The Secret to Grocery Shopping With a Smile

Hi All!

Well, today I have decided to stick pretty close to home. I am going grocery shopping and then will do some laundry. Doesn't that sound like fun?

I know that many people don't particularly like grocery shopping but, I know the secret to making it almost enjoyable. That secret is actually several rolled into one.

1) First, you need to go into the whole thing like an adventure. Shopping is more fun if you look at it this way. A chore? No way! This is like a treasure hunt. Yes, you need to pick up the "usual" things but there is always something different that you can find to bring home. I like to find something different each time I go shopping. It could be a different fruit or vegetable or a different kind of meat. You never know what I will come home with!

2) Next, don't look at the other shoppers as annoyances, look at them as stories waiting to be told. When I find my path blocked by some elderly woman's cart or by some man checking out pasta sauce, I take a second and imagine a story for that person. True, it is surely way off the mark in terms of truth but, I must say that my stories keep me amused!

3) Chat with yourself while going through the aisles. I do this all the time - at the insistence of my speech therapist so that I get vocal "practice" during the day - and it really makes things "interesting." You get a lot of strange looks and sometimes, people even come up and ask if you are okay. Also, this sometimes solves the problem of people blocking your way. If you are talking to yourself - other people tend to move out of your way pretty quickly!

4) Finally, if all of the other suggestions don't work, just think of other things you could be doing which are actually worse than grocery shopping. My list includes cleaning up hair balls, dealing with insurance companies, waiting in an emergency room waiting room, sitting in a very boring college lecture, giving my cat (either one) medicine, and dealing with sun poisoning rash. Compared to these things . . . shopping is heaven!

Well - at least it isn't too bad when I can come home and take a nap like this fellow . . .

By the way - who stole all of our clouds? The skies are clear and the weather is HOT, HOT, HOT!

sdgh

Have a super day!

dfgh
Trisha
dfhj

Voice Update: Doing well. I am still reading from my latest book and I wish I could read it while driving and grocery shopping but . . . I can't!

My Car???

Hi All!

Happy Monday! I am feeling very optimistic this week and that is partly because I have things to do. It might also have something to do with the fact that I cleaned out two closets over the weekend. I feel like I have accomplished something.

Anyway - today's list of things to do included walking/swimming (check!), taking my car to the dealership to have the trim piece replaced and to have them check the windshielf distortion (check), take items from cleaned closets to the CCA (Community Christian Action resale shop) and to Goodwill (check).

So . . . what is up with this?


As you may notice - this is NOT my car.

ssdgh

My car, while blue, is a much different color. AND it is a Venza - NOT a Camry.

sfgh

So - what is up with this???

dfhj

Well, let me tell you. My beloved Venza is spending time at the dealership hopefully getting a new windshield. I have this "loaner" for a while until I get my pretty car back. It is a nice, basic car. Nothing fancy. It did do a good job hauling everything to CCA and to Goodwill and it even took me to Palio's for pizza for lunch and to the Yogomom frozen yogurt place for a treat!

fhj

What a day!

dghj

While I am not certain what is on the agenda for tomorrow . . . I am sure it will be interesting!

dghj

Have a super day!

ghj

Trisha

ghj

Voice Update: Doing well - I am taking a brief break from reading the Bible though - this is primarily because I am having a hard time keeping my nose out of An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon - my favorite author. Due to this I am reading from that book daily instead of the Bible. I want to continue reading the Bible but I might have to wait until I get this one done!

Missing Barb

Time is an odd thing. It seems like it constantly works to throw us together with strangers and then to rip us apart from the same people when they become like family.

When we are young, we find ourselves surrounded by friends who we can not imagine life without. We play together, learn together, laugh together, cry together, make memories together. We make pledges that we will grow up together and take on the world - together. At night we slip into sleep comfortable with our world and our friends.

Sooner than later, we discover than while leaving friends is painful, life does continue.

We are faced with the disconcerting thought of finding new friends among a group which looks so different from the group of friends we just left. How will we ever make friends with these people? As days pass we slowly make inroads into the group. We find similarities. We find differences. We play together, learn together, laugh together, cry together and make memories together. This time we are a bit wiser and don't pledge to stay together forever. Instead we pledge to stay in touch no matter what happens. We will be friends for life.

Sooner than later, we discover that staying in touch isn't that easy.

Once more we brace ourselves for the process of making friends. We are a little better at it this time and it doesn't seem to take that long. Now we are older, maybe in college. We find people who we like because of their ideas, their thoughts, their souls. We study together, party together, laugh together, cry together, do reckless and wild things together and make memories together. Even wiser than before, we know that some of these friends will fade with time while some - a rare few - will stay in touch.

Sooner than later, we find ourselves facing the prospect of being adults.

We enter the work place and find that it is just another set of people to make friends with. We move into our own houses in different neighborhoods and find neighbors to interact with. We find a group of others like us who are doing their best to be adults in a world without a guide book. Despite busy schedules, work, and family, we learn together, laugh together, work together, and create memories together. Now there are no promises of staying friends forever. Yes, there is a feeling of loss when friends leave or you leave. However, we understand by now that this is life.

Our hearts know to hold on to the memories.

When we have a chance to sit down and think back over the course of our lives, there are certain friends who stand out. One might be a childhood friend, another from high school, a couple from college. One might be that first neighbor who you cried with when you couldn't get the toilet to stop overflowing at midnight while your husband was away. One might be the co-worker who seemed to just know what you were thinking. One might be that crazy person from down the road with whom you chatted every morning during your walk.

Then there are those who could never be forgotten because of their impact on your life. Teachers, mentors, friends who were wise beyond their years. People who guided you on your journey to becoming you.

These people are never forgotten because their hand prints are on your soul from where they helped mold it. Their smiles are imprinted on your heart. Their voices are held in your dreams when you need to hear their wise voices.

Recently, on of these very special people in my life passed away. Her name was Barb. She was something of a second (or third or fourth) mother to me during my teen years. I can't think of the years between twelve and twenty-something without seeing her there. She was someone who honestly cared. She was a shoulder to cry on when things weren't going my way and she was a proud smile when things were going well.

I met her during my time in Rainbow Girls. For those of you who aren't familiar with this organization (formally called The Order of the Rainbow for Girls), it is a youth organization related to the Masons and Eastern Star. No - it isn't a satanic cult - it is a service organization which helps young girls grow into young women with grace and confidence (they hope!).

As a young girl of twelve, I joined "Rainbow" and it immediately became a VERY important part of my life. Prior to this I was a rather shy person. My "people skills" were not the best. I was a bit awkward. Well, suddenly, I was in the company of others who either were just like me or who had figured things out. The older girls were examples to look up to while those of my age were friends to learn with. The younger girls (in later years) were friends to help along their way. I loved pretty much each and every moment of the experience.

Barb was the mother of one of the older girls in Rainbow. They went to the same church as my family and I saw them pretty much each and every Sunday. While Janet, Barb's daughter, was a guide in Rainbow, Barb became like a mother to me - and to the other girls in Rainbow. You see, we would have meetings and activities and while the girls would be off doing something, the mothers (and/or fathers) would gather to chat. I suppose they were doing other things too but . . . I never knew since I was off with the girls. If anything was needed, any of the gathered adults acted like the parent and reprimanded (if needed), soothed, encouraged, or provided advice.

Many were the times when Barb gave out hugs to us as we darted to and fro. Also, the times when she called us in order to tell us to behave were many! Like I said - she was another mother.

I will never forget her.

When I got married, I got the gift of two throw pillows from Barb. These are actually throws which fold up into pillows. These pillows are on my big, comfy reading chair and each time I sit down to read in that chair, I take a minute to think about Barb.

One of those special people whose hand prints will forever be upon my soul.

God Bless, Barb. I will miss you.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner!

Hi All!

Lately, dinners around my house have NOT been inspired at all! It seems like pulling teeth to decide on what to make. I think it might be because of the heat. I don't really want to have the oven on or work over the stove when it is 100 degrees outside. I would prefer to grill stuff but Hubby bulks at being outside when it is so hot - "Slaving over a hot grill!"

So . . . . my meals haven't been inspired! In fact, last night it was a mish-mash that I threw together at the last minute. Veggies, a cream sauce flavored with veggie cream cheese, shrimp, and pasta. It was okay - not one of Hubby's favorites though. He DID eat it, however, which is amazing progress from when we were first married and he wouldn't eat anything I made without a recipe!

Anyway- since my mind has been on food - I thought I would share some food related photos.

First - while preparing to eat dinner the other day (stuffed chicken breast, baked potato and salad) Skor just had to check out the fixin's!

He is actually very good about not trying to get any of the food but he does like to get as much of a smell as possible!


On Thursday I basically "railroaded" Hubby into having dinner at a pub he likes because they have his favorite beer - Old Speckled Hen - on tap.

This is a shot of our half-finished appetizer. It is called "Irish Nachos" and consists of cubed sweet potatoes covered with cheese and LOTS of bacon. It is served with spicy ranch sauce as well as regular ranch.

It was very good even though I was wondering if the Irish grow sweet potatoes.

Next up - the main courses. I ordered Guinness beef stew and this is it.

The bread bowl was very good but the veggies were cold (I ended up putting them in the stew to warm them a bit) and the stew was "Okay." Such a shame.

This is Hubby's standard meal when he goes to this pub - or any other pub - fish and chips.

Even though this picture is slightly out of focus - I think his meal looks more appetizing than mine did. It was probably tastier too . . .

sfg

Well - that is my trip down food alley for today.

sfg

Overall - not too bad for a dinner out which I didn't have to cook!

sfg

I hope you have some great meals this weekend!

sfg

Trisha

sfg

Voice Update: Doing well. A few minor hesitations are hanging around but nothing major.

Hats, Hats, Hats!

Hi All!

I am all done walking/swimming for the morning and thinking about heading out for the day's activities. However, before I do that, I thought I would show you my hat collection.

Since I seem to be "sentenced" to wearing hats for sun protections, I have decided to pick up some fun ones. The best ones are the ones with big brims.

This one was actually picked up in Ohio on the way home from Hubby's mom's house. I had to have it because it is pink! It isn't the best for sun protection but it does have a pretty nice bill on it for those short trips out and about.

This is a hold-over from my teaching days. It was my first playground duty hat. It is very light weight and nice.

Here is my second "playground hat" and I must admit that I like it much better than the first one. It is made of denim and I think I look pretty nice in it. (Of course, you must forgive the lack of makeup and the dark circles and the second and third chins that taking the picture myself brings into focus!)

As evidenced by the tag, this is my most recent purchase. This is the hat that I am currently wearing while walking. The broad brim is perfect and the "straw" (which upon reading the tag I learned is really recycled paper!!) makes the hat ventilated.

sfh

I am thinking that I might just have to continue "collecting" hats if I am going to be wearing them all the time. I would like one which is a bit "fancier" to wear to church (not inside but on the way to and from).

dghj

Poor Hubby isn't too sure about my hats yet. He isn't too happy with change and the hats are throwing him a bit! He finally told me that it wasn't that I looked bad in hats, it was just that he wasn't used to seeing me in hats!

dghj

Personally, I like the hats. What do you think?

dghj

Trisha

dghk

Voice Update: Doing a bit better. The hesitations are going away. Last night I read out loud for an hour but did it from the new Diana Gabaldon book I am reading instead of the Bible - just for a change of pace. And maybe because I was too lazy to get up and get the Bible when I already had this book in my hands!

Ahhh. . . Swimming!

Hi All!

My walk/swim this morning was refreshing. When I set out it looked like it was going to be a hotter day with the sun blazing away but . . . during my swim (in the cool water) the clouds moved in to cover the sun. My walk home was nice and cool!





Here is my fractious drying rack. It is wet because I just finished "watering" the rack to keep it from falling apart. So far, the daily watering is keeping the rack together.



Yesterday was a good day. I finished blogging and IMing and then showered and headed out on my mini-mission to find a new hat. I headed to Wally World and found diddly.

Then I went to Cato Fashions. Again. Diddly!

However, I stopped at Quizno's for lunch - a tuna melt bullet and some broccoli cheese soup. After that I went next door again to a new frozen yogurt place for some "harvest peach" yogurt with carob chips. It was yummy!

As a last ditch effort to find a hat, I went to Target. I checked out all of the accessories but found nothing that I wanted. They had cute caps but nothing with a wider brim to protect me from the sun. I was disappointed but decided to wander around the store a bit.

I looked at clothes and books and CDs and then hit the gardening section. There, lo and behold, was the perfect straw hat! It was the last one they had and I snatched it up right away!

While wandering I also found a big plastic bowl (on sale) and a couple of new spatulas in bright colors. One of the spatulas (bright green) is actually double sided - one end is a large spatula and the other a small spatula. It is neat and so I snatched it up too!

When I got home I played a bit with the kitties and read a little bit before taking a short nap.

It was a good day!

Trisha

Voice Update: Still a little "hitch" in my voice but I am working on it. Next week I head back to speech for another appointment (my how time flies)so Susan can tell me what I am doing wrong.

Finally - Pictures!

Hi All!

Finally! I have got some pictures to show you! I almost didn't but, I got myself outside after my walk and took some just for you!

This is a weird shot of the bloom on a plant which is supposed to be lavender - however, it is a different kind of lavender than I had before. I like the flowers . . .


My Coreopsis is struggling in its pot. I think it might not have enough room with the ivy and the other stuff (I forgot its name). Then again - the Coreopsis that the association planted in its flowerbeds didn't come back this year - aren't they supposed to be perennials??

The Blanket Flower in the front bed is blooming its heart out. Of course, that means that I "get" to deadhead pretty much every single day!

This is such a pretty, delicate flower. I forget what the bush is called but it looks very similar to the Butterfly Plant I have in the back flowerbed.

djh

Well, that is the tour for this morning. What do you think?

fgk

Yesterday, I worked at the speech therapists' office. It was fun but the regular person will be back today and I am looking forward to just messing around. I enjoy the challenge of the work - having to multitask. However, I can live without that particular kind of challenge. It doesn't take that much thought!

fhjk

One of the therapists did ask if I was interested in doing some typing for her from my house. I said - "Sure!" I mean, I can type pretty quickly and it is an easy way to make some extra money!

fjk

How much do people make for typing anyway? I have no idea how much to ask for!

fhjk

Oh well - I have some time to investigate that!

fjk

My morning walk/swim was very nice this morning. The walk to the pool was a bit sweaty but the water was nice and refreshing and by the time we left, it had clouded up and there was a nice breeze! Lovely.

gjk

It is amazing to me that while swimming I can actually think of nothing. I have never been able to do that before but, while swimming it is possible. Yes, I have to think about moving my arms and legs and breathing but that is it. Nothing else creeps in to bother me. I don't ponder things. I just . . . .swim. How nice and relaxing!

fhjk

When I finish my laps (26 today!) I do some push-ups and triceps lifts in the pool (easier that way - trust me!) and then I float. I just float. This lets me relax and I usually pray during my floating. This is the perfect way to start a day!

hjk

Last night I was tired when I got home from "work." I made dinner and then could hardly move to do anything. I did read a little but found that even that was tiring! So - I picked up my handy iPod and listened to some podcasts - you know how addicted to them I am! I listened to the first chapter of an Audio book called Shadowmagic by John Lenahan. It was short but it certainly caught my attention! Now I am downloading the entire book.

gkhl

The first chapter involved a young man and his father. Apparently, the father is an expert in ancient languages and actually SPEAKS them! His son, having grown up with this practice, can also speak the languages. Both father and son are at home getting ready for the day when they open the door to a pair on horseback. The father immediately tries to attack the woman (but ends up hitting the man who falls off his horse and disappears). Did I mention that the visitors are in full battle armour?

ghkl

Somehow, the father and son are captured and when waking up from a brief spell of unconsciousness induced by the capturers, find themselves chained to a wall in a dungeon.

gkjl

Strange? Yep.

kl

A bit "out there?" Sure.

hkl

Interesting? You bet!

ghjk

I will be following this story on my iPod and I will let you know if the rest of the story is as intriguing as the first chapter!

gkjl

Trisha

gjkl

Voice Update: Having a few hesitations that are not making me happy. I guess I need to step up my game - so to speak!