place to sit and feel at home, then you purchase some of it and take that "home" with you.

Maybe I don't want it bad enough, maybe I'm just scared to do it, but then, maybe someday I will be able to live my dream.

Thanks for sharing a little time with me and letting me think "out loud".

Flashback Memory

Been thinking about things I remember from my childhood and this one stood out for some weird reason.

I remember loving yogurt! You know the kind that had the fruit at the bottom? Loved it!! But my mom would only let me eat half of the cup of yogurt! Had to share it with someone! They weren't even that big in the first place!

Told my mom about that memory and she doesn't remember doing that...what dumb thing will my kids remember??

What weird thing do you remember about your childhood?

Hating the process

You know the process it takes to make a diamond? High pressure, high heat and billions of years? I've decided that's what it will take to get into shape again! I've started an exercise program that will last 90 days which includes a nutrition/diet regimen. Now, I'm finding that I can pretty much handle the diet issue because it's good food, but I can't eat all of what they want me to eat. Never thought I would feel so full and even not be hungry. I'm usually always hungry. So we're good on that part.

The totally grueling part is the exercise - it's only my second day and half-way through the workout I was ready to quit! I must be pretty wimpy because I felt high pressure and high heat - I sure hope it doesn't take billions of years to make the change that I would like. One day at a time, I just have to tackle one day at a time!

My latest project was intended for Ken. He's been waiting years to have me make this special afghan for him - I've been too scared to try it up until now - but he still won't get it because I had a crazy idea to raffle it off (with his permission) to raise money for the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure which we will be riding in this summer.

Are you interested in helping us with our cause? Are you interested in entering your name in the raffle for this homemade afghan? We would appreciate any help we can get! For every $10 you donate, your name will be entered into the drawing. Donate directly online at www.diabetes.org/tour. Click "donate" and then enter my name to donate to. When I receive notice that you have donated, your name will be entered into the raffle! Or if you prefer to send your donation directly to me, that would be fine too.

If you want to donate $150 or more, I will make you an afghan of your own! (You might have to be patient to get it though)

If you have any questions, let me know!

Random Thoughts of an Amateur Critic

It's been a while since I've written and savor the thought at sharing my most current thoughts. (pun intended)

During my running of errands today, I pondered on where I would like to get lunch. This brought to mind some of my favorite places and my favorite "dishes" which I will now share with you.

Del Taco has the best Taco Salads and I happen to love their Soft Chicken Tacos too. The prices are pretty reasonable. One of my other favs is Taco Time's Crisp Meat Burritos, but they charge too much for what you get, so I only get these once in a long while.

McDonalds has the best french fries, and Arctic Circle the best burgers. I do like the burgers at In N Out but it's a little too busy for my taste. Love the popcorn chicken at Sonic and their Limeades, which I was only recently introduced to by a good friend, are almost heaven.

These are only a few of the favorites that have gone through my mind today. And remember, they are only the fast-food favs. I can't vouch for the amount of healthy eating they might possess, this critique is purely based on flavor and the enjoyment of eating it brings.

What are some of your favorites?

She got hitched

Amanda got married today.

It was a bit sudden for us since the plan was that she was going to marry later in the year, but she decided sooner would be better than later. No, we haven't met the groom. But she seems to be head-over-heels.

I've been feverishly crocheting an afghan for her and her new hubby and hope to get it mailed to her by the end of the month. Crazy mad woman here!!

Wishing her all the best and hope he treats her well.

This is the only picture we have of her in her dress. Looking forward to some official wedding day pictures. I'll bet they're beautiful!